Step-by-Step Guide to Our Interior Design Services
Every home is different. Every client is unique. This overview outlines our general path to bring clarity, confidence, and creativity to each project.
Curated. Considered. Completely You.
Whether you're furnishing a new home, layering in warmth after a renovation, or refreshing a single room, our interior design process balances creativity with structure, so every step of the interior design process feels as thoughtful as the final result. A well-designed home begins with smart decisions.
A well-designed home begins with smart decisions.
we offer two ways to work together
We offer two ways to work together – a White-Glove Full-Service experience and an Ad-Hoc (design-only) consulting option. The overall process below applies to both, but the level of involvement during procurement and installation will differ.
(See the end of this page for a detailed comparison of White-Glove vs. Ad-Hoc services.)
Interior design Consultation
With projects focused on interiors, we begin with a one-on-one consultation to understand your space, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. This may include a site visit or virtual meeting to gather measurements, review inspiration images, and assess any existing pieces you’d like to keep. Afterwards, we provide a summary outlining the potential scope and a clear path forward.
(This introductory meeting sets the foundation for White-Glove and Ad-Hoc projects.)
Research & Concept Design
Next, we develop layout options and concept boards that explore flow, function, and feeling. This includes mood boards, preliminary color and material palettes, and rough cost outlines based on initial selections. At this stage, you’re not making final decisions—you’re discovering the possibilities and honing in on a direction.
Final Design
This is where the vision becomes tangible. We present specific selections for furnishings, lighting, rugs, artwork, and accessories – every detail of your space is carefully considered and tailored to you.
You’ll review detailed drawings or renderings that bring the design to life. We also provide finish samples for all key materials (fabric, stone, metal, etc.), and can ship these directly to you, allowing you to see and feel each element in person. For each space, you’ll receive a curated proposal outlining every item with pricing, sourcing details, and estimated lead times.
Procurement & Project Management
Upon your approval of the final design, we take the reins – placing orders, tracking deliveries, coordinating with vendors, and keeping everything on schedule. You’ll receive regular updates via your Client Portal, so you can monitor progress and see order statuses at a glance. We also interface with trades and contractors when applicable to ensure alignment with the design intent and coordinate timing.
(For Ad-Hoc projects: instead of ordering on your behalf, we equip you with a detailed shopping list of all selections, complete with vendor info and links. Everything is pre-organized to make purchasing on your own as easy as online shopping.)
“We handle logistics, so you don’t have to.”
Installation, Styling & Support
Once all items arrive, we coordinate white-glove delivery and oversee installation day(s). Our team is on-site to arrange furniture, hang art, and ensure every pillow is fluffed and every accessory placed just so. Final styling adds that last layer of polish. After installation, we provide a detailed care guide and handle any punch-list items to make sure the result is exactly as envisioned.
(Ad-Hoc clients handle their own installation, but we provide styling guidelines and placement instructions so you can confidently set up your space in line with the design vision.)
home furnishings budget calculator
project visibility & communication
Clear communication is key throughout the process. As a client (in both White-Glove and Ad-Hoc services), you’ll have access to a personalized Client Portal – a secure online hub that keeps everything organized on your personal dashboard. Here, you can track project progress, view documents, and find all the details in one place. This includes everything from design presentations and meeting notes to your itemized material selections and approval requests.
Depending on your project scope, the portal can offer tools such as:
Task tracking & calendars: See project milestones and key dates (especially useful for renovation timelines).
Centralized selections: An organized list of all your furniture, fixtures, and finish choices (with images and details for each).
Shared files & drawings: All plans, renderings, and documents are stored for easy reference.
Budget tracking: Up-to-date budget summaries and cost breakdowns.
Order status updates: Real-time tracking of orders and deliveries, so you know what’s en route.
Approval checkpoints: Simple one-click approvals/declines for proposals or selections, centralizing your decisions.
Messaging & notes: Built-in messaging/commenting to share feedback or questions with our team, keeping communication in context.
All of these tools are designed to reduce back-and-forth and increase clarity. Our goal is to keep your project moving smoothly so you always know what’s happening and what’s next – all from your own dashboard.
white-glove full service
vs. Ad-Hoc Design
White-Glove Full Service
(We handle it for you)
-
Minimal involvement.
