Starting a Home Project
Title: How to Start an Interior Design Project: A Guide to Timeless, Thoughtful Design
Starting an interior design project can feel exciting, inspiring—and sometimes a little overwhelming. Whether you're redesigning a single room or building your dream home from the ground up, approaching the process with intention makes all the difference. As a designer who values timeless elegance and the principles of slow design, I believe every space should evolve thoughtfully, with purpose and quality at its core.
If you're ready to begin your design journey, here’s how to start on the right foot:
1. Define Your Why
Before sourcing swatches or sketching floor plans, step back and ask: Why am I undertaking this project? Is it to create a more functional kitchen for your growing family? To design a sanctuary that feels calm and grounded? Clarity here shapes every decision moving forward—and ensures the final design truly reflects your lifestyle.
Tip: Write down three words that describe how you want the space to feel (e.g., welcoming, polished, serene). These will become your guiding compass.
2. Assess What You Have
A timeless design often honors the past. Take stock of what’s already in your home: heirlooms, vintage pieces, or quality furnishings that could be reimagined. Thoughtful editing—rather than starting from scratch—leads to spaces layered with meaning and history.
Slow Design Principle: Resist the urge to discard. Quality takes time and is worth preserving.
3. Establish a Realistic Budget and Timeline
Timeless design isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about choosing pieces that will last. That means prioritizing craftsmanship, materials, and finishes that elevate your home over time. Set a budget that allows room for investment in quality where it matters most.
Note: Slow design often means longer lead times, especially for custom or made-to-order pieces. Plan accordingly to avoid rushed decisions.
4. Create a Cohesive Vision
Mood boards are more than just pretty pictures—they’re a visual translation of your intentions. Pull inspiration from architecture, travel, art, or even fashion. Look for recurring colors, shapes, and textures that speak to your sensibility.
Classic Tip: Timeless interiors often draw from natural materials (stone, wood, linen), a neutral palette, and a balance of symmetry and proportion.
5. Function First, Then Beauty
A beautiful room that doesn’t work won’t stand the test of time. Start with how the space needs to function. Think about flow, natural light, storage, and how you truly live in the space. Once the foundation is right, layer in the aesthetics—beautiful textiles, classic millwork, antique finds.
Design wisdom: Good bones come first. Decorating is the final chapter, not the first.
6. Work with the Right Professionals
Whether you're hiring a designer, contractor, or tradesperson, choose collaborators who understand your vision and share your values around quality. Good communication and trust are essential—especially in a project that unfolds over time.
Pro Insight: I encourage clients to build a team early on, even before construction begins. Early decisions can avoid costly changes later.
7. Be Patient—and Present
Slow design means slowing down. Thoughtful decisions take time. Some of the best interiors are collected and completed over months or even years, not weekends. Don’t rush to “finish” a room. Let it grow with you.
Reminder: Timeless doesn’t mean static. It means enduring—something that continues to feel right, year after year.
Final Thoughts
Interior design isn’t just about creating a beautiful home—it’s about crafting a space that tells your story with grace, intention, and longevity. Starting with clarity, care, and craftsmanship sets the stage for a space you’ll love not just today, but for years to come.
If you're considering a project and want to design with purpose, I’d be honored to help bring your vision to life—slowly, beautifully, and with timeless detail.