Removing the Overwhelm: How We Guide You Through Our Design Process

If you’ve ever taken on a home project, you already know it can feel like a full-time job. From the endless decisions to the coordination of trades and timelines, it’s no wonder people describe the process as overwhelming.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be.

Our role as designers goes far beyond choosing pretty things. We’re here to guide every step of the journey—making sure the sofa fits through the door, knowing who to call when the hardware shipment is delayed, and managing the details so you don’t have to.

Designing your home should feel like a collaboration built on trust, clarity, and ease. That’s exactly what our process is designed to do.

Getting Started When You Don’t Know Where to Start

A common thing I hear from new clients is, “I don’t even know what I want.” And honestly, that’s completely normal. Our approach goes beyond collecting a few inspiration photos and asking what you like. Instead, we help you uncover the why behind your preferences. Here’s how we start:

Look at your digital world. Next time you’re scrolling social media, look at your feed through a different lens. Do you notice any patterns that you gravitate towards? The algorithms know you better than you think (unfortunately), but this is a chance to use it to your advantage. The images you see might give you a starting point.

Provide thoughtful responses. In our detailed questionnaire, we dig into what you love outside of your home: your favorite restaurant, your most-loved vacation destination, even your go-to outfit or accessory. Then we ask why. Often, those answers reveal the emotional cues that will guide your home’s design direction.

When we meet in your home, we’re not just taking measurements — we’re observing how you live. The more open you are, the better we can do our job. Don’t “prep” your home or hide things away. Let us peek in the drawers, the closets, and observe the rhythm of your everyday life. Those little details help us design a home that feels both personal and functional.

Helping You Make Confident Decisions

Every home project comes with countless decisions. We understand how easy it is to feel paralyzed by choice, especially when every decision feels permanent. Fortunately, when you work with a designer, we handle the vast majority, presenting only the best options for you to choose from.

Still, making those decisions confidently isn’t always easy. We utilize a variety of tools to help support you through each one:

Thoughtful Sourcing

There’s no need to ask for a “designer discount” when it comes to finding the right pieces for your home. Think of us as your one-stop-shop for literally everything. We vet vendors and source for items that fit your aesthetic and desired investment level, balancing spending and saving thoughtfully where it matters most. We then handle every step of procurement, including ordering, tracking, receiving, inspecting, storing and installation. 

Samples & Photographs

Samples and photos of items are a must during the design presentation. We want you to know what each selection looks and feels like so you are fully confident approving it or asking for another option. A few of my favorite “tests” are when a client rubs their face on fabric that will be used for a sofa that will be for lounging and when they step on a carpet sample without shoes or socks. It may sound crazy, but it truly does help them decide and see how it feels in real life!

Visualizing with Renderings

Technical drawings for the contractor are incredibly valuable, but they don’t give you an accurate understanding of what the space will look like. For that reason, we use renderings in every single project to help visualize the space. Because these renderings are computer-generated, not everything will be how it appears in real life, so I help coach clients on using it to see the big picture. From there, we can analyze preferences for individual details.

Balancing Big Picture & Details

It’s easy to get caught up in the micro-decisions—one tile, one light fixture, one fabric—but we’re always keeping an eye on the big picture. If something feels off or you start to second-guess, I’ll often remind clients, “Earlier you said you loved xyz. Does that still feel true?” It helps realign each choice with your original vision.

At the end of the day, trust is everything. We only present pieces we truly believe are the best fit for you, your home, and your lifestyle.

A Note on Finding Common Ground

Designing for couples can sometimes be… entertaining. I like to joke that part of my job is being a bit of a marriage counselor.

When preferences differ (and they almost always do) I dig deeper. Why does one person love a specific chair while the other doesn’t? Often it’s about texture for one and color for the other. Once we understand the “why,” we can usually find something that checks both boxes.

And when two styles seem worlds apart? That’s where creativity shines. I love blending aesthetics in a way that feels natural and balanced. You never have to fit neatly into one design “box.” There’s always a way to reach common ground!

What I Wish Clients Knew Before We Begin

If you’re preparing to start a project, there are a few things I wish everyone knew:

You’re going to feel everything. Renovations and large-scale designs can be emotional rollercoasters. There will be highs and lows, and that’s okay. I’m here to navigate it all with you—we’ve seen it before, and we’ll always find a solution.

Start noticing your routines. Think about how you actually live day-to-day. Do you want your electric toothbrush out on the counter or tucked in a drawer? Where do you drop your keys? These small details make a big difference in creating a home that truly supports you.

Edit before we design. Whether on your own or with a professional organizer, decluttering helps us design for what you actually use and love.

Trust the process. I promise, we have your best interest at heart. We think through every decision—both aesthetic and practical—with the full picture in mind. One of my favorite clients once told me that she just “trusts the recipe.”

She compared our design process to dining at a great restaurant—you don’t tell the chef exactly how to cook the meal. You might say “no mushrooms,” but otherwise, you trust that what’s served will be delicious. That’s exactly how I view the designer-client relationship. We curate the menu, guide you through the options, and serve something crafted just for you.

Key Takeaways: How We Remove the Overwhelm in Your Home Design Journey

• We simplify every step of your home project with a clear, supportive, and personalized design process.
• Our approach starts with uncovering your true style through in-depth questions and inspiration gathering.
• We guide decision-making with tools like samples, renderings, and thoughtful sourcing so you feel confident in every choice.
• You’ll experience a balance between big-picture vision and detailed precision, ensuring your home feels authentically you.
• Trusting our process helps you enjoy the journey, not just the result.
• For future projects, prepare by curating a realistic wishlist, decluttering, and embracing the emotional ups and downs with confidence.

I’ll never be one to sugarcoat the details of a major home project – it’s important to know ahead of time that there are challenges and bumps in every single project. The good news is that our process is specifically designed to create a smooth and (dare I say) enjoyable experience for you. We’re here every step of the way as your guide and support.

If this kind of support is what you’re looking for, reach out here and let’s begin the conversation.

Warmly,
Kristen

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About the Author

Kristen Pipal is the founder and principal designer of KP Home, a Chicago-based interior design studio creating personality-driven spaces that feel as good as they look. With a thoughtful, collaborative approach, Kristen guides clients through every stage of the design process, ensuring the final result is as livable as it is beautiful.

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