frequently asked questions

DISCLAIMER: This FAQ section is simply a guideline to help you better understand the details and process.
No one design project is identical, which means every project will vary in cost & hours & timeline to complete.

If your question was not addressed here, please feel free to reach out via email on the Contact Me page!

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How much will this cost?

Why can cost vary so much?

What type of budget should I have?

How long will this take?

What surrounding areas are included in your service area?

Will you travel outside of your service area?

Will you recommend contractors/trades, or do I need to have my own?

How often will we talk?

Can we do this virtually?

What is your markup?

What if I find something cheaper than what you've presented?

Can you incorporate my existing furniture into the design?

Will you photograph my project?

How do design concepts and revisions work?

How long do I have to respond once design concepts have been presented?

Who will do the shopping for my project?

Can I be home when you are installing and styling my space?

Cost varies by project and will greatly depend on the scope (what all you intend to update or change).
Project scope and design budget are discussed early- on to better understand path forward and type of budget needed.
My design fees do not include design elements/ furnishings to be purchased or contractor fees for your project.

The biggest reasons are (1) some may choose to only update certain elements in a space, whereas others want a complete overhaul of the space, (2) price ranges differ depending on where items are shopped, including number of items to be shopped, and (3) complexity of the project.
Mid-to-moderately-range budgets include products that are shopped at stores you are likely familiar with:
        

I work with clients in a few different ways so I can accommodate different budgets.

I am a one-person show and will not have a team working behind the scenes pulling together details, or that will show up to your home on install day, which means it may take me a bit longer.
On average it can take up to 3-4 hours/room on install day.
        

Surrounding areas that are outside Chattanooga + Knoxville includes (all in TN unless otherwise noted); Apison, Athens, Chickamauga (GA), Cleveland, Collegedale, East Brainerd, East Ridge, Fort Oglethorpe ( GA), Harrison, Hixson, Lookout Mountain, Manchester, Ooltewah, Red Bank, Riceville*, Ringgold ( GA), Signal Mountain, and Soddy Daisy.
(*) This is approximately a 1-hour radius (0r up to 55 miles) from my home office location and no additional fees for travel will be included.

Yes, depending on scope of project and if the project is a good fit; travel fees are applicable.
The current standard mileage rate for locations outside of my 55 - mile radius will be used (for example: if said location is 125 miles away; only mileage over 55 miles will be charged which would result in 70 miles x 2 for round trip in this example).
If air travel is involved, we can discuss details during the initial consultation.

Partnering with professional tradespeople is a crucial part of my process.
I will work with my team of contractors/trades to prepare estimates for the work we recommend and oversee their progress throughout your project.

I will find out upfront how involved you want to be and how often you want updates, then we’ll manage the communication from there so you can enjoy the process without overwhelm or anxiety.

It's important we stay in touch throughout your project to insure we stay aligned.
Once we've officially started your project, I will be available by email during business hours and am happy to schedule calls to talk through any questions you have about the process.

Absolutely, I'm here to guide you through the process and will utilize the method that works best for you and your family.

This can vary by project and details are always outlined in the client proposal.

Key elements for your project, including style, needs and budget are discussed early-on and it's my job to curate your design accordingly and stay within the budget, so you do not have to worry with these details. After all, that' s why you hired me.
     

While I will try to incorporate some of your current items if preferred, it will truly depend on the look and feel you are trying to achieve.
Mixing different styles can add contrast, depth, and uniqueness to a space if done correctly.
       

All design concepts will be curated to your specific style and needs and include key elements discussed during consultation and in- depth design meeting.
Design concepts will be presented via design boards (or mood boards) so you can visually see how the elements work together.
You will receive up to 3 initial concepts to review that will include an "approximate" cost for each; from there you will either pick one of the designs you like or select different elements from each board at which point a revised concept will be created for review (up to 3- rounds of revisions will be accepted).
           

You will have up to 7 days to respond with changes/ revisions each time a design concept is provided, whether it's the initial concept, or a 3rd- round revision.
This timeframe is set for several reasons; (1) keeps the project moving and prevents stalls/ delays, (2) minimizes replacements having to be selected due to them no longer being available or backordered because too much time has lapsed from initials, (3) allows me to manage your project and provide you a realistic timeline/ approximate completion date, and (4) helps me with scheduling future clients/ projects.

If you’re handling shopping for your project:

As a general courtesy, you'll always know what to expect in regard to work happening in your home.

My clients' preferences vary greatly.
Some want to be home and partly involved with the project management, and some prefer to provide me with access to their home so I can coordinate all of the details and attend any scheduled site visits.
           

Yes, always!
Photographing a project helps me build my portfolio so future clients can see my work.
           

1-2 room design refresh can take 3-6 months (or longer) to complete from start to finish; this greatly depends on how decisive you are, lead-times on design elements/furnishings, and contractor scheduling (where applicable).

Then, there are more high- end designer budgets where items will be shopped through brands/ trade resources that offer more upscale and in some cases custom- made options that are only available to interior designers, which will be more of an investment.

Some clients like to see a budget- friendly option + a more upscale/ expensive option; this way they can determine if the look is worth the cost of a more expensive option/ item.
Some clients like to see contrasting options if they are unsure of the style they are wanting; one could include a neutral option along with a bolder option (bold as in color palette or design elements).
Some clients know their style and like to see to see very similar boards with just a few changes, like different rugs, lighting, or planters/ arrangements so they can see which of the elements works best for their style/ preference.
If you plan to install in the items yourself, a more detailed presentation that includes item placement will be provided.

For example, if you are going for a more updated modern look and have vintage pieces you do not want to part with, we can incorporate them if the look provides balance and visually stabilizes the space. If the look ends up being disruptive, we can always try to find another place to use them.

We will discuss early- on how you would like your concepts created (a few examples below):
                    

Also, browsing through an interior designer's portfolio can help you determine if a designer is a good fit for you.

 All Modern, Anthropology, Arhaus, Article, Ballard Design, CB2, Crate & Barrel, Lulu and Georgia, Magnolia, Perigold, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Signature Hardware, The Citizenry, West Elm, William Sonoma, etc.

That said, these types of changes can be discussed during the revision phase.
If the cheaper item changes the look, this could result in a new design and additional charges.

That said, virtual design consults are better suited for smaller scale projects like a design refresh by room or organization guidance.
It would require more work on your end like providing all measurements needed to complete your project and you installing your items with a step-by-step guide.

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If EastView Design Studio is handling the shopping for your project:

All Shopping lists with clickable shopping links will be provided for you handle your shopping.                    

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This will require me coordinating with you on lead-times and ETA’s for scheduling purposes.                    

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Once all design elements are finalized and approved, you will be provided with an invoice and total amount for the items. which has to be paid in full prior to me shopping for your items.

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Since I do not currently have a holding warehouse, larger items will be shipped to your home; I will project manage logistics and lead-times.

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If you are already working with a licensed contractor, your proposal will detail how I will communicate and collaborate with their team to ensure a seamless process.

Renovations and new builds take a lot more coordination and can take anywhere from 1-2 years (or longer) to complete; this greatly depends on GC/PM scheduling, contractors, and lead-times for items needed to complete the project.

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My clients typically have furnishing and project budgets "beginning" anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 (this will vary by room and is based on full furnishings + accessories + estimated design fees).

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I charge a flat fee by room for my full-service design, and an hourly rate after deliverables. You’ll know the design fee/estimated hours upfront at the time we start your project.

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My design fees begin at $450/room and my hourly rate is $75/hour.

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If you don’t need a full-service or a full-room design, my design consulting fee will be charged at the hourly rate of $75/hour.