FAQs
Most of our clients have never worked with an interior designer. They have a lot of questions and you probably do too! Here are a few of the most common questions we get. If we haven’t answered your question here, please reach out to us.
what is it like to work with an interior designer?
We think it’s fun, but then again we’re pretty fun people. But seriously, we’re pros at understanding your vision and translating it into a stylish and cohesive design concept. We work closely with you to understand your needs, preferences, and lifestyle to create a design that reflects your personal style. Most of our clients feel overwhelmed by the thought of how to pull a room together and are appreciative of having a third party to push their project along, whether that’s through frequent reminders or just by helping to cut through the overwhelming number of options available. One thing we’ll never do is insist on having something our way and only our way. Our point of view comes from years of experience, but we will always respect your home and your budget.
how do we begin a project with petra design?
The first step is a free discovery call. The more information you can give us upfront, the more focused our call will be. We like to know things like: what is the project location, what is your budget, how many rooms do you want to address, are you looking for a renovation or new furnishings, what is your general style, how do you want each room to feel? Links to real estate listings and photographs of your space are also really helpful. Once we discuss your project scope, we will send you a project proposal for our design services.
what is the design process like?
Each project is unique but the design process for each is always orderly and sequenced. We start with understanding your practical needs, the size and layout of each room, and your style & preferences. Once we’ve gathered all of this information, we start zeroing in on creative solutions for your home. We only start looking for specific furnishings or materials once we have a very clear understanding of your goals, needs, and style. Over a series of meetings, we present furniture plans and color palettes to ponder, fabric and materials to touch and feel, and images of furniture & lighting that have been thoughtfully selected for your home. Depending on the scope of your project and the timelines of your decision-making, this phase can take a couple of weeks (for one or two rooms) to several months or more (for a full-scale design or remodel). Your feedback is vital during this phase so that we can be sure we are expertly translating your style into the perfectly designed home of your dreams. You can read more about the process here.
do you offer free consultations?
Our initial discovery call is free. This call typically lasts from 15-30 minutes and is a great chance for you to tell us more about your goals for your home as well as pick our design brains.
Do you have project minimums?
Yes, our project minimum is a $50k investment in design services and the associated furnishing/construction fees. This minimum typically covers our time to design as well as procure approximately 2 full rooms of furniture. However, we often design multiple rooms, a full house, or a complete home renovation for our clients. We understand that interior design is an investment in your home and from the beginning will help you establish a realistic budget. We have access to a wide range of suppliers and can source materials, furniture, and décor items at different price points. And working with an interior designer can actually help save you money by avoiding costly mistakes and returns, recommending high quality items that last, and helping you choose reliable builders and tradespeople.
do you mark up the goods you purchase?
No, we do not mark up goods. We strongly believe that your investment should go towards our time and expertise, not additional costs for purchasing.
what type of clients do you work with?
Most of our clients are families with busy lives. They want a beautiful and functional home but just don’t have the time or the experience to pull it together themselves. We find that many are appreciative of having us narrow down the overwhelming number of goods available and push them to make decisions.
can i keep my existing furniture?
Definitely! We especially love to include pieces with a story or sentimental value. If it’s an expensive or important piece, we can use it to help set the tone of the room. And we love to use your existing art. However, we often find that furniture from a previous home or life stage no longer works the way you need it to, either because of its size, quality, or style. If that’s the case, we’ll let you know why it shouldn’t be included and will help you find a new location for it.
what is the timeline for a design project?
Most interior design projects take anywhere from 6-9 months depending on the size, timeliness of your decision-making, and complexity of your scope. Large projects including full-scale renovations can take a year or longer.
If you are on a tight timeline, we will do everything in our power to complete your home as quickly as possible, but please let us know at the beginning of the process. Because a lot of furniture is built-to-order, items can take anywhere from 12-16 weeks to arrive (sometimes more, sometimes less). By scheduling frequent meetings with your designer and making decisions quickly, you can also help speed the process along.
will i get choices?
Of course! You’ll typically get two choices for each room but this is where that initial discovery phase comes in. The more we know upfront, the easier it is for us to find you the perfect piece. And if those initial options aren’t right, we’ll keep searching until we find you solutions that you love.
what areas do you serve?
We work throughout the New York Metro area (New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut).
what about those little touches?
We’re pros at handling projects from large to small. But those little touches like art, pillows, and accents make a space feel like home. We hold space in your budget for these items and towards the end of your project will pull them together. Before we’re done, you’ll see us hanging art, fluffing pillows, and styling bookshelves.
