Our Interior Design Process
Designing a home that feels effortless, personal, and complete doesn’t happen by chance. At Sarah Montgomery Interiors, we guide our clients through a clear, collaborative design process that’s as thoughtful as the spaces we create. Whether we’re furnishing a forever home, renovating a historic property, or working with you from the ground up, our phased approach allows us to lead with creativity while managing every detail behind the scenes.
Exploration
Once a client signs on, we begin with onboarding, setting the foundation for the entire project. We gather insight into your aesthetic, how you live in your space, and what you’re hoping to achieve. We’ll talk about priorities, timeline, and budget, and walk through any initial inspiration you’ve collected.
From there, we present a mood board that reflects your style and establishes a clear visual direction. This phase is all about listening, interpreting, and aligning.
Schematic Design
With a direction in place, we begin developing a full design concept over a 6-12 week period. This includes space planning, furniture layouts, finish palettes, and lighting concepts, all tailored to your home’s architecture and your day-to-day life.
If the project includes construction or renovation, we prioritize floor plans, elevations, and material selections so we can bring in the right trades and obtain accurate bids early on.
Design Presentation
This is where everything comes together. We present a full design package, including floor plans, elevations, finish and fabric samples, and an itemized proposal for furnishings and materials.
This presentation allows you to see the big picture and understand how every element works together to create a cohesive, considered space.
Execution
Once the design is approved, we move into procurement. Orders are placed, timelines are managed, and progress begins behind the scenes. This phase can span several months depending on lead times and project complexity, typically between 3 and 9 months.
If your project involves construction, we coordinate with contractors and consultants to ensure design intent is carried through, checking in regularly and answering questions as they arise.
Project Management
Execution is only as strong as the team managing it. We oversee every moving part—orders, vendors, deliveries, and trades—to keep the project on track and within scope. Our clients trust us to lead with clarity and handle the inevitable bumps along the way.
When issues come up (and they do), we communicate early, offer solutions, and keep things moving forward with as little disruption to you as possible.
Delivery and Installation
Once everything is ready, we oversee the full install, managing deliveries, placing furniture, hanging art, and layering in textiles, accessories, and finishing touches. This is the moment when your home truly takes shape.
We walk the space together, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure every detail feels just right. While it’s the final phase of our process, it’s the beginning of life in a space that’s designed around you.
If you’re ready to bring your vision to life and want a design partner who can guide you through every step of the process, we’d love to hear more. Start by filling out our inquiry form, the first step toward a home that feels thoughtful, personal, and entirely yours.