let's COVER THE BASICS

FREQUENTLY

asked

questions

Have a question that hasn't been answered yet? Take a look below at some of the most common questions we receive from potential clients. You can also check out our blog for more details.

Q.

What is the role of an interior designer?

The role of an interior designer is to create functional and beautiful spaces within a given environment. Interior designers work with clients to determine their needs, preferences, and budget, and then create designs that meet those requirements while also considering factors such as lighting, colour schemes, materials, and furnishings.

Interior designers are responsible for selecting and specifying appropriate fixtures, finishes, and furniture, as well as overseeing the installation of these elements. They may also work with architects, contractors, and other professionals to ensure that their designs are implemented correctly. Visit our Services page to learn more about what we can provide.

The role of an interior designer is to create functional and beautiful spaces within a given environment. 

Interior designers work with clients to determine their needs, preferences, and budget, and then create designs that meet those requirements while also considering factors such as lighting, colour schemes, materials, and furnishings.

Interior designers are responsible for selecting and specifying appropriate fixtures, finishes, and furniture, as well as overseeing the installation of these elements. They may also work with architects, contractors, and other professionals to ensure that their designs are implemented correctly. Visit our Services page to learn more about what we can provide.

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Q.

How do I choose an interior designer for my project?

We recommend a combination of factors to help you choose the right designer for your project. First, take a look at their portfolio, their website, and their social media accounts. Make sure that their aesthetic and personality are a good match for you. 

Next, get social proof. Do they have testimonials from past clients? Can you find reviews of their service on Google, Houzz, Yelp, etc.? This speaks volumes about what kind of experience you can expect from working with them. 

Lastly, set up a low-commitment phone call with them to discuss your project and their design process. Our Discovery Call is the perfect opportunity to find out if we’re a fit for you. Reach out here to schedule a call.

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Q.

What are the steps involved in the interior design process?

Our Experience page gets into the details of our time-tested design process. In a nutshell, we guide you through the following steps: 
Our Experience page gets into the details of our time-tested design process. In a nutshell, we guide you through the following steps: 
  • an introductory consultation to establish rapport and create your scope of work
  • a design phase to fully develop the design concept
  • a documentation phase to create any technical drawings and documents
  • a project management phase where we oversee the any construction and trade work taking place
  • an installation phase where the final elements are installed in the home

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  • an introductory consultation to establish rapport and create your scope of work
  • a design phase to fully develop the design concept
  • a documentation phase to create any technical drawings and documents
  • a project management phase where we oversee the any construction and trade work taking place
  • an installation phase where the final elements are installed in the home

Q.

What is the process for selecting and purchasing furniture & decor?

We follow a similar approach as above to selecting and purchasing furniture and decor. We begin with the consultation and the design phase. We will present you with options for each item of furniture, and once you have made your selections, we handle all of the ordering, tracking, logistics, and delivery details for you. We will plan an installation day (or days, depending on the scale of your project) and oversee the delivery and placement of all items in your home.

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Q.

How do I comm-unicate my design preferences to my designer?

How do I communicate my design preferences to my designer?

We conduct extensive programming early in the design process to ensure that your design preferences are taken into account. This includes questionnaires and an interview to discuss the details of your lifestyle as well as visual input to validate that we are on the same page. There are multiple opportunities during the design process to fine tune your aesthetic along the way so the final design perfectly resonates with your vision.

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Q.

How do you determine the style or theme for a space?

We base this decision on two main factors: the first is input from you based on the programming we do early in the design process. The second is based on the architecture of the home itself. Most homes have a core style (traditional, mid-century, Craftsman, etc.) and it is important to acknowledge that foundation as we develop a new plan for the space.

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Q.

How do you create a cohesive design throughout the entire space?

The best way to accomplish this is to create an overarching theme during the programming phase of the project. We define keywords and a mood board that we can reference throughout the design process to ensure we are on the right track. It is helpful but not required to design the entire space all at once. If you do need to break your project into smaller phases, it is helpful to work with the same designer to ensure consistency.

