The Interior Design Process- Phase I

This week I have been up to my neck in inspiration boards, fabric samples, interior design magazines and internet searches as I work on redecorating a space for a recent client.  Since this week has been a beautiful mess and because I love to be inspired, I thought I would share with you the process I go through on an interior design project.  Now, I know a few of you are confused as I just stated in my new year's resolution post that I wanted to work with a client on my first interior design project this year.  Well, some resolutions get accomplished faster than others!  Am I right?  And I wasn't counting the projects I have done for family and friends in all fairness.

In order to get on the same page as my client, I start by asking them to pull pictures of spaces they like and visualize their future home to look like.  With the advent of Pinterest, this has become much easier!  Browsing their pins helps me understand what they like and are naturally drawn towards.  I also recommend pulling pictures from design magazines and earmarking pages in design books.  

The project I am working on right now is for a den right outside a guest bedroom.  The space is relatively small, and one entire wall is covered in windows from 3' above the floor to the ceiling.  Here are a few pictures my client pulled:

{Lonny}

{Lonny}

The client wanted a comfortable space, with a couch, a few occasional chairs, and fun prints.  Later on the client may add a TV to the room, but for now it will just serve as a sitting area.  There is a wet bar in the den, so having a drink and relaxing are the two primary uses for this space.  On a recent outing together, we purchased the leopard coffee table you will see below from Mecox.  It has a beautiful lacquered surface and gold Parisian style legs.  We also purchased a couch from Z Gallerie.  The couch has a nail head trim and a traditional structure. Using these items, I worked on some preliminary color palettes and pulled the room inspiration together.  

The client and I are both very excited with how this room is shaping up.  I will post Phase II as we progress in this project.  

The big ArtbyLola giveaway will be happening Monday, so be sure to check back to get your hands on a beautiful piece of her work!

 Happy Friday, everyone!