What To Say To a Client When He Picks Something That Could Ruin Your Interior Design Scheme
How many of us working as professional interior designers faced the situation when a client insists on buying something (whether it is furniture, materials or decor) that we see will contradict with the style or concept we want to create for them. For me those situations always resemble walking on a thin ice: on one hand you want to be diplomatic and not to hurt client’s feeling (at the end of the day you understand that this is their home and they are free to purchase anything they want for it), on the other hand you have a certain vision and sense of style and the client has hired you to implement this vision.
Today I invited Zita Juskiene, the owner and the principle Interior Designer at Zeta Interiors (Zeta Interiors designs high-end residential interiors for clients across Kent, London, and the home counties, as well as abroad), to talk about these difficult situations and ask her what does she say to clients when their choices are not perfect for her interior design scheme.
How often do you face the situation when a client’s wish to buy something (furniture, materials, decor) that goes into a conflict with an overall interior design scheme that you have created?
I would say this happens with half of all the projects we take on, as naturally, some clients want to add their own twist to their home.
Describe your feelings when you deal with such situation: do you feel angry, irritated, frustrated?
Well, I personally feel that my feelings should be left outside when it comes to work. Interior Designer is half of a therapist and a good therapist never takes anything personally.
The client’s feelings, however, is what matters the most here, so I feel that it’s extremely important to always deliver your ideas and opinions in a professional and kind manner.
What do you normally say to your client in order to stop him from this purchase? (e.g. this is ugly, old-fashioned, not functional…). Is it difficult for you to defend your point of view?
If I see that a client went for something that is not suitable for the scheme, or could even possibly ruin it, I always take time to address this and explain why their selection will not work.
I would say: “I am not sure about this. As we agreed earlier, I am working on creating a calm and sophisticated space for you and unfortunately, I feel that those bright cushions/ or bold patterns might feel a little too distracting.”
As with everything when you sell your opinion you must say the reasons “why”:
Do you ever compromise? (for example, you understand that this item is not perfect for your interior design scheme, but you give a go ahead to please the client or because you realize it will cost you lots of time and effort to change his point of view).
Compromise is a big part of this job, as my priority is to create something that my client will ultimately be more than happy with.
If I see that a certain item that a client purchased by themselves is not working I take every effort to explain what I am trying to create for them and how I will achieve it. Whether it’s by use of the right colors, textures, styles or lighting selections.
However, if a client feels strongly about it and is absolutely in love with the item he chose, I don’t stand in their way. After all, it’s their home and the final decision always lays with them.
What would you recommend to starting interior designers, who sometimes feel intimidated to defend their proposals?
I would recommend to always do your home work – the design analysis and the design concept, with every Project. So that you would know what and why are you trying to create for your Client, and what is required to achieve this. As only once you have this vital knowledge that you will be able to present your ideas in the right way, and to defend your opinion with confidence and success.
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