A Day in the Life of an Interior Designer: From Concept to Completion

An Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Luxury Interior Design Process, From Initial Concept to Bespoke Completion

Imagine stepping into a home that’s nothing like the one you left behind. The walls breathe in a new light; each piece of furniture is not just a place to sit, but an invitation to experience something deeper. The textures; sumptuous fabrics, raw, reclaimed woods, sleek, polished metals, come together in a harmonious dance of form and function. Every corner tells a story, and yet, it's a story only just begun.

At 8687 Studios, we don’t simply design spaces; we curate environments that breathe life into your vision, connecting the past and future, luxury and sustainability. Our clients, discerning individuals with a taste for the extraordinary, seek not just opulence but meaning in every detail. They demand spaces that reflect their values, lifestyles, and aspirations, spaces that are as unique as they are.

In this article, we invite you behind the velvet curtains of interior design, offering a rare, intimate glimpse into what goes into the creation of the spaces you inhabit. From the first spark of inspiration to the final flourish of a bespoke rug underfoot, this is the journey of an interior designer, a day in the life of transforming your environment into a living work of art.

Marula Estate

Morning, Client Brief & Site Visit: Where It All Begins

The day begins with an air of quiet anticipation, like the calm before a painter begins his masterpiece. At 8687 Studios, every new project starts with a simple yet profound act: listening. In our world, the most important part of any design journey is understanding. Not just the space itself, but the aspirations, the dreams, and the nuanced preferences of the person who will live there. This is more than a project; it's a deeply personal experience.

The morning unfolds with a client meeting, an opportunity to connect on a deeper level. As we sit down in the studio, I sip my coffee, scanning the carefully curated mood board in front of me, each material swatch, each texture, already whispering ideas. But the real magic happens in person. We gather the design team and head to the site, whether it’s a sprawling villa on the hills of Cape Town or a modernist penthouse in the heart of Nairobi.

Each site tells its own story. The location, the architecture, the existing elements all shape the design, and the best way to understand this is by experiencing it firsthand. This site visit is about more than just taking measurements or inspecting the foundations. It’s about noticing the play of light across the room in the morning, the way the breeze enters through the open windows, and the character of the old stone walls that speak of centuries gone by. These subtle elements are what transform a generic floor plan into something that feels alive, something that speaks to the client’s personality.

I often recall one of my earliest projects, where we were tasked with redesigning a historical estate. As we walked through the spaces, I could feel the weight of history in the air; the high ceilings, the intricate woodwork, the soft creak of the floorboards. But what caught my attention was how the sunlight filtered through the old windows, casting geometric shadows on the wooden floors. That single moment, so small yet so significant, became the cornerstone of the entire design. It’s these seemingly fleeting observations that set the tone for everything that follows.

We talk to the client, of course, but it’s not just about what they say; it’s about what they don't say, the pauses in conversation, the look in their eyes when they describe a space they’ve long dreamed of. It’s our job to listen to those unspoken desires and bring them to life through design. And every detail, from the pattern of the marble to the choice of fabric, is carefully chosen to reflect that vision.

Midday, Concept Development & Mood-boarding: Turning Ideas into Reality

As the day progresses and the site visit wraps up, the real magic begins. The early morning was about listening; now, it’s time to distill all the insights into something tangible. The mood board. A simple phrase, yet one that encapsulates the very essence of design: transforming abstract ideas into a visual language that speaks louder than words.

For our team at 8687 Studios, mood boards aren’t just collections of images and textures; they’re blueprints of emotion. A carefully curated selection of materials, colors, and inspirations that evoke a visceral response. Each piece on the board is like a brushstroke on a canvas, contributing to the bigger picture, yet holding its own unique energy.

I remember working on a luxury penthouse in Milan for a client who wanted to blend contemporary Italian design with African art influences. When we first met, their vision was a bit scattered, fragmented, much like a puzzle missing some pieces. But after our site visit, we could feel the space’s potential: expansive, open, but somehow intimate at the same time. The large windows framed a breathtaking city view, but the space itself needed warmth and a sense of soul.

