All About Interior Design Fees and Why I Choose to Bill as I Do

Design fees.  They're such a mystery, aren't they?  You could ask 5 different designers how they charge for their work and you would probably come up with 5 different answers.   It's one of the first questions my Chattanooga clients ask when inquiring about "how I work".  

Let's break it down, shall we?

Hourly - this is popular one because it compensates the designer for all of the time they spend on your project.  Billable hours  include every bit of time used to conceptualize, procure (buy stuff), and install.  This does not mean that the designer with the lowest hourly fee will cost less!!!  That's because a designer with experience, processes in place, and good vendors and tradespeople can work more efficiently.  

The downside for the consumer is that they don't know where the bottom is.   Weekly invoices for hourly design services can get tedious and sometimes result in bad feelings when getting billed for replying to emails and phone calls.  BUT, in all fairness, it reflects all of the time needed by the designer to complete your project.  You might be able to get an estimate on the number of hours your designer thinks he/she will need to complete your project.  You should also know that your final cost will be lower if you are decisive, responsive, and organized.

Cost Plus - This is when the designer buys items for you at their cost and then marks up your merchandise by whatever percentage works for their business model.  This type of billing model is difficult for most designers because the internet has made so many products readily available the general public which were once available only to designers.  This is a risky way for designers to work because some clients would actually take the designer's creation and then order everything themselves, cutting out the designer completely - but I KNOW you would never do that!!!

By the Square Foot - This is a popular way to bill for commercial jobs and kind of unusual for residential.  It seems fair because the fee is automatically in sync with the size of the space.  On the other hand, if you have a small space that is super tricky and you're trying to get multiple uses out of said small space, it could be very time consuming for the designer.  I guess in that case the price per square foot would be figured at a slightly higher rate.

A Combination of Any or All of The Above - Self explanatory really.  You might be charged hourly for the Design Concept and then go to Cost Plus for procurement.

Flat Fee - This is how I prefer to bill, and the reasons are many. Shall we go through it?

Why Flat Fee is Good for You:

1.  No surprises! You are quoted a flat fee for your project and that is the fee!  No wondering about how many hours this will take, no need to pull away from the project because too many hours are racking up.

2. No anxiety about getting that next invoice and wondering how much it's going to be for those revisions you requested.  Or for the time your designer spent looking for the perfect shade for the adorable vintage lamp you fell in love with.

3.  Your project will have a better chance of staying on budget because you have a finite amount allocated for the Design Fee.

Why Flat Fee is Good for Me:

1.  Do you have any idea how tedious it is to track every minute of each project every day?  Then to document the time spent on each project because you certainly can't do it from memory.  Now that you've tracked it and documented it, you now have to create an invoice that justifies the design hours and send it to your client. 

Ummmm - she spent 3 hours looking for a lamp shade?!?!?

For me this is torture.

I would much rather spend my energy creating a fabulous plan especially for you and go about making this gorgeous space your new reality.  As a creative, this is what I love to spend my time doing - NOT watching the clock!! 

2.  Refer to #1.  

Intrigued? If you'd like to learn more about how I work and fees, be sure and grab a copy of my FAQ document!

Project Reveal - Interior Design - Chattanooga Living Room

Today I have an exciting  project to share with you.  The clients are an adorable couple who have a wonderful sense of style, but they needed some help editing down their ideas and staying on track with the design direction.   

When I came on board, they had already done quite a bit of renovations on their Chattanooga home and had done a magnificent job!  The kitchen, master bathroom, and flooring were all new, and most of the interior walls were coated in a bright, clean white. 

However, when it came to furnishing their rooms, they hit a wall.  So much energy spent and so many decisions made on the renovations left them feeling tapped out and a little overwhelmed.  Sometimes having lots of options is just ... daunting.

Style-wise, we were a great fit.  They have love and respect for the classics, but they also wanted to incorporate some design elements with a modern edge.  Bring on the mix!!

Here's how the space looked when I saw it for the first time.  Iphone photography isn't doing it justice.

The furniture was a mix of new pieces - which are very nice - combined with the vintage occasional chair - a family heirloom - and that cute vintage lamp.  

Here are few more "befores".

Again, a nice layout with perfectly lovely furniture pieces.  But, my clients were looking to make more of statement with their interiors that revealed more about who they are.  

And so we collaborated on ideas and an overall direction.  In the end, we decided to create a pared down, clean, classic space that was chic, eclectic, and of the moment.

They have room for 2 full sized sofas, and I suggested we do 2 mismatched sofas for a collected look.  One is slipcovered, the other is upholstered, and the clean lines shared by both pieces made them perfect companions.  Personality would be added with colorful pillows, a vintage rug, and some unique art that would be sourced by the clients - who were up for the challenge!

