It’s all too easy to fall for the pretty pictures and Pinterest-perfect aesthetics. When you’re planning for a home redesign, you want to keep your focus on the end result. However, there’s a part of the process that looks a little less than attractive. The in-between bit where everything is in motion creeps up on you and, before you know it, you’re wondering how it’s all possibly ever going to be done and look nice again. It can be a scary moment because you’ve already invested in this home refresh, and maybe you’ve even experienced unfinished projects lingering on forever. The anxiety is real and the process can be harrowing… but let me assure you: it’s all worth it! To remove some of the mystery and concern, let’s finally discuss the real side of interior design no one talks about.
From Experience
Just like in any other sales pitch, designers focus on the end result. Because that’s the pretty part, that’s the goal. You, the client, simply need to trust the designer to get you there. From the designer perspective, I know everything will work out. I know how to achieve the end goal and execute the plan.
Recently, however, I found myself on the other side of things.
Working with a designer can absolutely save you time, reduce overwhelm and help you avoid costly mistakes. However, I also believe in being transparent about the process.
As you may have seen on my Instagram (and newsletter, too, if you’re a subscriber), I partnered with two brands to brighten the walls of one of my bathrooms and my office. This was such a special experience and I for sure stepped out of my comfort zone with my wallpaper choices. It was so rewarding when it all came together… emphasis on when. Because let me tell you, there were setbacks.
Somewhere between rising costs, tariffs, increased shipping expenses, delayed deliveries and, yes, a broken item in transit, my projects cost more and took way longer than I expected.
And you know what?
It made me appreciate YOU even more.
The Real Side of Interior Design No One Talks About
The truth is, there is a multi-step process behind every design. Some of those steps are messy. Depending on the project, these messy stages can look like walls coming down, floors torn up, the entirety of your belongings in boxes, a few hours without windows, even a period of time where you just don’t have kitchen appliances.
As a designer, I do my absolute best to finesse the timeline and ensure there are as few inconveniences as humanly possible. But you have to prepare yourself for something delaying, interrupting, or complicating our best-laid plans.
Which brings me to this:
Yes, your home may feel a little off-balance while we’re pulling everything together.
Yes, there may be delays, damaged items, backorders or unexpected costs.
Yes, that contractor who estimated 2–3 days may end up needing 4–5… or more.
Yes, somewhere in the middle you might wonder, “Why did I start this again?”
And yes, you may just want your house—and your normal rhythm—back!
But here’s the good news: it’s temporary.
And when it’s finished, you get to walk into a space that feels more comfortable, more cohesive and more like YOU. And you remember exactly why you started: home (a.k.a. the best place on Earth).
How YDP Minimizes the Overwhelm
If this all feels a bit overwhelming, believe me, I understand. But I urge you to trust the process. Which can only be done if you trust your designer. That’s one of the reasons every project starts with a call, a Design Clarity Session, where we talk things through. Everything I gather from that meeting is distilled into a plan.
We start by defining your vision and discussing what you’re looking for. Then I curate personalized selections based on your priorities, needs, inspiration photos, and feedback. My final step is formulating steps and a timeline. I coordinate with all of the vendors and contractors, manage delivery schedules, and troubleshoot issues.
Inevitably, at some point in the process, it can get pretty quiet. This usually happens at various points between our first meeting and install day and can make our clients unsure of any progress. But that’s exactly why I provide Friday updates. This keeps our clients connected to the process and lets them know how things are moving along.
Finally, as your designer, I’m handling any snafus. Every step of the way, we’re intercepting issues. Afterall, that’s one of the biggest benefits of hiring a designer; we handle the details so our clients can focus on careers, family, travel, etc.
Though our plans may need to be flexible, my attention to these details from the beginning helps keep things on track and interrupt issues before they become major problems. All with minimal demands on your own time and attention.
And when it comes to install day, I have a proven and efficient plan for that, too.
Design Talks
As an interior designer, it’s not my job to only sell you on the final pretty picture. I have to also assure you that the process itself will be as painless (and even as fun) as possible. We are, after all, creating an environment where you’re meant to thrive, no matter what era of life you’re currently in. We want to start our collaborative relationship off on a positive note. So let me say this: we believe on a fundamental level, improving your home atmosphere not only transforms your living environment, but it can also transform you. And this starts with a real plan, formulated by an experienced designer, that takes the sting out of the real side of interior design.
Let’s tackle the good, bad, and everything in between together! Start your collaboration with YDP today and schedule your Discovery Call!
