Frequently Asked Questions
I feel that being open and honest right from the start can help us create a strong, collaborative relationship and eliminate confusion. So, as you begin your design journey. I have put together some answers to frequently asked questions you may find helpful.
Q: What does an interior designer do exactly?
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A: Designers do just about anything to do with design and decoration in your home. This could mean giving a tired room or whole house an upgrade with a completely new look including lighting, wallpaper, fabrics, flooring and furniture. Or just supplying some fabric for a new pair of curtains, or finding a special item.
Sometimes people use designers to help manage large restoration projects. Designers don't just align themes and choose colours and fabrics, they can also organise and manage the decorating, curtain making, furniture, lighting and flooring installation and ensure that the job is done to time and budget.
Q: Why should I hire an interior designer?
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A: Not only will your interior designer be familiar with the latest industry trends but will know how to incorporate them into your home and adjust them to your preferences while paying close attention to every single detail to achieve a wow effect that will live up to your expectations. Hiring an interior designer is undoubtedly the way to go.
Q: Isn't hiring an interior designer really expensive?
A: There is a misconception that using an interior designer is a costly luxury and only for those with an unlimited budget. At Kitty Ovens Interiors this is certainly not the case and in fact, very often a designer can save you money by preventing expensive mistakes and by sourcing items that are excellent value for money. Whatever the budget available, Kitty Ovens Interiors is able to create a stunning look for clients homes.
Q: Why should I hire you?
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A: I believe I bring an exclusive perspective with eye for detail to the table. Though it may take more time, I feel projects are most successful when my client is completely involved from the concept stage, my favourite part of the job is helping my client create a space that is unique to their personality and reflects their story, and most of all to achieve results they are truly happy with.
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I avoid business practices like some designers utilise, hidden product mark-ups, low time investment or unexpected additional extra fees and costs.
At Kitty Ovens Interiors Clarity is among my core values you will see it in the design packages these are created for transparency and will be the true design fee.
Q: How do we get started?
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A: We always start with an initial design consultation at your home (or project site). In this meeting, I will walk through your home with you and dicuss your specific needs of your interior design project and determine the best direction to move your project forward. No actual design is done in this meeting, just an evaluation of the project scope and your particular needs and timing. At this meeting, a design package will be proposed, and your budget will be discussed, if my design packages do not fit your project you can request a quote for your custom design project.
Q: How do I prepare for my initial design consultation?
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A: After your booking, I will send you a short questionnaire that will help evaluate your project. I also suggest having some visuals to show me, these can be images or items that capture the feeling, mood or design direction of what you are trying to achieve.
The second item is that you must be prepared to discuss is your budget. Give thoughtful consideration and decide what you are comfortable with investing in your project. Not disclosing your budget from the beginning will lead to confusion and frustration, as your designer may spend hours designing something beautiful you love, only to find out it is not within your budget.
Q: How do I create an accurate budget?
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A: One of the most important conversations I have with a potential client concerns the budget for an interior design project. It's probably no surprise that no one likes to have the "money conversation," but it's a critical part of how I assess the scope of a project.
Sometimes, clients really have no idea what their budget is, or they have a number in mind, but don't know if it will "cover" their project. When this is the case, I ask them to do a little exercise: If it's a room they need furnished, I ask them to make their list and outline how much they would expect to spend on each item: a sofa, dining chairs, a rug, lighting, art, accessories, etc. From that information, a basic budget is created and gives me a good sense of where the client's comfort level is in terms of price point.
Q: How do you charge?
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A: I have created design packages, that are completely transparent, and can, depending on the package include meetings a design direction supported by colour boards showing finishes, fabrics and ideas together with floor plans showing furniture layouts. My in-person Design package is the most extensive. If you would like to extend services beyond my in-person package with for example procurement or project management, I will charge an hourly rate. If my packages do not fit your project, please contact me for a custom offer.
Q: How do you charge?
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A: I have created design packages, that are completely transparent, and can, depending on the package include meetings a design direction supported by colour boards showing finishes, fabrics and ideas together with floor plans showing furniture layouts. My in-person package is the most extensive. If you would like to extend services beyond my in-person package with for example procurement or project management, I will charge an hourly rate. If my packages do not fit your project, please contact me for a custom offer.
Q: I have strong ideas about how I want things to look, will
my designer try to make me change my mind?
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A: I may suggest other alternatives and explain why they could work too or better but ultimately the decision is yours. I respect the client's likes and dislikes and try to find things to fit in with them, not change them.
Q: Will a designer try to get me to buy things I can’t afford?
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A: A realistic budget will be your guide. I can advise on the best product for the appropriate function. Some items may have a higher up-front cost but will have a lower life-cycle cost—which makes them a better solution. Your designer will help you choose the right pieces for your project, save you time and money by providing sound interior design advice, and help you to allocate your resources wisely. Ultimately it is your decision.
Q: I’m afraid it will be too expensive, or that I will get stuck with a room I won’t like.
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A: Working with a designer can save you money by helping you to allocate resources wisely, eliminate decorating mistakes, and increase creative thinking. We know you’ll love the final result because you are involved in every step of the way. It’s my job to provide great options and help you make the right selections and decisions for your lifestyle and taste.
Q: Will I lose control of the design or the budget?
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A: The process begins with an in-depth conversation about the space, who uses it and how you use it. We discuss likes and dislikes. Every step of the way you are involved and aware of the budget. You make all the final decisions
Q: Where do you get your furniture?
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A: I purchase products from a variety of sources, we use local stores, trade showrooms, and retail locations, as well as online and catalogue retailers. If my clients have sources that you prefer to work with, I am more than happy to do so.
Q: What is your style?
A: I don’t have one “style” that I stick to. My client’s preferences, the architecture, location and space of the home, along with budget will dictate the interior style direction. I find ways to bring out my client’s personality in a unique way in each space.
Q: How long does the remodelling design process take?
A: The timeline of the design process varies depending on the scope and size of your project. Product lead times vary, but generally, you can expect furniture to be about 8-12 weeks. Quick-ship items can be procured in 2-6 weeks, but options are very limited.