Understanding the Process of Interior Design

When clients begin an interior design project, they often carry with them a beautiful vision — images saved, mood boards pinned, and a strong emotional desire for the space to feel a certain way. And that vision is valid. It’s what drives the creative journey.

But there is a moment in every project — sometimes early, sometimes late — when that vision collides with reality. The reality of materials. Of human limitations. Of unpredictable site conditions. Of dust, delays, and unexpected decisions. And it’s in that moment that understanding the true nature of the design process becomes essential — not just to protect the project, but to preserve peace.

Design Is Not Instant. It’s Crafted.

Design is not magic. It is not a render. And it is not something that happens behind closed doors and arrives, flawless, like a movie reveal.

Design is a living process. It involves multiple trades, craftspeople, site conditions, technical limitations, weather, structural surprises, backorders, material changes — and most of all, it involves humans. Skilled, committed, and professional humans — but still: human.

No matter how precise the plan or how detailed the drawings, a construction site is alive. It breathes. It shifts. And sometimes, it resists.

Perfection in Construction Is an Illusion

Clients often expect perfection — and understandably so. You are investing energy, time, money, and emotional anticipation. But it’s important to remember: perfection in construction is not about flawlessness. It’s about harmony, alignment, and functionality.

A tile may have a small edge variation. A handmade plaster wall may have natural undulations. Wood may shift subtly with temperature. Paint might read differently in morning light than it did in the showroom. None of these are signs of failure. They are signs of life — the marks of real materials worked by real people in a real world.

This doesn’t mean we don’t aim for excellence — we do. Every detail is measured, supervised, revised. But understanding that excellence still lives within the human realm — not the digital one — helps reduce frustration and encourages trust in the unfolding.

Reality Includes the Messy Middle

There is always a messy middle.

There will be moments when the space looks worse before it looks better. When things are covered in dust. When wires are exposed. When walls are marked. This is normal. It is the natural anatomy of creation.

The render is not the site. The site is not the photo shoot. The photo shoot is not daily life. And the process is not linear.

What matters is not that the project avoids these phases — but that it is guided through them with clarity, experience, and care.

The Human Hand Is a Gift — Not a Flaw

Every element in your space is touched by human hands. And that is a powerful thing. It means your home is not mass-produced. It is crafted.

With that comes minor imperfections, variations, adjustments — but also, soul. Warmth. A sense of belonging. No two homes are the same. And no space built by humans will ever be completely flawless. Nor should it be.

True design is not sterile. It is living form. And every brushstroke, cut, joint, or seam carries with it the signature of the people who made it real.

Communication and Trust Are Key

If you’re a client beginning your journey, know this: the most successful projects are not the ones that avoid problems. They are the ones where communication stays open, expectations stay flexible, and the relationship between designer and client stays rooted in mutual respect.

If something doesn’t look right, it’s okay to ask questions. If there’s a delay, it’s okay to feel impatient. But also know that there are many invisible layers of coordination, quality checks, supplier negotiations, and stress-management happening behind the scenes to bring your project to life.

Designers are not just creators. They are also mediators, interpreters, timekeepers, and protectors of the process. Trust their guidance.

The Reward is Worth the Realism

In the end, when the dust is gone, the final pieces are placed, and the light falls just right, the vision is there. Not as a copy of a render, but as something deeper — a space that feels real, honest, and fully yours.

A space that holds your energy, your needs, your rhythms. A space that works because it was built through presence, patience, and human effort.

And that? That is better than perfection. That is truth.

If you’re ready to begin a project — come with a vision, yes. But also come with presence. With openness. With curiosity. The process will surprise you. It may challenge you. But if we walk it together, with clarity and care, the result will not just be a beautiful space.

It will be a space that lives with you — because it was built from what is real.

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR PROJECT – Together with the Professional Team

Managing an interior or architectural project is more than picking finishes or approving layouts. It is a living process of collaboration, decision-making, timing, and trust. Whether your project is a luxury home, a multi-unit renovation, or a commercial development, managing it alongside a professional team transforms overwhelm into flow. Here’s some tips and strategy points on how to do it wisely, strategically, and calmly.

1. Know the Stages of a Project

Every well-managed project follows a logical timeline:

• Concept & Planning: Client brief, mood boards, zoning, budgeting, timeline setup.
• Design Phase: Floorplans, 3D visualizations, mood and material boards, lighting and furniture proposals.
• Technical Phase: Architectural plans, technical drawings, execution documents.
• Execution & Site Work: Construction, installations, finishes, staging.
• Final Styling & Hand-over: Fine-tuning, final decor, photography, client walkthrough.

