About
I believe that every home should be a welcoming place for family and friends. It should have charm and personality that reflect its owners. I have a passion for creating personal spaces that reflect those values. Whether the budget is large or small, it doesn't matter. I love transforming rooms to fit the client's taste, style, mood, and color scheme, and in the end, leave my clients with a space that is both functional and impressive.
I have: Personally designed over 2000 rooms. Over 20 years of experience in the field of art and design. Over 85 paintings in print, limited editions, and collector plates. Established and operated two K-12 private schools for 20+ years. Served as the Executive Director for the 210 acre Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center in Orange, California. Received the Program of the Year Award for Outstanding 5 Day Science/Art Program from the American Camping Association.
Served as the Guest Speaker for the Arts at the American Institute of Fine Arts, Beverly Hills, CA, the Ebell, Los Angeles, CA, Federal Women's Association, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA, and for numerous large audiences throughout California.
I have a BS Degree in Liberal Arts, an MS Degree in Educational Administration and post graduate studies at numerous universities.
I have a passion for creating inviting home environments that bring warmth and beauty to the lives of the families that reside there. I love color whether it is soft and airy or bold and vivid. I consider every room I design as a functional art piece.
Highlights
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Marie S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I work virtually from my computer with clients anywhere, anytime. Through our phone conversations, texts, video chats, responses to my Design Questionaire, and photos of your room, I am able to recreate your room in any style and color scheme of your choosing. I will use your ideas and also offer my design suggestions as well, to create numerous visions for the space. Then we will work together to refine the room design of your choosing.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a professional artist, gallery owner, school owner and teacher for over 20 years. I have 85 paintings in print, limited editions, and collector plates. Taught both art and interior design for many years and have designed over 2000 rooms. I have a BS in Liberal Arts, an MS in Educational Administration with post graduate studies at Universities Harvard, Dartmouth and more.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Residential fee: $150. per average size room. Commercial fee: Based on size and specifications. This fee includes our consultations, multiple room illustrations of your decor ideas, styles and choices, in the form of room illustrations, and changes throughout the process as needed to fine tune the design to your liking.
I will also provide you with sources for the major pieces of furniture and give you instructions in ways to save money and reduce costs for your project as you move forward.
How did you get started in this business?
My love for art and design began as a young child. My teachers would say, I gave you extra credit for all the illustrations you included. I was recognized as a professional artist when I started showing my paintings in galleries throughout California and the Southwest. After a few years, I opened my own art gallery at the Queen Mary in Long Beach California. I painted for my gallery and many others over the next five years. I was often asked to coordinate room designs to complement the paintings and so, began my interior design artistry. From there, I studied Interior Design and taught it for many years.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have designed both residential and commercial property projects. I am comfortable working across a range of financial budgets and like to consider cost saving measures as often as possible. Most of my customers have a basic idea of what they like, but are often not sure it will look good in the space. Others are not sure what they want and need some inspiration to get their creative juices flowing. That is why I use a virtual method of design. I recreate their room with various styles and decor so that they see some new possibilities. From there we are able to make style, color, and design choices that fit their taste. By seeing their exact room completed as discussed, before they buy their furniture and accent pieces, they feel confident and can move forward avoiding costly mistakes and disappointments.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
During these recent difficult times I have enjoyed visiting with friends and clients on Zoom. I have had the wonderful opportunity to make many friends in the art and design business and those friendships have lasted for many years. Being able to see and hear about their lives, homes, and accomplishments strengthens those bonds.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Talk to the professional first, make sure that you like their approach to design and their personality. Next asked to view their portfolio of designs. Be open and honest with them as to what you like and do not like about those designs. A good designer will not be offended at your choices or changes that you would like made for their home. Look for a designer who can work across many design styles and colors with ease.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
1. How will the room function? 2. Who will use the room? 3. Are there children and pets to consider? 4. What are the possible focal points of the room? fireplace, a view window, TV, etc. 5. What mood would you like to create in the room? Light and airy, soft pale tones, warm and cozy, artsy and bold, colorful and imaginative, a themed room, a sports or hobby room, etc. 6. What furniture stays? 7. Budget