Kristina
Interior Designer: Hi Mrs. Smith, I'm so glad you could meet with me today. I wanted to come by and see how you're liking the new renovations.
Homemaker: I'm not really liking them, to be honest.
Interior Designer: Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. I thought we had a good understanding of your design personality and what you were looking for.
Homemaker: We did, but I think you misunderstood me. I wanted something more traditional and cosy, but this feels too modern and cold.
Interior Designer: I see. I'm sorry, I didn't get it right. I can always make some changes if you'd like.
Homemaker: I don't know. I'm not sure if I want to spend more money on this.
Interior Designer: I understand. It's a big investment. But I think if we make a few tweaks, we can get it to where you want it.
Homemaker: I'll think about it. I am also disappointed, as this renovation has cost more than the budget I gave you to work with.
Interior Designer: Okay. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Homemaker: Thank you.
Interior Designer: You're welcome.
The interior designer leaves, feeling disappointed. They thought they had a good understanding of the homemaker's unique design personality, but it's clear that they missed the mark. They'll need to do some more work to figure out what the homemaker really wants and then suggest some changes to the renovations. They are also concerned that once again the client's budget has been exceeded.
The homemaker is feeling let down as well. They had high hopes for the renovations, but they're not happy with the finished look and feel. They're not sure if they can spend more money to make changes, nor are they confident with this highly recommended designer – but they also don't want to live in a home that they don't love.
Unfortunately, the above made-up dialogue is based on extensive research from over 1000+ homemakers who had recently completed a home improvement project.
It is a typical conversation that is not usually verbalised – but runs inside a homemaker's head after a recent home improvement project.
In this scenario, it is between the homemaker and their design professional (interior designer, architect, decorator or building contractor). It can also as easily occur between two DIY homemakers – blaming each other for why they are not happy with the finished project.
The two parties will need to have a frank conversation about what went wrong and what needs to be done to fix it.
If the design professional can find a cost-effective way for them to actually know a homemaker's unique design personality then future clients will love the finished project, rave about it, refer more clients to the professional, and work with them again on the next project.
However, if they continue to do the same thing over and over again (and expect a different result) then they are doomed to repeat the outcome…
What would you prefer to be the outcome of your next home improvement project? Learn more to guarantee WIN-WIN for all parties.
You might also enjoy
