Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the design process?
In a nutshell- Upon initial contact we will gather as much information as possible about your needs and desires for the space. We then come out to your home to see the space in person, listen to your ideas, discuss the design process and provide you with solid ideas and a direction for your project. We will email you a Fee Proposal within 3-5 business days following the consultation, outlining the scope of work, the estimated number of hours to complete your project, the total design fee, and the advance on our design fee required to get started. Once the advance on our design fee has been paid, we then prepare a full design plan with every detail including drawings, furnishings, finishes, fabrics and the budget breakdown for final approval (one revision included). We will require 75% of the budget and signing of our Letter of Agreement to move forward with the purchasing and project management phase. We provide a turn-key service, so all you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the process
FYI - It helps if all decision makers are present at the consultation, to receive everyone's input and vision for the space. Determining your budget is a key component, so be prepared to talk about an overall budget. If you need help setting a budget, we are happy to guide you through the process. We like to set expectations from the very beginning and therefore we will discuss your vision, your budget, your timeframe, how we work, and our fee structure at our initial meeting.
How involved will I have to be in the design process?
We will discuss upfront how you prefer to work, and craft the scope of work with that in mind. We enjoy working with all personalities where some clients like to be very hands-on and involved in the process, or some who prefer to entrust everything into our very capable hands. We have found, through years of experience, that the design process runs smoother, and your design dollars go further, when we fully manage the project after learning your needs and desires for your home. We value our clients’ ideas and input which ensures that the space will reflect their style and lifestyle. We will present you with great choices and options, make recommendations and guide you through decisions while educating you in the process. We strive to make the process simple and fun for our clients. We take a very personable approach, and make it an enjoyable collaboration. We do all the work and take care of all the details.
How long will it take?
Depending on the scope of work, your project could last anywhere from 4 weeks to 18 weeks - longer if there is construction and remodeling involved. We will discuss the timeframe upfront with you before the project begins
Who are your typical clients?
We have clients from all walks of life - from single individuals moving into their first apartment to empty-nesters getting ready to downsize, and everything in between. The common thread is that they all desire a home that will be their sanctuary; one that will complement their lifestyle and taste. So regardless of what station you are in your life, we would be happy to work with you for your design needs.
Do you offer free consultations?
We do charge a non-refundable fee for our initial consultation since we are blocking out a specific date and time on our calendar and traveling to your home to, assess the space, make recommendations, give you solid design advice and direction, and put together a proposal for you. Most clients understand that this is a minimal cost compared to not calling in a professional from the beginning and end up making a costly mistake. Clients have thanked us for the information and guidance that they receive during our consultations, and for them, it is absolutely worth the small investment into making their home one that they can be proud of.
Click here to schedule your consultation
What's included in the in-home consultation?
After the initial phone conversation, once we have determined that we prospectively are a good fit, the next step is the in-home consultation. The appointment lasts up to two hours. We will take a tour of your entire home, and focus on the rooms to be decorated. We discuss your needs, your vision, budget, time frame and expectations and make recommendations for improving the space. The consultation fee is due at the time you call to book your appointment. We will email a Fee Proposal outlining our design fees for your project within 3-5 business days. After reviewing and approving the Fee Proposal, a 50% advance on our design fee is due to begin the design process. We will meet again in a few weeks to review the full design plan for your project. One revision is included. The Letter Of Agreement and the balance of our design fee, plus the 75% deposit for purchasing your furnishings. See the How We Work page for more details
Do you have a signature style that you prefer?
Our style is whatever our clients want. We create spaces that are unique to each individual's taste and needs. Whether you are into shabby chic, industrial modern, new traditional, Texas chic....or any other style you can dream up, we can make it a reality.
Can I use my existing furnishings?
Definitely yes! In fact, we encourage clients to incorporate some of the treasured pieces that they already own. This is what makes for a homey and unique design. We respect our clients' desire to repurpose and reuse pieces as much as possible. With that said, we are also very honest about what works and what doesn't - for example if a piece is just too big for the room, we may have to move it to another room where it may work better.
