One of the top questions I’m asked when folks are searching for design help with a new home build or a large-scale renovation is when is the best time to bring in the design team? My response: As early as possible! The path to a seamless home project starts by bringing in the design team while you’re planning with your architect and your builder. Putting together a trusted team at the beginning of your project allows us to collaborate and execute a design vision that matches your goals for your home, both functionally and stylistically.

Manlove and Company Interiors recently completed a Modern Farmhouse project for an active young family in Arlington. They contacted us during the drawings stage of their new dream home. This was perfect timing! This allowed us to help them from the very beginning with recommendations that informed their construction decisions. An early start on a project provides 3 BIG advantages:

For this project, we were able to influence the layout before construction began. We suggested expanding the Breakfast Nook area so the table and the built-in bench would fit better (this is one of my favorite spaces in the house!) and improving the Kitchen flow by moving the refrigerator to the opposite side of the room, allowing for easier access from the Breakfast Nook and screened in porch.

By helping our clients select fixtures, tile, lighting and paint colors, we helped them meet their builder’s schedule and kept everything moving (and saved $$$ too). Also, with a large-scale new build and the zillions of selections and decisions that are required, it’s easy for clients to get “analysis paralysis.” Our clients proceeded with confidence knowing they had an expert team considering every detail.

With furniture orders taking a year or more these days, placing our clients’ furniture orders during construction put them way up in the queue allowing for pieces to be delivered during move-in.

By being involved at the beginning of this project, we were able to anticipate challenges and make cohesive changes early–before it became costly.

Getting a ground-level start with our Modern Farmhouse project allowed us to work with a blank slate. Little details like helping the clients select the stone for the fireplace, as well as what color to stain the floors and ceiling beams helped this home feel more cohesive. We were able to create truly custom spaces for our clients that were conscious, cozy, and comforting.

For more photos of the project, visit our Portfolio.

3 REASONS TO START YOUR PROJECT EARLY