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~ Interior design IS a state of mind.. Anything you visualize, anything you imagine, anything you want your space to be.

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Tag Archives: lifestyle

Doin’ It Old School!

10 Sunday Jan 2016

Posted by Steven Wallace in Uncategorized

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

architecture, decor, decorating, design blogs, fabric, furniture, home, interior design, lifestyle, living, Paint colors, real estate

At the end of 2014, I decided to close my design business. I felt that maybe I had nothing more to say, that after over 25 years I was not in tune with what was happening in the design industry – so much had changed over the years in the process of how we deal with clients.

I was offered a position with an interior design firm based in San Francisco, a newly created job title that looked to be perfect for me and what I had to bring to the table from my years of experience. I was not hired as a designer, but more on the business end: prospecting, bringing in new clients, marketing, handling social media. As a real people person, I knew I could nail this job: networking, being the “face” of the company and selling it … after all, this was a big aspect of what had made me successful all those years.

From the beginning, the designers approach was not to interact with potential new clients, but have me sign them, collect the retainer, note the clients needs and bring that info to the team. Then the design team would start the process: determining a worksheet of needs, coming up with a concept design, sourcing …  but all of this without ever actually having met the new client or been to the job site. And from there, it was to be handled all by email, texts, video conferencing and linking the client to sites, such as Pinterest, where they could view the sourced furnishings, and make notes.

At first it seemed to me a novel idea, very forward thinking and almost cutting edge in it’s modernness! I signed four new clients in a matter of months and the design firm was thrilled.

But, it didn’t take long before things began to unwind … the new clients were unhappy. They felt they weren’t being heard – “Why couldn’t they actually talk in person to the designers?” Miscommunication became a huge issue, over-designing ran rampant … and it’s not hard to understand how that happened. Personal interaction had disappeared from the process.

I started to get frustrated as well. I had sold our company as being unique and cutting edge, and yet now I was having to defend … and it wasn’t easy to do.

Clients started to leave us.

At a team meeting to discuss this issue, I suggested an actual “in person” meeting … face to face.  How about suggesting a night to come to the job site with pizza, sit down and TALK, see how they react to concepts and ideas … watch the subtle movement of their eyes and follow their body language to understand what was working for them and what was confusing?

And the design team said to me “Wow, that’s so old school!” Later on, when a client requested that they needed just one room spelled out in a way they could follow: what furniture, what paint colors, pricing, time line …  I heard ” Oh, that’s the way it used to be done.”

Needless to say, that fabulous new job at the start of last year didn’t work out. Now, in the beginning of 2016 – I am resurrecting my interior design business. I’ve learned something very important, I guess one of those life lessons you don’t think you need to learn until you do.

I’M DOIN’ IT OLD SCHOOL!

interior design_2

Interacting face to face with clients.  Seeing how they live, entertain, their family interaction. Coming to them with actual fabrics, samples and materials that they can see and touch. We are a tactile people, not everything can be experienced virtually. I want to see their reactions, gauge their responses in person – let them know I am listening and that I get it.

It’s going to be an exciting year for the new and improved Steven Edward Wallace Design. Now I see that I still have something to contribute, that one on one connections still count for a lot, especially in a business as personal and creative as interior design.

So, in 2016, here’s to remembering what still works: personal relationships and never forgetting that often “old school” can be very modern!

 

 

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Get Ready for A Great 2016!

17 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by Steven Wallace in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2016, California, decorating, design blogs, Holiday decorating, holidays, home, Ideas, interior design, lifestyle, New Year, pets, real estate

It’s almost a new year, can you believe it? Time to get ready for the best year of your life! Make 2016 a great one with these 5 ideas for your home:

OUT WITH THE OLD
If you haven’t worn it or used in in a year, you probably won’t. But maybe someone else can!  Donate clothes, housewares, books to a local charity. Many come to you – it just takes a phone call.

OUR PETS ARE FAMILY, TOO
You change your sheets on a regular basis – do the same for your furry friends. Wash that dog and cat bed or pop for a new one.  They can’t tell you, but they love a clean sleeping place as much as you do!

happy-new-years-eve-2016-images

FIGHT THOSE BLUES
Some of us are prone to the winter blues, especially after the holidays. Don’t let dreary days get you down.  Move your favorite reading chair near a window. Find the sunniest area in your kitchen and keep a small potted plant there. You will enjoy seeing it every morning and it gives you something to care for – a sure way to fight depression.

KEEP IT SAFE
It’s easy to let home maintenance go.  Make sure all your doors and window close and lock properly to avoid drafts. Check for places where you or a guest could trip, a loose threshhold, water pooling on the front porch, a tear in the carpet. Can’t fix it?  Replace it!

PLAN YOUR YEAR
Anticipation keeps us excited! Mount a large white board calendar in your ofice or kitchen where everyone can keep  track of upcoming vacations, parties, birthdays. Studies have shown we work harder when we have a goal to look forward to.

Make your new year the best one yet – and keep following us for great ideas and design in 2016!

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5 Tips For An Organized Life

12 Thursday Mar 2015

Posted by Steven Wallace in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

advise, architecture, decor, decorating, design blogs, home, Houzz, interior design, lifestyle, living, organize, real estate

In todays crazy and busy world, keeping your home in order helps you handle stress.  These 5 easy things can be easily accomplished and keep you on track to deal with your day!

1) Check your coat and shoes at the front door. Even if you don’t have a closet near the front door, you can keep it clutter free. Place shoes on a mat or in a basket to keep them out of the way and easily accessible.

2) Make your bed every day. Studies have shown that people who make their bed on a daily basis start the day feeling good about themselves. If you don’t have a lot of time, simply pull up the comforter and straighten the pillows.

3) After showering, squeegee the walls and glass and get a start on keeping the shower clean. Keep shampoos and face scrubs all in one place, and limit the amount.  You don’t need four different shampoos in the shower all at one time!

4) Be a creature of habit and put your keys in the same place every time you walk through the door. Doing so will save time and eliminate frustration. A small tray or  dish on the counter or the entry table works perfectly.

5) Plan in advance what you’ll have for dinner. I write down at the beginning of the week what every nights meal will be. Not only will I be prepared, but it can be fun to anticipate your evening and not worry when your family asks “What’s for dinner?”

Getting and keeping your home organized doesn’t have to be stressful. Setting aside 30 minutes a day can help keep your living space organized and your sanity intact!

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