Yesterday I worked with a client who is planning a renovation that begins with a new kitchen. Stunned by catalogues that included pages and pages of cabinet door images, floor tile images, plumbing fixture illustrations etc. etc. she found herself more frightened than happy about the project. Her husband was leaving most of the style choices to her, and she didn’t have a clue where to start. Her builder called me into action. “See if you can help,” he directed.
She is a mother of a 19 month old, so getting to the job of cutting out pictures to reflect her style didn’t get done. I believe so deeply in the need to get a handle on one’s style before ever starting purchases, so I suggested that our first hour together be devoted to her going through the magazines and the two of us evaluating what was there speaking to her. She agreed out of desperation (I think) and while she went through magazines I wandered the house returning from time to time and checking in. It was a great process. She knew readily when she looked at a picture, whether she liked it or not. Combining what I saw in the house, I began to put lots of possibilities to her for consideration and affirmation. We became a fabulous team so quickly.
“I’m seeing no focus or pattern on the floor in any of your pictures!” I said. She looked and agreed.
‘Notice how there is no shine on the floor, but lots on the counter and above.“ I showed her.
Her house was filled with color. I asked her about colors she loved, about whether she loved real art as opposed to prints, and whether she loved collage. I noticed how often there were pendent lights in her pictures. She was having fun, and learning a lot about herself with this organized way of selecting.
The crowning moment was when she pulled out that cabinet catalogue again and saw the 75 images begging to be chosen. “This, she said is when I get overwhelmed. And it happens in the midst of meetings and everyone waiting for my choices.”
I methodically showed her each kitchen picture she had pulled out of that pile of magazines. Show me the cabinet image in the catalogue that represents the cabinets in this picture. IT WAS ALWAYS THE SAME IMAGE.
Now her smile was broad. “Do you see how consistent you are?” I said. She nodded.
“Do you know how easy it is going to finally be when you have to choose?”
“I think I do.” She said.
We continued for a short time to keep evaluating and narrowing into who she was, and what would work best so that she was daily inspired by her environment. The process took just an hour for now, and had her ready for the big guns when she had to be confidant that A was better than B for her kitchen. I left my happy client with the assignment to “Do some more.” She promised she would. And I promised myself I would insist on this hour of planning with every client that is willing, so the design, the renovation and everything in between is pure joy and success. I say this for every designer to hear, and for every client to do.
PLEASE!
