What I learned from my first "client"

So when you're first starting out you take on any "clients" that come your way right? Isn't that the idea? Just say yes and learn. In the spirit of saying yes I agreed to go to a co-workers house for some design consultation.

The initial request was to help with flooring and window coverings. Not a huge job but you got to start somewhere. So I arrive bright eyed and bushy tailed promptly at 9:00am on a brisk Saturday morning. I was so excited I literally dreamed about the consult that night and woke up at 5:00am ready to go.

Almost immediately into my visit I realized I could not hit the ground running with my ideas. I read the room and it told me "not now." The vibe was friendly, welcoming, and open but I could tell the client was nervous. In fact the client told me it was weird bringing someone into her space and how vulnerable she felt. The home is your sacred space. I get it. "You should think about this for other people," she told me. "Something to be aware of." Noted.

As I sat in her kitchen she made breakfast and kindly offered me some. Scrambled eggs, toast and some watermelon. We sat down at her kitchen table and she told me about the history of her table, it was a gift from her mother. She shared how every plant in her home had a special meaning to her, either because they were from people that meant something to her or because of when she received it, that time in her life when big moments took place; birthdays, anniversaries and more recently, retirement.

Retirement to a 35 year old mother sounds like the most wonderful thing in the world but listening to someone reflect on it in the present moment sounded different. As I listened and watched her I got the distinct sense that she was scared. Scared of this meeting, of opening her house to someone, the possibility of being judged for the wrong pillow colors or bedding or whatever....but really scared of this new chapter in her life. I tried to imagine.

We eventually made it through her living room and up to the master bedroom. "I've had these dressers since childhood," she said. Wow. For a design enthusiast like myself I couldn't relate. As I write this I'm currently looking at a painting I bought 6 months ago at Target and I'm already tired of it. The following week at one of our work lunch/design meetings I present my design plan for her master bedroom. She likes it but in the end decides to simply buy a nice comfy lounge chair for her bedroom to read and work in. Something by the window in a space where she feels most comfortable. So for this round I won't be sharing any before and after pictures but I will say the client left happy and content, that after years of hand-me-down furniture she finally splurged on a chair just for her, in her favorite place.....and that may be the most simple and fulfilling design job I ever have.

Design: Amber Interiors