Our Approach
Just like people, every project is different and we approach each project individually. We know that embarking on a design or renovation project can be daunting and at times overwhelming, even for clients who have refurbished a number of properties. The Decorbuddi process makes it easier and more enjoyable for our clients to achieve the transformation they desire, whether this is for just one room or an entire home and garden.
At Decorbuddi we differentiate ourselves with the flexibility of our approach. We answer your brief and then go beyond, taking you on a journey of discovery. The best solutions arise when there is time to consider new ideas and materials and explore unchartered territory.
You remain at the centre of the process with the power to steer the project in the direction that suits you, founded on our experience and design inspiration. We provide as little or as much help, advice and support as needed. As a result we have a wide variety of styles across our portfolio.
Broadly speaking, each project involves the following sequence of steps:
1. Initial Call
Fill in the contact form or call us on 07931 079652. We would love to hear all about the kind of help you are looking for and can answer any questions you may have.
2. Get Started Design Consultation
Following an initial call, the most common next step is to book a home or garden “Get Started” consultation with one of our design team. The designer will be chosen according to your brief and location and will get in touch with you before the meeting. They may send you a questionnaire or ask more questions to ensure they bring all the tools, samples and visuals they require to get the most out of the consultation.
This fixed price design consultation allows you to get to get to know us without too much financial commitment and it allows us to get into the detail so that we truly understand the scope of the project. By the end of the session you will have received new ideas, helpful advice and practical solutions. We will have all of the information we need to make a plan of action and decide on the next steps. This may be specialist help for a particular room or design aspect, or a complete detailed project specification for a full home and garden renovation and turnkey solution.
For some clients the Get Started consultation is all the help they need to kick-start their project. For the majority it is the beginning of our collaborative design journey.
3. Next Steps
Once we’ve agreed what help you need and how you would like to approach your project we will prepare a bespoke proposal for your consideration. We tend to work in two different ways.
For those wanting ad hoc design advice, help with various elements around the home or ongoing design support we usually work on an hourly basis.
For projects involving more detailed design (whether for one room or an entire home), we will create a bespoke proposal which is broken down into phases of work; design concept, detailed design and project implementation.
Design Concept:
Whether you want help with colour, lighting, soft furnishings, planning the layout of an indoor or outdoor space, furniture selection or a full bespoke design service, the design concept is the crucial starting point for setting the visual framework for your project.
We will know your likes and dislikes, inspiration and aspirations from the Get Started phase. We use this information to help us to create initial design concepts to explore the best way to transform your space, to suit your individual style and requirements. This could be in the form of mood-boards, samples or 2D layouts (or all 3) depending on the brief.
Once we have all agreed on the concept, look and feel of a space together we can move on to the detail, knowing that we are all on the same page and, most importantly, that we have a united vision of the end result to guide us and refer back to throughout the project.
Detailed Design:
This stage is where the fun really begins as we start to get down to the details. Depending on the scope of your project this could include finalising colour schemes, hardware and architectural details, specifying and choosing furniture, sourcing fabrics for upholstery or window treatments and designing any bespoke furniture or joinery. We may also be providing specification documents for contactors such as electrical and lighting plans or kitchen and bathroom designs. For garden projects we finalise drawings, finishes and planting plans as well as sourcing furniture, plants and materials.
Once all of the detailed designs are complete for a given room, home or garden, you will have a full set of design documents including drawings and sourcing lists.
Project Implementation:
Co-ordinating the implementation of a project, no matter what size, is very time consuming. We can help as little or as much as you like at this stage whether it be purchasing through trade accounts, recommending and finding contractors, helping with tender documents and overseeing quality control during the implementation. We can also help with installation and styling, ensuring a complete turnkey solution.
For larger home and garden builds we work closely with architects and build teams to ensure your project is delivered on time, on budget and to a high standard. Our problem solving and troubleshooting experience can be invaluable in helping to avoid expensive mistakes.
Need Something Different?
Of course, a lot of our clients are outside the UK, are working off plans or agent details or just need something a little different from the process outlined above. Our process is by no means fixed in stone and we will always work to your timelines and requirements. We can work remotely via video call or can jump in at any of the stages above depending on where you are at with your project. Perhaps you need us to look over some existing architectural plans, create some lighting plans or help with the tender process for a big build? Hourly consultations are available to provide just the help you need. This is all very much within the scope of what we do so please do give us a call to discuss your requirements.