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Q.

What are some eco-friendly design options for a sustainable space?

There are several ways to incorporate sustainability into your design, including sourcing recycled materials and sustainably harvested natural materials like wood and stone. We also look at factors such as reusing and recycling materials and furniture that is being removed from your home. These can often be donated and used in other locations to keep them out of the landfill. Lastly, part of sustainable design is designing for longevity. By selecting timeless and durable materials and styles, we are able to increase the lifespan of your upgrades, whether they include a new kitchen or a new sofa.

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Q.

What are some ways to incorporate wellness in the home?

Designing for wellness is a subject near to our hearts, and you can read more about this topic on our blog. This concept can include intentionally selecting materials that reduce your toxic load, designing for biophilia and natural light exposure, or creating soothing spaces to reduce stress and anxiety.

There are many ways to approach this topic and we work with you to uncover which elements are the most important for your project. We then draw on our vast database of suppliers and products to customize the best design for your space and your needs.

Designing for wellness is a subject near to our hearts, and you can read more about this topic on our blog. This concept can include intentionally selecting 

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materials that reduce your toxic load, designing for biophilia and natural light exposure, or creating soothing spaces to reduce stress and anxiety.

There are many ways to approach this topic and we work with you to uncover which elements are the most important for your project. We then draw on our vast database of suppliers and products to customize the best design for your space and your needs.

Q.

How long does an interior design project usually take?

Timelines can vary based on the scope of your project, lead times on products and materials, how quickly you make decisions, and a number of other factors. That said, you can generally expect at least 6 months for furniture and decor projects, and at least 9 months for renovation projects. New builds and large-scale renovations can take 18+ months to complete.

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Q.

How do I determine my budget for an interior design project?

Some clients have a fixed amount set aside, and they need the project to fit within that predetermined budget. Others have more flexibility but still want to ensure that there is a target in mind from the beginning. Your designer and your contractor can work together to give you an estimate of what this figure will look like. 

For items like furniture and decor, lighting and plumbing fixtures, wall-coverings, and window coverings, we can guide you through the process of developing a budget based on the quality and style that you’re hoping to achieve. 

Some clients have a fixed amount set aside, and they need the project to fit within that predetermined budget. Others have more flexibility but still want to ensure that there is a target in mind from the beginning. Your designer and your contractor can work together to give you an estimate of what this figure will look like. 

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For items like furniture and decor, lighting and plumbing fixtures, wall-coverings, and window coverings, we can guide you through the process of developing a budget based on the quality and style that you’re hoping to achieve. 

Q.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in my project?

Some common mistakes that we see include: 
  1. Not having a plan in place when you begin your project: this can lead to delays, changing your mind mid-project, and costly mistakes along the way. Your designer can ensure that everything is in place prior to demolition or placing orders.
  2. Not hiring the right people at the right time: each professional working on your project has important insights that should be factored in prior to finalizing the design. Input at the output stage will cause delays and oversights.
  3. Focusing too much on trends rather than timeless design: design trends change quickly, and while you may be happy with your final design at first, you may find that it feels dated too soon. 

  1. Not having a plan in place when you begin your project: this can lead to delays, changing your mind mid-project, and costly mistakes along the way. Your designer can ensure that everything is in place prior to demolition or placing orders.
  2. Not hiring the right people at the right time: each professional working on your project has important insights that should be factored in prior to finalizing the design. Input at the output stage will cause delays and oversights.
  3. Focusing too much on trends rather than timeless design: design trends change quickly, and while you may be happy with your final design at first, you may find that it feels dated too soon. 

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Some common mistakes that we see include: 

Style is a way to
       who you are without having
to            

say

speak.

— rachel zoe

© TALEAH SMITH DESIGN 2023

Design by Tonic

Photos: TALEAH SMITH, MARU PHOTOGRAPHY

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