Working With An Interior Designer

Why Hiring the best is an Easy Decision.

It’s so much more than surface treatment.

As an interior design firm, we seek solutions that work as beautifully as they look. That’s how we define design. It means we’re looking out for you. Looking beyond the problem to understand how your interior project can improve your life and your mental well-being.

Witness the steady hand of a designer that has seen it all.

We have seen thousands of projects. And while no two are exactly the same, we offer each new client the benefit of all previous experience. That means we’re not learning on your time—but we’re always listening. So expect to avoid expensive regrets and mistakes.

Last but certainly not least, your project should give you a great sense of accomplishment. The experience of working closely with a designer to create your ideal — whatever it might be — is a luxurious process, and the rewards last a very long time.

“Custom home” is not a product.

Custom is what we do. All of our services are custom; they always have been.

With each project, the scope, the pace, and the budget are yours to set. Our job is to make your vision a reality, elevate quality, and deliver results you could not have achieved on your own or as cost-effectively.

we consistently deliver high value

Here are 8 Ways:

1. Professional assessment. Most projects begin with a professional evaluation of your project and/or your home’s current state. You get a well-informed plan of action. It identifies the priorities and dismisses punch-list items least important to your goals.

2. Help you with resource allocation. We advise you where to get the best value from what you can spend—and in the right sequence.

3. Show you how to avoid costly mistakes. Help you make important decisions that will increase the value of your home. And weigh in on ideas that are not worth the investment.

4. Save you valuable time. Our clients value their time. They trust us with hundreds or thousands of details that go into any renovation or building project. At the same time, we always focus on the bigger picture. Ensuring all of those decisions align with the homeowner’s vision and budget constraints.

5. Help you avoid the slippery slope of trends. Experienced designers are not persuaded by trends; we tend to set them. With trends, you want to be early on the climb, as the first graph shows. Buying in too late is hazardous, depending on the investment. We keep you ahead of the trend and off the slippery slope by offering fresh ideas worthy of a longer-term investment.

Side by side graphics depicting trends

(Graph 1) Fresh ideas yield longer-lasting value — the idea might as well be yours. (Graph 2) Knock-offs and/or trendy furniture are risky investments. Originals and/or timeless classics offer unmatched long-term value and joy of ownership.

6. Qualified liaison. We speak the language of architects, contractors, showrooms, and suppliers. Skills in strong communication are crucial to managing time and money. Precise specifications with CAD drawings document every step and address the potential issues before anything is purchased, or any construction occurs.

7. We have much better resources. Most products aren’t available to the general public, but the to-the-trade furniture, fabrics, and materials available can catapult a home from good to brilliant. And trade pricing (on designer items) allows us to pass savings onto our clients.

8. The work is in the details. Our team systematically organizes and manages your project from start to finish. We lend our vast experience in coordinating and communicating to-the-trades and professionals to your project. We stay ahead of the tiny but essential details that consistently create stellar homes.

“My project is too small.”

Three discrete thoughts on the topic:

  1. Did you know we make local visits for color consulting? Yes, and it’s as easy as it sounds. The service is usually a 1 to 2-hour commitment. That’s small, but the impact can literally save the ship. Color is nothing short of magical when it’s right and a disaster when it’s not.

  2. Project size is relative—sometimes, we just don’t know we need help; your best bet is to reach out and inquire. It’s painless, and you will settle the question.

  3. “I just need some decorating.” We do daring decorating projects, small and large. We would only ask, are you doing things in the correct order? The sequence of change matters a lot. See our Design Sense blog (on this website) and read “Design first, Decoration Second” for much more on the topic.

“My project is too personal.”

Many homes don’t need a makeover. They’re well-built and refined. They often already come with timeless styling and/or a specific personal vibe. In any case, these homes do need updates and improvements from time to time. They deserve a designer who understands and knows what is untouchable and how to blend in virtually any desired improvement.

Bring in the professionals.

You could almost direct this yourself, but you know better because there’s too much at risk. Things have gotten more complicated on every front. The details are endless. Coordination between the trades is more challenging than ever. Our suggestion? Hire the designer first. A trusted advisor works for you and will be there for you beyond the project.

We’re happy to earn The Trusted Advisor Role.

We believe your designer should be the first person you call. Our clients know they can depend on us to be there long after the project has been completed. This graph illustrates the role of the interior designer on a new build, but it’s really the same across any project timeline.

Engagement comparison chart, designer vs decorator

See Lux Services to learn more about how we focus on our client’s needs.