By Jennifer Parker

Many of my clients come to me with inspiration photos or ideas they love when starting a project. Some clients allow me to start from scratch with totally new ideas to bring to the table, and some have very specific needs and design favorites. After we survey the space together or the floor plans, we talk through style and function. This allows me to create a “point of view” for the space that brings all the elements together to work as one and fully compliment each other and the overall vision of the space we are creating.

In some cases it’s a true collaboration of the space with the client, and in other cases I am bringing all the elements from scratch to present new and fresh ideas. Regardless, the “road map” and overall design plan we create is the most important element so we are able to make sure everything tell the story we want to tell.

One of my favorite parts of the process is to pull together specific elements in textiles, finishes, flooring and paint. Once we have those items narrowed down to things we love, we can then go forward with furniture options, window treatments and all the additional decor items that make the room beautiful and functional.

In fabrics right now I am thrilled there are so many gorgeous options in indoor and outdoor fabrics that are beautiful, and function so great for busy families with pets and lots of entertaining. A favorite is to cover barstools, kitchen chairs and even sofa’s with an indoor/outdoor fabric that cleans up perfectly the spills and accidents of everyday life. Decor is an investment, and many of my clients do not want to worry or dance around an expensive fabric that could be ruined with one glass of red wine.

Creating the story of a room, starts with the function of the space, for me. If the room does not function then it certainly won’t be utilized and loved. After all, the goal of what I want to bring to my clients is that the room, when finished, invites you in to come in, enjoy and create memories.

Beautifully decorated rooms can invoke all sorts of emotions, and knowing what you want that room to do for you, is most important. Starting with color in textiles always brings great inspiration to the birth of an inviting room.

As always, let me know if I can help in creating beautiful spaces for your home!