Barbara Keller Designs
About
I am a great listener and able to understand what my clients really want. I work with them and their styles and color choices, not mine! However, I will tell a client when something they want will not work. I see that as very much a part of my job.
I work with all sizes of budgets which is a skill. I also work very well with contractors and others who are working on the job site.
And, I have been in the interior design business for over 30 years and am well versed on current trends, colors, and products and materials. In addition I teach interior design so am always up to date.
I love space planning and working with colors and textures. It is always exciting to me when I know I've found products and materials that my clients will love. I also love finding unique, finishing touches--those accessories that truly complete a room and home.
I also always look forward to meeting new clients and love the challenges that their project might present. I find it really fun to work with all different colors and styles and am very good at doing this.
In my eyes, nothing is better than helping a client create the home of their dreams!
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I meet with the new, prospective client in order to find out what the scope of their project is, and of course to get to know the client and for them to meet me. I will ask to walk through the home with the client so I can get a feel for the home and the clients. In addition, I let the client know how I charge and what my services cover.
I do find out what their budget is because this is essential to the project and needs to be realistic. With my experience, I'm able to let the client know what their budget will cover.
After this information gathering appointment, I let the client know that I will send them a contract with fees and pricing so all is in writing.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I completed a certificate program at Fullerton College. I also have a Bachelors degree. I am a full professional member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), served as President of my chapter, and continue to be involved. I am also a certified interior designer (CID) in California. Both ASID and CID require you to pass exams in order to use the appellation.
I continue to take classes to keep me informed and current; CEU's are required by ASID.
I also teach interior design classes part-time so stay very current.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
My hourly fee is $150.00. This is charged for the first appointment with the client. If the client decides to work with my firm, the $150.00 initially paid is applied to the costs quoted.
If it is a large scale project a flat fee is charged based on the scope of the project. What this fee covers is spelled out in the contract with the client.
How did you get started in this business?
People always liked my homes and complimented me. I had always loved looking at home decorating magazines and incorporated things that I saw.
Thinking about their compliments prompted me to take a design class "just for fun"! I loved the class and realized that interior design was what I wanted to do and loved.
I worked for a design firm initially so I could learn more aboout the business and working with clients. Eventually I went into business for myself.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I've really worked with all types of clients and with clients of a variety of ages. And as I mentioned above, I love working with all different styles and colors.
Projects have ranged from one room to the whole house and have also included kitchen and bath remodels.
Describe a recent project you are fond of.
I just completed a "gut and remodel" of a kitchen in a 1930"s Spanish home. We opened up the wall between the kitchen and dining room replicating an arch that leads into the dining room from the living room.
The clients had purchased a 1940's stand alone stove which was great fun to incorporate into their kitchen. The look is updated but still fits with the age of the home. Plus we used Spanish motif decorative tiles to also tie in with the home.
The clients are thrilled with the outcome and very excited about their new kitchen.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
It's important to meet the designer so the client knows they can work with that person. Remodeling or redoing rooms is a process, and the clients and designer work together over a period of time so it really is crucial that both the clients and designer resonate with each other.
It's also important to find out if the designer has a "style" they prefer to work with, since this may not be the clients' style. I believe a good designer can work with any style and is excited to do so.
Also ask if the designer provides a contract with scope of services spelled out.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
What are their favorite colors? Colors they dislike?
What is their budget?
Do they see themselves as more "formal" or "informal"/ How do they like to entertain?
What exactly do they want to accomplish, and do they have a time line?
What do they hope a designer can do for them and with them?
What do they think their style is? And along with this, clients should have pictures of rooms that they love so the designer can get a feel for the clients' style.