Install Day

The In's and Out's of Install Day

As a designer, I have talked about many different aspects of the design process from the first phone call with a client to the installation day. I have not, however, talked about what that install day looks like! I just recently did a pretty large install for the home mentioned previously. It was built from the ground up and after the initial building, they brought me in for design! It is very exciting to see a project start from a blank canvas and come to fruition. The project is not all the way finished, but here is what our install day looks like!

First off, when ordering items, some are shipped to a warehouse/delivery company and some items are shipped to me as I can transport smaller items like decor, art, and mirrors. Whatever items I need to bring to the clients on install day, I load up and drive over! Our day usually starts in the morning. I like to be there early to assess the project. Typically, I prefer to do my installs alone,  I have the client leave their home for the day. So, at the end they get to see the finished product! During this particular install, the client and other workers were there because it was their move in week. It was busier than I’m used to on an install day, but we made it happen. My sister/brand manager, Chelsea, and I arrived in the morning and unloaded all of the items I brought. She took some “before” video footage of the areas I was setting up and I made a plan of which items I would begin with. Be on the lookout for those fun videos being posted soon. 

The first area I focused on were the drapes. I had two areas of custom drapes to hang, one in the main family room and one in the breakfast area. This is quite the process and usually takes up a big chunk of my time, but so worth it in the end. Chelsea helps me unbox all the hardware that comes with it and count how many pieces we need for each drapery panel. I measure and measure again! I cut down the rods on site and hang them. She also helps me unbox the drapes, lay them out, and holds them while I install! It is most certainly teamwork. When I don’t have her to help, I do this all myself, and that takes even longer. It is part of the individualized care you get when hiring a designer. After hanging the drapes, I have to “train” them. This means that I will leave the panels tied up and pleated for a few days. This way, the drapes hang and fall the way they are supposed to after being tied up for a couple days. All of these steps are very important for a project, and I take pride in my skills to make it perfect for the client. 

After the drapes were finished, we moved on to other items that were delivered. By this time my delivery guys had arrived and started to unload the larger items. For this project, we had a dining table and chairs, counter stools, end tables, lamps, rugs, sideboards, art, and mirrors. I obviously know where everything is going, but I have to direct my guys where each piece is going. Unboxing and assembling the items also takes up a good amount of time. Chelsea worked on the loft area assembling tables and lamps, and I did everything downstairs. I hang all the art and mirrors, lay out rugs, style the room and hopefully (not this time, but soon!) finish the project. Typically, when the client comes home at the end of the installation day, they will see their finished spaces, but as I mentioned before, we were not able to do that with this project. I love showing them around and seeing all our hard work from the beginning to the end! 

It is a long day and a long process, but install days are my favorite! There is nothing more rewarding than a satisfied client. I also love seeing my vision come to life in the spaces I design. I’m happy to help and hope you are happy as well. If you have any questions about this process, or in general, please DM, email, or call me so we can talk about your next project.