The role of a full-service interior design studio goes far beyond what most people expect. While the term describes work spanning from project concept to completion, what actually happens in between isn’t always clear. Our four-phase process is designed to bring structure to all of those moving pieces while giving each decision the time and attention it deserves. Here’s what you can expect from our very first conversation to the final pillow fluff at installation.

Phase I: Discovery

Every Mabel Lane project begins with an introductory conversation where we get to know you and your home, discuss what you hope to accomplish, and make sure the scope aligns with our services. We will also establish an initial budget range for design fees so you clearly understand the investment and what working together may look like.

After our conversation, the next step in our Discovery phase is an in-person site visit where we walk through your home and discuss the project in greater detail. With a better understanding of the space and required scope, we finalize our design fees and send you an agreement to review. This gives us both an opportunity to make sure the collaboration feels like the right fit and lays a strong foundation for the work ahead.

Phase II: Design

After we receive your signed agreement, Design begins with our first official project meeting. This is where we really dive into the details about how you want to use your home and how you hope the finished spaces will feel. From there, our studio begins refining floor plans, designing cabinetry, curating material palettes, and sourcing the fixtures, furnishings, and textiles for your project.

For renovations and new builds, we like to collaborate with your architect or build team so interior decisions are considered alongside architecture and construction. At your final design presentation, you will see the entire vision come together through material samples and drawings before we move into estimates or purchasing. Our studio handles most of the design work behind the scenes, though we may ask for occasional feedback or approvals from you along the way.

Phase III: Coordination

Once the design is approved and material selections are finalized, we shift our attention to bringing everything we’ve planned to life. For renovations and new builds, we prioritize ordering designer-procured materials early and provide your build team with specifications to review before construction begins. Throughout construction, we remain involved to answer questions and provide clarification on our drawings and specifications as needed.

At the same time, our studio manages the procurement of fixtures and furnishings, tracking lead times, and communicating with vendors on all product orders. Throughout this process, your involvement remains minimal while we manage the details associated with the items purchased through our studio.

Phase IV: Installation

As construction nears completion, the project moves into its final and most exciting stage. For projects that include furnishings and styling, our studio coordinates white-glove delivery and carefully places each piece before the final reveal. Once everything is in place, we walk through the finished spaces with you and address any remaining details related to our work before handing over a home that is ready for you to enjoy.

Planning for Full-Service Interior Design

For renovations and new builds, we believe that full-service interior design is most successful when it begins at the earliest stages of planning. Ideally, this means bringing your designer on board while there is still time to collaborate with the architect or contractor. For furnishings and styling projects, we recommend reaching out when you are ready to begin. Even when construction isn’t the primary focus of updating your home, we may identify smaller finish updates that would help the space feel more complete.

Work With Us

If our approach feels aligned with your renovation, new build, or furnishings project, we would love to learn more about your home. You can explore more about our interior design services or begin a project here.