Meet the Barkers: A Home & Willow Design Client Testimonial

The beauty of building a home, from the ground up, is that it is entirely yours to conceptualize, customize, and create. The challenge is… it’s entirely yours to conceptualize, customize, and create. Every detail – every single last detail – is yours to decide. Like many who find themselves in this position, Bridgette Barker was ready to throw up her hands.

“I do not have an eye for decorating,” Bridgette says, “The entire building process was starting to be a lot when it came to colors, trim, flooring, tile, grout, mantles, corners…” Et cetera and et cetera. “It quickly became very stressful.” She found Home & Willow Design online and quickly connected with designer Bron Dailey. Bron does have quite an eye for design, and together, they started to zero in on the vision… and bring it to life.

Help!

When Bridgette and her husband, Andy, began working with 20 TWENTY Design Build, she admits that her dream was more amorphous concept than solid plan. Bron explains, “She knew she wanted modern farmhouse, but she wasn’t sure how to dial that in.”

Bron became involved in everything from shingles to stone to the location of the light switches, guiding the Barkers through choices that, once exhausting, became exciting. “Bron is very easy to work with,” Bridgette says. Her humor and easy going nature makes all of this process entertaining and fun.”

Dialing In on the Vision

“Bron was able to learn our style very quickly with questions and [by examining] our current home style. She was able to take the ideas in my head and turn them into reality.”

How? The answer is as simple as it is complex. Bron says, “You have to listen. You really have to listen. This is their dream; this is their vision. It has to take on their personality and their love – and that’s where your talents as a designer kick in. You have to get to know your client.” Bron’s background in psychology certainly came in handy.

Trust established, Bron, Bridgette, and Andy developed a system that worked to overcome overwhelm and streamline the process. “[Bron] comes with three selections to choose from instead of 10. She politely explains why certain cabinet/flooring/colors flow better than others.” Visiting the Home & Willow Design showroom was another integral step. “[This] space is beautiful. The presentations Bron has put on have been fabulous – first class and so enjoyable.”

This method, and bond, has served them well. Bron says, “Again, I’m blessed in the fact that I do pay attention. I hone in on those psychology skills.” In almost all cases, Bridgette and Andy found the perfect fit within the three mindfully selected options.

Bron jokes, “The only part we’ve been hung up on throughout the process is the wallpaper for one of the power bathrooms – to the point where it’s hilarious. It’s just been a real mix of opinions. We’ll see who’s going to win the wallpaper battle!” If it’s like every other part of the new build, there will be victors all around.

Seeing the Client

Bron’s ability to intuit what the Barkers wanted, and to communicate effectively, led to a bold, unexpected, choice. “When we first met, [Bridgette and Andy] wanted a white stone modern farmhouse. But they kept having issues finding the right look. They’re driving around, looking at houses. They’re on Pinterest, looking at houses. And they’re just not nailing it.”

“Everything they were saying to me was telling me to suggest, ‘Let’s not do white; let’s do black.’” So, while she admits it was scary, Bron did just that. Trusting their designer, Bridgette and Andy slept on it. After consideration, they said, “Let’s do it.” And it is, all agree, incredible. It was exactly what they wanted – even if they hadn’t known it until then.

This is not a choice everyone would make, and it’s not a suggestion that Bron would make to everyone. She leveraged her extensive insight into her clients to uncover a solution that resonated.

A Team Approach

Bridgette says, “Bron has been very professional in dealing with all our builders and vendors.  I’m sure I don’t even know half the fires she has put out for me!”

Consistent communication with 20 TWENTY is key, as are frequent touchpoints with Bridgette and Andy. “At this stage, I’ve created such a bond with them that we communicate two, three, or four times a week, regardless, ” Bron says. “Every client is different as far as how much information they need and how often they need it. I just ask.”

Bridgette adds, “I like how [Bron’s] team works together. [They] have been a part of our process as well, and she is quick to give credit where credit is due!” And she is, expressing gratitude to Stacy Stater (Home & Willow Design Founder and Senior Designer), Crystal Reeves (Design Manager), Kamryn Camp (Office Manager,” and Nick Stater (Shared Services Manager). Bron says, “It’s definitely a collaboration to make every experience as seamless as possible!”

What’s Next?

We’re not done yet! This is an extensive new build, and we’re currently at the drywall stage. Bron is excited to continue bringing Bridgette and Andy’s dream home to fruition. And her clients are equally thrilled at the progress they’ve made and the steps yet to take. Bridgette says, “Bron will be part of all our design work, Lord willing, for years to come!”

From complete new builds to renovations and refreshes, Home & Willow Design strives to help you create elegant, timeless spaces that reflect your personality, lifestyle, and aspirations. Learn about our full array of services.