What an Interior Designer Actually Sees When They Step Foot in Your House

I know what you’re thinking when an interior designer steps into your home for the first time—”They must be judging the mess!” But, honestly, that’s not the case at all. You truly don’t need to apologize for the state of your home. I look straight past any clutter and zero in on the potential of your space.

You’ve made great accomplishments—just having a home that you are ready and wanting to renovate or invest in furnishings is a huge accomplishment and something to be excited about. I’m here to help you be proud of the space you live in!

Looking Past the Mess: The Real Focus of an Interior Designer

First and foremost, I’m not here to criticize your housekeeping, so please don’t worry about that. I understand life happens, and a lived-in home is a happy home—I have a child and I am still surprised where I can find Cheerios. What I truly see is the hidden potential lying beneath the surface.

First Glance: Flooring and Transitions

Assessing the Flooring: Finding Opportunities for Cohesive Design

One of the first things I notice is the flooring. I look at the materials and the height of transitions between rooms. Mixed materials and varying heights can signal areas where we might want to consider cohesive materials and floor leveling for a more unified look.

Identifying Sunken Living Rooms: Opening Up Layout Possibilities

I also look for features like sunken living rooms. Raising these spaces to be level with the rest of the floor can create a more open and versatile layout, opening up new possibilities for your home.

Cabinetry and Space Enhancement: Envisioning the Potential

Evaluating Cabinetry: Planning for Improved Functionality

As we walk through your home, I take note of your cabinetry. While we discuss your plans for the space, my mind is already running through different scenarios on how we could enhance your storage and functionality. Whether it’s updating the style, improving the layout, or maximizing storage, I see many possibilities to improve your cabinetry.

I am also thinking through which walls could house a focal stove and hood fan without the need for bulkheads to run the venting. Hood fans that direct vent out exterior walls are easier and more cost-effective to install, so I always start there when envisioning a new layout.

For example, this kitchen was a good size but it was in the middle of the home not allowing for an entertainment space, so we relocated it to the back wall and opened it right up!

Window & Walls: Determining if There is a Need for Structural Changes

Analyzing Window Placement: Maximizing Views While Keeping Budget in Mind

Windows are essential for natural light and overall ambiance. I look at their locations and how they interact with the walls and your planned layout. If you’re considering moving walls or windows, I’ll point out how these changes might affect the space and inform you about the potential need for building permits.

Considering Wall Modifications: Understanding the Impact on Your Space

When thinking about moving walls, I assess how these changes will meet your goals and improve the space. Structural changes can significantly enhance functionality, but they also come with considerations like permits and costs. Having these conversations early is important, especially for projects that need to stick within a certain budget allowance (no matter how big or small your budget is, there always is one). This is why we love knowing who your contractor is early on in the design process so we can collaborate and discuss the best options for you.

Download our free Renovation Preparation Checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming renovation!

Ceiling and Lighting: How Overhead Modifications can Enhance the Space

Evaluating Ceiling Height and Features: Creating an Open and Airy Feel

When I look at your ceiling, I’m assessing its height and any unique features it may have. High ceilings can make a space feel more open and airy, while lower ceilings might benefit from clever design tricks to create the illusion of height. Features like beams, mouldings or layered ceilings add character and can be highlighted in the design.

Assessing Lighting: Brightening Up Dark Areas

Lighting is a key component of any interior design. I take note of the existing lighting and any areas that may be too dark. Proper lighting can transform a space, making it feel warm and inviting. I consider both natural light from windows and artificial light from fixtures, thinking about how to best enhance these elements to meet your needs.

Early Collaboration Makes for Efficient Planning

Clear communication between you and your designer ensures that your vision is accurately translated into the final design. It’s essential to openly share your preferences, budget constraints, and any specific requirements. This ongoing dialogue helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures a smooth design process.

Seeing Potential in Every Space: The Excitement of Transformation

As we walk through your home, I’m listening to your thoughts and seeing a world of potential. Each room presents an opportunity to create something beautiful and functional. The process of transforming your space is exciting, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. My goal is to help you achieve a home you’re proud of, tailored to your lifestyle and preferences.

How Your Interior Designer Brings Your Vision to Life

At Align Interior Design, we’re all about creating spaces you’ll love. Whether you’re in Pitt Meadows, the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, or beyond, we bring a personalized touch to every project. Our educate-first, create-second approach helps you make informed decisions throughout the entire process. With years of experience in home renovation and interior design, we’re here to not only guide you but be your advocate, tailoring suggestions that are right for you and your family. From that first chat to the final touches, we work closely with you and your contractor to make your dream home a reality.

