Tole Interior Design

To begin, it's best to come to your home to get eyes on the project and discuss wants, needs, scope of work, and input some thoughts I might have when I get to see the job. I like to get some photos of the job in advance, if possible, and perhaps a few photos of looks you like so I can have some idea of the project and start forming some thoughts before we meet. Once we have met I will come up with ideas and selections for us to review.  We can shop for selections together, or I can come up with options to present to you. We can collaborate on budget and fees and make a plan that works for us both.  

I worked at my family's Paint & Wallpaper Center growing up and enjoyed helping people with their homes.  I have worked with builders and clients making new home selections and then on to furnishings, window treatments etc. for the homeowners when they move in.  I also work with GC's and sub-contractors on updating and remodeling and helping clients with the selection and design process.  I attend professional continuing ed courses, seminars, webinars etc. to stay up to date with trends, new products etc.  

I like to collaborate with my new client to see what works best for us both, dependant on needs and goals. If strictly consulting for ideas, then an hourly or sometimes flat fee is best. I have many resources for purchasing items for remodels or decorating and we can discuss how to best structure.  On a remodel I work with GC's or sub-contractors and that is dependant on scope of project.  Usually this is done on a percentage basis.

Working in our family business gave me my start and I realized interior decorating and building/remodeling is something I excel at and enjoy. I then started working with builders making selections for spec and custom homes and office spaces. I also collaborate with sub-contractos and GC's on remodels and update projects,  This often leads to decorating for the new homeowners or helping to stage a home to sell as well.

I have worked directly with architects, builders and alongside clients to guide them through the selection process for their home or office. There are so many details to consider with a new build or remodel and it helps to have someone to work with in accesing the options and narrowing down to the ones that work best for you. I also work with clients on furnishings including art, rugs, accessories and window treatments.  I've been known to help plan an event here and there as well.

I like to think outside the box.  I've done some recent projects using lighting in different ways. I love the use of wallcoverings and put them in projects as often as I can. I enjoy fabrics and window treatments as well as finding the perfect textiles for upholstered furniture. My favorite project, the design of a very detailed custom theater room and 2 story library both incorporating wood, metal, and glass with a Frank Lloyd Wright inspiration.  I'm currently working on a media room with a dark, moody Morrocaan vibe.

When planning a project where you will spending some time together, it's important to have a connection with the person you hire and being comfortable with them and the people they bring into your project as well.  Open communication is important so that you and the person you hire understand the expectations and scope of the project. 

Clients should consider how they want their new space to function in addition to the look and feel they want the space to project.  We should also discuss realistic expectations of what can be attained based on budgets. We can determine areas where money might be saved and what areas might be considered splurge worthy, both for aesthetic reasons as well as functionality. Open back and forth communication is essential.