If you’re new to major home projects, I bet you have tons of questions about how you’ll get from your starting point to the result you’ve been dreaming of. While there are clear answers to many questions about the interior design process, I can promise you that every project comes with its fair share of surprises.

When those unexpected hiccups pop up, it’s natural to feel frustrated. But here’s the good news: knowing about potential issues before you start allows you to set realistic expectations from the very beginning. Today, I’m sharing some of those bumps in the road — some of which you might not expect — and how we can help navigate them to achieve a beautiful, functional home you’ll love.

1. Balancing Preferences with Practicality

The first surprise often comes early in the design phase. You have a vision for your home, but sometimes those specific furnishings aren’t the most practical for your lifestyle. This mismatch can lead to regrets down the road.

How We Help: Our initial interview is key. We ask detailed questions about how you plan to use your space. Do you have kids or pets? Is this room for relaxing or entertaining? Most of our clients want a cozy space to live in, not a showroom. Don’t worry, you don’t have to sacrifice style! There are plenty of performance fabrics and materials designed for real life. We’ll guide you to the best options that balance beauty and practicality.

2. Communication & Vendor Relationships

In a perfect world, communication is prompt, transparent, and seamless between everyone involved in a project. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced the opposite, and I can say with certainty that establishing communication expectations at the beginning of a project is critical, especially if you’re managing it yourself.

How We Help: As your design team, we handle daily communications with trades and vendors to keep things on track. We ensure every detail is managed, and you’re always informed. We also share our network of trusted vendors who stand behind their products and delivery times. Having a designer means you get an advocate who navigates these challenges for you, ensuring a MUCH smoother experience.

3. Lengthy Lead Times

Did you know that custom furniture vendors can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 or more months to construct a piece of furniture? It’s honestly not something that’s commonly known, and can come as a disappointment if it doesn’t line up with your intended timeline.

How We Help: We discuss your timeline and expectations at the beginning, whether you’re in a rush or flexible. Once orders are placed, we provide weekly updates on the status and keep in regular contact with our vendors. As items arrive at our local warehouse, we coordinate deliveries and installations. This proactive approach keeps you in the loop and the project on schedule.

4. Discontinued Products

Discontinued products are an inevitable part of the process. Whether it’s fabric, furniture, or remodeling materials, you’re more than likely to encounter this issue.

How We Help: The good news? We’re pros at handling these situations! When a product is discontinued, we work closely with the vendor to find similar alternatives and present them to you. We come to you with solutions, not problems, explaining why we like each option so you can make an informed decision.

5. Backorders and Delays

Another reality during the design process? Slower-than-expected progress which can come in two forms: backordered products and delays on the construction side of things. Neither is pleasant, but we have ways of working through each.

How We Help: For backorders, we follow the same approach as with discontinued products—reselections. We quickly find alternatives that fit your project’s needs. For construction delays, our trusted contractors typically have buffer times to handle unforeseen issues. Staying calm and trusting your design team to keep things moving is crucial.

6. Post-Project Maintenance

Ahh… you’ve reached the moment you’ve been waiting for — the big reveal. It is SO thrilling! All that’s left is to begin living in your beautiful new home, right? Yes, but there’s actually a bit more work involved. The stunning furnishings that you’ve invested in will likely require maintenance to keep them looking and performing their best. 

How We Help: At the end of the project, we provide you with any special cleaning instructions for carpets, rugs, and fabrics so you'll know exactly how to care for them. We also recommend fabric protectants to extend the life of your upholstery. Accidents happen, and when they do, we have a network of local vendors for repairs and cleaning. We’re always here to support you even after the project is finished.

Navigating Surprises with Confidence

While I hope your project runs smoothly, being prepared for these surprises will help you handle them with confidence. Knowledge is power, right?

Having a designer on your team makes all the difference. We’re here to navigate these bumps and ensure your project stays on track. If you’re looking for the right designer to guide you through your home project, I’d love to chat. Reach out to me here, and let’s see if we’re a good fit.