How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with Highlands Decorating Center

Your first appointment is where the fun starts—turning ideas into a clear plan for your home. The more we know up front, the faster we can guide you toward the right materials, timelines, and budget.

Here’s how to come prepared (without feeling like you need to have everything figured out).

Bring a set of plans (formal or rough is fine)

If you have full house plans, amazing—bring them. If you don’t, don’t stress.

We’re accustomed to working with everything from rough dimensions and hand sketches to detailed architectural drawings. The goal is simply to understand the scope and the spaces involved so we can recommend products that fit.

Collect inspiration photos (Pinterest, screenshots, magazine clippings—anything)

Inspiration photos are tremendously helpful. We can absolutely help you achieve the look you want, but pictures are the best first step because they show:

The vibe you’re drawn to (mid-century, mountain modern, traditional, etc.)
Colors and textures you like
Patterns, finishes, and “details” you may not have words for yet

If you don’t already have a Pinterest board started… this is your sign.

Make a few lifestyle notes (how you really live)

Design isn’t just about what looks good—it’s about what works for your day-to-day.

Come ready to share details like:

Do you have children or pets?
Will this be a full-time home, second home, or a rental?
Do you plan to cook often, or are you aiming for more of a “show kitchen”?
How much maintenance are you open to (or trying to avoid)?

These answers help us steer you toward materials that match your lifestyle—especially when it comes to flooring, tile, countertops, and window treatments.

Know your timeline (even a rough one)

How much time you have to work with can narrow down your options.

Some products are made-to-order and can take weeks to produce. If you’re on a tight schedule, we may need to prioritize in-stock or readily available alternatives.

Important to note: lead times vary, and they can change—so timeline info is crucial from the start.

A few helpful truths about the selection process

A couple of things we’ll help you keep in mind as you make decisions:

One decision affects the next. Flooring and tile choices often drive the rest of the aesthetic.
Plan early, finalize later. You can choose a direction now and lock in details as you go. This keeps your project moving without forcing you to decide every last detail on day one.