Our Process is Made For You

Hearing from past clients can give you confidence in the design process. Here’s what some of our clients have said:

★★★★★
Rebecca designed our kitchen and primary bathroom in our family home. We were thrilled to work with her again for designing a primary bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and laundry remodel for our retirement home. Rebecca took time to get to know us and what our goals are for this project. I love that she is very collaborative in her design process. She has extensive knowledge of products and finishes and found creative ways to keep us on track with our budget. She answered every question we posed and gently eased us into making braver (vs safer) design and colour choices that I know we will love for years to come. The design and specifications package were thorough and hand off to our construction team was seamless. Rebecca is a lovely person and a talented designer. We are excited to live in our new spaces once construction is completed! We highly recommend Rebecca at Align Interior Design.
Jess E. [Read Review on Google]

It’s with pleasure that we write to express our deep appreciation and satisfaction with the exceptional services provided by Rebecca Foster during the planning, construction, and completion of our custom built home.
From the very beginning of our collaboration, Rebecca exhibited a remarkable level of professionalism, creativity, and dedication to turning our vision into reality. Her ability to translate our ideas into practical design concepts was truly impressive. Throughout the entire process, Rebecca demonstrated a keen attention to detail and a commitment to ensuring that every aspect of the design and construction met our expectations... Click to read more.

One of the most outstanding qualities of Rebecca’s was her excellent communication skills. She was always accessible, responsive, and willing to address any questions or concerns we had promptly. Her ability to listen to our preferences and incorporate them into the design was crucial in making our custom home project a success.

Not only did Rebecca excel in the design phase, but she also played a vital role in coordinating with contractors and overseeing the construction process. Her project management skills ensured that the construction progressed smoothly and on schedule, which alleviated much of the stress associated with such a significant undertaking.

The final result exceeded our expectations in every way. Our custom home is a testament to Rebecca’s expertise and commitment to excellence. It is not just a house; it is a reflection of our personality and lifestyle, thanks to Rebecca’s innovative design concepts and meticulous attention to detail.

We are in the process of another project with Align Interior Design and we have no hesitation in recommending Rebecca to anyone seeking a talented and dedicated house designer. Her passion for what she does, combined with her technical proficiency, makes her a standout choice in the field. Working with Rebecca has been an absolute pleasure, and we’re immensely grateful for the beautiful home she has helped us create.

Hugh W. [Read Review on Google]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens during our first meeting together?

First, a quick overview of our process:

If you are interested in working with us, we start with a complimentary 15-minute alignment call (you can contact us here). After we discuss your initial scope, provide an overview of our process, and answer your questions, you can decide if you would like to book an Initial Consultation. This is a paid, 60-90 minute in-home or virtual consultation where we dive deep into your project requirements, create a detailed scope of work, and provide you with a proposal for our services. You can read more about Initial Consultations here.

Once agreements are signed, we officially onboard you by sending you a welcome guide, questionnaire, and a milestone timeline with pre-suggested meeting dates, one of which will be your Design Start Date. This is our first official design meeting together! During this meeting, we walk through each room and discuss design specifics, your goals, process expectations, and take measurements. This is where everything starts!

How Long Does the Design Process Take?

The duration of the design process varies depending on the scope of the project. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. But I know that’s not specific enough for what you need, so check out this blog post where I dive deeper into timelines and process specifics.

What can I do Before Hiring an Interior Designer?

Great question! We recommend you first understand what questions you should ask an Interior Designer and why. Take a look at this blog post on what to ask an Interior Designer when hiring them for a renovation and this blog post on what to ask an Interior Designer when hiring them for a furnishing project.

We also created this free resource for you: How to Prepare for Your Renovation. In this guide, we walk you through our 6-step system to set your renovation project up for success. Click here to download

Your Home is so Much More Than the Cheerios in Your Sofa

When an interior designer steps into your home, they see beyond the present state to the potential for transformation. From assessing flooring and cabinetry to evaluating window placement and lighting, each element is considered with your goals in mind. By understanding the process and knowing what to expect, you can embark on your renovation journey with confidence.

Ready to transform your home? Contact Align Interior Design today for a consultation and let’s start planning your dream space.

Learn more about renovation timelines and tips in our previous post Renovating Your Home? Make These Decisions Early.

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