Ideally, we all work together like a beautiful, collaborative, well-oiled machine. Everyone’s input will result in a space you are thrilled with that is within your budget and completed within your preferred time-frame. We understand sometimes by the time you find us, you’ve already had discussions and/or hired an architect or contractor, and that’s totally okay. We’ll become fast friends. If you haven’t spoken with anyone, we’ll happily steer you in the right direction to professionals we know and trust.
Related Blog Post: Architect, Architectural Designer, Interior Designer, Design-Build? What’s the difference??!!
While I personally have a “flavor” or signature style, the spaces I design are for the intended user, not me. So each one may vary. I don’t believe in forcing my style or opinion on anyone else. Don’t worry, I’ll never let you/us make a bad design decision or create anything distasteful you’ll regret later.
This will depend on many things like scope of work and timeline. Please download our Design Budget Planning worksheet as a starting point. Costs can vary wildly depending on so many variables, so please just use this as a guideline. Also - please read the blog post Planning Your Interior Design Budget.
This is the age-old stereotype of the evil-sales person-decorator/designer who secretly charged their client double the cost of the sofa because they were getting a kick-back or commission on the sale. Controversial as it may be, I believe in full transparency. More importantly, I understand the huge responsibility you’ve trusted me with, and would never do anything to compromise that trust or my integrity. Plus - I want you to tell all your friends and family how much you love your new space and loved working with me. If you have buyer’s remorse, you’d be less likely to do that, so that’s all she wrote! : )
Not at all. With two kids and two fur-babies in my own home, I fully understand the desire to maintain a functional, livable space that is resilient and durable, but still fun and inspiring: rain boots, backpacks, squishies and all!
They are similar, in that you still receive the thoughtful, creative design tailored for you and your space.
The biggest difference is in your level of involvement. With the Rapid Refresh or E-Design package, we’ll source everything for you, but you’ll do all the purchasing, coordinating delivery and installation at your own pace, at your leisure. This is an affordable alternative for those looking for my assistance, but have more time on their hands, or a more restrictive budget.
Think of it as the gourmet, chef-prepared meal plan that has been diced and seasoned, has detailed instructions, delivered to your doorstep, and you only have to cook it; vs. the same chef sourcing foods from the grocery store as well as the local farm stand, coming to your home, preparing that meal for you, plating it, and cleaning up after the dinner guests leave!
It depends. For E-Design virtual interior design projects - they must be available for you to purchase, so typically we’ll source items from retailers like West Elm, Perigold, and Crate&Barrel, to name a few. For full-service Interior Design, we may source items from the Boston Design Center and other trade resources, as well as local showrooms and local artisans when possible.
Yes. I am NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) Certified, which means I passed their very intimidating certification exam back in 2004. I am a Professional member of ASID which means I am up to date on Continuing Education not only because it is required, but because I am a total design geek, and love to stay current on new and innovative design technologies and products.
I have a whole lot of random certifications from previous jobs and past lives. I won’t bore you with those here, but they make for interesting banter. (Certified Crowd Manager, anyone?)
Yes! Please head over to our Masterbrand Cabinetry Dealer page for more info. We work with Builders & Homeowners to provide all their cabinetry needs.
Because there are so many moving parts. A full scale remodel of these spaces require so many trades people: Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Countertop Fabricators, Tile Installers, Flooring Installers, Plasterers, Appliance Installers, and we haven’t even touched material costs yet. Keep in mind there are lots of creative measures you can take to not break the bank.
Interior Designers have different methods of charging for their fees and products they specify and/or purchase for you. As a consumer, this can all be very overwhelming and confusing!! So, I try to keep it as simple as possible: I will either charge by the hour, or a fixed fee for the interior design project. I will pass on any trade discount I may receive for products I am purchasing on your behalf, with a 10% purchasing fee. Or, I am happy to specify the products and let you purchase them. I’ll just need to know which route you would like to take prior to recommending products, as some vendors will not sell directly to homeowners. 100% transparency, always.
Don’t see an answer to your question or have feedback regarding our interior design process? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be glad to answer any questions you may have as you browse for the best interior design firm in Massachusetts. Interested in seeing some of our interior design projects? For the latest and greatest check out our inspirational interior design blog or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.