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Installation day can be a roller coaster of emotions: a bit of anxious anticipation as you step inside the project, a sprinkling of stress should you experience some bumps in the road, and a wave of sheer joy when the space finally comes together. While clear communication with your vendors and meticulous planning can help streamline the process, it doesn’t hurt to bring a few essentials along for the big day.
We asked eight designers about the items they always pack in their bag for installs. From practical tools to downright hilarious objects, one thing’s for certain: These designers always come prepared.
Gail Davis, Gail Davis Designs
I think every designer is both excited and also cautiously optimistic on installation days, fully expecting some bumps in the road. I carry the mundane: measuring tape, Post-it Notes (great for hanging art), pen, paper, and my clipboard—never leave home without one! But, I also have a few unexpected fun things, too: a flask just in case we need a celebratory toast (or something to take the edge off), Welch’s gummies, and, as a dog mom of three pups, poop bags in case the house pup has an accident.
Gioi Tran, Applegate Tran Interiors
Installations are exciting and utterly nerve-wracking, as everything is seemingly happening at once. The most important thing in my kit is my Amex Platinum card because you never know what you will need to run out and get. I also get so entrenched in work I forget to eat and always bring along bottled water and snacks like protein bars—both are crucial. Then it gets mundane: [Mr. Clean’s] Magic Eraser, painter’s tape, fabric steamer, cleaning supplies, felt pads, measuring tape, and a lint brush.
Heather Hilliard, Heather Hilliard Design
Our supplies list is miles long—we always want to be as prepared as possible. We’ve learned from many years of installs that having walkie-talkies on hand makes communication seamless—especially [in] big houses. Tape to adhere lamp cords to the back of bedside tables, aprons with pockets to easily carry tools and supplies around, as well as lint rollers and upholstery brushes—though the list goes on and on!
Christina Kim, Christina Kim Interior Design
We always have Stitch Witchery, an easy no-sew option for the occasional loose drapery hem, bed skirt screw pins to prevent bed skirts from shifting and sagging, Magic Erasers to clean up a smudge, Advil, and makeup—as there’s always a camera somewhere on install day! We always leave behind a lucky rubber duck, a little superstitious talisman of sorts, because a little luck never hurts.
Phillip Thomas, Phillip Thomas Inc.
I always carry zip ties to organize any unruly cords and wires. There’s nothing worse than seeing a tangle of wires in every corner. Zip cords allow me to keep everything tidy and managed in a permanent way so that the clients never have to think about those pesky details. I also always carry Velcro squares to place on the back of artworks so that everything stays level. Nobody wants an apartment full of crooked paintings!
Chanae Richards, ọlọrọ Interiors
I always bring a measuring tape I got from Sweeten, as well as Eros lip balm. [I use] rolls of art in various sizes to test out in a space. This week I’m carrying Chaka by Johnalynn Holland and Crossing by Yannick Lowery. Whether it’s a last-minute floral arrangement or a loose thread on an accent pillow, pruning shears are a lifesaver. I swear by these things. Also, 3M Delicate Surface tape [is] great for affixing to a specific space on a wall where a quick fix is needed. And, finally, my little black book…you never know who you’ll need to call on install day.
Linda Hayslett, L.H. Designs
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My number-one thing that I must have is red scissors. Red, so I can find them quick when I set them down. You won’t believe how many times scissors are used, then put down somewhere, and you forget where. It’s a stressful day, so having them be a bright color helps me find them quick.
I [also] carry a small notebook around with me with lists and notes on what needs to get accomplished. Once on site, I like to go through and check things off to make sure I didn’t miss anything. It also helps me keep tabs on any issues that come up that day that I’ll have to address later. One of the notebooks I like to use is Poppin’s medium soft-cover notebook. A lot of my projects are large scale, and we always do new flooring, so booties are a must. So, why not have cute ones with pizzazz? They can be colorful while protecting the floors such as these nonslip, washable, reusable slipcovers.
Benjamin Deaton, Benjamin Deaton Interior Design
What I have in my monogrammed bag: my client notebook with layouts and cut sheets of each item; my handheld steamer; a clear (and well organized) box of safety pins, picture hangers, and a sewing kit; as well as Tide to Go, Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser, and a hammer.
Pencils and a sketchbook are [also] essential for when inspiration strikes. I always have my Benjamin Moore paint deck and Phillip Jeffries grasscloth fan deck tucked in there—you never know when you have a chance to discuss something new with your client.
