About
I have a wonderful eye for balance and harmony which is key to making a home not only look good but feel good. Space planning is essential as good arrangement is the underpinnings of all good decor. I am not only practical in my approach but economical as well. If the homeowner owns items that are meaningful to them then we need to see how we can incorporate them into the design. Regarding economics, decorating can get expensive so it is important to do what you can afford knowing what the next steps will be in order to build the home sucessfully as time and money allows. Fortunately for me I love what I do, its definitely my passion.
Everything!! I absolutely love what I do for my homeowners. I think decorating should not only be practical but be fun while doing it. In the end you should love your home and feel wonderful every minute you are in it.
The process of decorating is how my brain is wired, really! I can see things in three dimension in my head. I understand that the homeowner can't envision what we are about to do but I am very good at explaining the process and as we go along building the decor they get it.
Highlights
Reviews
Judith M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I do an initial consultation so I can see the home, the architecture, what they may already own and interview the homeowner to determine what is needed and wanted. This is usually a two hour consultation. At the end, we make a list of what is to be done and the order in which it is to be tackled. Then, based on that information we start the process of decorating the home. Very practical and make-sense approach which my client's love.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Specific training from Interior Redesign Industry Specialists in California. They no longer exist. I have many years of experience and if you check out my bio on my website you can find much more info about me and my work.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, initial consultations which are two hours are $225.00. Shopping and consultions are $100 per hour after that. Some projects are quoted by the project and not hourly. It's important to know that I DO NOT markup products and services and resell to my clients. Any sale prices for goods purchased are given to the client. My clients love my practical and economical approach and I have lots of repeat business.
How did you get started in this business?
Interestingly, I performed my talents for friends and relatives for many years before deciding that I had had enough of the corporate scene. I wanted to use my talents and develop a business for myself that I could build and have fun with while helping people get the wonderful livable home they all deserved. I started my business in 2001 and have been successful from the start.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Most any homeowner, (I don't work with commercial); my clients are the average homeowner whether its a small condo, a home of any size. I particularily love working with people who are downsizing which I see more of today. I have rehabed homes in retirement communities. I only have had a few clients who have multi million dollar homes. While they can be fun they are not my average client. Please note that no project is too small for me. Not eveyone needs the whole house redone. My aim is to help every homeowner, particularily women, to have a wonderful home to come home to at the end of the day.
Describe a recent project you are fond of.
While I love all my projects there is one that always stands out in my mind. I was referred to a retired school teacher; a wonderful woman who raised her two granddaughters. When I walked into her patio home I immediately was struck by the condition of her home, not good! Truthfully, I thought anyone else would have turned and run but I knew my lot in life is to make things better. She asked me, "do you think you can help me?" I turned to her and said, "I can make this place a doll house". We had a wonderful time replacing the flooring, rehabing the fireplace, purchasing new furniture, painting, new chandelier, etc. At the furniture store in front of all the staff she told me that I am a genius. I was almost embarrassed. She has now passed away from cancer but I will never forget what I was able to accomplish for this wonderful loving and giving woman.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Easy: hire someone who will listen to you; someone you are comfortable with. This business is very, very personal. What I do with your home is what you will be living with for a long time. Hire someone who is honest and straightforward with their advice and who doesn't agree with all your ideas because some of them aren't going to be on the list of what constitutes good decorating. My clients can always receive an honest opinion from me given with a sense of humor. We have fun in this business, that's the way it should be.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Most people know they need help and the areas they feel aren't right but they don't always know exactly what is wrong or how to go about correcting it. By the time people call me they have given much thought to their home decorating and know they can't accomplish it themselves without making mistakes. I can interview people and organize their wants and needs so they understand how to go about getting the balance and harmony needed to make any home of any size to not only look great but to feel great too.