Designing with Confidence: How to Discover Your Vision for Your Space

How to Know What You Want for Your Space When You Don’t Have a Clear Vision

When starting a design project, it’s common to feel uncertain about what you truly want for your space, especially if the vision isn’t fully formed. It can be overwhelming to choose colors, materials, and layout when you're not sure where to begin. But at R. Nickson Interiors, we guide you through every step of the process to help clarify your needs and bring your dream space to life, even if you don’t have a clear vision to start with.

Step 1: Our First Design Questionnaire & Consultation

We kick off the process with a thorough design questionnaire that helps us understand your lifestyle, preferences, and functional needs. The answers you provide give us the insight we need to start thinking about the space in a more defined way.

During our initial consultation, we discuss your goals for the space, the mood you’d like to evoke, and any challenges you’re facing. This conversation helps us understand your desires and gives us a solid foundation to build from.

Step 2: Diving Into Your Inspiration Images

Once we have the basics down, we ask you to provide inspiration images—whether it’s from magazines, Pinterest, or even photos of spaces you admire. Even if the images seem to vary in style, we can usually spot common threads that indicate your preferences.

Are you drawn to real materials like wood or stone? Do you lean towards a moody, cozy feeling, or do you prefer bright, airy spaces? Maybe you're drawn to lots of storage solutions or minimalistic design. These details help us get a clearer sense of what you might like.

Step 3: Hands-On Exploration with Materials

To take things a step further, we may schedule a hands-on meeting where we dive deeper into your preferences using physical samples. Whether it’s fabric swatches, wallpaper samples, or paint colors, we’ll present different textures and materials to see what resonates with you. The goal is to evoke a reaction so we can refine the design direction.

Step 4: Avoiding Overwhelm – Stay Off Pinterest

Once we’ve identified the key elements that you love, we recommend that you avoid browsing Pinterest or other inspiration sites during the design phase. This helps keep your “North Star” intact and prevents your vision from becoming muddled by too many outside ideas.

Step 5: Conceptual Boards & Client Feedback

When we present your conceptual or initial design boards, we encourage feedback to ensure the designs are on the right track. For larger projects, the first round of presentations typically sees 80% of the items approved by our clients. Some clients approve everything at first glance, while others may request a few revisions. It’s all part of the collaborative process.

Step 6: Refining the Design and Finalizing Details

After the initial round of revisions, we provide further refinements. For clients looking to visualize the space more clearly, we offer elevations and 3D renderings. These tools help you see how everything will look and feel in the space, so you're confident every detail is aligned with your vision.

Step 7: Letting the Space Evoke a Feeling

At R. Nickson Interiors, we believe design is about evoking a feeling. It’s not always about the little details but creating a cohesive and comfortable space that speaks to you. We ensure the space feels right for you and your family, from layout to materials, and we aim to capture the essence of your desired lifestyle.

Conclusion

Whether you have a concrete vision or need help discovering what’s right for you, R. Nickson Interiors is here to guide you through the design process. By following our structured approach, we help you refine your ideas, stay focused, and create a space that truly feels like home.