I N T E R I O R D E S I G N P R O C E S S
Quick Links
|
The material and fixture selection process can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming aspects of a project with dozens, even hundreds of decisions to make. |
Part of the process
Material and fixture selection can be a fun and exciting part of the design process. It’s a time to make the selections that will define the look and feel of your project, a deeply satisfying time when wishes and visions become reality.
It's also the portion of the design process involving the greatest amount of homeowner input, participation, effort, and, potentially, stress.
But the process need not be stressful. In fact, if done the right way, it can be darn right enjoyable.
It's also the portion of the design process involving the greatest amount of homeowner input, participation, effort, and, potentially, stress.
But the process need not be stressful. In fact, if done the right way, it can be darn right enjoyable.
BONUS CONSIDERATION When starting to design a room, start with a large primary piece and then build around it. In this living room, the first item purchased was the lemon yellow couch, then the orange chairs, rug, tables, then pillows.
A Package Deal
With DLD, the Design Package you select determines the level of interior design services you receive.
- Essentials Package - no interior design services
- Designer Package - Interiors Group A
- Premium Package - Interiors Groups A & B
HARD SELECTIONS If you anticipate needing help selecting countertops, tile, and plumbing fixtures, consider the Designer or Premium Package, as they cover these selections.
Group A
Group A covers the "Hard" Selections, items which are adhered, mounted, anchored, screwed or in some way mechanically affixed. Or, put a simpler way, the items that would not move if you were to shake your house.
Included in the Designer and Premium Packages, Group A covers the selection of the following items:
> Plumbing Fixtures - sinks, toilets, faucets, bath accessories, shower and tub controls
> Interior Materials - tile, countertops, flooring, and casing profiles
> Cabinet Design - bathroom vanities, custom built-ins, and kitchen cabinets
Group A covers the "Hard" Selections, items which are adhered, mounted, anchored, screwed or in some way mechanically affixed. Or, put a simpler way, the items that would not move if you were to shake your house.
Included in the Designer and Premium Packages, Group A covers the selection of the following items:
> Plumbing Fixtures - sinks, toilets, faucets, bath accessories, shower and tub controls
> Interior Materials - tile, countertops, flooring, and casing profiles
> Cabinet Design - bathroom vanities, custom built-ins, and kitchen cabinets
SOFT SELECTIONS If you anticipate needing help selecting furniture, wall coverings, fabric, and window treatments, consider the Premium Package, as it covers these selections.
Group B
Group B covers the "Soft" Selections, or the items that would fly all over if you were to shake your house.
Included in the Premium Package, Group B covers the selection of the following additional items:
> Light Fixtures - wall or ceiling mounted
> Wall Paint Colors
> Decorative Mirrors
> Window Treatments - shades, blinds, valances
> Wall Coverings - wall paper, grass cloth
> Area Rugs & Runners
> Upholstery & Fabric [Built-ins] - dining bench or window seat, for example
> Furniture Fit Plan - basic space plan, including all furniture pieces
> Determine which design package is the best fit for you and your project
Additional Services
A few interior design services fall outside of Groups A & B. Additional Interiors services cover the following items:
> Furniture Selection & Purchase
> Upholstery & Fabric [Furniture] - sofas, chairs, headboards, and counter stools
> Task Lighting - table and floor lamps
> Artwork & Accessories
Interior design services may be added after the project has started, even if not selected initially.
Group B covers the "Soft" Selections, or the items that would fly all over if you were to shake your house.
Included in the Premium Package, Group B covers the selection of the following additional items:
> Light Fixtures - wall or ceiling mounted
> Wall Paint Colors
> Decorative Mirrors
> Window Treatments - shades, blinds, valances
> Wall Coverings - wall paper, grass cloth
> Area Rugs & Runners
> Upholstery & Fabric [Built-ins] - dining bench or window seat, for example
> Furniture Fit Plan - basic space plan, including all furniture pieces
> Determine which design package is the best fit for you and your project
Additional Services
A few interior design services fall outside of Groups A & B. Additional Interiors services cover the following items:
> Furniture Selection & Purchase
> Upholstery & Fabric [Furniture] - sofas, chairs, headboards, and counter stools
> Task Lighting - table and floor lamps
> Artwork & Accessories
Interior design services may be added after the project has started, even if not selected initially.
Windom Craftsman
David's suggestions for design picks completely changed the way we think about making choices for our home. He opened our eyes to options that we would have never considered, and made us become better home decorators. When the project was complete it was not only exactly what we wanted, but it was also filled with details we didn't know we wanted until he put them into place. We have a lot of envious friends!
< Kristine S. >
Minneapolis
Tools & Documents
Over the years, we have developed powerful organizational tools to better track all of the decisions common to the material selection process.
We've found [and experienced ourselves!] that the chaos and stress of the materials selection process is greatly reduced when you can not only see all of your selections in one place but also measure their cost impact against your budget – all in real time.
Selection Schedule
The backbone of the selection process is our Selection Schedule spreadsheet. The Selection Schedule is a one-stop document maintained by DLD to keep all of the critical details in order. What can be an overwhelming process is standardized and simplified.
Our Selection Selection catalogs and tracks all of the critical details - Item numbers, sizes, quantity, installation location, color, finish, price, order and sourcing information is maintained, just to list the key factors.
Just like with construction, with the right tools, any project is doable.
Up Against A Wall
Not only do we help pick and track materials and fixtures, but we integrate the selection information into the drawing set. We generate interior elevations - or "wall plans" - so we can display wall tile layouts, accessory mount heights, and cabinet design.
This is not a common practice in residential design, where often decisions on tile layout and grout color are covered on site with the tile installer at the time of installation. That is precisely NOT the time to be making design decisions. Instead, we develop the design fully for your review and consideration before the project is even bid.
We've found [and experienced ourselves!] that the chaos and stress of the materials selection process is greatly reduced when you can not only see all of your selections in one place but also measure their cost impact against your budget – all in real time.
Selection Schedule
The backbone of the selection process is our Selection Schedule spreadsheet. The Selection Schedule is a one-stop document maintained by DLD to keep all of the critical details in order. What can be an overwhelming process is standardized and simplified.
Our Selection Selection catalogs and tracks all of the critical details - Item numbers, sizes, quantity, installation location, color, finish, price, order and sourcing information is maintained, just to list the key factors.
Just like with construction, with the right tools, any project is doable.
Up Against A Wall
Not only do we help pick and track materials and fixtures, but we integrate the selection information into the drawing set. We generate interior elevations - or "wall plans" - so we can display wall tile layouts, accessory mount heights, and cabinet design.
This is not a common practice in residential design, where often decisions on tile layout and grout color are covered on site with the tile installer at the time of installation. That is precisely NOT the time to be making design decisions. Instead, we develop the design fully for your review and consideration before the project is even bid.