What geographical areas do you cover?
We are based in Katy but cover most of Houston. We have serviced clients as far as Baytown and The Woodlands. If we are a good fit then where you live doesn't matter as much. If you are located outside of Houston and you like what you have seen so far, we would be happy to talk with you about your design needs and can figure out the logistics from there. We also have our eDesign service that might be a great fit for your needs
What organizations are you affiliated with?
We are affiliated with several trade organizations as a way to network and grow the resources that we bring to you. Some of these organizations are ASID (American Association of Interior Designers), IDS (Interior Design Society, GHBA (Greater Houston Builders Association), NAHB (National Association of Home Builders, HAA (Houston Apartment Association, BIDN (Black Interior Designers Network
What are your design fees?
Because each project is unique, we need time to discuss your vision for the project and the scope of work after which we will be happy to prepare a Fee Proposal for you. We generally charge an hourly and estimate the total number of hours required to complete your project. This way, you know upfront what your overall fees will likely be. Any overage from our initial estimate are billed at our standard rate. You will be informed about the hours used during the design process. Some services are billed at a flat fee. You can find pricing for some of our design services by visiting each page on our services menu. Our payment options are checks, credit cards and cash.
Do you have a resource library that I can use?
As a premier Designer in Katy, TX, we feel it is important to have a well stocked sample library to help inspire our clients. Our design studio located at 6193 Highway Blvd, Suite 207 in Katy is equipped with hundreds of catalogs and thousands of fabric samples that you are welcomed to come in and browse. We also frequently visit the Houston Design Center, The Decorative Center Houston, and attend several market events in Dallas, TX and High Point, NC to source items and stay on the cutting edge of design trends
Do you work with small budgets?
We work with clients to help them decide a suitable budget for their needs. We help you maximize your budget and get the best bang for your buck
Do you do just window treatments and bedding?
We do various stand-alone projects including custom window treatments, custom pillows, custom bedding and custom upholstery. We are happy to meet with you in your home, take measurements and design the perfect soft goods for you. We have energy efficient options available for our window treatments.
Do you think that decorating my home will be a wise investment?
Your home is quite possibly the biggest purchase you will ever make. Decorating your home helps to increase its value and is usually well worth the investment. Statistics show that a well decorated home will sell faster and for top dollar. Your home is where you likely spend the most time, investing in a space that creates balance and harmony in your life is a great investment in your well-being
How do I get started?
The first step is to gather all your favorite design ideas, colors and style preferences. Perhaps you have been collecting design magazines and books. Determine the feel and function you would like for the room. Discuss your ideas with your spouse or any other decision makers. It also helps to determine the budget and time frame for completion. Or you can simply schedule your Initial In Home Consultation by clicking the link below
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What exactly does Full Service Interior Design mean?
Full service means creating a turn-key design for your project, from initial concept to the final installation. It is about letting our team handle all the details from research to selection, purchasing and coordinating to installation. Full service applies to a full room or group of rooms or an entire home in a single installation. Many of our clients like to work in phases and so many of our full service projects are done one complete room at a time. This does not apply to purchasing individual furniture pieces or accents to "pull a room together". We have other options available for those services.
Do you offer custom options and do I have to go completely custom?
We do offer many options that are customized to the individual needs of each client and the space we are decorating. This could include upholstery, drapery, bedding, and finishes on case goods. Custom touches help give a space the uniqueness that most clients desire. Of course, not everything has to be custom. We work with a lot of vendors and even retailers and would be happy to incorporate those pieces in your design. Keep in mind that custom does not always equal expensive. Regardless of whatever route you choose, we guarantee that the finished design will be personalized to suit your lifestyle and your taste.
Can I change my mind if I have ordered a custom piece?
Custom orders cannot be canceled. These orders require extra time, special handling and skilled artisans to create a unique piece just for you, and for that reason manufacturers will not be able to cancel once they are ordered. Most stocked items can be canceled but usually with a restocking fee
that ranges from 15% to 35% depending on the vendor.