Real Interior Design (Not What You See on TV!)

It happens SO fast on home makeover shows, you can’t take your eyes off the screen. The team laughs, smiles and poof. The renovation appears.

Though this is called ‘reality TV’, how this happens isn’t a reality in the real life of interior design. Who creates the design concept? and measures to see if it fits and tests the idea with the clients? What is real life interior design?

Was a budget agreed to? Who selects the materials and products for conformance to the design concept. And most importantly, who builds it? with the skill set for the outcome and amazing space the reality TV displays?

The above intro is the background for this post. In this post about real life interior design I share the 3 critical differences from reality TV.

What does an interior design timeline look like?

Faith Sheridan Interior Design (FSID) begins with a meeting to agree on a scope of work from the client consultation. This scope becomes the contract for the work to be done and the fee for concept development. Our firm establishes a day for the trades involved in the project to visit the site. They measure, and take photos, and ask any and all questions for the work they will do. Then our team begins to design for the project with drawings, finishes, furniture and appliances for the design concept. The final step of this part of the process is putting together a presentation package for the client. This step includes the projected budget from the various subs and the products we propose. It’s a significant document.

We Suggest:
Generally we tell our clients to expect 7-8 weeks from the signed contract to the presentation. And also we ask them to allow (depending on the size of the project) around 3 hours or longer to make the presentation and approve the estimated budget which is shared.

What will your design project actually include?

So, a successful, stunning design project is around 70% behind the scenes. This is very different than the reality TV version! But also assures an outcome our clients will love and enjoy for many years. Plus they will share this love and pride of their home with family and friends.

Our Suggestion: Again, that consultation appointment ( up to 2 hours at your home) is the critical meeting to learn about you and your visions. Plus you then understand how our firm works with you to make that happen. We have a 15 Step Process as our busy clients appreciate structure.

You can read more about our initial design consultation here: https://faithsheridan.com/services/

How much does interior design typically cost?

True confession here. I was a winning designer on the HGTV Designer’s Challenge a number a years ago. Guess what? I wasn’t paid, only the contractor (who I located) was and it was a fixed budget. Plus I was able to work with my own vendors to solicit generous donations of product to create an amazing design and outcome. My design cost for this design was double the budget the ‘clients’ paid. Nice. And I won a design award for this Master Bath renovation.

Our Suggestion: My suggestion is to do your homework and not rely on ‘fantasy’. Reality TV is a great escape and inspiration. Remember is isn’t ‘reality interior design’.

Did this post help you see that the process creates the magic? I hope so. It is the core of a magical outcome. What will it take to start your own design project? Let’s chat about it.

Until next time,
Faith