EMBRACE YOUR TRAITS

As a lifelong Southern California girl, I haven’t had much exposure to the true “change of seasons.” Even so, Fall is my favorite time of year, especially in the desert. While most people wait for the “turning of the leaves”, I wait for the “scalping of the lawns.” After months of sizzling summer temps, our beautiful desert cools down and our wonderful Snowbirds return.

I am so thankful for the opportunity of working with amazing and yet sometimes an eclectic group of clients. I say this because not all design clients fit into the same mold. Just like with children, it would be in poor taste to admit out loud who are my favorites (but you know who you are!) 

Last month, I was described (accurately) as “quirky.” But the truth is, I am not alone in this category. My valued clients have their own idiosyncrasies and entertaining character traits. Over the years, I have found people who work with designers fall into four common categories.

WHICH TYPE OF DESIGN CLIENT ARE YOU? 

1.  The Enthusiast –  already has a design file filled with paint chips, photos and magazine clippings. They have online accounts for Pinterest and HOUZZ, and have done plenty of research. They are eager to help and ready to get their hands dirty.

2.  The Butterfly –  flutters about in search of the perfect place to land. They often have great style and ideas but lack confidence to move forward because they find it difficult to visualize the big picture. Fearful of making a mistake, they often enlist the help of friends, family and neighbors, to double-check each design decision along the way.

3.  The Optimist –  has perhaps watched too many design shows which has led them to believe that a complete design and remodel can be done in a matter of days. The optimist is full of questions about availability (for products, labor, delivery, etc.) For example, “Why does it take 3 weeks to make a couple of pillows?” This client may understand the explanation but is still anxious to reach the finish line once a decision is made. Fast and furious design is usually required with this client.

4.  The Anti-Shopper –  has no need to review every color, pattern, and fabric selected because working with a designer is like getting a root canal (no offense taken.) The Anti-shopper doesn’t love dealing with all the details of the project and is only interested in the end result. These clients willingly relinquish control when out of their comfort zone and trust the design process.

I describe my Ideal Client as being realistic, informed and prepared both emotionally and financially for the project we are undertaking. This category is not listed above because very seldom do clients start in this category. They become ideal clients in the course of a project. In the end, they may not always understand the “how or why” of each design decision but they do value the strengths and benefits of working with an experienced professional.

So I encourage you to embrace your traits. There is a saying that goes “there is nothing worse than a high-maintenance woman who doesn’t think she is high-maintenance.” Meaning, if you embrace who you really are, life for all around you will be more enjoyable. I can honestly admit that I am NOT always an Ideal Client myself. Just ask my web designer.

by Patricia Lockwood,

Interior Designer and author of this Interior Design Psychology Blog.