Wouldn’t it be nice to have a RECIPE for DESIGN with detailed “To-Do” and “How-To” instructions to follow? You could go to these recipes whether you’re looking to update just one room or the entire house.
I don’t know of many designers who enjoy working with DIY (Do It Yourself) clients like I do. One of the services I provide is creating Personalized Design Plans. These detailed plans help guide clients through the endless choices and decisions involved with remodeling so that it can be a success. However, when a client deviates from the overall goal of the design plan by altering the function, feel, or flow – it can be a recipe for disaster.
Although I do not consider myself a chef by any means, I’d like to use cooking as an example of how quickly a plan can go wrong. When following a recipe to make soup, let’s say I decide to substitute cinnamon for curry. My reasoning is they are both spices that start with the letter C and are similar in color. What could go wrong?
Because of my lack of knowledge and talent in the kitchen, I don’t even realize the soup is ruined until it is served. All the ingredients I followed correctly are overlooked and overshadowed by the mistake of one poorly chosen ingredient.
A Design Plan is much like a cooking recipe. It has many elements that work together to achieve the desired results in taste, texture and appearance. Yes, certain “ingredients” can be altered slightly and still come out pleasant and appetizing. But when there is a big change or too many small adjustments, there is a risk of being disappointed in the end. My advice for anyone receiving design guidance for a DIY project is to carefully consider how each change or substitution will affect the overall plan.
Because remodeling can be overwhelming, a Personalized Design Plan is a valuable tool and can be extremely helpful when used correctly. It can save you money, time and anguish. Success is achieved when a client trusts the process and proceeds with confidence while following the design recipe.
Learn more about Personalized Design Plans
Read more about Function, Feel & Flow
