How We Lead a Project from Concept Through Installation

One of the things I hear most often is, "I know I want to update my home, but I have no idea where to start."

If you've ever renovated a home, or even thought about renovating one, you know how quickly the decisions add up. Paint colors, tile, lighting, cabinetry, furniture, hardware, layouts...it can feel like you're making hundreds of choices before construction has even begun.

And if you live in an older South Minneapolis home, there's another layer to consider. How do you improve the way your home functions without losing the character that made you fall in love with it in the first place?

That's exactly where we come in.

At 13th Avenue Interiors, we don't just help you choose beautiful finishes. We guide you through the entire process, from the very first conversation to the day we place the final pillow on the sofa. Our goal is simple: to make the experience feel organized, enjoyable, and far less overwhelming than trying to do it alone.

It All Starts With a Conversation

Every project begins with a Zoom call.

This is one of my favorite parts because it's where I get to hear your story. Why did you buy your home? What's working? What's driving you crazy? How do you want your home to feel five or ten years from now?

I always say that great design starts with listening.

Once we've talked through your goals, we'll schedule an in-home consultation. Walking through your space together gives me a chance to understand how your family actually lives in the home, not just how it looks on paper.

Some of the best ideas happen during these conversations.

Creating a Plan That Feels Thoughtful

One thing I've learned over the years is that the best projects don't happen by accident.

They happen because every decision builds on the one before it.

Once we have a clear direction, I begin pulling together layouts, materials, paint colors, lighting, cabinetry, furnishings, and all of the little details that make a home feel complete.

This is honestly one of my favorite stages. I love seeing the vision come together and imagining how every choice will work together long before anything is installed.

Because we specialize in older homes, I'm always asking, "Does this feel like it belongs here?"

The goal isn't to erase the history of your home, it's to celebrate it while making it work beautifully for modern life.

You Don't Have to Manage Everything Yourself

This is where many homeowners feel the biggest sense of relief.

Instead of juggling dozens of decisions and trying to keep everyone on the same page, you have someone leading the project alongside you.

We coordinate with contractors, communicate with vendors, keep track of orders, answer questions, and help solve problems before they become stressful.

And one thing my clients often tell me they appreciate most? Weekly updates.

I never want you wondering what's happening with your project. You'll always know where we are in the process, what's coming next, and if there's anything you need to think about. Clear communication is something I value deeply because I know how much peace of mind it brings.

My Favorite Day: Installation

After months of planning, sourcing, and waiting for everything to arrive, installation day is finally here.

It's easily the most rewarding part of the process.

Watching a home come together, from the lighting overhead to the furniture, artwork, and final styling, is such a fun moment because it's when all of those hundreds of decisions suddenly make sense.

It's no longer a collection of samples and ideas.

It's your home.

And my favorite part is seeing my clients walk into the finished space. There's usually a moment where they pause, smile, and say, "This finally feels like us."

That's what it's all about.

More Than a Finished Project

When I started 13th Avenue Interiors, I wasn't just hoping to design beautiful homes.

I wanted to help families love living in the homes they already have.

I know firsthand how special older South Minneapolis homes are. I also know they often need thoughtful updates to support the way families live today.

That's why every project we take on is rooted in the same philosophy: preserve the character, improve the function, and create spaces that will be loved for years to come.

Because at the end of the day, we're not just designing rooms.

We're helping you write the next chapter in your home's story, and I can't think of anything more rewarding than that.