Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How do I know if we are going to be a good fit?
Great question! Finding the right designer for your project is just as important to us as it is to you. That’s why we start with a complimentary 30-minute Discovery Call. We’ll connect to understand your goals, answer initial questions, and explain our process. Get started here.
Can an Interior Designer help me if I don’t know my style?
Absolutely — many of our clients start right where you are. Knowing your exact style isn’t a requirement; discovering it together is part of our process.
To help us understand what you naturally gravitate toward, you’ll start by saving 10–15 inspiration pins on Pinterest and completing our design questionnaire. This gives the studio a clear sense of your preferences—your lifestyle, favourite colours and materials, and the feeling you want your home to reflect.
During our kickoff video call, we walk through everything with you and begin shaping the design direction through colour palette and materials. And because the process is fully collaborative, you’ll review and approve each step before we move to the next phase.
You don’t need to know your style before working with us. Our job is to guide you, interpret your preferences, and help you uncover a look and feel that feels personal, intentional, and completely yours.
How do I know if Interior Design help is right for me?
Interior design support is a great fit if you want your home to feel more intentional, cohesive, and “put together,” but you’re not sure how to get there on your own. Many of our clients know what they like, but feel overwhelmed by choices, short on time, or unsure how to make everything work together.
If you’re looking for guidance on layouts, colour palettes, materials, furnishing selections, or simply want a professional to bring clarity and confidence to your decisions, working with a designer can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Our role is to simplify the steps, offer expertise where you need it most, and help you create a home that truly reflects you. If any of that resonates, design support is likely the right fit.
How far in advance should I book with you?
We typically schedule 2 to 6 weeks out. The sooner you reach out during your planning phase, the easier it is to check availability and secure your preferred start date.
Does every project start with a 2-hour Mini Design Session?
Not always — it depends on the service you choose.
Concept Development: Begins with a 2-hour Mini Design Session to review your space, discuss your goals, and establish project priorities.
Furnishings & Styling: Begins with a kickoff call, which is included in your design package at no additional cost.
Which service is right for my project?
Mini Design Session: Ideal for homeowners who want focused design advice or a professional second opinion in a 2-hour consultation.
Concept Development: Perfect for renovations, new builds, or home refreshes that need a cohesive design direction before sourcing and implementation.
Design Implementation Support: Available following Concept Development, offering ongoing hourly assistance with sourcing, layouts, finishes, and other design decisions to bring your approved concept to life.
Furnishings & Styling: A complete room design experience with a structured process, curated furniture and decor selections, and a fixed design fee.
Design Process & Services
How do you define what a “room” is?
This applies only to Furnishings & Styling. Because many clients live in open-concept homes, we define a “room” as a functional area.
Examples:
A living and dining area in one open space = two rooms
A multi-purpose space used for work and lounging = one room (depending on scope)
For hourly packages, the “room” definition doesn’t apply — hours can be used across multiple areas.
Do you design with a specific style in mind?
Not at all; you are the inspiration. We design based on your preferences, lifestyle, and vision. Our role is to elevate your ideas into a cohesive, beautiful, and well-designed space that feels uniquely you.
What if I don’t love the design?
Design is a collaborative process. We build your feedback into every stage. Each phase includes a presentation where we review the direction together. From there, we can always revise to ensure the design aligns with your vision before moving forward.
What does a typical project timeline look like?
Timelines vary by scope, but most clients complete the concept and sourcing phase within 4 to 6 weeks. Furniture lead times may affect the final timeline.
Where do you source furnishings?
We primarily source from retail stores that align with your style, timeline, and budget. If your project would benefit from trade-only vendors, we can provide options and access where appropriate.
What if I just need help with finishing touches?
Absolutely! Our 2-hour Mini Design Session (virtual or in-person) is perfect for smaller projects or when you need expert guidance without full-service design.
Can you help me plan the layout for my space?
Layout planning is central to our process. During your first session, we review what’s working, what isn’t, and how you’d love the space to feel and function. From there, the studio develops thoughtful layout options during our design time, along with any sizing recommendations to ensure everything fits and flows comfortably.
Can you help me finish a space that’s already partly furnished? Can you work with furniture or decor I already own?
Absolutely! We love incorporating existing furniture and decor into a new design. Whether your room needs a few finishing touches or a more cohesive look, our Concept Development service helps establish a clear direction while making the most of what you already own.
From there, Design Implementation Support can help you source complementary pieces, refine layouts, and bring the overall design together.
Can you help me choose paint colours and finishes?
Absolutely. Our Concept Development service helps establish a cohesive colour palette, materials, and finish direction tailored to your home and personal style.
Whether you're renovating, building a new home, or refreshing an existing space, we'll help you make thoughtful selections that work together beautifully. For additional sourcing and detailed selections, Design Implementation Support is available following Concept Development.
Sourcing, Purchasing & Trades
Where do you source furnishings?
We primarily source from retail stores that align with your style and budget. If you’d like access to trade-only vendors, we’d be happy to provide options for you.
Do you handle product ordering and installation?
Retail Purchases: Our virtual services do not include ordering or installation of retail items.
Trade-Only Purchases: We can order products from our trade-only vendors for you. A retainer is required, and this service is billed hourly.
Installation and Styling: If you’re local to the South Okanagan, we can coordinate installation at the end of the project for an additional fee.
Do you offer trade pricing on retail items?
At this time, we do not offer trade pricing on retail items, as our virtual service model does not include managing retail orders or deliveries.
Do you offer product ordering or installation?
Retail Items: Virtual services do not include ordering or installing retail items.
Trade-Only Items: We can provide access to trade-only selections shipped directly to you.
Installation: For clients in the South Okanagan, we can coordinate installation for an additional fee.
Can you recommend a contractor or trade professional?
Our virtual design services do not include project management or coordination of subcontractors. However, if we have a trusted local trade resource, we’d be happy to share their contact details. You will be responsible for requesting quotes and hiring them directly.
Pricing, Payments & Policies
How does payment work for design services?
Our studio follows a transparent and streamlined fee structure to keep the process clear from the start.
Mini Design Session: A fixed, prepaid fee required at the time of booking.
Concept Development: A fixed, prepaid fee based on your project's scope. Payment is required before design work begins.
Design Implementation Support: Available following Concept Development, with two hourly billing options:
Pre-purchased hourly blocks (10 or 20 hours): Paid upfront, with time tracked and deducted from your balance. Blocks are non-refundable and valid for one year from the invoice date.
Monthly invoicing: Billed for actual time spent, with a retainer applied toward the final invoice.
Furnishings & Styling: A fixed, prepaid design fee based on the number and type of rooms included.
We accept bank transfers and credit card payments. A 3% processing fee applies to credit card transactions.
What happens to unused Design Implementation Support hours?
Pre-purchased Design Implementation Support hours are non-refundable and valid for one (1) year from the invoice date. Hours may be used across one or multiple projects within that timeframe. Any unused hours will expire after one year.
Still Have Questions?