BY DESIGN the pandemic,” she says. “There’s really been a new design element that was born out of this shutdown. That is this move toward set prices for individual spaces or total home renovation.” The idea is simple and convenient for all involved. Once a price and project are agreed upon, Williams can offer as much or as little guidance as necessary, most of it being done virtually. “You can do virtual consultations and digital vision boards, which is something that I’ve always done but has been key recently. Then, the client can use that as the road map. I will share my suggestions for lamps, rugs, sofas, chairs, and then they can shop for the pieces themselves,” she says. “Or I can source those for them. It is about whatever works best for them.”
Designer shares tips on surviving renovations
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WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY TAMARA GIBSON
Jessica Moore Williams has done a little bit of it all. The interior designer and Golden Isles native has worked on everything from high-end properties in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to designing spaces for the U.S. Navy. “I’ve even picked paint colors for a dol-
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phin training pool,” she says with a laugh. After returning to the area four years ago, she started her own company Moore Design. There, she primarily focuses on residential work, although she never shies away from designing commercial spaces.
When it comes to approaching a renovation, Williams has plenty of sage advice to offer. Here are a few key elements to consider when starting a project: • Take the time to plan: Williams understands that every renovation is different, but what they all have in common is the need to plan. She suggests spending time flipping through magazines, browsing Pinterest, and visiting stores to truly create a vision for a space. “Before you call in the professionals, think about what you want the renovation to be and how you want the space to function,” she says.
“I really do anything that people call me to do,” she says. “I’ve done so much in my design career that I never flinch when it comes to any type of project.”
• Dream it up. Moore encourages her clients to pull together sample photos of rooms they love and come to her armed with examples. Even if a specific look won’t fit into the budget, she still suggests “pinning” it. “We can always try to recreate something in a way that will fit into your budget,” she says.
There is one topic that Williams frequently helps address — renovations. From fresh coats of paint to extensive redesigns, she takes pride in walking clients through each step of the process.
• Budget, budget, budget. In the planning phase, nailing down a realistic budget is critical. Then, she says, all the players have to get onboard with that figure and commit to sticking to it.
“I’ve seen so many people who are doing renovations, especially during
“Everyone should know the numbers ... your partner, your contractor, and your designer. That’s how you have success
