THE GOLDEN RULE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

Now that the new year is in full swing, many people are looking at the design project that has been on the back burner.

Believe it or not, some folks are afraid to work with an interior designer because they think to do so automatically equates to big bucks. I feel it is important to say that is not necessarily the case.  In fact, my experience has been that working with a designer can actually save you money. Who does not want to do that?

For instance, my client thought they could only use a sofa and chair or their Family Room would be over-crowded. What they really wanted was a sectional. When I created two floor plans* - one with the sofa/chair combo and another with a smaller configuration sectional (the kind with a corner sofa and loveseat)- they were able to "see" how much more open the room would be and how much more seating they would achieve. Mission accomplished.

Yesterday, I had a customer who wanted two recliners but needed help with pulling the right combination of fabrics together to go with other things in the room.  They were so pleased by the process and the final selection. They apologized for having such a small project.  I said, "It does not matter if the project is a small one or a mac-mansion, I have the same philosophy: to take care of my customer by the 'Golden Rule' - the same way I want to be treated."

Imagine what the world would be like if  we all lived our lives by the Golden Rule, if we all treated other people the way we want to be treated.

*If you want a great tool/app for creating a floor plan, I highly recommend "LivingSpaces" by ICOVIA - see image above. It is easy and fun to work with! However, if you are still challenged with figuring out what floor plan works best for you, contact me. I will be glad to help you create the room or home of your dreams.

Not your ordinary designer

My friend, Walter, asked me to speak on his NPR program in the Catskills .  In his introduction, he described me as "an Interior Design who has designs on your interior."  He had a way with words! You might think that an odd thing to say.  Although I was in New York working on a design job, Walter was more interested in my other work - researching reincarnation and spiritual growth.

Interior Design was and is a great training ground for my favorite avocation because learning to trust my intuition about my clients and my jobs is essential to my success.  That was never more evident than when I worked on a model in Estero, FL.  I was very sensitive to the energy of the property and the building. The designs for the model came together organically.  Every detail moved in to place like pieces of a puzzle, including a portrait of Thomas Jefferson for the Study.  My assistant hated the portrait but something told me to use it anyway.  The model was sold before I finished it and a meeting with the new owners enlightened me as to why the portrait was important. I shared the files of furniture, wallpaper, finishes, window treatments and, of course,  artwork with the client. When I got to the portrait of Jefferson, the client told me that he was born on Jefferson's birthday, April 13.  Even more interesting, that very day was April 13th.  I knew these were more than coincidences.

For me, interior design is more than creating beautiful spaces; it is also about the relationships we create.  People touch our lives for a reason. If we can be "open" to that purpose, the process is magical.  Sometimes, that purpose goes beyond the obvious - like my experience with Peter, who asked me to help him with the Feng Shui energy of his home.  The real purpose of the meeting was to make the connection between Peter and his deceased friend,who we lovingly call "Clarence" because of a promise Peter's friend made to Peter before he died. Clarence wanted to let Peter know that we do not die.

While I do love to create beauty, what I really love is creating spaces where love grows.  I think that's what Walter meant when he called me an Interior Designer who has designs on your interior.

Just as we all have a unique style of decorating, we all have a unique path of spiritual growth.  It's fascinating creating different styles and honoring different paths.