FAQ
Your questions, Answered
HOW LONG IS THE INTERIOR DESIGN PROCESS?
For a major room design (Kitchen or Bathroom remodel, Primary Bedroom, Living Room) it generally takes 2-3 months to complete the design package. The timeline will vary depending on the scope of work, complexity, and client availability for meetings.
DO YOU WORK WITH ALL Types of BUDGETs?
Interior Design is a luxury commodity and not right for every budget. Discussing your budget is an essential start to the design process to ensure we're on the same page.
For projects with smaller budgets, inquire about our Interior Design Consulting package here.
WHERE DO YOU PURCHASE MATERIALS & FURNITURE?
We have a curated list of sources that have been honed over more than a decade in the industry. We prefer to select building materials locally so that tile and hard surfaces can be seen in person. Furniture and area rugs are sourced from shops all over the country and, whenever possible, physical samples are ordered for approval prior to purchase.
What should I bring to our initial meeting?
Reviewing any inspiration images that you have collected, such as from magazines or Pinterest board, will help us further uncover your style and direction. It might also be a good idea to have some pictures of styles you do not like, so we know initially what to stay away from during your interior design project.
How do I keep track of my budget?
We will create and maintain a spreadsheet of your budget upon request. The budget will include furnishings separated by room, and monthly design time fees.
During the remodeling process, what is expected of me? Do i need to do anything?
We will manage all of the orders for your furniture, rugs, lighting, and window treatments, and make sure everything arrives on schedule, in the correct finish and size, and undamaged. We keep track of everything going into your new space which includes: floor plans and drawings; images and renderings; paint, lighting, finish and plumbing schedules, copies of all proposals and fabric samples; and anything else pertinent to your project.
We stay in constant contact with the contractors if you have a new build or remodel project and frequently visit the job site to ensure work is on schedule and that our designs are being enacted as intended. We share all of our paint, lighting, finish and plumbing schedules with the contractors, so they know exactly what is going where. To make sure that our design intent is clearly communicated, we provide the contractors with detailed plans such as cabinetry layouts, kitchen layout design, lighting plans, bathroom layouts, and fireplace design. Throughout this phase of the project, we will check-in with you often to address any questions or concerns.
What is the difference between custom furniture and in-stock or retail furniture?
Custom furniture is made-to-order, which means it can often be sized to our specific needs, and we can choose our own finishes and fabrics.
If you choose to select a custom piece of furniture, we usually start with the fabric, with emphasis on the upholstery pieces. Your designer will bring you lots of great fabric swatches to choose from, as well as photos of the upholstery pieces we are suggesting. Once furniture and fabrics are selected and ordered, the fabric is shipped directly to the furniture manufacturer and applied to the selected item. With retail or in-stock furniture, the fabric has already been chosen by the store and applied to the frame, and color, size and finish options are rather limited. As a result, retail doesn't offer the same unique look or personal feel we might be trying to achieve.
What if I don't like what you designed for me?
Please just tell us what you don't like and why, and we will fix it at no charge whenever possible. It does take a little extra time at the beginning of the design process to get to know your taste. If you are having trouble visualizing our designs and how they would translate to your home, we can do 3-D or CAD rendering.
Why doesn't the amount on my invoice match the amount on my proposal?
It is not always possible to accurately quote freight or shipping costs before an item is ordered. If there is a new charge related to the item listed on your proposal, the invoice will have a detailed explanation.
What areas do you serve?
We cater to clients living in Westchester County, NY, Albany, NY, Saratoga Springs, NY, Berkshires, and New York City.
Can you provide references?
Yes, absolutely. In the meantime, you can also take a look at the testimonials on my website and on Google.
How can WORKING WITH AN interior designer save me money?
By working off a design concept and by carefully planning your project, we avoid making expensive mistakes, such as purchasing the wrong tiles, painting the walls in the wrong color, installing the wrong type of window treatments, buying a sofa that is too big for your space etc. It may seem more costly at first, but having to undo something, such as repositioning an electrical outlet or painting over a wall can quickly increase costs, let alone delay the project by several weeks.
Why do I need an interior designer if I already have an architect?
Architects work from the outside in, interior designers work from the inside out. We look at the desired outcome and style of the space and then work backwards. For example, we carefully consider the positioning of electrical outlets and sockets depending on the furniture layout or we consider the type and size of window, depending on the style of window treatments.
ready? let's get started!
we look forward to speaking with you and mutually discovering if your project is a great fit for both of us.
