FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
This pricing structure is the most fair way to charge for interior design services. I have experience with other pricing styles (commission on sales, percentage of total project cost) and know they have inherent conflicts of interest that do not work out best for either party. My pricing keeps it simple and fair for me and for you. You’re free to choose and source from any supplier, any store, any maker, and any dealer in the world. That means there are no restrictions on creativity, the budget can be allocated in a way that makes sense, and the design can evolve in a natural way that is not rushed or forced. Freedom is good for art! Interior Design Consultation – $199 A high-impact, fast-paced, hands-on interior design consultation, usually lasting two to three hours, sometimes more. Space Planning Services – $50 / hr These can alternatively be negotiated at a flat rate by the project. Shopping Services – $30 / hr This includes driving my cargo van for furniture pick ups. These are my introductory rates. They will change with the supply and demand for my time. I reward loyalty and will always offer generous discounts to friends!
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Do you know what you want? At our first meeting, we will walk through your space together and talk about your vision. What’s your style? What do you want to do with the space? What pieces do you have to work with now? Once I get the gist of it all, we’ll walk through again and I’ll give you my interior design ideas. If appropriate, we will move the furniture around together and “play” with the space, trying out different arrangements to see what works. We may also play with the lighting and wall decor, rehanging and rearranging if needed. In words and quick sketches, I’ll recommend furniture layouts, colors, mirrors, focal points, window treatments, artwork, rugs, plants, and anything else the space needs. My working style is fast, loose, and fun. I bounce everything off of you, so that the space we plan together is one you are super excited about. At the end of our meeting you’ll have a ton of fresh ideas to think through, some options to really consider. You’ll have a general idea of what colors, textures, and surfaces would work best, and what furnishings to get to finish the space. If you want to continue working with me, our next step would be to create a detailed space plan. For any size project, I highly recommend having a fully detailed space plan. An in-depth plan will prevent mistakes such as getting the wrong size pieces. It can also help for coming up with new ideas and testing ideas on paper. The steps involved to create this plan are: Physically measuring the space, noting windows, doors, and outlets. Noting also the heights of surfaces, arms, and lighting fixtures. Mapping the space out on graph paper or with a computer program, usually in 1/4″ scale. Making a bunch of copies and/or using tracing paper to sketch design ideas on the plan and in perspective. A lot of factors such as views, circulation, feng shui, existing pieces, and design style go into the work of designing a space. It requires spatial thinking abilities and a good knowledge of standard furnishing sizing and design principles. The space planning process usually takes a good couple of hours per room, depending on the size and level of detail involved. It can take more time if there are a lot of possible variations to consider and test out. Some rooms are more challenging than others. I offer this service hourly and by the project. It’s the second step after our initial interior design consultation, and the middle step preceding going shopping for furniture.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
3 things: 1. I have my BFA in Interior Design from Syracuse University - An academic, architecturally-focused curriculum. 2. I have over ten years' experience working as an in-house interior designer at a number of furniture stores, ranging from mid to very high-end, where I sketched literally hundreds of plans and custom furniture pieces for customers and clients. 3.I have lived in a wide variety of spaces and homes myself, each with unique pre-existing conditions, I’ve had to adapt my space and its contents to suit my own tastes and needs, on the fly, on a budget, about twenty different times. I’ve lived in about 20 different homes in all kinds of neighborhoods from very urban to very rural. Also, I must add that any project I undertake is with a hands-on, down-to-earth, do-it-yourself attitude. My upbringing in rural New Hampshire was filled with wood, power tools, and craft projects. My icons growing up were Martha Stewart and Ralph Lauren, and I’ve devoured nearly everything they’ve ever published! I very much look forward to serving you in your project with my skills, knowledge, creativity, and passion. Let’s have some fun!