Virtual Decor Consulting to On-Site Meeting

I’m working with a great couple in the DC area who I’ve been working with for about two plus years now – virtually. I donated a gift certificate to a local charity and the wife of the couple purchased it and we’ve been working together ever since.

Initially, it was to renovate their current home, however, it turned out to be helping them with a new home they purchased instead. We’re now at the point where they’d like me to come to them to see what’s already been done (purchased area rugs and key pieces of furniture such as sofas, chairs, dining table and dining chairs) and fill in the gaps. Here are a few things I’m working on prior to my visit.

Preparing

You’ve probably heard the saying that “luck happens when preparation meets opportunity,” and I couldn’t agree more. My clients are on vacation right now so I’m taking the time to review all of the notes (I’ve got an ongoing google doc so we can all add and update throughout the process) we’ve each made, access what’s still needed, draft a prioritized list of items to tackle first to review with them prior to my arrival. Sounds simple, but it will take some time to peruse this document and re-read our correspondence to determine the best approach.

Virtual Meeting

When my clients return home from their vacation, we’ll meet via Zoom again to review what I understand is needed upon my arrival to make sure we’re all on the same page. 

My clients will do some preparation prior to my arrival to check out a large furniture store that’s relatively close to their place. I’ll make myself available to Facetime with them when they’re there so decisions to buy or not to buy can be made. They have a no return policy – so if they’re on the fence, I can go there with them when I arrive. They may also check out other retailers around them to see if there’s anything of interest to them before I arrive.

If not, I’ll have to do more digging.

Planning My Arrival & Setting Realistic Expectations

Making the most use of my time and my client’s resources makes the most sense and completing the steps above will help to make that happen. The plan is for me to be there for three full days and the calendar looks a bit like this, although I always anticipate changes!

Day 1

• I’ll take off from Boston to arrive by mid-morning to DC. 

• Take a look at the house and see the progress already made and what might need to be done to finish a room by using items they already have and making a list of items that may be needed. 

• Artwork they already have will be looked at and moved to the appropriate or ideal places within the house. Photos may be sent ahead of time for my review as well. 

• Take a drive to local HomeGoods or local discount stores for miscellaneous small furniture pieces and accessories that can be returned easily – if it’s not just right. 

Day 2

• I’ll have scheduled meetings with retailers to find remaining small and larger furniture pieces. Any appointments you would make. If we can buy and carry we will test drive them in the house to see if they work or might not.

• Find remaining pieces of furniture including: nightstands, coffee table for fireplace room, end tables and lamps for first floor, possible console table for the entryway. 

Day 3

• Wrap up the work that’s been started.

• Arrange or rearrange items.

• Possibly run out for last minute items and ultimately return to the airport to fly home.

The ultimate goal of my being on site is to work on the finishing touches and seeing what they already own and want to use in their home and making wise decisions about what might be needed to complete the look of a room and ultimately, their home. 

I’m hoping this can be a model for you to break down the steps of decorating or redecorating your own home. Shop your house and start there. There’s no shame in moving items from one space to another – in fact, I’m still doing that in my own home. That’s part of the process.

Stay tuned to see the progress. 

Let me know if I can help you – I’m an email away and we can set up a call to discuss your decorating dilemma. 

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