As we enter Week 5 of the One Room Challenge, we're peeling back the curtain so you can have a look behind the scenes of an interior designer. While our previous posts have highlighted the vision, creativity, and inspiration that go into crafting a beautifully designed space, this week is all about the efforts and meticulous details that bring a designer's vision to life.
If you haven't all ready, be sure to check out my previous blog posts and follow along with me on this 8 week challenge where I transform one room!
Behind The Scenes: Placing Orders & Coordinating with Trades
Placing orders and coordinating with trades is a task that involves a fair amount of logistics.
I've been hard at work placing orders and arranging installation details with trades for my office design. A key element for this process is effective communication and a shared understanding of responsibilities between you and your trades to ensure everyone knows what they are responsible for.
For good practice, I always double-check my orders, ensuring I have the correct items and the right quantity, to avoid any potential headaches down the line.
Amidst the challenges of constant shipping delays, custom cabinetry lead times, and dealing with claims for pieces that have arrived, the excitement outweighs the challenges!
It wouldn't be a "real project" if it didn't have a challange. The burl wood desk arrived with scratches to the top and damage to the base. These damages were something that I could live with so instead of having a replacement sent, I negotiated with the manufacturer to recieve a discount.
The journey has its hurdles, but I’m committed to crafting my dream office!
Wallpaper Preparation: Measure Twice, Cut Once
As wallpaper enthusiasts know, a smooth and even surface is key to achieving the perfect finish. My office walls are getting special treatment to ensure the wallpaper adheres flawlessly.
I've been in discussions with experts about the texture and wall preparation required, ensuring that the final result is nothing short of extraordinary.
Another critical step is to verify the quantity needed with the installer. The repeat pattern of the wallpaper can significantly impact the quantity required, as it may necessitate adjustments in the design, potentially affecting the overall amount needed. Luckily, the grasscloth I selected doesn't have a repeat but due to the cuts needed, width of the roll, and arches in my windows, I made sure to coordinate with the installer prior to ordering.
It's crucial to consult with your installer to ensure they understand the design layout you aim to achieve with the wallpaper, as this step plays a pivotal role in the overall design. You know what they say, measure twice, cut once! Double checking with an expert is always a good idea.
Customized Built-Ins: Finalizing Shop Drawings
My built-in cabinetry has been a labor of love, requiring meticulous attention to detail. Measuring the space multiple times, coordinating filler panels, considering what options are available to you with semi-custom cabinetry you can select everything down to the size of all of the cabinetry, the finished details such as the crown molding, and any specialty features you want to incorporate.
To create the perfect storage solution for this room, I decided to extend the depth of the shelves inside the base cabinets. This adjustment caters to my office items as a designer and ensures the space is not only beautiful but functional.
Another item requiring precision is the coordination of mesh inserts that are an important design element. I've been working closely with suppliers to have them cut to the exact size needed so that my cabinetry installer can simply install the factory cut panels, making it easier for him and less stressful for me!
Behind every beautiful room is a wealth of behind-the-scenes work, from orders and coordination to careful measurements and adjustments. These unseen details are what take a design from concept to reality. As we move forward with the One Room Challenge, I can't wait to reveal the final transformation and share the details that make it all come together.
Thank you for joining me on this behind the scenes journey into the world of interior design! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bring this space to life, and explore the work of other talented participants in the Fall One Room Challenge here.
If you're looking to get some help with designing your home to be more of an authentic haven - I'm your girl.