Behind the Scenes
Step-by-Step of Working with an Interior Designer
California Ranch Style Home coming to you Spring 2025.
Have you ever thought about hiring an interior designer but hesitate because you’re unsure what to expect? Have no fear, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process that we follow at Free Range Interior Design.
01. ONBOARDING
Every project, big or small, starts with a 15 minute free Discovery Call with me. During this time, we can discuss your vision for the project and see if we are a good fit for each other. At the end of this call, we’ll schedule our first on-site meeting. This initial consultation is typically a one-hour walkthrough where we dive deeper into your personal goals, lifestyle, budget, timeline and aesthetic as well as identify any specific needs or challenges you may have. This is your opportunity to share any inspiration and ideas, while we provide insights on feasibility and potential approaches. Next, I’ll work through creating your customized, tailor-made Proposal outlining the Scope of Services for your specific project. In this document, I’ll list everything that my team and I will be completing throughout our time together as well as an estimate of the amount of hours we believe the project will take to ensure a clear and collaborative start to our interior design journey.
02. SCHEMATIC DESIGN
To begin the design process, we head back to the job site and gather all necessary dimensions as well as speak with any other consultants already on the project (i.e. Architects, General Contractors, etc). We value establishing clear communication from the start, helping to ensure a smoother experience throughout the entire project. Next, we’ll present the design direction including floor plans, aesthetic imagery, color palette as well as initial material, lighting, plumbing and furnishing selections. This presentation is typically in person so we can review all finish and fabric samples together.
03. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Next up, we’ll get into the details of the design. Creating detailed floor plans, elevations and any 3D renderings needed to ensure all parties understand the overall design intent. All finish materials, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, hardware, accessories, furnishings and fabrics will be presented for approval. During this phase we will present a preliminary furniture budget to review as well.
04. IMPLEMENTATION
This implementation phase includes three different parts. First, once we’ve thoroughly reviewed all design, drawings and selections, the interiors team will create our final detailed drawing set, finish schedule and FF&E (Furnishings, Fixtures & Equipment) presentation. These detailed documents will be shared with all trades to ensure a seamless build. Second, my team and I will frequently visit the site and keep the client informed of progress as well as any setbacks. We will be in communication with all trades and provide feedback when necessary. Third, we will start the purchasing and tracking process for all furnishings once a construction schedule has been created.
05. INSTALL
Typically, we like to use a receiving warehouse to store all furnishings until our install date. This allows the interiors team to inspect all items before they arrive on site and therefore fix anything needed before the big day! We then oversee all deliveries of furnishings, accessories and artwork. Once all items are placed and trash is cleared, our team will style each space, ensuring that furniture is positioned just right, artwork is hung at the perfect heights, and accessories blend seamlessly to create a move-in ready home experience.
With Love, Annie