POWER SESSION PROFILES: KAREN KENNY

I recently had a fabulous time workshopping a new interior scheme for one of my Two Hour Power Session client’s Karen. Karen was a return client, wanting to work out a punch list of exciting updates for her new ‘forever’ home. I had met Karen back in early 2018, when she had originally consulted me for ideas for the home in anticipation of moving in a couple of years later. In the time since we last spoke, Karen had done an excellent job making the downstairs area ready to rent out, with that space now inhabited by happy tenants. Cut to 2 ½ years later and Karen was ready to pull together the upstairs wing for her to move into and enjoy her new home, post a recent retirement.

I always love these sessions. I find that my client and I achieve so much and in a really short period of time. Just two hours! We create a worklist that is very achievable, and I really make sure that my client has the resources to pull it off by themselves. In Karen’s case, she was a terrific ‘doer’ and is one of those amazing people that when they set their mind to something-it gets done and to a great standard!

Here’s how the process worked for Karen and I this time around.

Step 1: Karen was ready to decorate, so we caught up for a discovery call to clarify her needs and check in on the right service for her. At this time, it was definitely the power session as Karen is a great DIY’er but just needed a clear plan of attack. So, we scheduled a session and started to prepare for it. A welcome packet is sent to all my power session clients so that they understand exactly how the process works and the level of support they will receive during the process.

A Welcome Packet is sent shortly after our meeting is secured to explain the details of the process and what to expect at each point of the process.

Step 2: Karen was provided with a drop box folder where she could upload her photos ready for my preliminary review. I like to take a look at the space/s in advance so that I can start to piece together ideas before our actual session. I also ask for a brief, which I obtained from Karen so that we could be laser focused when the time comes to get together for our actual meeting.

Karens brief for the session, as well as before photos for review.

Step 3: The Two-Hour Power Session.

This is the time where we nut out all the things that we want to achieve and within a budget. Karen had a specific amount that she wanted to spend every year for the next three years. I normally find that my DIY clients are very forthcoming with how much they would like to spend because they are doing all of the follow up work. They don’t need to consider any further design fees. Having the right information about their investment amount helps me be very tailored on my recommendations. I want to ensure they get the best outcome for what they have to invest at the time.

I conduct the power sessions via Zoom, which means that I can meet with anyone around Australia [or the world for that matter!] so it’s super convenient. I also notice that my client’s feel very comfortable and relaxed in this way, maybe because it’s a little less pressure not having to meet up in the flesh. We are all a lot more relaxed on Zoom calls because we only have to look good on the top half. We can be in our PJ’s and slippers on the bottom half-and no none has to know!

Karen & I ‘Zooming’.

Step 4 Presentation- The Power Plan [next 48 hours]

This is a really fun step where I share the plans and some extras that really direct my client visually. There is a new “Look Book’ section where there are inspirational images of where I see the direction based on our session together. I also do a video ‘walkthrough’ of the plan, which is sent to the client and helps recap everything that was discussed, as well as my additional feedback and clarity on references that can help the client make real the details. This may include phone numbers or email addresses for trade support, for example.

Below are a few pages from the final report I sent to Karen. I created an additional colour palette for her, reconfigured the living room and have new direction on patterns and colour ways that would work well together to accessorise and finish her spaces.

There is also a notes section and trade reference section, which is helpful if Karen wants to print out the booklet and use it as a guide as well as to write down important additional information, if and when required.

Step 5. The 14 day follow up

I like to offer my clients 14 days follow up support for the package. It helps them to ask questions after they have had time to process. We need to process the details for a while and have the ability to seek clarity. I always want to make sure my clients get a reasonable time to do this to avoid any un-necessary concerns they may have after the process is completed.

So, there we have it! I am looking forward to seeing Karen’s progress over the coming months, especially with paint colour transformation!

I asked Karen is she would be open to answering a quick Q&A about her experience working with me. She graciously agreed! Here is Karen’s feedback on how she found the session.

1.     Thanks for sharing Karen. Would you mind telling us a little about you and what you do? 
I moved to Kiama NSW in 2019 to retire after a successful corporate career in Australia and New Zealand. Kiama is a very friendly community and offers plenty to do with beautiful coastal and rainforest walks, lovely beaches and the many highlights of the southern highlands and south coast to visit. After many years of renting, I am pleased to finally retire to my own home and make it my own. Since 2019, I have focused on updating my home and garden, learning much about renovating and meeting heaps of trades people along the way.   

2.     What was your biggest struggle before you went through the consultation process? 
My biggest struggle with decorating my home was sticking to the one look. I love all sorts of decoration looks and found it hard to maintain one consistent theme throughout.  

3.     How are you feeling now that you've been through it? 
Now, I am confident that I know what overall look I am aiming for and don’t get diverted and head off in different directions. I definitely feel that his will save me time and money from making mistakes.   

4.     What is the biggest takeaway you liked from the session & report? 
Well, I liked the way you [Adam] kept to the brief and were firm on your recommendations while stretching my comfort levels for what could be achieved very quickly. The plan will achieve a dramatic transformation and the cohesive look I sought, all within budget. I feel like the report provides the roadmap to follow, with links to suppliers to help me complete the work confidently.   

5.     What does home mean to you? 
For me home means security, belonging, identity and privacy. It represents my identity or personal space to others, surrounded by things or an environment that make me happy.   

A huge thank you to Karen for sharing her experience with our readers.

Would you like a journey through the same process as Karen? If so, feel free to jump over to the package here for further information and schedule a call here on my calendar. This time of year is a great time to get a plan for success as we get our homes ready for the holidays. We’ll be spending more time in them, so why not make the most of the time we have in them.

AS