Recently I participated in a One Room Challenge hosted by media partner Better Homes and Garden. As a guest participant I took on the challenge of completing a design project from measurement take off to install and reveal. I had 8 weeks to complete the task and present to the client and Better Homes and Garden.

With Covid-19 2020 I had to make a lot of adjustments on how I communicated with clients as well as presenting and installing. The learning curve was long but I was able to complete this concept completely virtually with the assistance of some killer software and support.

Every week I communicated, presented and followed up with virtual visuals for this project. If you’ve ever wondered what to expect when hiring an interior designer virtually hopefully this step by step presentation will help.

Follow along during my eight week challenge as I go from initial consultation to installation.

Week One: During the initial Zoom call, we walked through a stylist questionnaire which help with visions, goals and design inspirations for this room. We provided a “how to measure” for accurate room size, door size and any other architectural elements we needed to be aware of. After week one we presented a color concept and final room measurements. Color was selected and on to week two.

Week Two: Once final color selection were made and paint swatches mailed to the home we then presented (during our second Zoom call) four fabric selections. We were making progress and together virtually began capturing what this room could become. We were having fun!

Week Three: Here’s where the rendering takes place. While staying on track and getting most of the initial selections finalized we begin to show the client visually how the room will look. Behind the scene we’re selecting furniture, finishes and fabrics all while tweaking both a 2D and 3D rendered photo of the room. Already having the room measurements we were able to place the furniture for the client to see.

Week Four: Ok this is where we get busy. Furniture finishes and equipment all need to be selected presented and then re-selected all before something either gets discontinued or out of stock. We only have 4 weeks left so we need to select and purchase this week. Luckily the items were all in stock and ready to ship, “quick ship'“ is the trick to making selections during times like these.

Week Five: This week the client got to see the official 3D rendering of the room with all the final selections. Painter’s painted and bookshelves were styled. Ok so the books, well we had a hard time finding all blue so I purchase wallpaper from Kenneth James, Canton Road Indigo Grasscloth 2732-80015. A little improvising but it did the trick.

Week Six and Seven: Art got delivered and window treatments went up! We paired a Hooker buffet console piece with a three piece art collage and anchored three cement potted plants. I don’t know about but I love everything in threes. Week six and seven was all about the three’s..