Post by: Kristen Siefkin (Interior Design Alchemy)
A QUIZ FOR YOU + YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER.
One of the most frequent scenarios I encounter with my clients is this: Partner A calls me to ask about my services. We agree to meet, see the space, talk about goals and objectives and so forth. After being assured that the Partner B doesn’t have any interest in the outcome of the space, I begin to design. I return to present the design – generally to Partner A and B – and Partner B is none too pleased with what s/he sees. An argument ensues. I have to scrap my design and at the client’s expense, go back to the drawing board.
This happens ALL the time.
Don’t assume your partner doesn’t care. He/she DOES. They may not know how to articulate what they like or dislike, but they do have an opinion. This questionnaire will help him/her find the words to describe their preferences and give you the tools to communicate them. The other scenario I encounter often is that I am brought in to settle home decor disagreements - or worse, asked to side with the initiating party.
Take heart; much of the time, misunderstandings around interiors are more about communication of one’s needs for a space than an actual difference in style preference.
By doing this brief exercise in advance, you can get to the desired goal a lot faster and avoid unnecessary aggravation.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Print out two copies of this post. Each of you will need to take this survey. It is important that you do it separately so as not to influence one another’s responses. So much of interior design is intuitive and about feel, so have fun, answer honestly and don’t overthink your answers!
NUTS AND BOLTS
• Which room(s) are you interested in addressing? (If more than one, answer the questions below for each).
• How do you use the space currently? (i.e. watching TV, eating, sleeping, reading etc.)
• Are you happy with the way it is utilized or would you change that in some way? If yes, how?
• Approximately how many hours a day do you spend in this room?
STYLE
How would you describe your preferred style?
• Modern[if !supportLists]
• Traditional
• Transitional (between modern and traditional)
• Eclectic
• Rustic
• Industrial
• Other
How do you want it to feel? Circle the three that most apply:
• Formal
• Relaxed
• Casual
• Peaceful
• Unique
• Inviting
• Happy
• Minimal
• Collected
• Elegant
• Other
How do you NOT want it to feel? Circle the three that most apply:
• Formal
• Relaxed
• Casual
• Peaceful
• Unique
• Inviting
• Happy
• Minimal
• Collected
• Elegant
• Other
What is your biggest priority?
• The way the room looks
• The way the room functions
• The way the room feels
• Other
What colors do you tend to prefer?
• Cooler tones (greens, blues, greys)
• Warmer tones (oranges, reds, browns)
• Neutrals (whites, browns, blacks)
• Other
Which room(s) in your home do you most like and why?
VISUAL CHECK
Rank the following rooms in terms of appeal (1= your favorite 5 = your least favorite)
FINANCES
• How much are you willing to spend to make the space what you want it to be?
• How will you be paying for the improvements (checking, credit card, bank loan etc,)
• Are you willing to put in some elbow grease or do you want someone to do it all for you?
TIMELINE
• When do you want the room to be done?
• Are you willing to wait if you can get an item for less money?
All done? Sit down together and review your answers. Even better, work with an interior designer who can help review and decipher your answers and make the appropriate recommendations. Lastly, CONGRATULATIONS on taking the first step toward understanding your personal style and learning how to marry that style with another person with whom you presumably live -- or perhaps you plan to live.