Morgan Gracey Interiors was established in the wonderful year of 2020 but it has become busier and busier each year. Design projects are on the go, marketing plans are ongoing and being a Boss has been a new and exciting world for me. It really has been an adventure; so I decided to compile the most interesting and useful things I have learned while starting my own design company.
Drywall, Mudding and Patching
Starting off strong we have drywall, mudding and patching. Although this may seem obvious to some, drywall is a trade all on its own. It is time consuming, tiring and dusty!! Having well installed drywall with minimal and smooth mud can really make the difference especially when bringing paint follows. Understanding the process of drywall has made me take a second thought before putting a hole in a wall. Being able to fix small issues without calling a contractor is a huge plus.
Staging
Staging has been an interesting experience for me. Overwhelming at times and always challenging - it can completely transform a space! It is also really deceiving because there can be a lot of lugging involved even a simple and minimal setup. Those few odds and ends can turn into boxes of items. Next thing you know you are dragging in 8 boxes and a vacuum from your car! I have also learned that you need Windex, paper towel, Murphy’s Oil, tape, markers, and an Exacto blade on hand at all times. Less is more, clean and crisp all the way.
Hanging Mirrors & Pictures
Hanging mirrors and pictures is so useful in fact
it has been following me around. It is not unusual that I hang mirrors and pictures wherever I go. I always have a little box of tricks in my car. The most important and interesting aspect of this is that the cheap hanging wire does not cut it! Splurge and spend the extra $3.00 to get heavy duty wire that does not stretch. Also drywall plugs are underrated for certain mirrors as some of them are way heavier than they look. A nice cleanly hung mirror or picture is ideal so we don’t have to circle back to the drywall and mudding section on this blog post.
Social Media
I always knew how difficult social media would be but it is so useful for business and interesting for engagement with supporters. There is a pressure to have finished looks and updated projects, while in reality projects take many months to complete. I try to keep updated on things, and also work on getting a good headshot! As a private person it can be difficult to put myself out there. It is also very difficult to hear my voice back on camera… yikes! I am working hard to give the best of both worlds and show the behind the scenes and in progress shots (which is most of the time) as well as the picture perfect finished looks.
Being a Boss
Last but not least being a Boss! I’ve always wanted to be my own boss but the ‘fun’ boss, the ‘likable’ boss, the ‘host with the most’ type boss. What I have learned is that the ‘fun’ boss sometimes needs to get things done. Although I did throw a spectacular Christmas party and I have company apparel! I have to be ‘the person in authority’ sometimes. When you’re young it can feel hard to have the authority to make the big decisions and make sure people listen to you when you call the shots. That being said, when the finished product is seen it is so satisfying and you gain the trust of people. That's a good feeling!
Other interesting and useful things without explanation
Loading your car like Tetris in order to get everything to a job site in one trip
Foraging for fresh greenery for vases
Putting felt sticky things on literally every piece of furniture with legs
Having great contractors on file in my contact list for every possible aspect of a project
Tool kit on hand at all times (including and not limited to extra drill batteries)
There is just so much packaging on every little thing
Indoor shoes…. just like kindergarten
The past few years have been full of challenges and excitement. I am sure I will be able to add to this list as MG Interiors continues to grow in the future. Stay tuned - in another 6 months this list will have doubled in size!
Cheers,
Morgan
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