2. Build Your Dream Team

Each has a clear role. When chosen wisely and respected for their zone of genius, the project becomes a rhythm, not a war. A successful project requires these collaborators:

• Interior Designer/Architect – the visionary who guides concept and flow.
• Project Manager – keeps everything on schedule, on budget, and in sync.
• Structural Engineer – ensures safety and legal standards.
• Contractors – execute work on site.
• Specialists – lighting experts, HVAC, plumbers, electricians, furniture makers.
• Suppliers – stores and manufacturers for finishing, furniture, lights, decorations and accessories

3. Create a Realistic Schedule

Timeframes should always be based on: scope of work, approval timelines, material availability and delivery, weather (for outdoor/exterior phases) and socio-cultural influences (public holydays and personal free days).

Buffer time is not optional. It’s smart planning. Delays happen, but clarity and transparency from the start reduce emotional friction.

4. Budget Is Strategy, Not Limitation

Create a layered budget plan:

• Base budget: what must be spent (construction, structural, technical)
• Middle budget: finishings, furniture, fixtures
• Flexible budget: luxury upgrades, custom designs, decor

Track costs weekly. Speak openly about finances with your team. Money must be a shared language, not a hidden stress.

5. Set Clear Expectations from Each Party

Everyone should know what is expected of them — in writing. That alone solves half the problems before they begin.

• Designer: Conceptual vision, design documentation, furniture/fabric choices, site visits.
• Contractor: Timeline adherence, quality of workmanship, coordination with other teams.
• Client: Timely decisions, approvals, payment milestones, trust.

6. Track Progress Like a Gentle Leader

Weekly updates. Shared folders. WhatsApp groups. Site visit reports. Choose a tracking system that works for all — visual, simple, and honest.

You’re not micro-managing. You’re guiding energy, not just labor.

7. Create a Space of Emotional Safety

When you feel seen and informed, you don’t just “approve” — you belong to the process. Clients feel safe when:

• There’s a clear plan
• There’s a point-person (designer or manager) who is reachable
• People are calm, respectful, and realistic
• Communication is fluid and not defensive

8. Celebrate the Small Victories

Don’t wait for the grand reveal. Every wall painted, every window installed, every small problem solved — is proof of progress. Gratitude makes even technical work feel like creation.

You’re not managing a project. You’re building a space to live a future in.

That requires clarity, but also care. Structure, but also trust. A good team doesn’t just build walls. They hold space for your vision to become real.

Choose them wisely. Lead them gently. And your space will carry the energy of everything that went right — not just what got finished.

I leave you below few words regarding language, the common language that each client starts to learn and master throughout the project.

Your Guide to Architectural and Design Terminology

Design is a rich discipline with a vocabulary on its own — a language made up of materials, forms, techniques, and fixtures. Whether you’re a client, a builder, or a future designer, understanding these terms lets you appreciate a space more profoundly and communicate more effectively.

Here are some frequently used terms you’ll encounter in the world of interior and exterior design:

MATERIALS:

• Hardwood: Durable, rich, warm; frequently used for flooring and furniture.
• Stone: Marble, limestone, granite — a symbol of permanence and texture.
• Glass: Allows light to flow through, adding a feeling of openness.
• Metal: Copper, brass, steel — often used for fixtures, railings, or accents.
• Textiles: Linen, leather, cotton — adding softness, warmth, and acoustic dampening.

LIGHT FIXTURES:

• Pendant: Hangs from ceiling; a sculptural, intimate lighting piece.
• Sconce: Wall-mounted; highlights texture or architectural details.
• Recessed lighting: Built into ceiling; a clean, modern way to illuminate without adding visual weight.
• Track lighting: Adjustable heads; perfect for focusing light on art or specific areas.
• Chandeliers: A dramatic centerpiece; often a blend of metal, glass, and crystal.

SHAPES:

• Arch: Soft, classical; adds depth and flow to spaces.
• Rectangle: The most functional form; used in furniture, shelving, and windows.
• Cylinder: Often a base form for lighting fixtures or columns.
• Organic: Free-form; borrowed from nature’s irregular lines.
• Geometric: Precise, sculptural; adding a contemporary character.

TEXTURE:

• Rough: Stone, brick — adding a raw, elemental feeling.
• Soft: Textiles, carpets — creating softness underfoot or to the touch.
• Reflective: Polished metal, mirror — bouncing light and adding depth.
• Matte: Clay, wood — absorbing light for a calm, intimate ambiance.

This vocabulary lets you appreciate, critique, and collaborate on a project from a place of knowledge and confidence. The more you learn this rich terminology, the more you can express exactly what you want — whether designing a home, renovating a space, or simply choosing furniture and finishes.

Design is a dialogue — between people, materials, light, and form. The words we use help us bring that dialogue to life.

written by Amalia Predescu

copyright@DekoreStudio