What Really Happens During an Interior Design Project: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are new to remodeling, renovating or refreshing your home’s interior design, you probably have a lot of questions about how it all works. Dwell Home Furnishings & Interior Design has this step-by-step guide for you. Whether you are remodeling a kitchen or purchasing/replacing furnishings, you can learn what happens, from the initial interior design consultation to the design development to the beautiful result of the project.

• Ready for new furnishings and accessories? Start here.
• Planning a renovation? Review Dwell’s services and process here.

Take it Step by Step

Every great design starts with a conversation; it all starts with getting to know you. The interior design consultation kicks things off by asking about your vision, lifestyle, and budget. We’ll assess and measure your space while uncovering your vision, lifestyle, needs, and aspirations. During this step, we’ll talk through your goals for the space. From how you plan to use it to the number of guests you’ll want to seat at your dining table, ensuring every detail aligns perfectly with your everyday life. With precise measurements and thoughtful planning, our designers can craft a layout that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Interior Design Concepts and Development

Following your conversation, your designer begins transforming ideas into reality. Drawing from notes, research, and your vision, our team creates thoughtful design concepts tailored to your needs and lifestyle. This stage often includes mood boards featuring color palettes, lighting, upholstery, and furnishings—all guided by your budget and aesthetic goals.

When the concepts are ready, our designers present your personalized design direction, complete with floor plans, design boards, and material samples as needed. Your feedback helps fine-tune every detail, ensuring the design feels perfectly tailored before moving into the next phase of bringing it all to life.

Sourcing Quality Elements

One of the advantages of working with Dwell’s interior design team is their extensive experience sourcing quality cabinetry, lighting, flooring and furniture. We’ll refine and finalize your curated look together. With access to over 250 trusted brand partnerships, Dwell offers endless possibilities across casegoods, upholstery, lighting, area rugs, and accessories. Our designers make the selection process simple and enjoyable, helping you make confident, refined choices that balance beauty, comfort, and function—so your home feels uniquely, and effortlessly, you.

Implementing the Project

One of the biggest challenges in any interior design project is coordinating the many moving parts, the construction, deliveries, and timelines. This is where our project management expertise comes in. Our designers work closely with you and your contractors to schedule and oversee every step, from cabinetry and flooring to plumbing, electrical, painting, and beyond.

We manage the details so you don’t have to, keeping the project on track and everyone on the same page. You’ll receive regular updates, and we’ll guide you through the timing and process of your remodel, including deliveries of furniture, appliances, and materials. With Dwell handling the logistics, you can focus on enjoying your new space.

Final Walkthrough

Once your project is complete and everything is delivered, your interior designer will guide you through your space and help you create a list of any items that need attention. We take care of the details, addressing each one so that you can truly love your space.

Dwell’s interior designers believe in balancing beauty and function while personalizing your home to your taste. Stop by our showroom in Coralville to get ideas, and when you’re ready to remodel or refurbish your home, schedule your design consultation here.