The Design Journey
At Mandelbaum Design, we believe that every home tells a story—yours. Our role is to help you articulate this story. Here’s how we bring your vision to life:
1. Initial Conversations: The Foundation of Your Dream
Our journey begins with a conversation. We want to get to know you, your lifestyle, your aspirations, your vision, whether it be the redesign of a single room or the entirety of your home. From practical considerations like budget and timeline to the more poetic elements of style and aesthetic, this stage is about listening and understanding.
Whether virtual, or in person, a walkthrough provides invaluable context, helping us see the nuances of the environment and envision its transformation.
During this stage, we take notes, precise site measurements, and capture detailed site photos; essential references as the foundation of your home’s design.
2. Conceptual Design: Shaping the Vision
With your input as our compass, we set to work on developing the design spirit of your home, where we create its narrative. We translate your dreams into tangible ideas, presenting sketches, mood boards, and curated inspirations. Each of these visual aids points to something we propose within your space; whether it be a colour scheme, a countertop edge detail, the proportions of a cabinet, or the furniture layout of a room. In combination, these elements are the first steps in bringing form to your space, guided by a cohesive narrative that reflects who you are.
3. Space Planning: The Keystone of Great Design
Before diving into room-specific concepts, we establish a thoughtfully considered space plan. This critical step ensures that every square inch of your home is optimized for flow, functionality, and comfort. We can propose improved layouts that elevate the way you live, offering solutions you might not have imagined. It’s here that our expertise shines—our ability to envision how spaces work holistically, balancing proportions, circulation, and placement.
Unlike architects, who often focus on structure and form, we delve into how the space feels and functions. We’ll show you how, as a single example, a sofa and seating area can float gracefully in a room, creating an inviting conversation area, and increase flow, rather than being relegated to a corner or wall. This skill is worth its weight in gold, transforming ordinary layouts into extraordinary living spaces. The simple reorientation of a wall, a door, a window, can create a truly sumptuous sightline through mere prior consideration.
4. Design Development: From Concept to Blueprint
Once the concept is refined and approved, the design begins to crystallize. We craft detailed plans and drawings, ensuring every element aligns with the established vision. These plans and drawings are often presented with slight variations, where programming, proportions, materiality, and other design elements might change, from which we derive feedback from the client on stylistic preference.
Every design element specified by us will be included in a contract drawing package. We will source materials, select finishes, and coordinate with trusted artisans and vendors. Collaboration is key, and you’ll be updated every step of the way as the design evolves into something uniquely yours.
5. The Difference Between Pre-Construction and Renovations
When working on pre-construction projects, we collaborate closely with architects, builders, and contractors from the earliest stages. This allows us to integrate design seamlessly into the architectural plans, ensuring that every detail is accounted for before construction begins.
Pre-construction offers the advantage of having our greatest, and most holistic, influence on space. This allows us to truly shape spaces in alignment with your vision from the ground up without existing site constraints. During this phase, we can influence critical aspects like room arrangements, sight lines, creation of vignettes, establishing interior architectural elements and interest, optimizing light exposures, and ensuring flow and functionality are perfectly tailored to your needs.
Discovering heritage paint in an early 19th century restoration
For renovations of existing homes, the process requires a different lens. We begin by studying the existing structure, identifying opportunities and constraints. This is particularly critical for historic restorations, where preserving the character and integrity of the original design is paramount, and a more sensitive approach is sometimes desired, and often legislated.
We work with tradespeople, fabricators, and specialists who understand the nuances of restoration, ensuring updates honour the past whilst meeting contemporary needs. Renovations often demand creative problem-solving and a deep respect for that which already exists.
6. Implementation: Bringing the Vision to Life
The implementation phase is where ideas take shape in the physical world. Whether it’s a pre-construction project or a renovation, we oversee our work, coordinating with contractors, trades, architects, and fabricators to ensure the highest standards of execution. From managing timelines to procurement, through to troubleshooting challenges, we handle the details so you can savor the transformation with excitement and ease.
7. Completion: A Home Like No Other
We take pride in ensuring every detail is perfect—from the placement of furniture to the curated placement of art, to every accessory and decor item bringing the final layer to your space. We also provide aftercare support, including warranty coordination and recommendations for the ongoing maintenance of your home.
Your home will not only reflect your tastes and needs but also exude that ineffable charm defining great design. It’s a place you’ll love, live in, and never want to leave. A space every visitor will be moved by (and want to move into).
8. The Mandelbaum Touch
Finally, the moment arrives when your space is ready to welcome you.
Our approach is rooted in the traditions of timeless design, with an unyielding commitment to quality and elegance. Like the storied decorators and designers in a long connected line of training, we believe in creating spaces that evoke both comfort and wonder, where every element serves a purpose and tells a story.
Working with Mandelbaum Design is more than a service; it’s a collaboration, a discovery, and an experience that transforms houses into homes. Let’s begin your journey.
