A Peek Into Our Interior Design Process
If you’ve never worked with an interior designer before, it can be hard to know exactly what the interior design process looks like. Every designer works a little differently, but at Paige Studio, we follow a step-by-step approach to keep things clear, collaborative, and efficient from start to finish.
Our process is rooted in years of experience—not just in residential interiors, but also from my background in architecture and high-end hospitality design. I often tell clients: I use the same process for your home that I used when designing high-end hotels and luxury multi-family. The same principles apply—thoughtful planning, communication, and a commitment to getting the details right.
So, whether you’re planning a full home renovation or furnishing a new space from scratch, our interior design process is designed to remove the overwhelm and help you enjoy the transformation—without having to manage all the moving parts yourself.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what working with us actually looks like, from first call to final reveal:
Our Interior Design Process:
Step #1: Initial Consultation & Onboarding
We start by getting to know you—your space, your goals, and how you actually live in your home. This isn’t just a “sales call.” It’s where we dig deep to understand what you truly need, even beyond the project you initially had in mind.
Sometimes a client comes in thinking they want a renovated bedroom, for example, but after talking through their long-term goals, we realize the real priority is helping their home function better for their family so they can stay longer. In cases like that, a simple bedroom refresh might not be the best use of their investment—and having that conversation early changes the direction of the entire project for the better.
That’s why this step is so important. It’s where we define the scope of work based on what’s actually going to make the biggest difference in your day-to-day life and start to plan early on what investment makes sense for your unique situation..
Once we’re aligned on the vision and priorities, we prepare a detailed proposal that outlines the process, timeline, and investment for the design portion of the project—so you know exactly what to expect.
There’s a theme to how we work: we front-load the hard decisions. By the time we reach construction or installation (the part where the real money starts moving) all the important choices have already been made. That’s how we keep the process smooth, efficient, and stress-free for our clients.
Step #2: Concept Design
This is where the vision starts to take shape. At this stage, we explore layout options, inspiration images, and big-picture ideas to make sure we’re aligned before diving into specific selections.
Unlike many designers who jump straight from concept to full design, our process includes two key milestones—and this is the first. The goal here isn’t to pick every material or fixture. Instead, we’re defining the space plan and the overall design direction so that you’re fully bought in before we get into the fine details.
Why this matters:
It gives you clarity on where the project is headed
It allows us to course-correct early if something doesn’t feel quite right
And most importantly, it lets us get the layout and scope priced out—so we can make smart decisions based on your budget and priorities
By the time we move into the next phase and start selecting finishes, fixtures, and furnishings, all the big-picture planning and unglamorous logistics are already sorted. That means fewer surprises, better alignment, and a smoother path forward.
Step #3: Design Development
By this point in the process, you already have the foundation in place - a layout you love, a clear understanding of the vision for your home, and a real budget (based on real plans) to work from. Now it’s time for the fun part: bringing the vision to life through materials, finishes, furniture, and all the thoughtful details that make the space feel like you.
This is where we dive into mood boards, color palettes, and curated selections for furniture, fixtures, lighting, and finishes. You’ll start to see how everything comes together—and exactly how your space will look and feel.
The highlight of this phase is your design presentation. You’ll get to see detailed renderings of your space and touch and feel the materials selected just for your home. From tile and countertops to cabinet hardware and textiles, we make sure every choice is cohesive, intentional, and aligned with your lifestyle.
Once the design is approved, we move into wrapping up the final construction documentation—drawings, specifications, and schedules—so your contractor has everything they need to build exactly what we’ve designed. With the big decisions made and the plan in place, we’re ready to move into the next phase: implementation.
Rendering of a project from the Design Development Phase
Step #4: Implementation
With your design fully approved, it’s time to bring it to life. This is where your contractor steps in to lead the construction phase—and where we take a supportive role behind the scenes to make sure everything comes together as planned.
We hand off a full set of construction documents, including floor plans, elevations, and finish specifications, so your builder has exactly what they need to execute the design accurately. While the contractor manages the job site and trades, we’re here to support the process—answering design-related questions, reviewing details, and making sure what’s being built aligns with the vision you approved.
While construction is underway, we’re also hard at work behind the scenes on procurement—sourcing, ordering, and coordinating all of the furnishings, fixtures, and accessories that will complete your space. From sofas to sconces to that one perfect side table, we make sure everything is on track for a seamless install once construction wraps.
It’s the phase where all the planning starts turning into reality—and we’re there every step of the way to make sure nothing gets lost in translation.
Step #5: The Final Reveal
Once everything has been installed and styled, we’ll walk through the space with you to make sure every detail meets your expectations.
We’ll also take care of any last adjustments to make sure your home is exactly how you imagined it. Our goal is simple: to leave you with a home that feels thoughtful, beautifully finished, and truly yours.
Finished space on Install Day
I hope this gives you a better understanding of what it’s really like to start a design project—and how a clear, structured process can make all the difference. Whether you’re renovating, building, or simply want your home to feel more intentional, our goal is to guide you through the journey with clarity and confidence.
We tend to book out quickly and are currently taking on just one more full-service project for 2025. If you’re thinking about a future renovation or full-home design, now is a great time to start planning.
Click here to book a complimentary project planning call—we’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.
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