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People love looking at extra, super creative colors, patterns, and unique designs, but when it comes to their own homes, they seem to overthink. They worry it might be too much, too bright or too risky.
But that being said these six terrific designers have found smart yet simple ways to help their clients say a big YES to bold design. They don’t force their clients, instead guide them, inspire them, and show them that bold choices can be extremely beautiful, stylish and personal.
Now let’s take a look at how these six expert designers work their magic!
1. Alison Giese – Trust first
Alison Giese is an expert that knows that trust is everything. Clients won’t say yes to taking risks right away if they don’t trust their designer, so Alison opts to spend a lot of time talking to clients, listening to their concerns, and understanding what they want and love. Instead of just pushing bold ideas onto them, she believes in explaining to them why a certain color, pattern, or texture will work beautifully in their space. Once the client knows she has their best interest in mind, they simply tend to relax and feel more confident in making bold choices.
Her trick:
She starts with a conversation, not directly designed, this way she helps clients feel comfortable first before suggesting bold ideas. It’s wise to know that when people trust their designer, they are more open to stepping outside their comfort zone.
2. Melissa Sanabria – Using visuals to make bold feel safe
Often clients just can’t picture how bold designs will look in their space, to aid this, Melissa Sanabria makes use of visual tools, such:
Mood boards– A collection of images showing how colors and patterns work together.
Renderings – Digital previews of the final design.
Fabric and paint samples – So clients can touch and see the materials in person.
Clients tend to feel a lot less nervous when they can see the vision before making a final decision.
Her trick:
She sort of makes bold choices feel real and familiar, basically by helping clients visualize the space, making it easier for them to say yes. When people get to see how great a design is, they get excited instead of scared!
To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it?
3. Tracy Morris – Finding clues in what clients’ interests
Some clients are already fans of bold designs but are too scared to say it out loud. Tracy Morris uses this and pays close attention to what they naturally like.
– She watches for signs like:
Clients stare at a bold fabric but say, “I could never do this.”
Loving a bold-colored dress or a fun piece of jewelry.
Complimenting bold interiors in magazines but hesitating to try it at home.
This way instead of forcing them into bold design, she just gently encourages them to start small. She starts by suggesting a bold chair instead of a bold sofa, or a colorful rug instead of painting the whole room. Once they see how much they love it, they tend to become more confident in making bigger bold choices without thinking too much.
Her trick:
She sees what clients naturally gravitate toward, and helps them see that they already love bold, it just needs to be introduced in a way that feels right.
4. Joe Lucas – Taking tiny bold steps first
Joe Lucas knows that big, bold changes can feel overwhelming, so instead of pushing clients into major changes, he starts with small.
Here are some small and easy first steps:
A bold front door – A pop of color without having to repaint the whole house.
A colorful rug, instead of changing all the furniture.
A fun wallpaper in a small space– Like a powder room or hallway.
Clients feel more comfortable trying bold designs in small doses, once they see how fun and exciting they look, they naturally tend to want more!
His trick:
He starts small to let clients grow their confidence, a little bold detail usually opens the doors to bigger, bolder choices.
5. Arianne Bellizaire – Showing the boldest option first
If clients start by looking at basic, safe designs first, they get stuck playing it safe.
Arianne Bellizaire has a fun trick that does the job, she always shows the boldest option first! Because after seeing that, the safe options feel boring in comparison.
Her trick:
She makes sure bold is the first thing clients see because when people start with bold, they feel braver and more open to taking risks.
6. Annie Elliott – Making bold feel personal
– People want their homes to feel personal. That’s why Annie Elliott convinces clients to go bold by making sure the design is meaningful to them. She understands clients’ interests and suggests bold prints inspired by what they’d like. Because when bold design feels personal, clients feel excited to say yes!
Her trick:
She connects bold design to personal memories and emotions because when something feels personal, clients embrace it instead of fearing it.
To sum it all up, all of these six designers have their unique way of helping clients feel comfortable and excited about bold design. If you’re a designer trying to convince a client to go bold, it’s super wise to take inspiration from these experts because, with the right approach, you can help your clients step outside their comfort zone and create a space they’d truly love!