This is where mood-boarding became our secret weapon. It’s not just about choosing swatches or selecting a color palette; it’s about telling a story, one that resonates with both the client and the space. For this penthouse, we drew inspiration from the smooth, organic lines of African sculpture, the raw beauty of handmade leather, and the crisp modernity of Milanese design. Soft ochres, warm terracotta, and vibrant blues were contrasted with sleek stainless steel and glass. The mood board was our visual manifesto, a guiding light that steered the design process and bridged the gap between concept and execution.

The mood board’s power lies in its ability to translate the client’s wishes into something they can truly feel. It’s like stepping into a world of possibilities, where the abstract becomes concrete. Each piece on the board; whether it’s a texture, color, or image, evokes a specific emotional response. For high-net-worth clients, every selection is carefully chosen to reflect their personality and lifestyle. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating an experience that feels as uniquely theirs as their signature.

Now, with the mood board in hand, we enter the phase of detailed concept development. Here, we transition from creative inspiration to technical precision. For instance, while the warm tones and handcrafted textiles provide a sense of authenticity and heritage, we’ll incorporate cutting-edge sustainable materials. We might use bamboo flooring, which is both environmentally friendly and elegantly timeless, or eco-conscious fabrics that are soft yet durable, ensuring luxury doesn’t come at the cost of the planet.

In this phase, collaboration becomes key. The design team, artisans, and suppliers come together, ensuring every material and detail is aligned with the overall vision. We work closely with local craftsmen who are not just skilled but share our values, ensuring that each piece reflects our commitment to sustainability without compromising on luxury. Whether it’s sourcing handcrafted tiles from a renowned artist or commissioning a bespoke piece of furniture from a boutique maker, every step of the process is about elevating the design into something truly exceptional.

The final mood board doesn’t just sit on the wall; it becomes the lens through which we view every decision. Should we choose a textured velvet for the cushions or a crisp linen that feels fresh and light? Should the cabinetry be a deep, rich walnut or a lighter, Scandinavian ash to complement the space’s openness? Each choice builds upon the foundation laid by the mood board, a reminder of the vision we’re bringing to life.

As we prepare for the next step, presenting these ideas to the client, there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. The mood board, the sketches, the initial renderings, they’re not just technical drawings; they’re a way to bring our client’s dream into the realm of possibility. And as we present the concept to them, there’s always that moment, the one where you can see the spark of excitement in their eyes, where you know the vision has been captured, and they’re one step closer to seeing their dreams realized.

The power of a mood board lies in its ability to crystallize the intangible into something concrete, something you can touch, feel, and ultimately live in. For our clients, this stage is where the journey from concept to completion feels real, where the abstract becomes beautifully tangible.

Afternoon, Design Refinement & Procurement: Crafting Every Detail

The afternoon arrives, and with it, a shift in the rhythm of the day. The mood board, the sketches, and the conceptual ideas have taken shape, but now, the real work begins. Design refinement and procurement are where the vision starts to materialize into tangible, functional pieces that will inhabit the space. It’s a delicate balancing act between creativity and practicality, where every decision matters.

For me, this stage always feels like sculpting. Like Michelangelo’s famous quote, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free,” this phase is about chiseling away at the design until the true potential of the space is revealed. It’s the stage where we bring our earlier ideas to life, fine-tuning every detail until we see a seamless whole.

I often recall a project we did for a client with a spectacular penthouse overlooking the ocean. The bones of the space were already magnificent; high ceilings, glass walls, and breathtaking views. But it lacked warmth, personality, and a sense of home. Our challenge was to refine the design so that it not only showcased the natural beauty of the location but also provided an inviting, luxurious atmosphere for the client’s family.

