Prepare For Your First Design Appointment
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated to reflect Ernest Homes’ current Design Studio process and recommendations for preparing for your selections appointment.
Close your eyes and envision your perfect home — now open them and make it happen! In our beautiful Design Studio, you’ll find rows of carpet and hardwood samples, kitchen and bath tiles, lighting choices, granite and quartz countertops, cabinets, and more.
For all of your seasonal gatherings, themed happy hours, book clubs and movie nights, visits from family and friends, and of course quiet time to yourself, you deserve a space that reflects your personality and style. At Ernest Homes, you can choose the features and finishes that suit you best so your home looks and feels just like you.
Choosing the details of your home while staying within your budget may seem overwhelming, but our talented design coordinators will be with you every step of the way. They’ll get to know you and what you’re looking for, making this personalized process as easy and stress-free as possible. Here’s how to make your first Design Studio appointment a breeze.
1. Start a Lookbook
Think of this task as the most fun homework assignment you’ve ever gotten. A lookbook is a collection of photos that you put together to draw inspiration from. Browse sites like Pinterest, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Country Living, and Better Homes & Gardens — or save images from model homes you love.
Create a folder of photos on your desktop or in your phone, or print them and bring them with you. Look for patterns in what you like — light vs. dark cabinets, simple vs. dramatic lighting, warm vs. cool colors, etc. This makes it much easier for your designer to understand your style on day one.
2. Write Out Your Must-Haves
When it comes to your dream home, you probably have a few “must-have” features that are non-negotiable. Maybe it’s light kitchen cabinets, quartz countertops, brushed nickel finishes, dark hardwood floors, or a specific tile look in the owner’s bath.
Make a short written list of the finishes that matter most to you. Ernest Homes offers a wide variety of choices to fit many lifestyles and budgets. Having your must-haves written down saves time during your appointment and lets you focus your energy on decisions you’re not sure about yet.
3. Know Your Budget
Going into your Design Studio appointment with a clear idea of what you’re hoping to spend (and how flexible you can be) helps you make the best use of your time and feel confident in your final selections.
Before your visit:
- Talk with your lender and new home specialist about your overall budget.
- Decide how much you’re comfortable investing in design options and upgrades.
- Prioritize where you want to spend more (kitchen, owner’s bath, flooring) and where you’re happy to keep included features.
Our design coordinators work with budgets of all sizes and will guide you toward options that fit your goals without surprises.
4. Respect the Timeline
The building process is a coordinated set of moving parts. Once your appointment is scheduled, try to keep that time sacred and arrive prepared and on time. Making your design decisions within the requested timeframe allows our purchasing and construction teams to order materials, schedule trades, and keep your home on track.
If you’re unsure about a selection, ask questions during your appointment so you can decide with confidence instead of delaying the process.
5. Trust Your Designer (and Have Fun!)
Your Design Studio appointment is one of the most exciting milestones of your new home journey. Our coordinators stay up to date on design trends, durable materials, and smart product choices for families across Coastal Georgia. Bring your ideas, but also keep an open mind — your designer may suggest combinations you hadn’t considered that still fit your lookbook and budget.
On appointment day:
- Dress comfortably and plan for a focused but fun session.
- Bring your lookbook, must-have list, and any paint or fabric samples you love.
- Take photos and notes so you can remember what you selected.
With a little preparation and guidance from your designer, you’ll leave feeling excited and confident about how your new Ernest home will look and feel.
Ready to start planning your finishes? Explore our new home floor plans and Coastal Georgia communities, then contact us to schedule a visit to the Ernest Homes Design Studio.
