An install is where the months of planning, designing, and sourcing finally come together to create a fully realized, beautifully styled space. While it may seem like everything magically falls into place overnight, a successful install requires careful preparation, expert coordination, and a touch of problem-solving along the way.

If you’re working with a professional interior designer, understanding what happens during an install can help you feel more comfortable and confident in the process. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we bring a design to life—from pre-styling to the final reveal.

Timeline & Preparation

One of the most common questions we get is, “How long will the install take?” The answer depends on the size and complexity of the project, but most installs take between 1 to 5 days.

Pre-Styling & Planning

A successful install starts long before we arrive at your home. In the weeks leading up to installation day, we handle all the behind-the-scenes details to make sure everything is ready to go. Here is a glimpse at a couple of the details we work on prior to arriving at the home the day of the install:

Creating design boards and floor plans– We map out the entire space, down to the smallest details, so we know exactly where each piece will go.
Pre-styling – We pre-style every space in the studio to ensure they complement each other perfectly.
Inventory check – We confirm that all furniture, art, and accessories have been delivered and are in good condition.
Packing and organizing – We carefully pack styling accessories and smaller items so they’re easy to access on-site.

On install day, we want to hit the ground running—so every detail is accounted for in advance.

Logistics & Coordination

An install is a well-oiled machine, with each team member playing a specific role to keep things moving smoothly.

Who’s Involved

Designer (Me) – Oversees the entire install, ensuring every detail aligns with the design vision. I’m also hands-on with styling — making beds, steaming linens, and perfecting the final details.
Installers – Handle furniture assembly, hanging artwork, and placing heavy pieces.
Amanda (Operations Manager) – My right hand. She ensures everything arrives as expected and helps direct the team on furniture placement.
Sierra (Technical Designer) – Coordinates with the builder to troubleshoot any issues on-site. Sierra also helps with bedding, steaming linens, and fine-tuning every detail.
Julia (Office Assistant + Marketing Director) – Handles the small but essential details — from making beds to organizing accessories to capturing the best content.

A successful install runs on clear roles and strong communication. As the principal designer, I’m at the helm, making creative decisions and keeping everything running smoothly. For this install, I had my team of four incredible women, plus our receiving warehouse team delivering all the furniture. Everyone plays a crucial part in making the vision come to life seamlessly.

Problem-Solving on Site

Even with careful planning, things don’t always go perfectly—but that’s where experience and quick thinking come in.

Common on-site challenges include:

Incorrect Measurements – Even with detailed furniture floor plans and precise elevations for builders, things don’t always go as planned. In this home, the office shelves were installed at the wrong heights, so we had to adjust them to make sure our accessories fit perfectly.
Missing or damaged items – Sometimes a key piece arrives late or gets damaged in transit.
Prepare for Certain Problems – We knew the rugs would have creases from sitting in the warehouse, so we came prepared with a high-quality steamer to smooth them out quickly.
Travel Delays – We faced over two feet of snow in just two days on this trip, which threw off our schedule. We had to adjust and work around the weather to keep things on track.

We always have a backup plan. If a piece doesn’t fit, we’ll adjust the layout or source an alternative. If something is damaged, we’ll work with vendors to get it replaced quickly. Our goal is to solve issues on the spot without disrupting the flow of the install.

Styling & Final Touches

Once the large pieces are in place, the real magic happens. Styling is what makes a space feel lived-in and cohesive—and it’s one of the most important (and creative) parts of the process.

How We Style:

Shelves & Surfaces – Books, vases, framed art, and decorative objects are layered for a balanced look.
Furniture Placement – Pieces are adjusted until the flow feels natural and inviting.
Artwork & Mirrors – Hung at the perfect height to complement the furniture and space.
Textiles – Pillows, throws, and rugs are carefully placed to add softness and color.

It’s all about creating a polished, inviting atmosphere where every piece feels intentional.

Client Involvement

To preserve the element of surprise, we ask clients to stay away during the install. In fact, we’ll even block you on social media stories to make sure you don’t see any sneak peeks! We find that the final reveal is much more impactful when clients walk into a completely finished space rather than seeing it half-styled or in progress. Letting us handle the entire process allows us to create a cohesive, finished look without interruptions.

Before & After Transformation

The transformation is one of the most satisfying parts of the job. We always document the “before” so you can fully appreciate the difference when you see the final result. A space often starts as a blank canvas—with empty rooms, unstyled shelves, and scattered furniture. After the install, it’s a fully styled, warm, and inviting space that feels like home.

Budget & Hidden Costs

We provide a clear estimate of the hours and costs involved in the install ahead of time, but sometimes unexpected expenses arise:

Extra labor – If we need to hire additional installers to move large pieces or work around a tricky layout.
Replacements – If an item is damaged or doesn’t work as planned, we may need to adjust the order.

We’re always upfront about any changes and will discuss adjustments with you before moving forward.

Cleaning & Final Walkthrough

Before the big reveal, we make sure the space is spotless and picture-perfect:

Deep Clean – We hire a cleaning crew to make sure floors are cleaned, surfaces are wiped down, and the entire home is dusted as it can get pretty dirty during install.
Final Adjustments – We step back and make sure everything feels balanced and cohesive.
Photos – We document the final result with professional photos so you can remember the transformation.

Final Reveal

The final reveal is the best part—for us and for you.

When a client walks into their transformed space, it’s often an emotional moment. Seeing your vision come to life—beautifully styled and thoughtfully arranged—can be overwhelming in the best way.

A well-designed home doesn’t just look good; it enhances how you feel and function in the space. From the flow of the furniture to the softness of the textiles, every detail is meant to create comfort and beauty.

Why the Install Process Matters

An interior design install is more than just placing furniture—it’s about creating a space that reflects your style and improves your everyday life. Our goal is to make the process feel seamless and stress-free, so all you have to do is walk in, take a deep breath, and enjoy the feeling of being home.

Ready to transform your space? Let us handle the details—you’ll love the result.

Xo,

Lexi

What to Expect During an Interior Design Install