What Really Happens Behind the Scenes of a Design Project?

Designing spaces has been a true passion of mine for almost two decades. As I’ve recently shifted my services towards a more personalized approach, I’ve really enjoyed working with different personalities, lifestyles, budgets, and, of course, challenging spaces!

I’ve also been incredibly busy sourcing and ordering furniture for clients lately, and for some reason, it only recently hit me just how much work goes into the purchasing side of a design project.

When you think about working with an interior decorator, you probably picture someone helping you choose beautiful furniture, colours, fabrics, and accessories. And yes, that’s a big part of what we do. But there’s also a whole lot happening behind the scenes that you may not realize.

How Hard Can It Be to Choose a Sofa?

You may think, how hard can it be to choose and order a sofa? Or a dining table?

Well, when you’re designing an entire living and dining room, for example, there are quite a few things to consider. Every piece needs to work together in terms of size, scale, style, colour, comfort, and functionality. And of course, there’s always a budget to keep in mind!

There’s research involved, comparing products, checking measurements, looking at fabrics and finishes, confirming availability, and making sure everything works together before presenting the selections to clients.

And that’s just the beginning!

When Things Don’t Go Quite as Planned

Once the furniture has been selected and approved, you’d think the hard part is over, right?

Not always! Haha.

Recently, I’ve had my fair share of challenges, from complicated delivery logistics and damaged furniture to items suddenly becoming unavailable, sometimes even after they’ve already been purchased!

Most retailers and suppliers mean well, and I work with some wonderful sales representatives. But there are so many moving parts in the furniture industry that mistakes and unexpected situations are almost unavoidable.

And when something does go wrong, someone needs to make the phone calls, follow up with suppliers, arrange replacements, coordinate deliveries, and find solutions.

Sometimes it’s a quick fix. Other times, it takes several emails, phone calls, and a whole lot of patience!

It’s all part of the process, but it’s also work that clients don’t necessarily see.

There’s More to It Than Beautiful Furniture

One of the things I pride myself on is going above and beyond for my clients. I want them to enjoy the process of creating their home without feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions and details involved.

Of course, my experience helps me create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and suited to each client’s lifestyle. But it also helps me anticipate potential problems, avoid costly mistakes, and navigate challenges when they arise.

And while I can’t promise that every project will go perfectly smoothly, I can promise that I’ll do my best to make the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.

That’s Where I Come In!

At Flow Smart Living + Interiors, my services go beyond helping clients select furniture and create beautiful spaces.

For clients who choose my furniture sourcing and procurement services, I can take care of the entire process, from researching and selecting furniture to placing orders, coordinating deliveries, and dealing with any issues that may come up along the way.

My goal is simple: to help you create a home that reflects your personality, suits your lifestyle, and feels just right, without having to manage all the little details yourself.

Because at the end of the day, designing your home should be exciting and fun. And if I can take some of the stress out of the process, that’s even better!