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When to Hire an Interior Designer for a Renovation: Project Martha, an Unfinished Basement Transformation

  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read

From Unfinished Basement to a Dream Retreat, Alpharetta, GA Basement Transformation

If you’re planning a renovation or finishing a basement, you may be wondering: When is the right time to bring in an interior designer? Before plans? After plans?

In this post, we’re sharing the real timeline behind our “Dream Basement” project: Project Martha.

From the very first client call to final installation day, we’ll walk you through how the design process unfolded, why early collaboration with architects and builders matters, and how an unfinished basement turned into a fully designed living retreat.

One question we hear all the time:

“When should we bring in an interior designer for a renovation — before or after the architectural plans?”

Our answer is simple. As early as possible.

Discover the timeline behind our dream basement renovation. See how early design collaboration transformed an unfinished basement into a cozy living retreat.
Basement Transformation, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Designed by Design & Curations

Let's get into it. WHY? At Design & Curations, we love being part of the dreaming stage when the space is still open to possibilities. Before walls are finalized and layouts are locked in. That is the true reason for hiring an Interior Design Studio.

Because great design isn’t just about picking finishes later. It starts with a feeling that guides the entire space. How should the home feel?

Where will people gather? How will the family live in it every day?

Those answers shape the flow, openings, architectural details, finishes, lighting, and, ultimately, the furniture. It all comes together like a puzzle.

When Planning for an Unfinished Basement Transformation: Hire Designer Alongside the Architect and/or Builder

The best projects happen when we collaborate with architects and builders early in the process.

Once an initial floor plan is drafted, we review it and begin refining the spatial flow. Sometimes we adjust layouts, add architectural details, or introduce design ideas that elevate the experience of the space.

When this collaboration happens early, the result feels seamless, like the home was always meant to be that way. We will bring you a concept, a feeling, color, textures all that will feel exciting and meaningful.

Here are some examples of our "CONCEPT" & "SPATIAL PLAN" work for the #projectmartha basement.

Project Martha: The Dream Basement

Our Project Martha (also known as the Dream Basement) is a perfect example of this process.

What started as an unfinished basement became a full secondary living experience designed around one idea: Slow Down. Settle In. Connect.

The space now includes:

• A romantic European-inspired kitchen with café seating

• Custom built-ins with arched niches•

A cozy family room with fireplace

• A dry bar and game lounge

• A spa-like bathroom, guest bedroom, and home gym

Instead of feeling like a basement, it feels like a charming getaway inside the home.

BUT HOW? HOW LONG? The Project Timeline

  1. April 2025 – Clients reached out through our website, and we had our first call.

  2. May 2025 – Project confirmed and contract signed.

  3. July 2025 – Design kickoff: site visit, inspiration review, and lifestyle discussion. We edited the floor plan and created a detailed spatial layout.

  4. Aug–Sept 2025 – 3D renders, finish selections, and final builder specification book.

  5. Oct 2025 – Jan 2026 – Construction phase with regular site visits, electrical walkthroughs, cabinet planning, and material reviews.

  6. Feb 2026 – Furniture installation, final styling, and photoshoot.

Seeing the space finished after months of planning, sketching, adjusting, and collaborating is always emotional.

Some iPhone photos, while we wait for the FINAL Professional Album in a week.

Eeek! I CAN'T WAIT TO SHARE! <3

The Fun Part

Install day always ends the same way: hugs with our clients and a promise that we’ll be invited back soon — hopefully for dinner in the new space.

We can’t wait to share the final photos and YouTube tour soon.

Thinking About Finishing Your Basement?

If you’re planning a renovation or finishing a basement, bringing in a designer early can make a huge difference in how the space functions and feels.

At Design & Curations, we design homes that are intentional, layered, and deeply livable.

Learn more or inquire about your project: HERE


XO,

BurJu





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