If you've never worked with an interior designer before, it's completely natural to wonder what to expect. Some clients even apologise because they don't know the "right" design terms or feel they haven't gathered enough ideas.
The truth is, you don't need to arrive with a perfectly curated Pinterest board or a clear vision. That's my job.
What I do find helpful is understanding how you live. Every family is different, and the best interiors are always designed around the people who call them home. Think about what currently works well, what frustrates you every day and how you'd like your home to feel. Those conversations often tell me far more than a folder full of inspiration images.
If you do have photos you've saved or rooms you've fallen in love with, bring them along. Don't worry if they all look completely different. Patterns often begin to emerge, and they help me understand the atmosphere you're naturally drawn to.
It's also useful to think about your budget and your priorities. Perhaps the kitchen is the heart of your home, or maybe creating a calm main bedroom is at the top of your list. Knowing what matters most allows us to make thoughtful decisions from the very beginning.
During our first consultation, I spend a lot of time listening. I'll ask questions, walk through the space and take note of things that you may not even notice anymore. Sometimes it's the way the light moves through a room. Sometimes it's a bottleneck in the layout that makes everyday living less enjoyable. These details help shape the design long before we start talking about furniture or finishes.
For me, every project begins with a relationship built on trust. I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas and being honest about what you love and what you don't. The best results come from working together.
By the end of our first meeting, my goal is simple. I want you to feel excited, understood and confident that your home has the potential to become everything you've imagined.
Because great design doesn't begin with selecting fabrics or paint colours.
It begins with listening.