Frequently Asked Questions

How does the design process work?

Beautiful spaces take time to create. It's our job to give thoughtful consideration to each decision and selection to ensure it reflects the overall aesthetic, your taste and personality and the way you live. It takes 1-3 weeks to complete an average size room design. Our goal is to have you picture the room before purchasing begins: the layout and scale, furniture selections, lighting, rugs, wall color or coverings. Everything.



How do you bill?

Project design fees are the industry standard and considered a best practice. A project fee eliminates hourly billing and invoice surprises. Our project fees have a cap of hours against the project just in case the scope of work changes (from time to time it happens, a living room design turns into a full blown we actually need the entire kitchen renovated). A designer’s professional talent, skills, resources, industry contacts, trade partners and practiced eye are what you have hired. Payment of the design fee at the start lets the designer know you are serious about your project and respect their professionalism, talent and time.



How much should I budget?

Budgets vary based on the scope of your project, your location, and your tastes. To get an idea of high/low budgets room by room please download our furniture budget document here.



Who does the ordering?

When you hire an interior designer, it us understood you will purchase through them. 99% of the time we are able to get you items at a below retail price. For all orders, 100% of the payment is required. Custom and Special Orders are exactly that, custom and special. As such, once the order is approved and submitted it is yours and cannot be cancelled or returned.



How long does it take to get everything?

Lead times for items vary anywhere from 5 days to 16 weeks. The lead time estimate we get are usually pretty accurate, but from time to time there are frustrating delays. We stay on top of all orders and keep you informed.



How does delivery work?

Invoices will reflect both freight charges and local delivery charges. Freight is necessary when upholstery or case goods are shipped from a manufacturer and require a local receiver and dock. This is also the safest and most economical way to transport items over a great distance.



Local delivery and setup?

Our local receiver carefully inspects all freight shipments for damage, provides white glove delivery to your home and will not leave until each piece is placed in the proper location. Added bonus: they are really nice guys!



Installations?

It is our policy and intention to do a one day installation. Our clients are encouraged to be away from the house that day so they can return home to the beautiful result. But remember, carpenters, painters and paperhangers will need to do their jobs in advance of furniture, rug and window treatment installations.



How do I care for my new carpet, rugs, and upholstery?

Fabrics and rugs require care. So, even if we have upholstery and rugs treated with top quality stain repellents, they will get dirty over time. Stain repellents are not bullet proof and cannot protect against oil based stains. New technology in stain repellent treatment is available at an additional cost. We will discuss treatment options, proper care and cleaning as we go along.



Do you have people who can....?

YES. There is no substitute for years of experience, especially the challenging kind. When you choose to work with us you receive much more than our practiced eye and design aesthetic. We have worked hard to establish relationships with upholsterers, painters, carpenters, window treatment workrooms, wallpaper hangers and - well you get the idea. These professionals provide outstanding service and quality at a fair price. We only work with honest, reliable, and talented professionals, most of whom we’ve known for many years.



What if I'm unsure of certain decisions? Will you help?

Designers love to mete out advice and share opinions - which is presumably why you hired us. We let you know when it makes sense to spend extra for quality and when choosing something more affordable is the better way to go. We can talk to the advantages of one fabric fiber versus another and the proper care. Do you have kids and/or pets? Do you cook often? Whatever your lifestyle, we will always have that at front of mind. In short, we’ve got your best interest at heart and want you to be head over heels when your project is complete.



What happens if something goes wrong?

Naturally we strive for perfection. Having said that, mistakes happen. When flaws are discovered, it is the designer’s job to manage the situation. With good communication, flexibility and a positive attitude, we can solve any problem.