Interior Design SERVICES

Absolutely! Whenever possible, we love incorporating existing pieces especially those that hold special meaning for you. Whether it's a family heirloom or a cherished find, we'll look for ways to seamlessly integrate it into the design. If there are instances where existing pieces might affect the overall style direction or furniture layout, we'll discuss it openly. Sometimes, if a particular piece doesn't fit in one room, we may wish to repurpose it and find a perfect spot for it in another room, maximizing the potential of each item.

It's worth noting that having existing pieces doesn't necessarily mean lower design fees. Incorporating them into the design scheme takes the same amount of time and effort as working with new pieces. Your space should reflect your personality, and your existing pieces play a crucial role in achieving that.

We're a 'cost-plus' firm, which means we handle both interior design services and retail for procurement of items for your interior design ie furniture, lighting fixtures, area rugs, window treatments, accessories and more.

We determine two distinctive pots for your overall budget. These are:

A. Design Fees for each project are quoted within a flat fee structure and payments are scheduled over the duration of your project. Even though the flat design fee is most equitable for the client, we are flexible, so if you prefer hourly, we've got you covered.

B. A Labor and Materials Budget is usually determined from the start. It a rough estimate to cover everything for your project – labor, materials, construction, installation, assembly, freight, furniture, art, all items that go into your space.

Every project is unique, so let's discuss!

Including both design and construction it’s best to allow at least three months of time for a small kitchen or small bathroom project. Realistically, if you are hoping to remodel a year from now, it’s time to begin your design process now so that everything and everyone is ready in time.

We take care of everything related to interior design, while the contractor manages all aspects of construction. We collaborate closely with the contractor to ensure your design is accurately translated. Occasionally, we handle orders for specific design-related building materials such as tile, hardware, and lighting fixtures. We've found from past projects that when clients manage their own projects, it tends to require more designer time, ultimately costing more than having the design or construction team oversee it. However, we absolutely love when you're involved!

When we create a purchase invoice for your approved items, we typically include the cost of shipping and delivery. However, occasionally, shipping, delivery, and installation may be invoiced separately, and at the time of order we estimate manufacturer’s lead times and freight costs. Items are shipped from the supplier to our warehouse where we receive, inspect, and inventory the item, and store it until delivery.  We hire movers to assemble and place everything in your home.

1 week – Inquiry, Discovery Call, Schedule Pre-Project Strategy Meeting

1 - 3 weeks – Pre Project Strategy Meeting and Summary Zoom Meeting

1 - 2 weeks – Contracting Period 

3 - 5 weeks – Design Phase 1 – Design Focus 

Image exchange, design style definition, develop concept, color scheme, materials palettes, draft initial floor plan with dimensions, render potential layout options, and space planning

- 1 week – client sends feedback for Design Phase 1

3 - 5 weeks – Design Phase 2 – Development and Details

Review client feedback, further develop layout and elevations, create color map, refine materials selections, create electrical plan, order samples, create specification sheets, create preliminary purchase orders, create presentation, design meeting with client

3 weeks – 2 years – Design Phase 2 until all drawings and selections are finalized at client design meetings and materials purchased.

1 - 6 months – Wait for contractor availability

1-16 weeks – Purchase items, ship items to local warehouse, replace/repair damaged items, schedule installation once all items have arrived

6 months – Furniture installations typically happen 6 months after we begin the first round of purchases

3 - 36 months – remodel or new construction. BTD answers questions as needed and offers alternatives with client approval of final decisions.

Communication: Communication is ‘everything’ when it comes to interior design. Emailing is our preferred communication style as it keeps us up to date and provides reference in writing. It is always best to schedule a phone call or Zoom meeting ahead of time, and we will only use texting in a pinch. We’ll email you with status updates and invoices, yet, most likely, we will see you in person, the best means of communication. 

- Efficiency: Our tried-and-true process along with our less than glamorous policies allow us to efficiently design and execute your project behind the scenes. To streamline design hours, we aim to limit communication as much as possible to in-person design meetings or one large all-encompassing email rather than multiple emails. 

- Purchasing: We purchase and track all items once we receive your approval with payment. When items begin to be purchased, you will receive an update on their timeline when the items are due (typically 4-16 weeks depending on the manufacturer, from the date we receive your check for approval). When we reach out to vendors for progress reports prior to due dates, we are either not given an answer, or the answer may be unreliable so we avoid checking with vendors on ETA’s unless items are past due. Items are delivered to our warehouse, inspected, replaced/repaired if needed and then stored until we schedule your installation. We avoid partial installations. 

- Construction Involvement: Once all design documents are approved about 85% of our work on your project is complete. Of course, we are always standing by throughout construction and we periodically check in by email or site visit and alert you of your options if something can’t go as planned. 

- Customization: While our process is the same, the outcomes are specific to the client. Working with different people and different styles make our job fun and rewarding while leaving you with a space that is truly all your own.