How Do I Get Started?
Many people are intimidated by the thought of working with an Interior Designer. They are afraid that the designer will force them to accept a style that they will not like for their home. Then there is the fact that they do not understand the design process or even how to get to that first step.
I always let my clients know that together, we will find a style that they will like, and will feel comfortable with for the long term. We start with looking at photos from magazines or Houzz.com and see what catches their eye. Many times there is an unconscious color scheme already present in their home or in the choice of colors that they like to wear or in artwork that they choose to hang on the walls. We take that first step together, and the design process unfolds from there!
Do you have a Signature Style?
I am often asked if I have a 'signature style'. I reply that I find it more interesting calling upon my extensive art/design education and 25+ years design experience to work in many different styles. This way no two projects are ever the same. And it keeps the ideas fresh and the solutions unique. I pride myself on working closely with my clients to help them realize THEIR individual solution, in their individual taste, with my help and guidance. I have found that it leads to a seemless transition for them to acclimate into their new surroundings when finished. My main role in each project is to make sure that it is always 'Good Design', and to gently lead them in the right decision-making direction.
Why purchase through a designer?
Designers, like architects serve dual functions: they develop a creative concept and find the furnishings and materials to realize that concept, which is the Design Phase. This is similiar to the way an architect develops a design concept for a house, and creates blueprints, construction specs and so forth.
In interior design, there is also the Purchasing Phase of the work, and it is separate from the design phase both in function and in cost. A Design Fee does not cover, after the many hours involved in designing all the rooms, the additional hours to purchase and install everything. That is why there is a purchasing fee included to cover the designers admin costs for providing this service to clients after the designer has done the design, as it is a costly and time-consuming function that designers provide to clients. It is a much larger and more difficult process than most clients can imagine. Aside from all the paperwork, tracking shipments, arranging deliveries, approving color and finish samples, answering questions and general follow up, the designers deal with the vendors regarding any service problems that might occur up until the items are delivered. The no charge, value added to the clients discounted price, is the designer's commitment to every step of the purchasing, manufacturing, inspection, delivery and installation of all items purchased through them, until it is caringly placed in the clients home.
In a nutshell, the client will receive top quality custom items, available only through the trade, for less than the retail price with none of the hassles of doing it all themselves!
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