A Day in the Life of Lori of Lori Lynn Designs

I am delighted to tell you that Lori Burke of Lori Lynn Designs is back with another informative, humorous blog about a typical day in the life of an Interior Designer.

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After reviewing the crazy design schedule I have planned for tomorrow, I decided it might make an interesting blog to document one of my crazy, jam packed days. Many people think the life of an Interior Designer is a glamorous affair, filled with shopping, creative design sessions, and satisfied customers. A little dose of my "design reality" sheds a little light on the subject.

8:00 - Target departure for my 9:00 design appointment in Dallas. Fully loaded and ready to go at 8:05 (will have to make up the time on the Tollway!) and then I realize my car is filthy. My previous day's appointment was at a new construction site that welcomes you with a dusty dirt road. My first appointment is with a new client and I want to make a good impression, so... I go back inside and get the Windex bottle and paper towel to perform an emergency "Spitz Bath" for the van. Now it is 8:15 and the planets will have to align for me to make the appointment on time! 



 

9:05 - Only 5 minutes late, which is amazing - but then I realize that there is no parking in the area. I finally arrive fully out of breath from  walking in heels on 4 blocks of cobblestone sidewalks with two heavy design bags! This appointment is with Sean, who has just closed on a new loft in the West End area of Dallas. The loft has a great layout, but his entire 2,500 square foot new home has been painted "Builder's Bisque" and is in dire need of character and warmth.

 

 

Sean is interested in using color to add interest and to separate the adjoining living spaces. We pick out beautiful hues of greens and taupes for the main areas and additional colors for the office and bedrooms. We discuss his entertaining and lifestyle preferences along with furniture style. I take room measurements so I can email him several layout options with associated furniture sizes. Sean is now ready to have the loft painted and can buy furniture this weekend based on our discussions and the floor plan layouts to come.

On to my 11:00 appointment at the Dallas Market Center to shop for contemporary furniture and bedding with existing clients. I quickly grab two new design bags, along with large design boards which have samples of the clients color schemes and previous selections. Together, we are looking for new pieces in a mixed palette of warm and cool tones with metallic accents. After visiting various furniture showrooms, these pieces were among the favorites. 

 

 

 

The unique, silver leather high back chairs were both stunning and comfortable. When paired with the yellow and gray accent rug, the combination will really "pop" in the client's new home. The console table blends beautifully with this furniture, and the wood panel screen provides an interesting backdrop for the room. Here are pictures of the two favorite bedding options, also in the same color palette. 



 

I take pictures, measurements, and fabric swatches so my client   may make the final decisions once checking things at home. The client is happy - yea!

It is now 1:15, and my next lighting appointment is set for 2:00. Time for a break to check voice mail, put the bags and design boards down, and have lunch in the cafeteria. However, the first voicemail is from my 2:00 appointment asking if she can please move up the appointment to 1:30 due to afternoon carpool issues! I order the "Power Lunch" to go...

 

This client is selecting entry and dining room lights for her home. She wants a contemporary, unique look and wants a formal feel to these areas. This is our second shopping trip for these pieces and she is getting discouraged. After visiting another three showrooms, we find exactly what she was looking for! The crystal drop chandelier with the shade is our favorite for her entry, and the silver crystal chandelier is perfect for her dining room.

 



 

However, before she can finalize the purchase, she wants her husband to see her choices in person; we schedule a third appointment.

Now to race home by 4:30 (delivery to be between 4:30 and 6p.m.) so that I can receive a shipment of 40 boxes of lights for two new homes in Melissa. The delivery company has made two previous non-scheduled attempts for delivery and I was not home. If I miss this one, the merchandise goes back to the factory! I pull up at 4:15, thinking I am ahead of schedule and an 18 wheeler is out in front! The driver said he was only going to wait another 5 minutes before leaving! So much for a schedule! We unload the two pallets to my storage center and he reminds me that I must have all items opened and checked within 3 days in case of any breakage! 

 

You gotta love this job!

 

 

 

 

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OK, I don't know about any of you, but I'm exhausted.  That's a full day if there ever was one!

Thank you, dear Lori for another great post. 
If any of you are in the Texas area and interested in an interior design consultation, you can contact Lori at her website Lori Lynn Designs.

Also, if you would like Lori to write a post on any particular area of interest to you, email me or leave a comment and I will gladly pass the suggestion on to our Interior Designer Extraordinaire.

 

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 Hope y'all have more energy than this poor guy after holiday shopping!
 

 

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