Tiffany Chanel Interiors
What do bring to your first Interior Design Consultation
Booking your first interior design consultation is an exciting step. It means your project is moving from ideas and inspiration into a real design plan. Whether you are planning a renovation, furnishing a new home, or refreshing one room, the first consultation helps us understand your vision, lifestyle, and how you want your space to feel.
You do not need to have every detail figured out. A little preparation helps us make the most of our time together and create a design plan that feels beautiful, functional, and intentional.
Here is what to prepare before your first interior design consultation.
1. Architectural Plans
If your project includes construction, renovation, or a new build, bring any architectural plans or drawings you already have.
This may include floor plans, elevations, reflected ceiling plans, builder drawings, or early sketches.
Even if the plans are preliminary, they help us understand the layout, flow, scale, and overall structure of the space. Seeing the foundation of the project early allows us to start thinking through cabinetry, lighting, furniture placement, and how the space will function.
If you do not have plans yet, that is completely fine. We can begin with measurements, photos, and a walkthrough of your space.
2. Vision & Inspiration
We always love seeing inspiration images. They help us understand what you are naturally drawn to and how you want your space to feel.
Before your consultation, gather a small collection of images for each space you want to discuss. This can include rooms, furniture, colors, materials, lighting, or details that catch your eye. Try to choose images you truly love, not just what feels popular or trendy.
Helpful things to notice:
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Light wood or dark wood tones
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Warm neutrals or bold contrast
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Modern, traditional, or transitional style
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Clean and tailored or soft and relaxed spaces
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Materials, textures, lighting, and finishes
The goal is not to bring hundreds of photos. A thoughtful selection helps us see patterns in your style and gives us a clearer direction for your design.
You can also browse our past projects before your consultation to get a better feel for different styles, layouts, and design possibilities.
3. Must Haves vs. Absolutely Not's
Knowing what you do not want is just as helpful as knowing what you love.
Before your consultation, bring a short list of your must-haves and your absolutely nots, such as:
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No gray flooring
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No open shelving
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No brass fixtures
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Must have hidden storage
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Must have durable, family-friendly fabrics
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Must have warm neutral tones
These simple details give us clear direction and help us design a space that feels right for you.
4. How You Live Day to Day
Your home should feel beautiful, but it also needs to make everyday life easier.
During the consultation, we will talk through how your household naturally uses the space, including:
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Where daily items tend to collect
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How often you cook, host, or gather
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What areas need better storage
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How your children use the space
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Where pets fit into the routine
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What currently feels frustrating or unfinished
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These details help us design a home that is not just pretty, but practical, comfortable, and made for real life.
5. Your Budget Comfort Zone
Your budget does not need to be exact, but having a general range is extremely helpful.
Every design project comes with choices about where to spend and where to save, from furniture and lighting to finishes, cabinetry, materials, and custom details. When we understand your investment range, we can guide the design in a way that feels realistic, thoughtful, and aligned with your goals.
Even a ballpark number gives us a better sense of what direction makes the most sense for your space. This may include an overall project budget, a maximum spend, or a general cost range you feel comfortable working within.
It is also important to remember that design services are separate from renovation, construction, furniture, and material costs. Your consultation helps us begin to understand the full scope so we can create a plan that feels beautiful, functional, and realistic.
6. Your Ideal Timeline
Timing is an important part of the design process, especially if your project involves construction or renovation.
Before your consultation, it is helpful to know any important dates, such as:
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When you hope to begin the project
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When construction or renovation may start
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When materials and finishes need to be selected
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When cabinetry, lighting, or fixtures need to be finalized
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When you would like the space completed
Design decisions often need to happen earlier than expected. Having a clear timeline helps us plan ahead, avoid rushed choices, and keep the project moving smoothly.
Whenever possible, it is best to make major design selections before construction begins. This helps prevent delays, backorders, last-minute changes, and unexpected costs.
7. Who is the decision maker
Before your consultation, it is helpful to know who will be involved in the decision-making process.
If there are spouses, partners, or family members giving input, having everyone aligned early makes the design process much smoother. Our goal is to make sure everyone feels confident about the direction, while also knowing who will give final approval on selections.
This is especially important for renovation or construction projects, where decisions often need to be made quickly. When selections are left until the last minute, it can create stress, delays, and extra costs.
A designer helps organize the process so decisions are made at the right time and with the full design in mind.
What to bring to your design consultation?
Learn what to bring to your interior design consultation, including photos, measurements, inspiration images, budget details, and design goals for your Boston home.
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