Our Process

Our Process

An Interior Design Journey Like No Other

Design is more than just the environment you live in. It is more than just selecting colors and fabrics. It's a complex process that requires thoughtful consideration and expert guidance to achieve a cohesive and harmonious living space. That's where I come in. I help you paint a picture of the life you dream of living, with spaces that reflect the way you see the world. As your interior designer, I will guide you through every step of the journey.

What To Expect

Schedule a Complimentary Design Discovery Call

Luxury shouldn’t be a hassle. We handle every detail so you can simply enjoy the result.

In-Home Consultation

In the next step, we'll schedule a personalized in-home design consultation where I'll gather information about your existing space and have a detailed discussion about your design goals in order to create the Scope of Work document which will be our roadmap for the project.

Client Agreement

Once we've discussed your design goals, reviewed the Scope of Work, and agreed to move forward, we'll sign the Client Agreement and receive a retainer, which kicks off your project.

On-Site Measurements, Photos, and Trade Day

We'll schedule a trade day to bring in any necessary contractors and take additional measurements and photos to ensure that we have all the information we need to proceed with the design.

Floor Plans, Fabrics, and Furnishings

After gathering all the necessary information, we'll create floor plans and elevations and begin sourcing fabrics and furnishings.

Design Presentation

Once we've sourced all the necessary furnishings and materials, we'll present an estimate for your approval and collect a deposit before moving forward with any purchases.

Construction and Painting (if needed):

If your project requires any construction or painting, we'll begin this process at this stage.

Orders Begin Arriving:

Orders for your furnishings and materials will begin arriving as your construction wraps up. This is the exciting part as we anticipate the arrival of all the beautiful pieces we've selected for your space.

Installation and Grand Reveal:

The highlight of the journey is the highly anticipated design reveal where you come home after a brief departure to your transformed space. Trust me, the end result will be worth the wait!

“Heidi is an exceptional designer. She has a natural gift to create a space that is better than you could have imagined. Her professionalism is always above and beyond, and she is enjoyable to work with. She listens diligently to your ideas, as well as presents other options, ensuring that you make the best final decisions. Heidi does what she says she will do, is reasonably priced, and is a delight to work with.”

Vicki Petri-Jones

Salmon Creek, Retired & Downsizing

Frequently Asked Questions

Why hire an interior designer?

We bring your vision to life while helping you avoid costly mistakes. Every design decision is intentional and tailored to your space, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Do you require a retainer?

Yes. We require 50% of the design fee at contract signing, with the remainder due at the conceptual design phase. For furnishings, 100% of the approved amount must be paid before orders are placed. For full-service design, we also collect a separate retainer to cover estimated shipping, freight, and warehousing costs.

Can a designer increase home value?

Absolutely. We know where to invest to create timeless, high-impact design that elevates your home and enhances resale value.

What resources are only available to designers?

We have access to exclusive “to the trade” vendors, custom furnishings, and one-of-a-kind items you won’t find in stores.

Will hiring a designer save me time?

100%. We handle sourcing, selections, ordering, contractor questions, and logistics so you don’t have to.

How long does furniture take to arrive?

Lead times vary. Custom pieces may take months, while in-stock items can ship sooner. We manage all timelines and keep you informed.

How does delivery work?

You may choose to use a professional receiver, accept deliveries directly, or a mix of both—we’ll recommend the best approach.

How do I approve and order my furniture?

You'll review selections through our design portal. Once you approve items, we send a proposal. After payment, we handle the rest.

Can you incorporate existing furniture?

Yes. We love mixing meaningful existing pieces with new selections to make the design feel like home.

What if I don’t know my style?

That’s completely okay! We’ll guide you through images, concepts, and suggestions to uncover what feels right for you.

Do you manage construction projects?

Yes. We frequently act as the point person during renovations—communicating with your contractor to ensure everything aligns with the design vision.

Request A Consultation

Before working with us, clients feel buried under endless choices and uncertainty. After, they step into a home that feels like a deep exhale - one that looks and functions exactly as it should. The transformation isn’t just about the physical space - it’s also about emotional space.

At Heidi Palena Design, we know you want a home that feels effortlessly beautiful and truly livable.

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