As you know, design is a process, so after a few tweaks and adjustments, the final space was a little different than what you see in the Design Board above, and we couldn't be happier with the results!

Where there were once 2 chairs we now have a comfy sofa and a fabulous wall of art, curated by my style savvy clients.

This is a photo I took before professional photography seen below.  You can see the mismatched sofas together and that the layout is pretty much the same.

Would you agree that the art makes the space?  The clients did a fantastic job of sourcing the art for our gallery installation.  I had the fun job of placing the art above one of the gorgeous new sofas.

Here's our slipcovered sofa.  My clients had the art piece commissioned and we just love the simplicity of the floating glass frame, particularly combined with the ornate gilt candle sconces.  Those sconces were part of my client's collection and I couldn't wait to incorporate them into the design plan!

Yes, that is my client's vintage chair done up in a dreamy blue velvet.  And how cute is Wiley - he's such a ham and wanted to be in every photo!  Custom drapery frames the french doors to the fabulous veranda overlooking the golf course. We went the iconic Zimba from Schumacher for the fabric and trimmed it out in simple orange grosgrain ribbon.

While we were at it, we also tackled the little breakfast nook off of the newly renovated kitchen.

Here's a photo of how it looked when I came on board:

Again, they're off to a great start with those gorgeous floors, updated lighting and fun art piece!

Here's where we ended up:

We kept the modern chair inspiration, opting for the sexy and sculptural Panton chairs in white.  A rustic table keeps things interesting by providing textural contrast, and the zebra hide is a little unexpected and just. so.  chic!  My clients fell in love with the bold blue painting instantly and I knew it would work perfectly in this breakfast nook.  The previous painting got relocated to their swanky new master bath.

We're all so in love with the new look, but more importantly,  I feel like the room really reflects their amazing personal style! And isn't that what good design is all about?

Check back again soon - I'll be sharing photos of the newly designed dining room and the foyer. 

New Year/New Colors - The 2018 Edition

In case you haven't heard what the new "IT" colors are for 2018, let me enlighten you.

First up is Pantone's 2018 color of the year.

It's "Ultraviolet".

This shade, to be exact:

If you ask me, it's more of a royal purple.

Too much?

How about this:

Probably better in small doses.

Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year is equally bold and saturated.

"Caliente"

I haven't had ANY requests for red walls in years nor have I had a hankering to incorporate them anywhere, but I have to admit that this Caliente room feels about as cozy and comforting as my Dearfoams on a chilly night.

Wondering what all of this means to you?

Well, it certainly doesn't mean you should swath all of your walls in Ultraviolet and Caliente!

BUT, if you're ready to take a step away from the pallor of all of those grays that have dominated interiors over the past several years, why not consider a few touches of bold color in small but meaningful doses.

Like coating your front door in Caliente.

It's such a gorgeous counterpoint to the soft white and turquoise backdrop. (PS: Note how beautiful Caliente was with the soft blue accents in the room photo above).

Caliente accents in this kitchen by Nick Olsen is en fuego. A little red goes a long way.

Whenever I see a room by Angie Hranowsky I love purple a little more. It's her signature color and she makes it work. Every. Single. Time.

So colors of the year for 2018.

Take them or leave them.

Your house. Your call.

The Green Room Interiors is taking new clients for 2018. If you're in the Chattanooga area and ready to live in timeless beauty, call Kim at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com

Why I LOVE New Traditional Interiors

Raise your hand if you think Traditional interiors are a predictable mix of Queen Anne legs and a somber color palette.

Allow me to enlighten you. (Literally!)

Walking into Ethan Allen (or any other furniture retailer) and ordering an entire "set" of living room furniture has - thankfully - become a thing of the past, and today's Traditional interiors are a little less predictable and a lot more inclusive of diverse furniture styles.

This brings with it a whole new level of casual comfort - which is just one of the reasons I love new Traditional interiors.

Yes! Antiques will always have a place in Traditional interiors, but New Traditional spaces are lighter and fresher than the Traditional rooms of the past.

There's nothing stodgy or tired about this classic wood paneled den by Jeffrey Bilhuber. He created a youthful Traditional style by combining furniture styles (most of them quite Traditional by the way) and layering in vibrant textiles. I love this room because it has a fun, expected quality belies the classic design elements. And did you ever think you could use "Traditional" and "unexpected" in the same sentence - much less in the same room?!?

What does all of this mean to you and me?

Well, if you're investing in furnishings for your home, you can rest assured knowing that Traditional interiors have been en vogue for centuries, and this classic style of decorating will continue to stand the test of time moving forward.

Here's a perfect illustration of the timelessness of Traditional Interiors. This entryway by Nick Olsen feels comfortable, sophisticated and completely of the moment - and yet I think the same thing will be said of it 20 years from now.

