How a Model is Made

From start to finish, designing the average model usually takes six months. There’s a lot that goes into each design, as Marnie Sorensen well knows. For the last 19 years, she’s designed striking model interiors for Lee Wetherington Homes.

“The first thing I do is sit down with the house plans and sketch the furniture in,” says Marnie. “When we start on a model, we come up with an imaginary family and figure out what kind of lifestyle they lead.”

This imaginary family helps Marnie determine what the colors, look and feel of the house will be. Once this initial planning is complete, the selection of finishes begins. Marnie starts ordering furniture, accessories and fabrics.

“I’m a good shopper,” says Marnie. “I have in my mind where I think things will work. It’s like putting a puzzle together.”

Marnie buys items for the homes she designs from the High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina, the Atlanta Gift Market and a variety of local stores like Home Goods.

While Marnie is busy buying furniture and accessories for the home, she also does framing walk throughs, electrical walk throughs, lighting selections and window treatment measuring.

When the house is finally ready, it’s time for installation.

“My favorite part of the process is coming up with the overall concept of what the home will look like,” says Marnie. “But I like installation, too. It’s fun to see it all coming together.”

Walk through a Lee Wetherington home Marnie has designed, and you’ll notice that she’s created what she calls “memory points” within the home. It may be a lavish woman’s closet with designated shoe, purse and jewelry storage or a gourmet kitchen with a grand island and specific spaces for each of your appliances.

Whatever it is, the idea is that you’ll remember it long after you’ve left the model. And it will likely make you want to call one of Marnie’s designs for Lee Wetherington Homes your own.