What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Learning From My Mistakes

Behind the Scenes: The Mistakes, Misfires, and Magic of Interior Design

Hi y’all—Megan here! If you caught this week’s episode of MM Tells All, then you already know we’re pulling back the curtain. From my early days in design to full-blown install day madness, I’m sharing what really happens behind the scenes… and let’s just say, it’s not always as flawless as the final photos.

I genuinely thought my career was over.

Truly. One of my very first big mistakes in this business came from not having a clearly documented, signed, and reviewed process. My client was (understandably) frustrated. At the time, I thought I had ruined everything before I even got started.

Looking back now? It’s something we laugh about. But in the moment, it felt devastating. That experience—and so many others since—have become lessons we now build into our process. Mistakes happen. But how we respond to them? That’s where the magic happens.

The red flag test: would I get dinner with you?

We spend years with some of our clients. This is an intimate, collaborative relationship—not just a transaction. I’ve learned over time that the personal connection matters just as much as the creative alignment. These days, I ask myself early on: Would I enjoy a dinner with this person? If the answer is no, that’s okay. The right fit matters—for both of us.

It took me years to be comfortable saying, “We may not be the best match, but here’s someone I trust.” And if a potential client feels the same? No hard feelings at all. There’s confidence in clarity.

I’ve absolutely missed the mark.

Design is a conversation. Sometimes, a client’s inspiration folder looks like five people live in the same house—and honestly, that’s when it gets interesting. We explore ideas, we listen, we pivot. When the collaboration flows, the result is always stronger.

Give me honest feedback in real time. I welcome it. I don’t take it personally—I take it seriously.

Everyone has a budget. Even if they say they don’t.

The most common phrase we hear at the beginning of a project? “We’re pretty open on budget.” But once the design plan is presented, a number usually emerges. And that’s totally normal.

I’m a homeowner too. I’ve had my own sticker-shock moments—from landscaping to lighting. But our process is built to keep things transparent, thoughtful, and aligned with your priorities. From there, we adjust and refine to make sure every dollar works hard.

Logistics: the underbelly of design

If something’s going to go sideways, chances are it’ll be during ordering. Delays, damage, miscommunication, mislabeling—you name it, we’ve lived it. Once, I waited six months for a custom bed only to find out the shipping container it was on… had literally fallen off the ship. Into the ocean. That’s not a metaphor—that’s real life.

But our clients don’t see the chaos. That’s the point. We track every item, field every call, and handle every hiccup so the experience stays seamless for you. Think of us as your design firm and your personal FedEx rep.

Install Day: beautifully orchestrated chaos

Picture this: 350+ items. Multiple trucks. A team of movers, electricians, drapery installers, and designers. Piles of cardboard. Miles of bubble wrap. It’s like moving an entire household in a single day—with a surprise party at the end.

That’s why we ask clients to step away on install day. Not only is it a little intense, but we want your first moment in the finished space to feel magical. That grand reveal is one of the best parts of the process—and it’s always worth the wait.

Don’t DIY the stuff that matters

One final piece of hard-earned advice: hire professionals. We’ve hit pipes drilling into walls. Flooded powder rooms. Scratched wallpaper with art installs. We’ve learned (and re-learned) these lessons so you don’t have to.

Whether it’s electrical, custom upholstery, or styling that makes the space sing—investing in the right people saves you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Yes, we’ve had design flops, shipping disasters, and chaotic installs. But every challenge has made us better, smarter, and more prepared for the next one. This work is about trust. It’s about relationships. And it’s about creating beauty—despite the inevitable behind-the-scenes bumps.

Thanks for tuning in, cheering us on, and letting us do what we love.
Until next time!

xo,
Megan