Bottom line? A mix of classic pieces, antiques, and a fresh color palette just never gets old.

AND

It's the unexpected details (lacquered ceiling, modern light fixture) that keep Traditional style fresh.

New Traditional - what's not to love?

If you would like to create a home that feels fresh and will stand the test of time, call Kim today to set up a consultation. 423.653.3186.

The Joy Of Moldings

There's nothing I love more than a good old fashioned decorating project - the kind where you take an existing space and create a gorgeous living environment though color, furnishings, accessories and art.

One thing that makes that job a whole lot easier and much more impactful is having a backdrop of interesting architecture.

While subtle, this particular treatment breaks up the expansive wall area and implies attention to detail, craftsmanship and luxury. It's the most formal of the molding treatments we'll talk about today.

The photo above is of an entry hall we did last year. We applied moldings directly to the sheetrock and painted everything in the same white satin paint. My client favors a slight nod to coastal design, and the white walls, bleached wood, and blue accents speak to her preferred aesthetic.

More recently, we installed a wall of wainscoting as a feature in a family room - again, applied directly to the sheet rock, and then painted everything out in the same color.

Here is a photo I took during installation. We also added the same type of molding over the mantel.

You should also know that moldings don't have to be formal. One of my favorite wall treatments is a simple board and batten style treatment that has a casual feel to it.

Here's a bathroom renovation we completed in the spring that combines board and batten walls, a navy vanity, and aged brass and bronze hardware for a preppy cabin vibe.

And while it's not technically a molding, it seems the whole world has gone crazy for shiplap walls, and I get lots of requests for this from clients.

The texture and character you get from shiplap walls is outstanding.

Excuse the poor image quality in the next few images - these are phone pictures from over a year ago.

In the dining room below, white shiplap was used on all 4 walls.

On this project (photo above) we created a single accent wall in this foyer with shiplap walls.

And in this Monteagle cottage renovation, we installed whitewashed shiplap in the living room, dining room and foyer. This was perfect for a cottage in the woods!

If your carpentry skills are good, adding moldings to your walls is a cost-effective way to create interest and add architecture to your home. If you are DIY challenged, the majority of the cost of adding these types of moldings is in the labor cost for skilled finish carpentry.

I say it's worth the trouble and/or the investment. Wall moldings are a great way to add architectural interest and provide a backdrop that celebrates the details!

Call Kim today if you're ready to take your home's interiors to the next level! 423.653.3186

Your Questions Answered - How Do You Work?

Would you believe me if I told you that most of the inquiries I get from potential clients have never worked with a professional designer before?

And can you guess what one of the first questions they have is? You guessed it -- "How do you work?". That's timid client speak for "How much do you charge?"

The answer to this question is not the same every single time. This is because my role is different from project to project.

Sometimes we are hired as a team to design and transform a space where construction is involved, overseeing everything from concept through demolition, construction, installation and styling. In this type of scenario there is a flat Design Fee to create a plan for the new space and then a percentage of the job to oversee the project from start to finish. This includes site visits, ordering materials, communicating with clients on progress and potential problems, coordinating and scheduling other trades that are involved, troubleshooting, and quality control oversight.

Master Bathroom Renovation in a Lookout Mountain Historic Home

We recognize that your home is probably your largest investment, and we take the responsibility of your home improvement project seriously. We give it the same care and attention to detail that we would give to a project in our own home!

At the other end of the spectrum, I offer services that are not quite as involved - such as Paint Color consultations. In this scenario, I charge a flat fee to come to your home, view your space and furnishings, and recommend paint colors that will play nicely with your existing decor and create the mood you'd like your space to convey. This type of appointment is straight-forward and at the end of our appointment you'll have clear answers to your most troubling questions. Most Design Consultations usually last about 90 minutes, and are billed via a one-time, flat fee payment that is due at the end of our consultation.

And then there's all the stuff in between. I am hired for everything from total room makeovers (my personal favorite), custom window treatments, new home construction finishes, all of the above or varying portions of the above.

Interior Decorating Project - total room makeover

So, trying to quote a design fee is a little like quoting the price of a car. In both instances, there are a number of variables that come into play and, in turn, affect the fee/price. These variables include the project scope (new pillows and curtains, or all new everything), Designer involvement (do you want me to order all of your furniture for you, do you want me to schedule and meet the painter, or do you want to handle these things yourself?), and the size and complexity of the space itself.

Here's what I can tell you. The peace of mind and enhanced quality of living you'll get in return is far greater than the Design fee, particularly if you consider that you'll be enjoying your gorgeous new space for years to come. Holidays will be more joyful, quiet evenings at home will be more nurturing, and those special times with family and friends will be even sweeter when you're surrounded in comfort and beauty!

