I don’t know about you, but I’m a fairly impatient person. This is a difficult trait as a parent and one that leads to many frustrations with kids. However, it does allow me to make split-second, impulsive decisions, which are sometimes fun. It also allows me to embrace change and work with it.
This becomes a bit more tricky with Interior Design. I trust my instinct and still know how to keep in in line with reality – specifically with timing and budget. When purchasing for myself, I would weigh the pro’s and cons of waiting, perhaps not finding that deal again, and let something go if it’s not THE ONE. But different clients require me to change how I select and recommend items for them.
I started working with two clients in the fall of last year. Both wanted to re-design their living and dining spaces using existing and new furniture. Both were friends but had different styles and different challenges. The good thing about both of them though, they weren’t in a rush.
This came in very handy while I was finishing my assignments or dealing with kids sports. And I know I won’t always have this luxury. But more so, for them, it paid off BIG TIME. Because they weren’t in a rush, they took the time to look at different options, pass up on some items, have regrets, but still have a great end result.
Around November I had met with my client and showed her an area rug I had seen at HomeSense. She loved it, so we went back to get it – that same day – and it was gone. We were both so disappointed, scoured the internet looking for the same rug, with no luck. We both kept looking at different locations for something even similar without any success. I was with her on Sunday and she had a look of hopelessness in her eyes.
The good news! I was at HomeSense yesterday, looking for items for my clients and and went to the area rug section – and there it was. The most perfect rug for my client, waiting for me. It was like the clouds had arted and the light shone down from the heaven’s above. I quickly snapped a pic and sent it to my client – hoping she was near her phone. She liked it also so I bought it quickly and hauled it over to her house. It was perfect. Matching her existing couch and newly purchased chairs. Complimenting the paint colours we had just chosen the day before, and the perfect size for the space. And to top it all off – it was at an amazing price.
Even the dog was super excited about it (we just tried not to let him get too excited). The space is far from complete yet, but is getting much closer, and there is urgent rush attached to it.
Some projects require you to make decisions before the work begins, and also can require split second decisions on-site. Our job is to be able to help the client make those decisions quickly. But other projects have flexibility on time, which usually leads to the ability to save money.
Best advice, try not to rush as patience often pays off!
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