This is where our knowledge of materials and craftsmanship comes into play. We knew that we couldn’t just buy off-the-shelf furniture; every piece needed to be as distinctive as the view outside. We partnered with artisans who could create custom pieces; like a beautifully handcrafted dining table made from reclaimed wood, its surface as smooth as silk, and a set of chairs upholstered in sustainable leather that exuded understated elegance. Every detail, from the stitching on the leather to the finish of the wood, was chosen with intention.

But the process isn’t just about sourcing unique items; it’s about ensuring every element works together harmoniously. At 8687 Studios, we’re firm believers in the principle of “less is more,” and each item we select must serve both form and function. For the penthouse, that meant integrating both sculptural art pieces and subtle accents that didn’t overwhelm the space but rather enhanced the overall feeling of serenity. We chose soft lighting fixtures that complemented the changing hues of the sunset, creating an ambiance that would evolve throughout the day.

The procurement phase also requires a meticulous eye for quality and sustainability. We work closely with our trusted suppliers to ensure that every material is not only of the highest caliber but also aligns with our commitment to the environment. Whether it’s ensuring that wood is sourced from FSC-certified forests or selecting fabrics that have low environmental impact, sustainability isn’t just a trend for us; it’s a core value. We want to ensure that each project not only meets our clients’ expectations but also contributes to a greater cause.

I remember a conversation with a supplier, where we discussed the importance of using low-VOC paints to reduce the chemical footprint of a project. The supplier shared with me the story of a piece of artwork; how its bright, vivid colors were derived from natural pigments, a sustainable practice passed down through generations. That conversation stayed with me because it reminded me that design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about the legacy we leave behind, both in the spaces we create and the materials we choose.

As we refine each design element, we also have to keep a close eye on the budget. For high-net-worth individuals, there’s often an expectation that luxury should be limitless, but in reality, the challenge is finding the right balance. It’s about prioritizing quality over quantity, choosing a handful of exceptional pieces that elevate the space rather than filling it with unnecessary items. We make every decision with intention, ensuring that each element serves the client’s vision while also making the best use of their resources.

Once the procurement is in full swing, we’re constantly checking and re-checking, ensuring everything will arrive on time, within budget, and exactly as expected. The logistics of this process can be complex, whether coordinating shipments of custom furniture from different parts of the world or ensuring that bespoke lighting fixtures are installed properly, but it’s this attention to detail that separates good design from great design.

The afternoon is the quiet, focused time when the details are honed, and the pieces come together. It’s when we look at each design choice and see how it aligns with the client’s desires, the space itself, and the larger story we’re telling. And as we prepare for the next stage, the installation, it’s reassuring to know that every choice, every collaboration, and every decision has been made with the utmost care, ensuring the final result will be nothing short of spectacular.

At this stage, design is no longer a concept; it is becoming a reality. The pieces are coming together, and the space is beginning to take shape. Each item we’ve sourced, each material we’ve chosen, and every artisan we’ve worked with is bringing us one step closer to the final vision. The journey continues, but with each step, we are closer to creating a space that will not only delight but inspire.

Evening, Installation & Final Touches: Bringing the Vision to Life

As the sun sets, casting long shadows across the room, the final phase of the design process begins. The excitement is palpable; this is when all the planning, refining, and procuring culminate into something tangible. Installation and final touches are where the space truly comes to life. It’s a blend of precision and creativity, where every piece is placed with care, and every last detail is carefully curated to ensure the environment feels harmonious and elevated.

The installation process is a delicate dance, one that requires the coordination of various teams. From skilled movers bringing in furniture to electricians installing bespoke lighting fixtures, there’s a quiet, almost magical energy that fills the space. We’re often on-site for this entire process, overseeing every detail. It’s during these moments that I get to witness the space evolving from a collection of ideas into a home, a place that will soon be lived in and loved.

I vividly remember the installation of a private residence in Johannesburg. The home had a grandiose feel, with sweeping views of the city, but there was something that felt missing; a soul, a sense of personality. It was only after we began placing the custom-designed furniture and artwork that the room truly began to shine. A beautiful, handwoven rug from Morocco was unrolled, its rich colors spreading out like a canvas. The lighting fixtures, custom-designed and inspired by the local flora, were installed, their soft, ambient light reflecting the hues of the sunset outside. As we placed the last touches, a sculptural piece of art, a vase of fresh flowers, the space felt like it had finally come alive.

