Whether it’s a brooding teenager or a worried stepmom, clients often come with family members who are not easy to deal with. We asked six designers:Adnan Anwar, Half Campbell, Mark Cravotta, holly Kane, Debbie Mathews and Katherine Nedelkoff– how they make a project work when inputs come from all angles.

Too many cooks
“For clients with difficult family members, it’s about setting expectations and building trust. During the consultation, I find out who the main decision-makers are and explain how the process works. During the design process, I remind clients why they hired me and how important it is for me to capture their vision of the house. This includes telling clients that while their friend or mother-in-law might have some great ideas, they hired me to bring their vision to life and create a space that truly reflects who they are. In addition, crowdsourcing reviews only slow down the process and do not give the customer the confidence to make decisions that they are ultimately happy with. “-Demi Campbell, set by Demi, Atlanta

Holly kaneCourtesy of Holly Kane

Listen and learn
“From the start of each project, we interact with our clients by discovering their lifestyle and their desires. Listening attentively and establishing a relationship of open communication allows us to better design a home where each member of the family can flourish. A difficult family member is often someone who needs to be heard. The beauty of design is that we have the ability to bring balance and harmony to a space. We can transform the environment for the well-being of individuals, families and even the community as a whole. –Holly Kane, Holly Kane Interior Design, Montecito, CA

Debbie mathewsCourtesy of Debbie Mathews

Lesson Plan
“When that happens, it’s mostly because the spouses are not on the same page with the budget or the conception. In my design business 95% of the time I only meet my wife and see her as the client whose design goals I am trying to achieve. Sometimes the husband joins us when proposals are presented and deposits are required. Often times, the husband will not understand why draperies or other items can be expensive. I find that educating them generally pays off. I literally met a client’s husband one evening and gave him a lesson in how drapery is constructed with lining and stabilizer; the different types of folds; how the footage is calculated; and the different types of drapery hardware. Once my client’s husband figured out all that goes into making beautiful draperies, he approved the proposal and wrote the check. I think it’s about identifying the customer and educating them – and whoever writes the check – so they understand how their money is being spent. “-Debbie Mathews, Debbie Mathews Antiques and Designs, Nashville, Tennessee

Adnan AnwarCourtesy of Adnan Anwar

Shopping list
“I sometimes run into a situation with members of my extended family getting their supplies in parallel with me, which can create a lot of inefficiency. They send my clients endless links or inspirational photos online. When this happens, my favorite strategy is to give the parent very specific items to buy. Then their voice is represented and they feel empowered. I don’t give much guidance on where to look, but I was amazed at what family members of these clients found. Another strategy I have had success with is shopping for accessories together in a physical store and welcoming customers to invite their family or friends over. It is a great bonding experience and a memory of the project. “-Adnan Anwar, Adnan Anwar Design, New York

Katherine nedelkoffCourtesy of Katherine Nedelkoff

Involve them
“Designing for any family takes a lot of interpersonal management and thought. Spouses do not always share the same vision, and some clients may have specific ideas that are not practical. When it comes to teenagers, I always like to involve them in the process so that they feel like they have a voice. I ask for their favorite colors, give them magazines to research the rooms they gravitate towards, and try to incorporate space for activities other than sleep. It can be a homework desk or a sitting area to relax. Usually I get mom’s pre-approval for two projects and then let them decide what they like for their room. “-Katherine Nedelkoff, Katherine Nedelkoff Design, New York

Mark CravottaCourtesy of Mark Cravotta

Built to last
“We don’t hear a lot about unruly family members in the litigious sense, but we do hear a lot about messy family and friends. More and more, our customers are asking us for truly durable and forgiving materials, fabrics and finishes that can handle active and spirited family members. They don’t want to worry about wet swimsuits, muddy paws, or spilled wine. Fortunately, we have a rich stable of possibilities for creating beautiful interiors that can take on what comes with a life well lived. –Mark Cravotta, Cravotta Interiors, Austin, Texas

Home Page: A Dining Room by Debbie Mathews | Photo by Ruby & Peach Photography