Interior Design Installation Day

B.T.S: Installation days are busy and things get a little messy before our clients come home to their reveal

Behind the Scenes: What Happens Before an Interior Design Installation?

We have some Spring home installations at Justine Sterling Design, so it seemed a good time to discuss what happens before an interior design installation. An interior design installation day is always an exciting milestone for us and our clients, but most people don’t see the extensive planning and coordination beforehand. At Justine Sterling Design, we take great care to ensure that every detail is considered long before the first piece of furniture is delivered and placed. Here’s a look behind the scenes at what makes an installation seamless and stress-free.

1. Sourcing & Procurement

Once the concept is finalized, we begin drawing out the design and sourcing every item, from custom furniture and window treatments to accessories, fixtures, and lighting, while test fitting into the AutoCad plans. We aim to ensure that each piece aligns with the overall vision while staying within the budget goals and timeline. We also handle all order placement, working closely with vendors like Landry and Arcari for our stair runners and artisans to ensure quality and craftsmanship.

2. Tracking & Quality Control

With lead times varying for different products, we meticulously track every order. Delays or damages can happen, so we immediately stay on top of shipments and address any deficiencies or issues. This proactive approach minimizes surprises on installation day. We often will have our receiver deliver the decorative ceiling and wall lights earlier for the electrician to install. Design Manager is the program we use to keep all product proposals and orders at Justine Sterling Design on track.

3. Storage & Logistics Coordination

No furnishings arrive at the home directly; they are received at our warehouse, where they are carefully inspected and stored until installation. Most products get delivered to our receiving warehouse, where they are inspected and held until all products for that client have arrived. We coordinate the delivery timeline to ensure everything arrives in the correct sequence and condition, avoiding unnecessary disruptions. Smaller items like cabinet hardware get shipped to our studio, where we do the quality check before handing them over to the cabinet makers and fabricators for installation.

4. On-Site Preparations and Communication

Before installation, we confirm that all construction or painting work is complete, and we coordinate with any necessary trades (electricians, wallpaper installers, etc.) or general contractor to ensure a smooth transition. Stair runners and any fixed carpets are installed. We also keep our clients well informed with regular updates as the project progresses, and we send them a “what to expect” inquiry form to ensure the whole team is aligned before the big day. The home is cleaned, layouts are finalized, and the home is ready to welcome its transformation.

5. Installation & Styling

When the installation day (or days) arrives, our team oversees all movers, art installers, and every detail—from furniture placement to installation and final styling. We ensure that every pillow is fluffed, every lamp is perfectly placed, and each accessory is thoughtfully arranged.

6. Why the Right Preparation Matters

A seamless installation doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of thoughtful planning and expert coordination. Our clients trust us to manage every step, so they can simply enjoy the reveal when the big day arrives.

Are you thinking about refreshing your home? Let’s start the conversation now so we can ensure your project unfolds smoothly, just like the spaces you see in our portfolio of our clients homes—but tailored perfectly for you.

“Justine and her team helped us envision and realize a serene, modern, and comfortable primary bedroom suite that truly reflects a blend of our personal tastes. It was our first renovation project and Justine expertly guided us through every phase, helping us understand how each design and construction element works together to ensure both function and a cohesive style. Every detail was thoughtfully considered for a lifestyle and executed to plan. Justine was responsive to our needs and concerns, worked collaboratively with the contractor, and navigated the project through challenges with calm, patience, and creativity. We love spending time in our newly designed rooms!”
—Jill, Needham

If you're dreaming about an open floor plan or any home renovation, our team guides you through the process, ensuring a seamless blend of form and function. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions if you are considering hiring an interior designer.