The Advantage of Full Service Design
STORY WRITTEN BY: NATALIE COX
PHOTOGRAPHY: KEVIN BELANGER, WHITEMOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY, TANIA BLAKE CREATIVE
In this article I’m digging into one of my most frequently asked questions as a designer: “Why won’t you shop at retail stores with me?”
Many clients are surprised to learn that shopping at local or online retailers is not part of our design process. Instead, like many full-service designers, we have close relationships with a wide range of trusted suppliers who are our go-to sources for crafting one-of-a-kind interiors for clients.
We take this approach for many reasons, but it ultimately comes down to delivering the very best possible experience for our clients. This article will shed some light on the benefits of full-service design.
The Importance of Personalization
As a full service design firm, we work hard to create unique spaces that reflect our clients’ personality, preferences, and lifestyle. By tailoring items to your specific needs, we are able to maximize comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal for you. Need extra durability to stand up to kids and pets? No problem. A specific seat height or depth for the most comfortable chair? We can do that. A truly unique piece of furniture to elevate your design? That’s where we shine!
Quality You Can Trust
Of course, you can absolutely buy quality pieces at retail stores. That said, quality can vary greatly even from the same store. When our designers choose items for your home from our preferred suppliers, they’ve had extensive training on their product lines, and we know that we can trust the quality and durability.
In addition, it’s increasingly important to many clients to make sure their purchases are sustainable and ethically made. Through our preferred suppliers, we can prioritize furnishings that align with your values and contribute to a more environmentally conscious home.
The Convenience of Full Service Design
Instead of spending countless hours browsing retail stores and dealing with logistical challenges, clients can rely on their designers to streamline the process and source items efficiently. But the best part? They bring it all to you!
At your design presentation, your designer will bring along fabric and wood samples, floor plans to scale, pictures and complete specifications for each piece. You get everything you need to envision the completed space without having to leave the comfort of home.
In addition to space planning and product selection, our full service design process also includes project management, delivery and installation. There’s no worrying about placing orders or waiting around for deliveries that don’t show up on time. Our holistic approach ensures that every element of the design is cohesive and well-executed.
Efficient Problem Resolution
Occasionally, even the experts run into a snag – that’s life. Resolving issues with retailers often requires waiting on hold with customer service, packaging up damaged items, and arranging for return shipping. Working with a full-service design team means that when needed, we have a direct line to our preferred suppliers to correct the problem (and you don’t have to lift a finger).
Maximizing Your Investment
Large or small, every client has a budget. By choosing your furniture and accessories from a designer’s preferred suppliers, they are able to balance cost and quality, ensuring that clients get the most value for their investment.
And of course, we all know that time is money. Going from store to store or spending hours perusing the endless options online would result in huge design fees for clients. When we source from our trusted suppliers, we know exactly which ones will be perfect for a clients’ style and budget.
Experience the Designer Advantage
When you hire a designer, it’s because you want a higher level of personalization, quality, and service. Our seamless process has been honed over years of creating exceptional interiors for our clients, and our suppliers play a huge part in bringing your dreams to life.
About Natalie Cox
Natalie Cox is an Award-Winning Designer and President at CPI Interiors. Natalie loves saving her clients time, stress and money by offering a full range of interior design services. Natalie specializes in Kitchen Renovations and Whole Home Design & Decorating. She is a strong believer that your home should not only reflect who you are, but also make your day-to-day life a little easier.