After finalizing the design, you can be as hands-off as you wish. We handle the heavy lifting and day-to-day management. You’ll get updates from us, but you won’t need to chase vendors or coordinate schedules. Relax and watch it all come together!
-
Clients who want a luxury, turnkey experience.
Choose White-Glove if you have a busy schedule or simply prefer not to worry about any details — every aspect is handled for you by professionals. It’s the ultimate convenience and peace-of-mind.
-
We handle all purchasing and orders on your behalf.
Our team places every order, handles vendor communications and payments, and arranges all deliveries and installations. You don’t have to manage any of the logistics.
-
We act as your project manager.
We coordinate with contractors, artisans, and third-party vendors to ensure the design is executed correctly. This includes scheduling tradespeople (painters, electricians, etc.) and syncing with any construction or renovation timelines.
-
Turnkey installation is included. We schedule and oversee white-glove delivery for furnishings.
On installation day, our team is on-site to place furniture, hang artwork, and style your home to perfection. We handle any issues that arise and finish with a final walkthrough, ensuring you’re thrilled with the result (plus providing a care guide for your new furnishings).
-
Full access, updated by our team.
You receive a login to our Client Portal and personal project dashboard. We continually update it with all selections, documents, and order tracking info. You can check in anytime to see real-time progress without needing to manage it yourself.
ad-hoc design support
(You handle it with our guidance)
-
Significant involvement.
You’ll be more hands-on after the design phase – managing orders, schedules, and installations based on our plans. This is ideal for those who like to stay in control and don’t mind dedicating time to executing the plan.
-
Clients who are budget-conscious or love to DIY.
Choose Ad-Hoc if you’re comfortable managing some tasks yourself in exchange for a lower service cost. It’s perfect for those who want professional design guidance and a detailed plan, but are happy to do the purchasing and setup on their own timeline.
-
You handle purchasing directly, empowered by our prep work.
We provide a complete shopping list of all items with vendor contacts and links. Everything is organized for easy “add to cart” ordering at your own pace. (It’s DIY buying, but all the research and organization is done for you.)
-
You coordinate any trades or vendors.
If your project involves contractors or installations, you’ll be the point person scheduling and managing those folks. (We’re available to answer design questions or clarify details for you, but we won’t directly oversee contractors under the Ad-Hoc service.)
-
DIY installation with guidance.
You’ll schedule deliveries and set up the pieces following the design plan. We provide a detailed furniture placement plan and styling tips so you can confidently recreate the magazine-worthy look on your own. (If you desire extra help, you can opt to have us come assist with styling as an add-on service.)
-
Full access, with you in control.
You also get the Client Portal and dashboard to keep everything organized. All your selections and documents are loaded in. You’ll use it to approve items, track orders you’ve placed, and communicate with us. It’s the same powerful toolset, just with you taking the lead on updates once ordering begins.
See the phases in Action
How Do You Charge?
Clarity and flexibility, tailored to the scope.
We tailor our fee structure to the needs of your project. For most interior design services, we work on an hourly basis, billed monthly, with estimates provided in advance. This gives you full visibility into how time is spent and allows for flexibility as your goals evolve.
For smaller, well-defined scopes—such as Pre-Design Consultations or furnishing a single room—we may offer flat fees. When acting as your Owner’s Representative, we work on a monthly retainer model to provide consistent support throughout design and construction.
No matter the structure, we emphasize clear communication, detailed time tracking, and thoughtful planning to help you feel confident in your investment.
frequently asked questions
-
Not at all. Many clients work with us room by room or in two phases—public spaces first, followed by bedrooms or home offices.
-
We can absolutely work with beloved pieces. Our goal is to layer your space in a way that feels curated, not cookie-cutter.
-
Yes. If your project involves construction, we can either collaborate with your architect/contractor or provide full architectural and interior services in-house.
-
Not always, but in most cases, yes—this ensures quality, tracking, and vendor accountability. If you prefer to self-purchase certain items, we’re happy to discuss that upfront.
