After living in our home for 12 years, the time came to replace the carpet, repair cabinets, install light fixtures where there weren't any, and play with wallpaper and window treatments. We loved the design work from the previous owner but wanted to take the opportunity to make it truly feel like our own! While I like to think I have an eye for design, I needed help with tasks like choosing from the sea of whites, finding trusted local contractors, and sorting out what should go where. I enlisted the help of my dear friends, Jenny and Christina of Brass and Oak design - and goodness, did we have fun with this! See some of my favorite details of the transformation here!
Jenny and Christina are incredibly talented, communicative, and easily saved us thousands in trade discounts and insider secrets. I asked them what their top tips are for helping your design collaboration run smoothly. Here were their thoughts:
1. What is the #1 thing homeowners should do before hiring an interior designer?
Be sure to do your homework. You want to be certain that you are hiring a designer who aligns with your own personal design style. Check out their most recent projects on their social media platforms, website portfolios, and read their client testimonials. Schedule a call with the designer to see if you align on your project needs. You want to hire a designer with whom you feel comfortable sharing your budget and overall design goals for your home’s renovations.
2. What is a common mistake you see people make when trying to decorate or renovate on their own?
A common mistake we often see when furnishing a room is buying furniture, rugs, or other items for the space that are not to scale. Additional mistakes include incorrect placement of items such as artwork, lighting, window treatments, and overdecorating (i.e., filling the overall space and walls with too much décor). A common mistake we see on full renovation projects is not having a cohesive design plan or budget for the overall project. A network of trustworthy contractors is a priority. Without that network, we have seen many costly mistakes adding up in the end.
3. How can someone get the most value out of working with a designer—whether on a big renovation or smaller updates?
By communicating openly and honestly about your design goals, style, and budget. The more you share with your designer, the better they can assist and bring your desired vision to life using their design eye and experience.
4. What is the best way for clients to communicate their vision if they don’t know all the “design lingo”?
The best way to communicate to a designer what your design aesthetic is would be to share inspirational images and note what they like and do not like in those images. These can be images from magazines, Pinterest, Houzz, or any other platform with images that inspire you.
5. Are there places where it makes sense to splurge vs. save when working on a home project?
Yes, we always recommend investing in main furniture pieces that are well-made (i.e., sofa or dining table) that you will have for a longer period of time. You can save on smaller pieces such as rugs, pillows, and decor items that are more “on trend” and can be replaced easily.
6. How do you approach blending the client’s personal style with your professional expertise?
Every client is different, which is what makes design so fun! It is a creative and collaborative process, blending the client's likes with our own professional spin on it. The overall outcome is individual to each client's desired design goals for their home.
7. What is a small, high-impact change (like lighting or window treatments) that can totally transform a space?
Paint has an amazing impact on a space; it can completely change the feel of a room. Additionally, window treatments, when done correctly, add the finishing touch to a space- giving texture and height to a room.
8. What surprised you most about working on my project—and what design detail are you most proud of?
Your project was so fun! We love how personalized your home is. It is a true reflection of your style and artistic talent as you incorporated your own artwork and chose decor that blends in seamlessly. This was a true collaboration in that we worked together equally to get the finished product. Your artwork alone and the way you paired it in each space was a wonderful surprise in itself.
9. What is one insider secret or tip you wish more people knew about working with an interior designer?
We are approachable! The design process should be a fun and collaborative experience. When renovating a home, it can feel very overwhelming with all the decisions that need to be made. We take the guesswork out of hiring contractors, as we have vetted craftsmen and tradespeople. Additionally, we provide years of industry expertise to make the project and process run smoothly.
10. If someone is nervous about hiring a designer, what would you say to put them at ease?
It is important to align yourself with a designer you feel comfortable with. Communication is key. Again, do your homework, and the rest will fall into place smoothly.
If you're local, consider following along with Jenny and Christina on Instagram and visit their website to see more work and learn about their practice!
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