Our complete range of residential design services can help you avoid making costly mistakes, and are always customized to suit your unique project.
When you hire an interior designer for a residential project, you’re welcoming a professional into your own space. You want someone who can help you achieve your vision in the best way possible.
So it’s no wonder that it’s important to make sure you choose the right designer for your project.
Island Efficient Interior Design is passionate about helping you to get the most out of your space, out of your budget, and out of our time together.
Of course, every space, just like every person, is unique. We don’t force any particular style or aesthetic, or even any approach on our clients. We will work closely with you to draw out your own style with thoughtful conversations and close attention to your needs.
We also know that designing or renovating your space should be fun, not stressful. We take special care to ensure our interior design process is as trouble-free and enjoyable as possible.
Island Efficient Interior Design are specialists at maximizing the potential of your space and your budget, whether big or small. We’re equally invested when planning new construction and when designing a relatively minor renovation. And we always work with your budget in mind.
Our approach to interior design
We believe the interior design process should reflect who you are, what you do, and adapt to how you work.
We don’t try to impose any particular aesthetics on you, and our process is flexible to accommodate your unique needs and personality.
Part of Island Efficient Interior Design’s flexible approach to residential interior design means that you can hire us to do everything, or choose to bring us in for specific phases only. You may wish to read the Our Interior Design Process article for further details.
On the one hand we offer turnkey Design/Build services, where we manage and take responsibility of your entire project. On the other hand, we can also be hired to help guide you or nudge you in the right direction when you’re stuck.
And of course, there are many different options in-between those two extremes! From designing to drafting, consultation to contracting, Island Efficient Interior Design can help create the space you’ve been dreaming of.
So let’s talk! We’ll work with you to see how we can efficiently bring out the very best in your home in a way that suits your style and how you use your space.
Phases of an interior design project
Every interior design project is different, and we always adapt our process to fit your specific needs. Here’s an example of some of the phases your project may include – just keep in mind that this is a general overview and not set in stone.
Discovery
We’ll start by getting to know the basics about your project. What are you planning, and why are you interested in working with an interior designer? Are we working on a new construction project, or a renovation? Which room or rooms are you looking to update? Do you have existing plans to work from, or should we arrange for measurements? Can you provide reference photographs of your space? Do you have a budget in mind?
Your Style & Goals
Once we have a firm grasp on the basics, we want to really understand your personal style and your preferences. If we’re renovating a space, we also want to know why. What do you like and dislike about what’s there? Is it just time for a refresh, or are there fundamental issues with the space? As you can probably guess, we will have lots of questions! If you have gathered any inspiration from Pinterest, magazine articles, or blogs you’ve found, or have any must-have furniture, colours, and textures to include, we want to know!
Function & Space Planning
We’ve been told by clients that one of our strengths as a company is our ability to get the most out of a space, whether it’s a renovation project or new construction. One of the ways we can achieve this is by thoroughly understanding how the space should function. Who is using the space? How it is being used? How does one move through the space? What’s the flow from one room to the next? Efficient space planning is at the cornerstone of Island Efficient Interior Design’s approach to interior design.
Designs & Iterations
Before we can start the construction phase of your project, it’s integral that we have a plan. Are we requesting bids from contractors, or do you have trades in mind? Would you like recommendations, or prefer we take care of everything? What are your own deadlines? From whole home design overhauls to single room endeavours, it is important that each step be completed in a logical manner to maximise our efficiency and schedule. Taking time during the planning and scheduling phase will help keep your project on time and on budget, saving money and energy in the long run.
Construction
Now it’s finally time to make real-world changes. Thanks to our design and planning phases, we should have a clear expectation of what a successful outcome of the project looks like. Our contractors will do their work, starting with any needed demolition and site prep. If we’re working on an addition we’ll take care of drainage, and there may be work such as plumbing and electrical to complete. We might move onto insulation and drywall, flooring and tiling, and finally the finishing phases. Cabinetry, electrical fixtures, painting and more will pull your space together. Depending on the role you’d like us to fulfill, we can provide Design/Build services or leave it to you to manage.
Project Wrap-Up
The final phase takes care of any clean-up and the last bits of detail and finishing work. We’ll go through the final construction checklist together to ensure all of the details are complete, and that your project is wrapped up exactly the way you want it. We will request your permission to take some photographs of your space, and if you’re OK with it, showcase it online. You will officially get to enjoy your fresh, new space.