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DESIGN INSIGHTS & INSPIRATION

Interior Design Tips, Expert Advice & Client Resources from Summer Kim Design – Denver, CO

Discover expert advice, thoughtful guidance, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you navigate your interior design journey with clarity and confidence. Whether you're just getting started or refining your vision, our blog offers inspiration and practical tools to support every step of the process.

How to Prepare for Your First Consultation with a Denver Interior Designer

How to Prepare for Your First Consultation with a Denver Interior Designer | Summer Kim Design | Denver, CO

What to know, bring, and expect for a successful and inspiring design experience.


So, you’ve booked your first interior design consultation—exciting! Whether you’re remodeling a historic Denver bungalow, furnishing a new-build in Cherry Creek, or updating a downtown loft, the first meeting sets the tone for your entire design journey.


At Summer Kim Design, we believe a well-prepared consultation leads to thoughtful, personalized results—and a smoother process from start to finish.


Here’s how to prepare for your first consultation with a Denver interior designer so you walk into your first consultation feeling clear, confident, and inspired.




1. Clarify Your Goals

Before we meet, take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve with your space.


Ask yourself:

  • What’s not working in your current home?

  • How do you want the space to feel (cozy, minimal, dramatic, serene)?

  • Are there specific needs—like more storage, better lighting, or space for entertaining?

Clear goals help us shape a design that fits your lifestyle—not just your square footage.




2. Gather Inspiration

We love when clients come to the table with visual ideas. This helps us understand your taste beyond words like “modern” or “cozy.”

Bring:

  • Pinterest boards, Houzz ideabooks, saved Instagram posts, or magazine clippings

  • Photos of spaces you love (even if they’re not interiors—fashion, art, or nature work too)

  • A list of materials, colors, or styles you’re drawn to (and what you want to avoid)

Don’t worry about having it all figured out—we’ll help you refine and define your aesthetic.




3. Know Your Investment Range

Being open about your budget allows us to recommend the right solutions from the start—whether it’s custom furniture, high-performance finishes, or smart phasing options.


If you're unsure of a number, think in terms of priorities:

  • “We want to focus on the main living area first.”

  • “We’re open to investing in pieces that will last.”

  • “We’d love options at different price points.”

Transparency helps us maximize value—without compromising vision.




4. Take Measurements and Photos (If Applicable)

If we’re meeting virtually or you’re preparing ahead of an in-home visit, having basic measurements and photos can be incredibly helpful.


Suggested prep:

  • Room dimensions (walls, ceiling height, windows, and doors)

  • A few wide-angle photos of the space

  • Any architectural plans if available (for renovations or new builds)

Don’t stress about precision—we’ll guide you on what’s most useful.




5. Make a List of Questions

Your first consultation is a great time to ask anything that’s on your mind.


Common client questions include:

  • What does the full design process look like?

  • How do you manage purchasing and trade coordination?

  • How involved will I be throughout the project?

  • What’s your typical timeline?

  • What sets Summer Kim Design apart?

This is your time to make sure the partnership feels right.




6. Be Open to the Process

You don’t need all the answers—that’s why you hired a designer. Come with an open mind, a bit of curiosity, and trust that our job is to take your vision and bring it to life—with clarity, beauty, and intention.




What You Can Expect from Us

At Summer Kim Design, our first consultation is about listening, dreaming, and building a strong foundation for what’s ahead.


You can expect:

  • A warm, collaborative conversation

  • Honest feedback and creative insight

  • A clear outline of next steps and what to expect moving forward

Whether your project is large or small, we’re here to make the process inspiring—and the outcome extraordinary.




Final Thoughts on How to Prepare for Your First Consultation with a Denver Interior Designer

A little preparation goes a long way in making your first consultation meaningful and productive. Our goal is to create a home that reflects not only your style—but the way you live.


Excited to get started? Let’s turn your ideas into a home that feels effortlessly, authentically you.









 
 
 

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