FAQ
01 WHEN SHOULD I HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER? WILL WE MEET IN PERSON TO GO OVER THE DETAILS?
I always suggest hiring an interior designer before or around the time of hiring an architect, builder, or general contractor. A knowledgeable designer enhances the design and process and work to ensure the end result delivers on your vision. I am here to guide you through the collaborative process and be your advocate throughout the project.
02 WHAT’S THE REASON FOR BRINGING IN AN INTERIOR DESIGNER EARLY INTO THE CONSTRUCTION OR DESIGN PROCESS?
Let’s first look at what happens when you don’t bring in a designer—it’s like making a movie without a director. There’s no one holding the full concept of design along with its many details, and no one sharing information with the team in a way they are used to processing it. With a designer on board, you have someone managing all the decisions and who knows precisely how the design concepts and details of your custom home impact each other. An interior designer takes the big visions with all their small intricacies and orchestrates them to create the modern house design of your dreams.
03 HOW DO I TRANSLATE MY STYLE AND VISION TO AN INTERIOR DESIGNER WHILE ALSO ARTICULATING MY NEEDS?
So glad you asked! This is one of my unique skills. I dig deep before we start to understand your vision of what you love, need, and ultimately obsess over. We begin with meetings that set the intention of establishing direction through inspirational elements and determine what the design goals are for the project. These discussions are foundational to the design process. This collaborative process is paramount to a successful working relationship and ensures the custom design reflects you and how you live.
04 WHAT ROLE DOES A DESIGNER PLAY IN THE PROJECT?
I am an unbiased resource. The liaison between all your various services—architect, contractor, and tradespeople. I ensure the design by the architect aligns with your vision and communicate thoughtful design details for the project to the appropriate parties. With 20+ years in this industry I have a lot of knowledge about the design/build process and can bring that experience to your project.
05 NOW THAT I’M THINKING ABOUT RENOVATING, I OCCASIONALLY WATCH HGTV SHOWS: IS YOUR PROCESS SIMILAR TO WHAT I’VE SEEN ON TV?
Calling it “Reality TV” is really a bit of a misnomer, because it is not “reality.” These shows can be fun because they show results, but not a process. The design and process are a big part of any project. Reality shows are based on months of pre-planning, which is probably the only place where the processes do overlap, but they can’t show that prep work in 30 minutes. For your custom home to have the big wonderful reveal is certainly my goal.
06 DO YOU WORK WITH OTHER TRADE PROFESSIONALS?
Yes, I work with many highly-skilled and talented painters, carpenters, upholsterers, metal workers, custom window covering, and other specialists. Depending on the design/build project, I can hire the necessary team to complete the job or I can work with any builder and their subcontractors.
07 HOW WILL I BE BILLED?
[design]toolbox provides hourly interior design services. There is no minimum, and hours are tracked in 15-minute increments. A detailed billing statement is provided on the first day of each month.
08 WHAT ROLE DOES A DESIGNER PLAY IN THE PROJECT?
All correspondence with vendors (i.e. purchasing a product, order tracking, coordinating returns, misc. inquiries).
All correspondence with contractors (i.e. project updates, conveying relevant materials or remodel information, discussing timeline / scheduling).
All correspondence with clients discussing project-related details, responding to questions & notes via text, email, etc. Yes, this includes texts (especially 7am on a Saturday texts).
In-person and online sourcing for products (aka: product research).
In-person and online returning or exchanging of unwanted and/or damaged items, including all associated correspondence with relevant vendors.
Creating client visuals and presenting mood boards.
In-person returns.
Installation time.
09 WHAT IS CONSIDERED ‘NON-BILLABLE’?
Any work required due to a mistake. Mistakes happen! And when it’s mine, I will make it right at no additional cost to you.
Taking photos of your beautiful new design upon completion.
Discussing our human babies, fur-babies, the Washington Capitals…
10 WILL I RECEIVE ANY KIND OF DESIGN DISCOUNT ON PURCHASES?
[design]toolbox extends a 5% trade discount off MSRP pricing to all design services clients, provided [design]toolbox has an existing trade account with that vendor and is also the one making the direct purchase. I do not receive nor do we extend any kind of discount made through budget, wholesale retailers such as Amazon, Target or Wayfair. Likewise, we do not endorse nor do we typically recommend these retailers. You get what you pay for!
11 DOES [design]toolbox OFFER SERVICES FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AS WELL AS LARGE SCALE RENOVATION PROJECTS?
Yes! I can assist with anything from carpentry + cabinet designs, tile selection, paint colors and countertop selections to fully designing the entire home with your contractor or builder. We work with various contractors who we trust to help you complete your project. We are also happy to partner with any general contractor or sub-contractors with whom our clients already have a pre-existing relationship. If you’ve already started on a kitchen remodel with a general contractor but decide that you’d like to hire [design]toolbox for full interior design services or just a quick paint color or finish consult, I am happy to work alongside your existing remodel team.
12 WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?
I love a casual, eclectic design concept that leans more modern with clean lines, texture, and an organic muted palette. I like to mix the old and the new—a 150 year old European limestone fireplace surround with mid century modern furniture or a beautiful antique library door paired with a modern Italian light fixture. I love a perfectly imperfect repurposed factory window as a divider between spaces to create an interesting visual. I enjoy a good flea market, discovering “found” objects that make a unique statement in a custom design. Design details are everything to me. Little things make a significant impact, from a beautifully crafted joint on a casegood to the texture on a tile or upholstery fabric. I don’t believe in pushing a particular style on clients; instead, I want to define their aesthetic to reflect their lifestyle, personality, and overall vision of their spaces. When you look at my projects, they may resonate with you or differ from what you’re seeking because I design each custom project to fit that particular clients’ specific needs. Your project will reflect your personal style, ensuring it’s something you’ll love for years to come.
