Dream Clients, Yes!

Every designer has a handful of "dream clients". These projects are the most satisfying, delightful and fulfilling in the scope of interior design work.

I remember the time that we were coming down the home stretch after designing an entire home. One last room remained and I selected several color pallets and associated fabrics for approval. When I called to set up the appointment to present my ideas, she said, "Oh, you decide! I'm ready for a surprise! Music to my ears.

Then there was the time when we had another full house project, and my client and I were on the same page the entire project. I don't recall a selection that I made that was ever turned down. Unusual and wonderful.

Just a few days ago, the final installation of our Las Vegas project was completed. When we left Las Vegas after the initial visit, my client didn't even care about seeing the final color selection. She "trusted me to make the decisions". Oh,yes.

And what about my client who gave me a key to the house and had me come in and hang three walls of generational photos while she was away on vacation?! That was a treat! And, how fun it was to imagine her delight upon returning to the completed project. Cool.

This brings me to the real story, a report from a colleague and fellow designer, Johnathan Adler. Johnathan is a very hip designer who does full interior design and has his own accessory/furniture line as well. I purchase his line at times for the store, and we exchange emails and comments at times. His taste is impeccable,as are his designs. Not long ago, I received this email regarding his "dream client" and I really had to chuckle as I could totally relate! I thought you might enjoy it.

BARBIE'S REAL-LIFE DREAM HOUSE CREATED IN MALIBU

On the eve of her 50th birthday, interior decorator Johnathan Adler has decked out a real-life 3,500 square foot pad overlooking the Pacific Ocean to look like the blond doll's outrageous home.

Adler, who was commissioned by toy make Mattell Inc. to decorate the house for Monday's party, said outfitting the sleek mansion (a property that's frequently rented for film and photography shoots) took six months of planning and a few weeks to install.

"Barbie was a dream client because she doesn't exist as a person," Adler said. "She exists as fantasy and is the perfect client because she is always happy and fun and loves everything. I thought to myself,'How would Barbie live?' What I thought was Barbie would have a house that is glamorous, kittenish, chic, colorful and happy--as well as functional."

Adler lined Barbie's bedroom with wall-to-wall pink carpeting emblazoned with her initial. The close is filled with 50 pairs of pink peep-toe heels while her kitchen is stocked with cupcake-making ingredients. An in-house museum features 25 vintage Barbie dolls on display. In the garage? A pink Volkswagen New Beetle with a motorized pop-up vanity in the trunk.

I thoroughly enjoyed Johnathan's imaginary "dream client" (because she doesn't exist)! But as for my dream clients...they're real!

Are you a dream client waiting for the next open appointment? I'll be waiting!