5 Things I Wish Clients Knew Before Starting a Project

Designing a beautiful, personalized space is one of the most rewarding journeys.

But there are a few things I wish every client knew before starting.

If you’re about to dive into a design project, here’s a little insider scoop that will make the process smoother, less stressful, and way more fun.

1. We Don’t Invoice for Everything 

You know those nights when you can't sleep because your mind won’t shut off? That’s us — but we’re thinking about your lighting plan or whether we should do a floral wallpaper instead.

Designers live with your project in the background of our brains 24/7. We don’t bill you every time we have a creative spark in the shower or sketch out an idea during lunch. So even though it might not show up as a line item on an invoice, trust that there's so much invisible work and care happening behind the scenes.

2. Great Design Takes Time (Like, Real Time)

TV renovation shows are fun, but they’re basically highlight reels. In reality, a renovation or a large-scale redesign usually takes at least six months — and that's if everything goes smoothly.

Between design development, material lead times, construction schedules, and the inevitable hiccups (because there are always hiccups), beautiful design is a slow dance, not a sprint. But I promise you — the end result is so worth the wait.

3. Your Neighbors Are Likely Lying to You

Your neighbors’ renovation stories? Take them with a grain of salt.

Some people like to brag about how little they spent (but leave out the part where they DIY'd half of it and lived in a construction zone for over a year). Others exaggerate how much they spent to seem more "high-end." Either way, it’s about impressing you — not about giving you a clear, honest picture. Your project is your project. Let's make decisions based on your space, your needs, and your reality — not your neighbor’s backyard gossip.

4. Your Budget and Your Style Don’t Always Mix

Here's some real talk: you can’t get a floor-to-ceiling marble bathroom on a shoestring budget. And that's okay!

One of the most valuable parts of hiring a designer is that we know how to maximize a budget for impact. But understanding that style dreams sometimes need budget adjustments (or creative compromises) will save everyone a lot of heartache early on.

Think of it like this: we’re not here to say "no," we're here to say, "let’s find the best yes for you."

5. Trust the Process

Nothing kills creativity faster than questioning every decision and step along the way. I get it, it’s your home, and you want it to be perfect. But we want that too! 

The best results happen when there's a foundation of trust. We create spaces that feel personal, layered, and beautiful when we have the freedom to design thoughtfully. If you trust the process — even when it feels a little messy — I promise the final result will truly represent you. 

At the end of the day, my job isn’t just to create a beautiful home — it’s to create your beautiful home. When you understand these truths from the start, the entire journey becomes smoother, less stressful, and a whole lot more enjoyable.