A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

You know the old saying "A picture is worth a thousand words", well when it comes to design nothing could be more true.

A few years ago, when I was just starting out in the design industry (OK maybe more than a few years ago); I was working with a client who wanted to re-design her great room in a "French Provincial" style.  Since I was fresh out of design school, I knew exactly what my client was looking for as we had studied the different period design styles in school.

A few days later, I met with my client to present my design ideas.  After my presentation, I asked my client what she thought of my design, and anxiously awaited her response.  To my horror - she absolutely hated it!!  While I did my best to remain calm, I asked her what it was that she didn't like so that I could make the appropriate changes.  As I proceeded to ask more questions to determine where I went wrong, my client reached into her bag and pulled out some photos that she brought with her....

As I began looking through the photos my client had just given me, I was more than a little shocked and surprised to see that these photos were the complete opposite of the "French Provincial" style my client had stated she wanted.  These photos were showcasing a beautiful sleek, contemporary designed home, similar in style to Dura Supreme's Urban Loft Design Collection. 

I could not understand where or how my client had mistaken these photos for "French Provincial" styling..... and then I saw it!  The caption under the image of the kitchen stated "A kitchen in a province of France" which my client mistook for French Provincial. 

Needless to say, I learned a valuable lesson!  Now, when I meet with potential clients - I always ask if they have brought any reference photos with them. 

Because as you know - A picture is worth a thousand words...