What To Consider Before Hiring A Designer

The process of designing your home requires a lot of thought and planning.

My job as an interior designer is to help relieve some of the overwhelm and stress that often comes with renovating. With my knowledge and expertise I can help guide you through the design process, helping you to make decisions along the way.

However, before you begin working with an interior designer, there’s a few important questions to ask yourself.

#1 What is my budget?

It is very common to have a million dollar vision and a $10,000 budget but... you must be realistic with yourself and what you want for your home before hiring a designer, that way you can easily translate your vision and matching budget to the designer.

I know that outlining a budget can be an uncomfortable task which is why I recommend starting with this before hiring any professionals. To start getting an idea of costs you can do some research to see what finishes, furniture and renovation truly cost so that you can plan for these costs.

#2 Do I know what I want?

If you’re having a hard time to describe what you want for your space you may need help completing your vision. 

The best way to gather inspiration is by compiling photos on Pinterest. You can also visit my portfolio: CLICK HERE to visit my portfolio of past projects. The houses I've worked on may look very similar to yours, which can be a great way to spark ideas for your own space.

#3 What is my timeframe?

When starting on a renovation that’s “major” such as a kitchen, bathroom or addition in your home, know that your home is going to be disturbed for a few months. 

There are many factors that go into creating a timeline for a home renovation project, and unexpected issues can show up along the way. But a lot comes down to the communication you have with your contractor. Once the scope of the project is established your contractor will be able to give you a time frame.

#4 What does my intuition say?

You should feel comfortable with your interior designer as you will be spending a great deal of time working together. There’s a lot of back and forth and work on both ends. Creating a home is a very personal process and you want to make sure that you are working with professionals you can trust. 

Lastly, I would say that you should listen to your gut feeling when hiring an interior designer!

After you answer these questions you will be much more confident about moving forward with your project.

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Ready to begin?

Contact me for more info on custom services and fees.

5 Must-Ask Project Questions

Today I’m sharing the details about my behind the scenes process.

As an interior designer it’s essential for me to get to know you so that I can help bring your vision to life. Although every project is unique, there’s 5 key questions I always ask before getting started designing your space.

01— What’s your design style?

Describing your design style is sometimes easier said than done, but it’s important to get clear on a style at the very beginning of your project.

I would like you to really dive deep into what you’re drawn to and why so that you can begin defining your personal style.

02— What are the overall goals for your space?

Understanding the intentions behind a project contains a lot more than a room’s primary function. It’s about considering all of your day-to-day routines and the way you use your space. Your lifestyle informs every decision.

03— What do you love about your current space?

Think about the aspects in your home you love and want to bring into your new space. There’s likely a few functional elements that you’d like to make sure to incorporate.

04— What’s not working for you with your current space?

This is by far the easiest question to answer, for all of us. Like many other things, it’s easy to think about we we don’t like or want.

In the beginning phases of your project it’s helpful to go over all of the elements that aren’t working for you in your current space. Identifying all of these elements can really help the process of decision making further on during the project.

05— What are your priorities for your project?

This question requires a lot of thought. Narrowing down and focusing on your main goals and priorities is crucial. It’s important to decide on elements and ideas that you love and are excited about and what will work best for your home.

I know that it isn’t an easy question to answer but it’s ideal to have a clear vision and list of priorities early on. Making decisions and answering the contractors questions throughout the project will be less overwhelming and much easier for you.

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Getting started with your project

If you have any questions, want to know about pricing or want to know more about how I can help, please contact me.

3 Designer Tips To Improve Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and there’s a whole new emphasis on the kitchen’s importance. Having a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional are key.

Your kitchen should feel like home, assist you with your daily cooking and compliment the rest of your home. With some careful planning, you can create a truly meaningful space.

Keep reading to find out my 3 tips to improve your kitchen.

Tip 01 — More pantry space

Today, most of us consider a pantry as “essential.” They are so desirable because not only do they provide a space to store dried goods and bulk items, but also platters, small appliances and cleaning supplies.

Carve out space in your kitchen for a tall pantry cabinet or add a freestanding cabinet near your kitchen.

Tip 02— Upgrade countertops

Go for quartz countertops to create an upscaled look in your kitchen. Quartz is super durable and easy to care for. Since it’s non-porous it resists staining ( juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee etc.) A non-porous surface also means that it will not keep bacteria or viruses which is another great benefit.

Tip 03— Bring in personality

One way to inject personality into your kitchen is by choosing a backsplash that has a color, pattern or a texture. There are many different types of backsplashes to choose from and it’s important to select a style that can stand the test of time.

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Always remember to listen to yourself and what you want for your home. Since you spend a lot of time in your kitchens it’s important to make it an inspiring place that also reflects who you are.

Let’s get started making improvements to your kitchen.

Choosing Tile: 5 Must-Know Types For Your Home

Subtle or bold, tile adds texture and personality while remaining entirely functional.

The type of tile you choose can make or break your renovation project. Here’s how to know which tile works best for every project.

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Where To Use Tiles

If you want to enlarge a space, using one main tile and one accent can help it feel spacious. If you'd rather create definition between spaces or design elements (the wall vs. the floor, for example) intermingling two or three tile patterns is a good strategy. Here are 5 different types of tile to consider for your home:

Ceramic

Many homeowners choose to install ceramic since the tiles are versatile and easy to cut and install. Ceramic tiles are kiln-fired at lower temperature than porcelain tiles which means they’re less dense and easier to work with, also more affordable.

Porcelain

There’s a few differences between ceramic and porcelain tiles. Porcelain is kiln-fired at higher temperatures, making it dense and less moisture absorbent which is ideal for bathrooms. Since it’s a dense and durable material it is also more difficult to cut and install.

Marble

A natural stone to add elegance and refinement to your home. Marble tiles add depth and texture to a surface.

It’s best to install marble in low-traffic areas, such as an entrance foyer, shower floor/wall or as a kitchen backsplash since marble can stain and be difficult to clean. Apply a sealer to prevent staining.

Glass

Clean and minimal style with a reflective quality. Glass tiles can be installed as accents, backsplashes or as flooring. One of the best features of glass is that it’s low-maintenance since it's hard and non-absorbent. Also it’s resistant to stain, mold and bacteria. No sealant required

SLATE

Slate is one of the strongest natural stone flooring materials. It's resistant to cracks, scratches, breaks, and chips. While it does need regular sealing, it's an excellent option for bathrooms, kitchens, and heavy traffic areas.

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Selecting tile for your project

Make the best selections for your space.