3 Important Things You Can Do to Prepare for Your Consultation

What are some important things you can do to prepare for your consultation?  You may have started window treatment shopping and realized you have options.  You can go to a big box store and pick shades off a wall, take them home, and hope for the best—or you can have a trained specialist come to your house and help you decide the best window treatment for your unique space.  At Made in the Shade, we’re partial to the latter option, given that in-home window treatment consultations are our specialty. 

At the consultation, we will address several questions.  First, what are your privacy issues and lighting requirements?  Then, we will address how you want to use your window treatments.   Do you like to raise them to get a full view?  Do you prefer the blinds down so you can peek through them and still have privacy?  Everyone has different likes and dislikes.  How do you use the room?  Do you need room darkening for sleeping, watching television, or working on a computer?  What are your color preferences?  We will ask you many questions to determine the best window treatments for your space.

Task #1: Save and Share Images that Inspire You

Creating an idea folder can help your consultant better understand the look you want for your home.  To create an idea folder, you can gather pictures from Google, Pinterest, Houzz, and other web pages, along with swatches of your favorite color combinations.  You should also include your likes and dislikes within the idea folder.  Anything that appeals to you should be added to your folder, whether a single window or an entire room, to help your consultant understand your tastes and other preferences.  By doing this prep work, you can achieve your desired look or even find new styles you love.

Task #2: Discuss and Determine Your Project Goals

To develop a successful window treatment plan, you must first consider the purpose of a particular type of window treatment installation.  Next, decide the primary objective and what you are trying to accomplish (more/less light, increased privacy, enhanced outside view, greater aesthetic appeal, etc.)

Important things you can do to prepare for your consultation: Either mentally or in your inspirational file, consider the following before your consultation.

Consider your room dècor – are you looking for something more modern or traditional? Or, is your style rustic or modern farmhouse style?

Do you need to control the light entering the room – such as in southern exposure areas of the home where direct sunlight can create excessive heat and UV damage to furnishings.  

Also, what are you privacy concerns, if any?

In addition, consider how essential is the ease of use – would motorization make operating the window treatments easier?

Consider the cost – a huge factor, especially for whole-house treatments. Since, the average home in America has about 2,400 square feet of floor space, with 15 or more windows it’s important to consider what you’re willing to invest in this project. You may want to complete your project in phases. I have created a project checklist that helps clients determine the best window treatments for their budget.

Consider safety concerns- especially concerning infant or small children 

Consider if you need exterior shades- They can significantly impact your overall enjoyment of your home as well.

Task #3: Prepare and Plan to Keep Your Mind Open

I encourage you to come with no distractions, a positive attitude, and an open mind. Do you need to confer with your spouse or best friend to decide? I completely understand and encourage them to be present at the consultation so that I can address any concerns or answer questions. We know that home projects can be stressful. Flexibility and positivity will go a long way in making the whole process go smoothly.

To summarize the important things you can do to prepare for your consultation, create a physical or online inspiration board. Consider the function of each room. What works in the living room may not work in the media room. Consider how you use each room and what is essential in each room. Consider your budget and allocate that to the most critical windows in the house. Feel free to complete your project in stages. For example, start with the shades and add decorative panels as the budget allows. Don’t go with a one size fits all approach.

Ready to schedule that home consultation if you don’t already have one on the books? Let’s talk. We can’t wait to meet you!

See y’all soon!

Lana