At Ember Designs, we believe that a successful interior design experience starts with a well-informed and collaborative consultation. To make the most of your time with us and ensure we understand your vision clearly, please prepare the following in advance.
Whether you’re planning a home renovation, furnishing a new property, or updating a commercial space, coming prepared helps us tailor our recommendations to your unique style, needs, and goals.
1. Define Your Project Scope
Start by identifying what you want help with. Are you:
- Designing a new home from scratch?
- Renovating one or more rooms?
- Looking for furniture and décor updates?
- Redesigning a commercial or office space?
Clarifying your goals will help us understand the scale and type of the project, allowing us to suggest the best approach, timeline, and team members to involve.
2. Establish Your Budget Range
While you may not have an exact figure yet, it’s helpful to think about a realistic budget range that you’re comfortable with.
Consider whether your budget includes:
- Design services only
- Furniture and décor
- Structural or civil changes (like plumbing/electrical work)
- Smart home upgrades or custom installations
Being transparent about your budget enables us to propose design solutions and materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and feasible within your budget constraints.
3. Collect Inspiration And Visual References
Gather visual examples of interiors that appeal to you. These can come from:
- Pinterest boards or Instagram saves
- Magazine clippings or lookbooks
- Projects you’ve seen on design blogs or websites
Focus on the styles, color palettes, furniture choices, and layouts that speak to your taste. Sharing these references gives us a creative starting point to interpret and personalize for your space.
4. Think About Function And Lifestyle Needs
Design isn’t just about beauty — it’s about functionality. Ask yourself:
- How do you utilize the space daily?
- Do you need more storage, flexible layouts, or multi-use rooms?
- Are there any special requirements (kids, pets, work-from-home setup, accessibility)?
- Do you host often or prefer cozy, private spaces?
Letting us know your day-to-day lifestyle needs ensures that we design not just for looks, but for liveability.
5. Gather Floor Plans Or Site Details (If Available)
If you already have a floor plan, blueprint, or layout of your space, bring it along. This helps us understand the spatial structure and measurements from the outset.
If you’re in the process of purchasing or constructing a property, even basic site photos or builder documents can be helpful for initial discussions.
6. Make a List of Design Questions or Priorities
Write down any specific questions, preferences, or must-haves you’d like to address during the consultation. These could include:
- Preferred materials or finishes (e.g., wood, marble, matte paint)
- Brands or products you like
- Sustainability concerns or smart tech interests
- Timeline expectations
Coming with a checklist ensures nothing important is overlooked during the meeting.
7. Be Ready To Talk Timelines
Do you have a deadline in mind, such as moving into a new home, launching a retail store, or hosting an event? Sharing your expected start and end dates helps us plan resources and schedule appropriately.
If your timeline is flexible, that’s great too — but it’s still helpful to discuss general expectations.
8. Identify All Decision-Makers
If you’re sharing the space with a partner, family, or business partner, it’s ideal to have all key decision-makers involved in the consultation. This avoids miscommunication and ensures everyone’s preferences and expectations are heard from the beginning.
The first consultation with Ember Designs is a collaborative conversation, not a commitment. It’s your opportunity to explore design possibilities, ask questions, and understand how we can bring your vision to life.
We look forward to working with you to create interiors that are elegant, functional, and deeply personal. If you’re ready to schedule your consultation, you can do so through our website, phone, or email — and we’ll guide you every step of the way.