One of the most exciting moments in this phase is when the furniture and décor are finally in place, and we can step back to assess the overall composition. It’s at this moment that all the individual pieces we’ve chosen; the textiles, the furniture, the art, come together to create an immersive experience. There’s an undeniable sense of satisfaction when everything clicks, like the final piece of a jigsaw puzzle falling into place. But it’s not just about how the pieces look together; it’s about how the space feels.

For our clients, this stage is always one of wonder. When they walk into a room for the first time, often after weeks or even months of anticipation, it’s that moment of revelation. This is the vision they’ve trusted us to bring to life, and we make sure every corner, every texture, and every color reflects their personal taste and lifestyle. It's not just a space anymore; it's an experience, a carefully crafted environment designed for living, for entertaining, for relaxation, and for inspiration.

But the process doesn’t end with furniture and décor placement. The final touches, the subtle details, are what really elevate a space from exceptional to extraordinary. For us, it’s about finding that balance between bold statements and delicate accents. A collection of vintage books arranged just so on a side table, a set of hand-blown glass vases placed strategically around the room, or a unique sculpture thoughtfully placed in a hallway. These little touches, often unnoticed by the untrained eye, are what make a space feel personal, lived-in, and entirely unique.

Sustainability continues to be a core focus even at this final stage. For example, we may incorporate plants that purify the air, using them not only as decoration but as part of a broader commitment to wellness and the environment. And when selecting accessories, we look for pieces that align with our values, objects that are not only beautiful but have a story to tell, such as a handwoven basket from a local artisan or a piece of artwork that supports sustainable practices.

Finally, once all the pieces are in place, the room needs to be dressed. This means ensuring that every fabric is perfectly placed, every cushion fluffed to perfection, and the lighting adjusted to create the desired ambiance. The way light interacts with the room can completely alter its mood, whether it’s soft and warm for an intimate evening gathering or bright and clear for a vibrant daytime atmosphere.

In this stage, our focus is on the client’s comfort. The space is now a reflection of them, not just in terms of style but in terms of lifestyle. Does the lighting work for their evening entertaining needs? Is the sofa the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine in hand? Do the textures invite touch, and do the colors evoke the right feelings? These are the questions we ask ourselves as we fine-tune the space.

At 8687 Studios, we believe that these final moments of the installation are when we truly see the project come to life. It’s a mix of artistic expression and practical functionality, where every design decision has been carefully considered and executed.

As we step back to admire the transformation, there’s always a sense of pride, but also a sense of anticipation for the client’s reaction. This is where the design becomes theirs; it is no longer a concept or a vision; it’s their home. And when they step into that space for the first time, that’s when the real magic happens.

The installation and final touches are not just about completing a project; they’re about creating a lasting impression, a space that feels at once timeless and personal, designed for a life well-lived. For high-net-worth clients, it’s a moment that reinforces their decision to work with us, and it’s a reminder of how the art of interior design can transform not just a house, but the way they live.

Fynbos Estate

A day in the life of an interior designer is an intricate journey, one that involves much more than just arranging furniture or selecting color palettes. It's about weaving together the client's desires, the personality of the space, and the values of sustainability to create an environment that feels not just luxurious, but truly personal.

From the initial consultation to the final reveal, every phase of the design process is about turning a vision into something real, something that elevates the way people live. As we walk through each stage, whether it’s developing the concept, sourcing the perfect materials, or adding those final, thoughtful touches, we’re always mindful of the experience we’re creating, not just for today, but for the years to come.

For our clients, the end result isn’t just about a beautiful home; it’s about a space that reflects who they are, how they live, and the legacy they wish to create. It’s about more than just a design; it’s about crafting an experience, a way of life. And that, for us at 8687 Studios, is the true essence of interior design.