FAQs

The discovery call is a complimentary conversation designed to understand your project's scope, your design preferences, and how we can best collaborate to achieve your vision. This call helps determine if our services align with your needs.  You can learn more about how I structure my discovery CLICK HERE.

Project timelines vary based on the scope and nature of the services you choose. For clients seeking consultation-only services, engagements can be as brief as a single day, providing targeted guidance tailored to your immediate needs. If you opt for local full-service design, the timeline extends to accommodate comprehensive planning, sourcing, and implementation, typically spanning several months. E-design services, while more streamlined, still require careful coordination and can take a few weeks to a few months for total completion. During our initial discovery call, I will work with you to establish a realistic timeline that aligns with your project's complexity and your personal goals, ensuring an efficient process without compromising on quality.

Your budget will largely depend on the level of transformation you’re seeking, the quality of materials, furnishings, and accessories you desire, as well as the size of the space. As a general guideline, for a full-scale interior design project, you can expect to allocate around 15-25% of your home’s value. However, a single-room redesign will be significantly less. During our initial discovery call, I will discuss budget expectations with you in detail to ensure you're comfortable with the overall investment and that resources are allocated effectively.

Yes, I do. The retainer secures your place in my schedule and covers up to five hours of dedicated design time. This includes reviewing your materials, creating a personalized client questionnaire, preparing a custom client agreement, and beginning initial design direction. It is not an additional fee — it is simply the starting point for your project and is applied toward your overall design time if we move forward together.

To read more about how I structure my retainer and what it includes, CLICK HERE.

The retainer fee is non-refundable, as it compensates for the initial time and resources invested in your project. However, the deliverables provided during this phase are yours to keep and can assist you in future design endeavors.

Beyond the initial five hours covered by the retainer, additional design time is billed per hour, in 15-minute increments. This applies to all design services, including space planning, sourcing, site visits, styling, and correspondence.

Timelines are established based on the project's scope and complexity. We work diligently to adhere to agreed-upon schedules and will communicate regularly about progress and any potential adjustments. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and timely design process.

Communication is key to a successful project! I will keep you informed every step of the way, with regular check-ins tailored to your design project. For consultation-based clients, this may involve updates during active design and sourcing. For full-service design clients, you’ll receive regular updates, along with scheduling meetings around important milestones like design presentations, site visits, and installation days.

Yes, travel costs are considered when site visits are required. Travel expenses are calculated based on the distance from our office to your project location and will be clearly outlined and agreed upon before any travel occurs.

Absolutely! Virtual or e-design services are perfect for clients who prefer remote collaboration or are located outside my area. Through video calls, detailed questionnaires, and digital presentations, I will create a comprehensive design plan that you can implement with confidence. My virtual services include design consultation and sourcing, with detailed planning and direction on installation and final styling.

As with most interior designers, I apply a standard industry markup on items I purchase. This markup covers the time spent maintaining professional vendor relationships, handling and tracking orders, and coordinating deliveries, ensuring everything arrives on time and in perfect condition. This fee is always discussed openly, so there are no surprises.

This is a common question, and an understandable one, but what most people refer to as a “designer discount” is actually trade-only pricing. This is not a public markdown or coupon, but rather a professional pricing structure extended exclusively to members of the design industry. It reflects the relationships we have built with vendors and the investment required to maintain those partnerships.

As a designer, I do much more than purchase products. Behind every item I recommend is a great deal of unseen, unbilled work: sourcing from trusted vendors, staying on top of availability and lead times, tracking orders, managing damages or delays, and staying current through industry markets and showroom visits. I also maintain a sample library, which includes ordering, organizing, and storing hundreds of materials for your benefit.

The trade pricing I receive is a professional tool, not a client discount, and it supports the behind-the-scenes effort, access, and expertise I bring to each project. My role is to curate not just beautiful products, but a cohesive vision and a seamless process, with results that are tailored specifically to you.

In short, you are not just paying for a product. You are investing in the time, knowledge, and creative guidance it takes to bring your home to life, beautifully and thoughtfully.

It’s natural to compare pricing, but keep in mind that cheaper products may not always meet the quality, durability, or design integrity we strive for. I only recommend vendors and products I trust and have personally vetted for quality. However, if you find an alternative you prefer, I’m happy to discuss whether it’s a good fit for the overall design and make adjustments if appropriate.

Design is a collaborative process, and your satisfaction is my top priority. Before presenting any design, I’ll take the time to fully understand your preferences, style, and functional needs. If elements of the design do not resonate with you, we will work together to make adjustments based on the design scope. Revisions are always part of the processes, ensuring you’re completely happy with the final result.

Absolutely! When it makes sense, I love incorporating existing pieces into a design, especially if they hold sentimental value or still suit the space well. A beloved heirloom, a well-made chair, or a meaningful piece can add depth and personality to a room. Part of my role is to assess what can be reimagined, reupholstered, or updated to blend into a fresh vision.

That said, it is important to understand that keeping all of your current furniture while expecting a completely new look is often not realistic. Many inspiration photos feature specific furniture styles, scale, and layouts that may not align with what you already own. In those cases, we will need to make thoughtful choices, either letting go of pieces that no longer serve the design, or adjusting expectations about the final aesthetic.

My goal is to work with you, not against you. I will always offer professional, honest guidance to help you get the best result possible, whether that means incorporating existing pieces, suggesting updates, or helping you make confident decisions about what to keep and what to replace.

Absolutely. Our consultation services are designed to provide you with a comprehensive plan that you can choose to implement independently or with our assistance. We are here to support you to the extent you prefer.

If the scope of your project changes, we will discuss the implications, including any adjustments to timelines and fees. A revised agreement will be provided to reflect the new scope, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding.

Professional photography is something I consider for select projects, particularly when there has been a significant design transformation, multiple rooms involved, or full-service design work completed. Not every project qualifies for photography, especially shorter consultation-based visits or one-time strategy sessions, and that is perfectly okay.

If your project evolves into a full design experience and reaches a stage where it is photo-ready, we will absolutely have a conversation toward the end about arranging professional photography. With your permission, these images may be used for my website, portfolio, or social media, and they also make a beautiful keepsake for you.

For smaller or consultation-based projects, I always welcome clients to share their own photos of the final result. And who knows, sometimes even the simplest transformations are worth capturing when the moment is right.

Effective communication is key to a successful project. We utilize email, phone and video calls, and, when appropriate, in-person meetings to ensure you are informed and involved at every stage. Regular updates and check-ins are part of our standard process.