We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ayanna Govan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ayanna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

A big trend that we are starting to see in the industry of Interior Design & Remodeling right now is the use of color. For years many people resorted to neutral tones because they were “safe”. The three reasons this decision was made that I heard most often when working with client’s was that:

1. They were concerned with what the future buyer may be attracted to when purchasing their home.

2. It’s easier to change the soft accents out such as pillows, throws, etc., than it is to change the paint color of their wall.

3. Client thought that they may get sick of seeing the color.

While these are not the only three reason’s I heard, they are definitely one’s that I hear most often and let me say they are all absolutely myths. My answers to these questions that I would like people to think about when saying the above:

1. Ask yourself how long you will live in your current home? If 5-10 years, then why are we planning for the future buyer? It doesn’t make sense to live in a house that isn’t “your own” for that amount of time. 9 times out of 10, when you are ready to sell, the new buyer will come in and make it their own anyways!

2. I would typically ask them to elaborate on what “easier” is to them. Most clients refer to either the expense or the time. When you add the expense of a can of paint + the labor, does it outweigh the expense of the art, decor, pillows, throughs, accessories, etc. + the amount of time that you will spend shopping.

3. Food for Thought – If you choose your favorite color will you really get sick of it?

So, when clients are bringing up incorporating color into their design at the initial consultation this is kind of a big deal. Clients are becoming less concerned with the future buyer’s tastes and more concerned with creating a space that is a unique reflection of their own personality and I LOVE IT! I think Interior Design & Remodeling your home or space is a significant investment and it should be an expression of your own taste. I think if a client loves gray than gray should be in their design. But, if a client’s favorite color is blue but you think other people will like gray better, so you chose gray, that isn’t the best decision nor the best representation of YOU in your space.

Ayanna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an Interior Architectual Designer as well as a Licensed General Contractor with over a decade of experience in luxury design. I am the Principal Designer & Founder of AG Interiors LLC which is a Full-Service Interior Design & Remodeling Firm. We handle residential and boutique commercial projects but over the years I’ve come to realize that my true passion comes from designing and project managing second homes, vacation homes, and for busy professionals that are relocating. In my current role, I design and manage every project from floor plans to furnishings. I think what sets me apart is the level of personalized care that I give to each of my projects. I genuinely care about building relations and connections with my client’s so that I can best serve them and their personal needs when making design decisions. I also feel the same way about building strong relationships and communicating effectively when it comes to our trade partners. I believe that the success of a project also depends on the team in place that is there to execute the vision.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I would say my knowledge plays a big role in the reputation that I’ve built for myself in this industry. I have always been very adamant about being a continuous learner in my field. I think a lot of people stop learning after they get their degree or credentials. Although, I have my bachelor’s in interior design & architecture, I am always taking another class when I have the opportunity, listening to a podcast or video, and/or reading to hone a skill that I feel I can grow in. My reputation has been solid about being knowledgeable in so many aspects of both Design & Construction and that didn’t come over night. When there is something that I don’t understand or a new problem that we run into on the job, I not only research, but I ask the trades to explain it to me and walk me through what it is, why it was caused, and the solution. I think this is also a way that I have earned respect with my trades by not always walking into a job like the know it all.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients has and probably always will be referrals/word of mouth. Doing good business with client’s is the best advertisement possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aginteriorswi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aginteriorswi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aginteriorswi
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ag-interiors-brookfield?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Image Credits

Photographer: Kyle Szef