Why We’re Scaling Back Full-Service Design

Before I reveal why we’ve been scaling back full-service design, I want to share a personal story with you, one that might even sound familiar… 

Last summer, I embarked on a large backyard project of my own, which was to include landscaping, our first ever pool, and a small garden. At the outset, I knew that we would need to hire out the pros to do the big stuff, like design and build our pool, but I was also itching to get the family involved in other ways and take some ownership over our home. But how? Landscaping.

Of course, I’m an interior designer, so planning the terrain was a bit out of my depth. I didn’t know what plants to put where, where to find them, or what conditions they would withstand. I needed a professional, and not just any pro, but one who could empower us to do it ourselves.

The amazing landscape architect I found spent a couple hours with us, walking around our backyard. He shared his expertise and sketched out a plan, including a list of exactly what to buy and where to plant it… and it was perfect. 

He included things that I didn’t even know existed! Things I wouldn’t have ever chosen, but were exactly what we were looking for. Over the last several months, my family and I have hauled sod, dug in the dirt, and picked out plants, claiming a bit of this project as our very own… and it feels GREAT! 

The Interior Design Industry in 2022

This empowering, hands-on experience is exactly why we are scaling back full-service interior design here at Styleberry. Like my family, so many of you are also looking to be more involved in your projects, too. 

In fact, I have never seen the demand for design services as high as it is right now. While this doesn’t surprise me, what does is how many people want to do the work themselves between Zoom calls and career demands. People are tired of looking at the mess and ready to do something productive with their hands, just like my family and I did. 

While I respect and love seeing full-service design work, deep in my heart, I know it’s not the work that I am meant to do in this season of my life. The kinds of clients we work with are clients like me — who are unafraid to get a little dusty and dive in, managing a home project like they manage their professional lives. With organization, and savvy.   

But, like my inexperience with landscaping, most people don’t know how to pull together a beautifully-designed home, whether it’s a renovation, a furnishing project, or both. Plus, the supply chain is taxed and lead times are loooong, making it twice as difficult to navigate an already convoluted industry.

These add up to seeking, not done-for-you full-service design, but a design PLAN. You just need clear direction, a shopping list, and a little freedom to get it done when you can, in the margins of your active life. 

That’s why we’re scaling back full-service design, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’re helping you do instead…

Professionally Designed Interiors You Can Create on Your Own

I’ve learned over the years that while I love design, even moreso, I love empowering women. Our team thrives on working with fellow go-getters, who are not afraid to hit “buy” after receiving their detailed shopping list and slice open a (small) box themselves. 

If accessible, follow-the-recipe design is what you’re looking for, these services will help you create a meaningful, personal home that brings ease and joy into your everyday life.

1. Virtual Design (Available Nationwide)

Virtual Design offers the same level of personalization as full-service design, but instead of managing the project for you, we hand over the design plans, product selections, purchase links, a styling guide, and more — everything you need to create the space yourself and have fun doing it!

You’ll then be able to take a plan like this one into a fully realized space that looks and feels effortless.

I also love that this service offers our clients a clear timeline and budget for the design. We have a flat-rate service, so the hourly billing isn’t overwhelming and never-ending, like it can be with full-service options. The investment is clear and upfront, and we know we can complete it on schedule. (See more on Virtual Design here.)

If you’re a San Antonio local, you also have these incredible add-ons…

2. Shop the Showroom (For SATX Locals)

We enjoy taking these same empowered women into our showroom, to help them understand features like performance fabrics and help them find large furniture items (like a sofa or chair) that feel perfect for their families and their lifestyle. Shopping at a designer showroom gives you more options for personalization, quality, sizing, style, and more, and I LOVE that we can offer this to our clients.

This service also includes a white glove shopping experience for the big stuff, including delivery, installation, and clean-up (no cardboard and packing peanuts scattered around). Meanwhile, the rest of your smaller retail purchases are left to you to joyfully order and install as we’ve detailed out in our fail-safe design plan.

3. Renovation Design + Consulting for Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Mudrooms (For SATX Locals)

Once the Renovation Design Plans are complete, San Antonio locals can still opt for Phase 2 support on retainer. This phase can include consulting with trades, overseeing the renovation, and leading the final installation and styling for your magical return home. 

4. Accessory Styling (For SATX Locals)

Regardless of which package you choose, you will also have the option to engage us for a “Styling Session,” where we will come do some extra hands-on accessory shopping and styling at the tail end of your project…for photo-finish, yet totally livable results.

Is Styleberry the Right Team for You?

We are a different kind of design firm, and I am very proud of that. Long ago, I made a commitment to myself to ignore the uppity-ness of my industry and be who I am as I approach my work. I am down-to-earth, meticulous, respectful (and appreciative) of fine craftsmanship, but very smart regarding where I put my dollars, and I want to do that for you, too. 

I have been known to splurge and get what I want. But sometimes, what I want is at Target, and it looks really great next to the high-ticket item I had to have for durability’s sake. I live for the balance of it all, completed in a thoughtful and meaningful way. 

If you love our style, feel aligned with our approach, and are ready to create a home that brings ease to your everyday, we would love to help. Reach out to us here and let’s get to know each other.

Xoxo,
Shawna

Styleberry Creative Interiors specializes in fresh, relaxed design crafted in a meaningful way. With a team and process you can trust, we’ll help you create soul-soothing spaces that inspire you to unwind, connect, and finally… exhale. Our studio is based in downtown San Antonio, Texas and serves clients in the Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, and greater San Antonio Metropolitan areas, as well as Nationwide.