Q: How long does this process take?
A: It will depend on what we agree to work on. For example, the time between a first meeting and receiving an initial Design Plan may take two to four weeks depending upon the complexity of the project. After this it depends upon the kind of work that is planned, such as wall, window, and floor treatments, furniture, lighting, accessories etc.
Q: How does the combining of interior design and “counseling” services work?
A: The counseling or therapeutic part of this process is designed to assist individuals or families in determining what they want out of their new space. I listen carefully to needs and desires and ask questions that may prompt some reflection about the client’s current life and what they anticipate in the future. The therapeutic part of the process is in discovering and taking charge of what lies ahead in your future by being in control and planning for your living space. In addition I try to provide a supportive atmosphere for our conversations that is not rushed or on a time clock.
Change can be hard, requiring time and a place to process thoughts and feelings. The design aspect of the process helps clients create wonderful, exciting, soothing, or inspiring places that come from their heart’s desires and meet their functional needs. I believe that the process of creating a space that nurtures you in the way you need or wish to be nurtured is therapeutic and will help you carry this feeling into a future that may feel uncertain.
Q: Is this actually counseling; would we meet regularly?
A: While I believe that this kind of work is therapeutic, it is not actually counseling. Our meetings would be focused around how the design of a new space can be helpful in creating an atmosphere conducive to managing an anticipated change or current circumstance. For example if one is embarking upon a new high powered career complete with many work hours and accompanying stress it may be helpful to create a very serene and spa-like master bedroom suite to promote relaxation and calm.
Our meeting times would be determined by the design process.
In situations where ongoing counseling or therapy seems helpful, referrals will be given.
Q: Do you only work on indoor spaces or can you help with outdoor spaces as well?
A: I am delighted to help with designing a deck, patio, or outdoor living/entertaining space. When it comes to landscape design we will call in the professionals.
Q: Do you help with remodeling?
A: Room re-design is within my area of expertise. When we start talking about taking down and moving walls it is time to call in a structural expert. Referrals will be given for this kind of work.
Q: Do I have to have a life issue to work with you? What if I just want help with some decorating, furniture selection, or advice on freshening up my home?
A: I am always happy to work with folks who are only interested in redesigning their space (not necessarily their lives). However, it is safe to assume that we will spend some time talking about what you like in terms of style and function.
Q: What should I expect from the first visit?
A: The first visit will take place at your home and usually lasts between one and two hours. It gives us a chance to get to know each other and to determine if we think we would work well together. I would learn about the scope of your project, your ideas and hopes for the space, your budget and about what is prompting you to consider this work at this time. There will not be any design advice given during this initial consultation because I prefer to have time to think about a person’s space and situation before jumping into the design process. There is no charge for this initial consultation.
Q: What Happens Next?
A: Normally I suggest that clients take a few days to decide if they would like to enter into a work partnership with me. Once that has been decided a contract will be written and signed detailing the scope of the work that will be done, and the cost of the design service depending upon if the first step is the creation of an initial design plan or if the work will be based upon an hourly fee.
Q: What is A Design Plan?
A: A Design Plan focuses upon an agreed upon space. This could be one room or several.
It is based upon the wishes of the client and includes establishment of a color palette, and an overall feeling for the room (or rooms). Your Design Plan will include:
- Paint colors or wall coverings;
- Ideas for window treatments which are based on client wishes for light and privacy;
- Floor coverings;
- Furniture recommendations including both new and existing pieces;
- A lighting plan;
- A floor plan drawn to scale outlining the proposed furniture and its placement;
- A design board with images of proposed changes as mentioned above including fabric swatches;
- A list of all the proposed items to be purchased with the manufacturer and pricing information enabling the client to complete this project on their own if so desired.
Q: What about Cost?
A: There are several ways to determine the design fee; all of which are based upon an hourly fee of $85.00 per hour.
A set fee for a Design Plan will range from $500 to $1,000 per room. This will depend upon the scope of the work for the project; that is, how much furniture, how many options for window treatments, how many options desired for floor and wall coverings, etc.
Further work will be based upon the hourly rate but can be negotiated to include some set fees such as a day of shopping, installation, etc.
The designer will pass along to the client any design discounts that she receives from the purchase of items.
Q: I’m Moving; can you help me with that?
A: One of the hardest parts about moving is figuring out what you can take with you and what you must leave behind. Over the past few years I have become an expert on space planning. I can measure new homes, work with you on what pieces of furniture and art are important and meaningful to you and make sure that what you take with you will fit in your new space. If extensive downsizing and sorting is required I have excellent referrals to help with that as well as a list of wonderful organizations that need your belongings. Referrals to auction houses and moving companies are also available.