Get the Look | Install Essentials
The preparation and successful completion of an installation are critical final steps in any design project. Often, clients or individuals may not fully grasp all the requirements for a smooth installation. This blog post highlights the key factors and materials that a team must focus on to ensure success. By having the right tools and being ready to address any unforeseen challenges, you can greatly increase the chances of successfully completing both the installation and the overall project. Read more below to learn about the essential items and methods we use to prepare for a successful install.
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Essential Installation Items: Always Packed, Organized, and Ready
These essential items should always stay in their designated bags, and it's important to regularly confirm and organize their contents to ensure they are ready for every install. Confirm your whole design team knows what goes where from this list in your install bags.
Goo Gone: While it might seem odd, this is one of the most frequently used items. Removing stickers and labels from every installed item is crucial for a clean finish. Don’t forget a blade for tougher labels.
Scissors & Box Cutters: Both the team and warehouse crew are constantly opening boxes, so having scissors and box cutters readily available is essential.
Felt Pads: Small objects often need felt pads on the bottom to prevent scratching furniture. Having these on hand ensures protection for surfaces.
Rug Tape: Rugs tend to curl at the corners when first unrolled, and rug tape helps keep them from becoming a tripping hazard, ensuring safety for the visitors of the finished product.
Steamer & Wrinkle Release: Wrinkles are every designer’s worst nightmare. Always come prepared with a steamer or wrinkle release spray to smooth out any visible wrinkles, along with distilled water for the steamer.
Basic Tool Set: Although the warehouse team is typically available on-site, it’s helpful to have a small tool set to assemble small items independently without needing assistance from the warehouse team. A well-stocked tool kit with all the essential tools—like screwdrivers, pliers, and a level—ensures that you’re prepared for any task that comes your way.
Microfiber Towel: Mirrors are often installed on projects, and nothing cleans them better than a microfiber cloth, ensuring a spotless finish.
Hot Glue Gun: For DIY florals and any other creative touch-ups, a hot glue gun is a must-have. It’s perfect for securing flowers, decorations, or other items in place during the install. Be sure to also bring floral tape and wire cutters—floral tape helps keep stems securely bound together, and wire cutters make trimming and shaping stems or wires much easier and cleaner
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Supplementing the Essentials: What to Purchase for Each Installation
A lot of pre-planning goes into an install, but there are a few simple items you can pick up at the store on the way to minimize last-minute trips in the middle of a busy install day. Bringing the right supplies ensures a smoother process, saving both time and effort when things get hectic.
Paper Towels: Installations can get messy before everything looks polished, so having paper towels on hand is a must.
Light Bulbs: Knowing which light bulbs are needed for each lamp in the project and picking them up ahead of time can save a lot of hassle later.
Water & Snacks: Since the team often works long hours and lunch may be delayed, having plenty of water and snacks available helps keep everyone energized throughout the day.
Tape & Hardware: Having different types of tape (such as painter's tape or masking tape) and fasteners like screws, nails, and anchors can be a lifesaver during art installations.
Additional Cleaning Supplies: Beyond paper towels, having additional cleaning supplies like multi-surface cleaner, glass cleaner, and microfiber cloths can be important. After the installation is complete, a final clean-up will give your work that polished, professional look, making the space feel fresh and ready for use.
Moss, Succulents, & Stems: For DIY florals and natural decor, bring along moss, succulents, and stems to enhance the aesthetic. These elements can be used to create beautiful arrangements, add greenery to the space, or fill in gaps, giving the installation a fresh, organic touch. Consider experimenting with rocks at the base of tree florals to add texture and a more grounded, natural look to your designs.
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On-Site Purchases: Last-Minute Items to Keep Installation on Track
Being well-prepared for an install is essential, but there’s rarely an installation that doesn’t require at least one trip to the store. Below are a few items that are commonly purchased after day one of the installation to help keep everything on track.
Soap: Filling decorative soap dispensers is a simple yet thoughtful touch that helps complete the space for the client. However, this is often an item that gets overlooked during initial planning, so it’s not unusual to grab it last-minute to ensure everything is perfectly set up.
Small Accessories: There are always those last-minute areas that could use just one more decorative item to pull the space together. Whether it’s a vase, a book stack, or a decorative tray, picking up a few extra accessories on-site helps to add those finishing touches and ensure the space feels complete and cohesive.
Extension Cords & Power Strips: Figuring out the exact length of extension cords you’ll need for lamps or other devices can be tricky ahead of time. We also often require additional power sources that weren’t anticipated at the start. Having extension cords and power strips on hand ensures that even the most challenging installation locations are covered, providing the team with easy access to power—no matter where the outlets are located.
Batteries: From clocks to remotes, some items may need fresh batteries to function properly. It's easy to overlook these, but having a stash of common battery sizes on hand ensures everything is powered and ready to go.
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By being mindful of these install essentials and ensuring they are easily accessible when needed, you can streamline the entire process, making for a more efficient and successful install every time.