Let's make your Chattanooga home your haven! Call Kim at 423.653.3186 today!

Your Questions Answered - Why Hire A Decorator

Does this sound familiar?

You get all heart eye smiley faces when pinning your favorite rooms, but you just don't know how to create that sort of magic in your own home.

or

You have a pretty good idea of what you want to create in your own home, but your full-time job and the demands of motherhood leave you little to no time to get your house decorated. And another Saturday at the paint store looking at 200 chips of gray paint does not top your list of favorite things to do.

or

It's all so overwhelming. You kind of love the sofa you saw while furniture shopping last weekend but then what rug would be best to use with that couch and should you do 2 more chairs or a loveseat? Maybe instead you should just get a sectional.

All of these questions (and more) can be resolved with the help of a professional Interior Decorator.

The Big Picture - Designers take a big picture approach to your room, starting with a Design Plan that addresses how your room functions (aka the layout), and reflects your most stylish self. I can't stress enough the importance of having a Design Plan to follow. Having a plan eliminates all of the confusion and gives us a clear blueprint to follow to create your special space.

Money - so what happens if you pull the trigger on that fabulous $5,000 sectional only to discover that it's waaaaay too big for your family room? It didn't look that big in the store, and now it's money down the drain! A design professional will save you from costly mistakes by measuring your room down to the fraction of the inch to ensure that your furniture will fit and that your room will address your needs in the most stylish way.

Designers can also help stretch your budget by scouting out a stylish estate sale find that will coexist perfectly with a super fancy piece of furniture!

Creativity - This is a big one. We look at your room with fresh eyes and can visualize a space that the typical homeowner just can't conceive. As creative thinkers, we dream up ways to use furniture in unexpected ways, and we can take your wishes and turn them into a space that reflects your style - only way beyond what you could create for yourself.

Finishing Touches. That final layer of accessories is key to telling your story and reflecting your personality. Designers can artfully display your personal treasures in a way that is beautiful and personal, creating a space that is "all you".

And some final thoughts - yes, decorating your home is an investment. Stuff is expensive, but when you consider what you get in return (peace of mind, a home that nurtures you and creates a welcoming mood for your guests) then it's an investment in your quality of life that brings with it an enormous amount of value. Home is your refuge, and it deserves the time and attention required to make it as unique and special as those who live in it.

If you're in the Chattanooga area and ready to create a haven at home, let's discuss! Get in touch with the Contact buttons on my website or email me at thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com

xo Kim

What I've Been Working On - Guest Bath Renovation

I have tried to sit down and put this post together for almost three months now and today I'm finally going to share this fun project with you!

It's a tiny guest bathroom that is in a home that shared by a Dad and his two young boys. The home they live in was built sometime in the 80's, and we're pretty sure this bathroom is still sporting it's original 1980's finishes.

I just love a project with a big potential for change!

Anyway, this bathroom is mostly used by my client's out of town parents and in-laws who come to town when he needs help with the boys while he's at work or traveling.

My client has great taste but needed some help picking a direction and pulling things together. I wanted to give him something that would be appropriate for an all-male household yet be feminine enough for his guests to feel comfortable and pampered too.

I got a style clue during the initial consultation when my client showed me the new Restoration Hardware catalog he had been admiring. Based on that and what I learned during our interview, I pulled together a few selections for the space.

The jumping off point was the vanity I sourced from Restoration Hardware. He loved the washed wood finish and I love how it looks like a charming antique piece that was converted into a vanity.

I also fell hard for these wood-look hex porcelain tiles, and I knew they would be dynamite with our vanity.

I like to include a whimsical touch, so I searched for something that would be appropriate for the space and add a little levity. This "Winter Cranes" fabric from Robert Allen was the answer I was looking for. The print is whimsical but it's still sophisticated with it's neutral palette.

Another favorite design element is these fantastic retro-style ceramic sconces from Schoolhouse Electric. I can't resist a stripe and these gray striped shades would be the icing on the cake.

Here's a little mood board to show how all of the selections work together within the space.

Now comes the part where I show you the "after". I'm absolutely thrilled with how the bathroom turned out, but I don't have tons of pictures to share. It's a small space to photograph with no natural light (read: tough to photograph), but I think this iPhone photo captures everything we incorporated into the space and demonstrates how much change is possible by just changing the finishes.

We replaced the existing tub with a deep soaker tub and finished off the tub surround with clean and classic white subway tile and sparkly chrome fixtures.

I'm happy to report that parents and in-laws have used the space and it's getting rave reviews! So much so that we moved on to the renovation of the boys shared bathroom, and I'll share that transformation in my next post.

Thanks for stopping by!