Questions people ask
The things that come up most often before someone books — what it costs, how it works, and what you are actually agreeing to. If yours isn’t here, ask me directly.
Getting started
Where do we start?
With a free 30-minute discovery call, so we can talk through what you want to do and how you want to go about it. If it looks like a fit, the next step is an in-home consultation. You don’t need to have decided anything before we talk — most people book precisely because they haven’t.
What happens at the consultation?
We walk the rooms you want to address and talk through how you use them, what you want to keep in the space and what currently doesn’t work for you. You get a professional eye and clear plan of action.
What does it cost?
In-home consultations begin at $650. Full-service decorating begins at $1,500 per room, with final pricing determined by the scope and complexity of the project. Your customized proposal will outline a flat rate design and implementation fee, along with an hourly rate for project implementation and management services. Each proposal is tailored to the needs of your space and the level of service required.
What is included in project implementation and management services?
Project implementation and management includes the hands-on oversight needed to bring your project together, including contractor coordination, delivery and installation management, resolving damaged or unavailable items, on-site troubleshooting, and final punch-list review. A project-specific estimate of hours will be provided. These services are billed hourly, including travel time.
Do I pay before the work starts?
The in-home consultation fee is paid at the consultation. For full-service projects, a deposit is outlined in your written proposal and collected before any orders are placed. Ordering is the point at which your project investment begins. You will always know what you’re paying for before an expense is incurred. No money will ever be requested for work or services that have not been clearly described and agreed upon in advance.
I don’t know where to start. Is that a problem?
No. It is the most common reason people call. You do not need a Pinterest board, a budget worked out to the dollar, or a style you can name. Bringing the room and the problem is enough — working out the rest is the job.
Working together
Why hire an interior decorator?
Hiring an interior decorator saves you time, costly mistakes, and the frustration of second-guessing every decision. From sourcing and scale to color, furnishings, and the finishing details, a decorator brings experience and a clear plan to the process — helping you create a space that feels cohesive, personal, and finished without the expense of buying twice.
What is full-service interior decorating?
Full-service interior decorating is a comprehensive approach where I manage your project from initial concept through final installation. This includes developing the design direction, selecting furniture and finishes, sourcing and ordering furnishings, coordinating vendors and contractors, and overseeing installation. For design implementation involving plumbing, electrical, painting, or other specialized work, I coordinate with licensed contractors to ensure the work is completed properly and professionally. The goal is to take your space from concept to a finished, cohesive home without you having to manage all the decisions and details yourself.
Can I hire you for just one room?
Yes. Pricing starts with one room, and one room is a completely normal project. Plenty of houses only have one room that isn’t working.
Can I work with furniture I already own?
Pieces you already love, or that have special meaning to you, are usually what stops a room from looking like a showroom. Part of the plan is deciding what stays, what moves to another room, and what genuinely needs replacement. Special pieces can always be thoughtfully worked into the project to make the space feel personal and uniquely yours.
How long does a project take?
The design phase usually comes together in 4–6 weeks, depending upon the scope of the project. After that the timeline belongs to the furnishings: in-stock pieces arrive in weeks, while custom upholstery and window treatments commonly run several months. I will tell you lead times before you approve anything, so the schedule is something you agreed to rather than something that happened to you.
What if I don’t like the plan?
You see the plan before anything is final — that is the whole point of the approval step. Nothing is ordered until you have said yes. Reacting to a plan by saying “not that” is useful information, not a setback; it is often faster to find the right answer that way than to describe it from nothing.
Who actually orders and tracks everything?
I do. I source what is on the plan, place the orders, track them, and chase whatever runs late. You will always know where things stand without having to chase me for an answer.
Do you decorate commercial spaces?
Yes. Residential and commercial both. The showroom in the portfolio — Driven by Design — is a commercial project: client lounge, built-in shelving and art throughout the floor. A commercial space has to work for staff and customers as well as look considered, which changes the brief but not the process.
Window treatments
What do custom window treatments cost?
Custom window treatments are an investment in quality, craftsmanship, and a beautifully tailored result. Pricing varies based on the size and number of windows, fabrics, materials, hardware, and level of customization. Each project is thoughtfully designed around your space and needs, with a personalized proposal provided before moving forward.
Are custom window treatments worth it over store-bought?
Custom window treatments are worth the investment because they are designed specifically for your windows, your space, and your needs. Unlike store-bought options, custom treatments offer a precise fit, greater control over light and privacy, higher-quality fabrics and hardware, and more choices in style and function. They can also provide better solutions for uniquely shaped or difficult windows while creating a polished, cohesive look that lasts.
Blinds, shades or custom drapery — which should I choose?
This decision is made by thoughtfully balancing function, style, and the unique needs of each space. I consider the desired level of light and privacy, the room’s architecture, existing furnishings, window size and shape, and the overall design aesthetic. The result is a thoughtfully selected window treatment that not only looks beautiful, but also enhances the comfort, functionality, and overall feel of the room.
Who measures the windows?
Every window treatment project includes a professional measure to ensure a truly tailored fit. I partner with trusted, experienced installers who take meticulous measurements and pay close attention to every detail, ensuring your custom treatments are expertly crafted and beautifully installed the first time.
Can you do window treatments for the whole house?
Yes, window treatments can be designed for the entire home. This decision is made by thoughtfully balancing function, style, and the unique needs of each space. For a whole-home project, I create a cohesive look throughout while selecting treatments that are tailored to the function and character of each room. The result is a beautifully layered home where every window feels intentional, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed.
Still deciding?
Tell me what room is bothering you and we’ll go from there.