BUILDING A COUTURE HOUSE!

As I am beginning my most recent new construction project at Couture House Interiors, I will be taking you with me on a journey through the design process. This series of posts will…

1.) The Programming is where I get to know my clients, and their needs and desires for the new space. I usually begin with a new client by asking a number of relevant questions, taking inventory of existing furnishings if any… for remodels I would photograph the space and take detailed measurements, and lastly discuss the project budget and timeline.

2.) The Design Development is when the creative ideas are flowing! As the design plan begins to take shape, I can hardly wait to share my ideas with my client! In this phase of the project we develop space plans, furniture layouts, and color palettes. This includes interior finishes such as paint, wallcovering, flooring, ceiling and window treatments, moldings, cabinetry and countertops. Design boards are created to communicate the style and design vision to the client.

3.) The Construction Documentation it’s all about the details. We create finish schedules and detailed drawings so the contractor will know every detail of the design plan when it’s time to build.

4.) The Construction is when all of the ideas start to become reality! We will stop by the job site frequently to oversee the construction and ensure work is progressing on schedule and as planned.

5.) The Furnishing follows construction. The fun part… delivery and installation of new furnishings, accessories and artwork are coordinated to make the house a home!

On this particular project, I was able to skip a few steps in phase one because the client happens to be my best friend and her husband! I know them well and I am having so much fun working with them to design their new home! Our personal styles are similar, and it seems that they trust me enough to let me push them outside of their comfort zone to incorperate some really unique design elements… this is a designers dream come true!

Last week I presented my design boards and they loved everything… WHEEEW!!!! With a few minor tweaks we have moved right on to the next phase. Now I’m knee deep in the construction documentation phase so I will have drawings to share with you soon!

To give you a sneak peak, I’m sharing this design board that reflects the lighting fixtures and key materials in the three front rooms of the house. In my next post I will tell you more about this design board and share some “tricks of the trade” to help you select lighting fixtures for your project!