Working With Designer Teri Moore

A couple of weeks ago, I offered a foyer update, and I mentioned that I hired interior designer Teri Moore to help me choose rugs. Since I’ve never worked with a designer before, I can’t speak for the experience on the whole. However, here’s what has happened between us so far.

Before I hired Teri, I really had to psych myself up for it. First, let me be clear that my concerns had nothing to do with her. Once I decided to go for it, there was no one else I wanted to work with more. However, I describe myself as a self-aware control freak. I get along with people because I can temper my “leadership” skills and take a step back when necessary. Also, I can catch myself being ridiculous before I am ridiculous, or at the very least, explain that I am ridiculous when I am ridiculous.

My Biggest Concerns

To give you an idea of what makes me squirm, I offer the following example. You know how sometimes a well-known design influencer will offer a contest to come to your house and completely make a room over for free? Of course, everything will be brand new. They’ll choose furnishings, paint colors, and completely style the room. They’ll video the homeowner’s reaction to their gorgeous new space, and no money will exchange hands for any of it. Sounds amazing, right? Well, that sounds terrible to me. There are way too many “what ifs” in that scenario. What if I don’t like it? What if they don’t do the work up to BHH’s standards? *cough* control freak *cough.*

So, when I considered hiring Teri, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between not liking something vs. trying to be controlling even though I have a pretty good handle on that aspect of my personality. I was also afraid that maybe I truly wouldn’t like anything Teri showed me, which might hurt her feelings or make her angry. All of this is probably making me sound quite unlikeable, but I actually hope it helps people who have considered hiring a designer but worry about the same things. I know you are out there.

Anyway, I gave myself a stern warning to behave and booked a consultation.

Our First Conversations

Our first meeting was a quick phone call to decide if what I was looking for matched what Teri offered. She asked me a series of questions, and I filled out some crucial info about my likes and dislikes via e-mail. I also made a rough sketch of the room and took measurements. The foyer has many little details to account for, such as the curved first step, air vents, and some trim that bumps out into the room here and there.

About ten days later, we had a video meeting.

During that meeting, Teri asked me to clarify what was most important to me (protecting the floors). She also explained that she did not want anyone to really notice the rugs, which kind of blew my mind. All this time, I had been operating under the assumption that more was more, and I was just too inept at making that happen. The foyer is already fancy. Rugs provide a backdrop. (Invoice me now because I already got my money’s worth.)

I will admit that some of Teri’s options placed me outside of my comfort zone. I was inclined to say, no no, no. However, I recognized that as my controlling side resisting change. I had to keep reminding myself to trust Teri. She is the expert. It was an excellent exercise. The brain is powerful, and I work hard to create new synapses and pinch off the useless ones.

I did end up vetoing round rugs. Teri also suggested a round table in the foyer, and my insides recoiled. Apparently, I have some emotional work to do with circles. Shall I address it through reiki or CBT? It’s funny how you don’t know what bothers you until it bothers you. I like rectangles and straight lines, thankyouverymuch.

What’s Next?

Teri and I meet again this week, and I think that is when she’ll give me some final dimensions, a color palette, and some sources if I want to make purchases through her company. Then, I will be released back into the wild to make my own decisions, but she’ll still be there for me if I can’t figure it out by myself. Wish me luck!

Before I wrap this up, I’ll share my favorite photo from our meeting. It makes me laugh every time I see it.

Feel free to caption it.