Interior Design Questions Answered | Renaissance Design

FAQ

Should I hire a designer or do it myself?

If you want to do it yourself – you should try it. If you feel unsure or are concerned about making large investments that, if they are the wrong scale or style, will cost more than the cost of a designer; call a professional for a consultation. If you need a few hours of moral support, that is less costly in the end.

If you are building a large custom home or you are planning a large-scale remodel, it is often out of the comfort zone or ability of most consumers. You should consider a professional.

If you just don't have the time and you want the magazine quality result and don't want to experiment with the job, discuss it with a pro.

What happens if my spouse or partner and I have radically different taste?

You will both need to make compromises. You need to decide individually what is negotiable and non-negotiable as well as what really isn't that important to you. Let's make sure we discuss all three of those categories for each of you. We may end up as the tie-breaker from time to time. Partnership counseling seems to be a part of our job on every project.

How much do I need to tell my designer?

We really do know you better than your best friend and sometimes your spouse by the time we are done. We will be discreet, but the more you tell us about yourself, the more likely the result will be what you dream. This is one of the most personal businesses imaginable. We will ask you if you shower together, bathe together, sleep in the same room (as clients age, they often maintain separate sleeping areas because of snoring), etc.

You will see this throughout our website – you absolutely must tell us how much you've budgeted. We need to know so we don't frustrate you by over-designing your home.

Please tell us your pet peeves, dreams, aspirations, goals, loves, hates and anything else that will help us understand you.

Why do we both need to be involved?

You were both involved in selecting the home, and you are both participants in the financial decisions. We rarely make exceptions to this rule unless we have a waiver that the other spouse or partner accepts the other person's decisions without reservation and agrees that the primary decision maker has the ability to make the financial decision for both parties. It is much more efficient for both of you to be present for the meetings. The exception is if we are doing preliminary selections with a clear understanding of the scope and budget. We have a knack for asking questions that you would never expect, and that ensure that you are both happy with the results.

What style of design do you do?

Personally, my style is eclectic. I grew up with contemporary design and learned traditional and transitional after I moved to Denver. For my clients, I always say you should do what you love and do not be a slave to fashion or trends. The Internet has sped up the pace of trend changes, so by the time your furnishings arrive or the project is done, the trend will be history. You can add some trendy colors through paint colors or accents.

Will a designer force their opinion on me?

A good designer will listen very carefully and will provide a detailed proposal based on your preferences. There are times that the designer will encourage you to take a chance since our job is to see things in our head before they are produced. It does happen from time to time that we get excited for you because we can see the possibilities, but if you really aren't sure, please say so. Every single project includes at least one design suggestion for which I will say “you just need to trust me.” When I am absolutely convinced that you will love the result...carefully consider saying no. I've never had anyone regret following my advice in this case. We are not dictators. It is your home, not ours and we want you to be happy.

How do designers work?

Every designer works differently. Each designer's expertise and experience is also unique. Here are a few ways we may work:

By the hour
By the project
Hourly for design and implementation and wholesale cost + % for purchases
Hourly for design and implementation and suggested retail cost – discount % for purchases
By the square foot for new construction

We work differently depending on the scope of project and the type of work we are providing.

How do I find a designer, architect, builder or contractor?

For all of these people, ask trusted Realtors, advisors, friends and family for references. For subs, it is often good to get referrals from their suppliers. The Denver Design Center is also a great referral source for designers. If you are hiring more than one subcontractor, the first one you decide on may have some great recommendations for you.

How do I know if I should do a remodel?

This is a very important conversation that you must have with your spouse or partner. Can you tolerate dust, upheaval, change, rapid decision-making, people in your home, things not going as planned, noise, compromise, an imperfect process with imperfect people and many other factors? If any of these are like fingernails on a chalkboard, you might think about moving instead. Remodeling is very expensive and disruptive.

You also should not expect 100% of the investment back if you have to sell within a year of your project completion.

How long will my project take?

That depends on the scope of the project, how quickly you make decisions, our current workload, the contractor's or subcontractor's workload and the availability of products and materials. We will have a better idea after we have a complete picture of the project.

FAQ