BEHIND THE BRIEF
How we translate vision into design
Every remarkable design project begins with understanding you. We want (and need!) to know about your lifestyle, your family, your home; what’s working for you and what’s not. Other questions might include “Do you host dinner parties a lot? What kind of meals do you like to prepare for yourself? Do you like open plan living? Do you work from home at odd hours of the night?”
Whether it’s a collection of ideas, Pinterest inspirations, or even an emotion you want your space to embody, our role is to give that vision clarity and purpose. This post offers a peek behind the curtain at how we transform your aspirations into a detailed Design Brief that serves as the guiding blueprint of your project.
The discovery phase: questions we ask and why
At our initial consultation meeting, we move beyond the surface of “what you like.” Instead, we invite you to share your everyday life, your priorities, your hesitations. We believe the most beautiful spaces are designed for living, and nothing gives us more satisfaction than designing something tailored to you.
We explore:
Your lifestyle patterns: How do you live in the space? Are mornings bustling, or do you crave serenity? Do you work from home or treat your space as a haven for family time?
Your spatial preferences: Is your home made for an open-plan design or do you want cosy, defined rooms?
Your non-negotiables: Room for your vibrant art collection, or space for pet food storage and outdoor sports clothing; what must be celebrated and designed for in your home?
Your must-avoid elements: What makes you uncomfortable? A colour that always feels wrong to you? An appliance layout that never quite works? These preferences are just as important.
All of this goes into shaping a Design Brief that’s personal and intentional.
Lifestyle needs: turning your routine into our flow
Your daily habits are our hidden Design Brief. From school runs to evening soirees; every routine tells us how to design a space that fits your life.
We consider:
Circulation and adjacency: Where meals happen, where homework is done, where the casual chats unfold. We love designing spaces to allow you to connect with your loved ones.
Function-led design: We pride ourselves on creating home that seamlessly blend practicality with modest luxury. Practical cabinetry, super smart storage solutions, all tuned in to making your routine feel effortless and lighter.
Flexible environments: We anticipate your future, too: serene and cosy when the kids have flown the nest, but warm and spacious for family gatherings, or space for the teens to grow for a few years.
Interpreting your vision into design elements
“Light and airy,” “sophisticated and effortless.” These phrases offer emotion, but not the critical details. We translate them into every material, texture and finish.
Here's how we make it tangible:
Light and airy could mean pale oak floorboards, sheer curtains that filter soft light and brass finishes that reflect it.
Sophisticated yet effortless might find expression in refined curves, subtle contrast tones and elegant, paired back joinery.
Mood boards, sketches and sample boards all become our shared language. We ensure you feel and see exactly what your space is beginning to communicate.
Our goal is to ensure every material and design element echos your vision perfectly.
The Design Brief: a project roadmap
A Design Brief is literally your project’s bible. We constantly refer to it while designing. It keeps us aligned, keeps decisions intentional and ensures nothing is lost in translation. It grounds our creative exploration back to the main purpose and needs of your project, and allows design, documentation and the build to follow with precision.
Why this matters
By talking through details of your life, your style and your routine we can create more than interiors. We create a home that feels just like you and made for you. The clarity of a Design Brief means less overwhelm, more confidence and better communication from day one.
Ready to begin shaping your Design Brief together? Let’s have a Discovery Call that turns your ideas into a home you’ll love, down to every thoughtful detail:
