Showing posts with label What Happens During a Color Consultation?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What Happens During a Color Consultation?. Show all posts

So What Exactly Happens During a Color Consultation?

source



As mentioned here,
I'm realizing that for anyone who hasn't had a Color Consultation they may need 
a better understanding of what I am providing to see the value of my services.

So let's take the mystery out of a 10 Rooms Color Consultation :)







Phase One 

 You call or email me.

Usually, my clients are people who have always done their own decorating,
 and are feeling frustrated with the results,
new home-owners who are just getting a feel for what their style is,
 or simply very busy people (who isn't, these days?) 
who do not have time evaluate which choices would suit them the best.
Often clients are about to, or have just made, some major furniture purchases
 and their home is feeling disconnected (from room-to-room).
Sometimes they have a particularly challenging space,
or they have had a life change and are looking for a fresh take.

In any case, I try to determine your motivation because that is what will drive your choices.

I ask a varied series of questions here.
Where is your home (country, city, suburb)?
What is the architecture like? Which direction does the space face?
What are your favourite colors? What style of decor do you prefer? etc..



1 2 3 4



This allows me to prepare a collection of images -
"inspiration rooms" if you will,
that we can look through during the consultation to get a better feel for your desired result.




Phase Two

  I arrive on your doorstep, goodies in tow!







I generally like to see the space first,
then we go sit down and get a feel for what you need from the space.
I will ask you a lot of questions,
and we will look through the images I've brought along.







 This is where the four main factors come into play:


The Space Itself
Size, light, orientation, placement in the home, flow, existing finishes, furnishings, etc..






Desired Uses of the Space 
Time of day you will be using the space, relaxation vs. stimulation,
adult vs family, long-term vs short term decor, etc







Personality
Are you outgoing? Do you want an entertaining space that encourages lively conversation?
Are you looking for a retreat? A place to rejuvenate after a very busy workweek?
Do you prefer a more formal or relaxed style home? etc..


Preferences
Which colors do you prefer? How much color do you want to live with?
This sounds basic, but many times sitting down and actually defining these
 clearly gives a great base palette to work from.
Quite often, the original vision gets tweaked a little,
in the example we've added lavender.
Let's say it was existing already in the master bedroom and ensuite,
 and client loves the color.
She was suffering from overload, but adding a dash to the bedroom
allows her to keep some of her favourite color and helps the two rooms to relate better.








Phase Three

Now that I know where you need/want to go with this space,
we pull out the paint chips and get set choosing!

We will go through several different options here, for walls and trim.
I usually know we are on the right track when your face lights up!
It's that "aha" moment, where everything comes together.
I leave you with a Color Plan - 
paint chips and all the specifics (how much paint, which finish) for at least two options,
as well information regarding what preparation needs to be done to your walls prior to painting.
If you like, I will email you out some additional links to inspiration spaces
 that include your finalized color palette and suit the design direction you're taking.







Many times my clients are planning to do the work themselves,
 and simple prep ensures a proper finish.
If you have chosen to use a painter, I will be sure to offer choices in their preferred type of paint.




Phase Four

Your space is transformed :)






I charge $100.00 for the first room and $50.00 for each additional room to select paint colors.
Not bad, considering for the cost of a can of paint
 you can ensure total satisfaction the first time you paint - 
no more re-painting because that pretty sunny yellow paint chip you liked in the store
 has somehow morphed in screaming yellow lunacy on your walls!






Many times clients request advice for additional color choices, like carpet, upholstery, etc.
This is based on an hourly rate and varies depending on travel, etc.. 
 I once accompanied a client to her new home's design centre
 to help her choose all her finishes for a new build.
The sheer volume of options was overwhelming her, and in an hour
we had co-ordinated every single detail of her new home
(and convinced the builder to include a few upgrades).







Does knowing all this make the idea of a Color Consultation any more inviting?
A common worry is that your home will not reflect you, but someone else.
To be clear, I do not come over and force my choices or the trendiest colors on you.

My goal is always to find that unique solution
 that enhances your space,
reflects your personality, and makes you happy.


After several requests, I am now offering on-line color consultations as well.
If you are ready to find your perfect colors,
please email me at amezeard@10rooms.ca.


Are Color Consultations Based On Trends?

Before we dive in, a thank you is long overdue to Brittany of Gallery No 8
and to Heather of Love your Space for sending the stylish blogger award my way.
I have previously done a post for this award, so I won't repeat, but it is always an honour to receive kudos from my talented peers - thank you, ladies!







I recently came across a post written by a person in the biz
who declared that "mom's in the suburbs or smaller towns" have no idea what is "trendy"
in decorating because they are too busy.



source



It was included in a larger article (that had some great points)
about trends in decorating.

Truthfully, I had a hard time even reading the rest of the article
 because I was completely stunned by that comment.

When I started my business I was a Mum in a small town!
As my neighbours came over, they discovered my love of decorating.
One thing led to another, and soon I was helping everyone in the area choose colors...




(the effortlessly-chic Mum Katie with her briefcase)


They idea that people have to be educated about their likes and dislikes,
or must be warned against using a color that's on it's way "out",
goes against everything I believe in.







I really debated including that bit, because I dislike putting anything negative out there.
But it's difficult talking to clients time and again who are thinking grey
 simply because someone told them it was trendy.




1 2 3



Let's take a step back.

Each and every 10 Rooms Color Consultation is based on four main factors:

1. The Space Itself

2. The Purpose of the Space

3. The Personality of the Client

4. The Preferences of the Client


Nowhere on that list are trends a factor.
Now, if a client really wants to have a trendy space,
I will help them create it -
as long as they realize they will be redoing it in a few years time,
 because it will look tired.


Remember these?!!
Faux finishes? Country? Glitzy shabby chic? Sari madness?
You may have not indulged
(guilty as charged on the faux finishes for me - if I could turn back time!)
but heaps of people did, not always because they actually liked this stuff,
but because the market was saturated with it.






My goal in each color consultation is to help you decide
 on how to best enhance your home
 so that it functions perfectly and reflects your unique personality.



If you want a home that looks like what you are seeing in the Restoration Hardware catalogue,
by all means, re-create it.
You will have a fabulously designed room for free!
Just be aware that in a few years, you will no longer have the latest and greatest,
and almost every element in your space will scream 2010.

Which is fine, if you truly love it - and not, if you don't :)






See where I'm going here?

Unless you have an unlimited design budget (we can dream, can't we?!!)
I really believe in saving the trends for limited pieces,
primarily accessories and things that you will replace frequently because of wear and tear -
 textiles, paint, etc..




1 2 3 4



For investment pieces, like furniture and cabinetry,
buy the best quality you can afford and
choose styles that are near and dear to your heart.
You can have a great sofa re-upholstered several times before it needs replacing.
An incredible chandelier will last you a lifetime,
or at least be able to be re-sold for a good portion
 of your original investment down the road.








I'd like to know what your take is on this -
how often do you re-decorate?
Is it a desire to freshen up or update that gets the ball rolling?



After reading a really fabulous post from Abby of a Delightful Design,
and the barrage of comments that ensued,
regarding the value of a design consultation,
I've realized some posts about what a 10 Rooms Color Consultation includes may be in order!
Thank you Abby, and your commenters, for enlightening me :)

This week I will end the mystery (lol)
with some posts about what happens during a consultation,
how it will save you time and money,
and an explanation of the four factors above.

Hope you'll pop by!