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.

How much will this cost?

Why can cost vary so much?

What kind of budget should I plan for?

How long will my project take?

What areas do you serve?

Will you travel outside of your service area?

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

How often will we communicate?

Can we do this virtually?

Do you apply markups?

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 are presented?

Who handles the shopping for my project?

Can I be home during installation and styling?

Project cost varies based on scope—what’s being updated, added, or changed. We’ll discuss your project scope and budget early in the process to understand the path forward and what level of investment best fits your goals.

Every project is different. Costs can shift depending on:

I work with clients across a variety of budgets to ensure flexibility and transparency.

Because EastView Design Studio is independently operated, I personally manage every detail of your project. Timelines can vary depending on project type and decision pace.

Primary service areas include Chattanooga and Knoxville, TN, and surrounding communities including 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.

Yes — depending on the project’s scope and fit, I’m happy to travel beyond my standard service radius. Travel fees apply for locations outside the 55-mile (1-hour) radius of my home office.

Partnering with skilled tradespeople is an essential part of the design process. I collaborate with a trusted network of licensed professionals to prepare estimates and oversee their work throughout your project.

We’ll establish your preferred level of involvement and update frequency early in the process, so communication feels balanced and stress-free.

Regular communication is key to a successful project. Once your project begins, I’ll be available via email during business hours and happy to schedule calls as needed.

Absolutely! I offer virtual design options and will tailor the process to what works best for you and your family.

No. My pricing structure is based on hourly and flat-rate design fees, so markups are not currently included.

Style, function, and budget are discussed early so your design reflects the right balance for you. My goal is to curate selections within your budget so you don’t have to worry about the details—that’s why you hired me!
     

Yes, when it complements your desired style and maintains a balanced look. Mixing styles can create contrast, depth, and individuality when done thoughtfully.

All design concepts are thoughtfully curated to reflect your personal style, needs, and the key elements will be discussed during your design kick-off meeting. 

You’ll have seven (7) days to review and provide feedback after each design presentation. This helps prevent delays, reduce product availability risks, and maintain your project timeline.

EastView Design Studio manages purchasing unless otherwise stated in your proposal.

Either way, you’ll always know what to expect and be informed of any scheduled work or site visits

That’s entirely up to you—client preferences vary! Some clients like to be home and involved in the process, while others prefer to provide access so I can handle every detail independently.

Yes, always!           

Design Refresh (1–2 rooms): Typically 3–4 months from start to finish, depending on product lead times and contractor scheduling.

Mid-range budgets often include furnishings from familiar retail and designer sources such as AllModern, Anthropologie, Arhaus, Article, Ballard Designs, CB2, Crate & Barrel, Lulu and Georgia, Magnolia, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Signature Hardware, The Citizenry, West Elm, and Williams Sonoma.

Contrasting looks if you’re exploring different styles or palettes.

For example, if you’re transitioning to a more modern aesthetic but have vintage pieces you love, we can integrate them in ways that maintain harmony and visual flow. If an item feels out of place, I’ll help you find an alternative spot for it within your home.

Mix and match elements from different boards                    

Professional photography helps document your finished design and allows me to share real-project examples with future clients.

The project’s overall complexity and coordination needs

If you find a lower-cost alternative, we can discuss it during the revision phase. However, if the new item alters the overall design or balance of the space, additional design time for revisions and fees may apply.

That said, virtual projects are best suited for smaller-scale designs such as room refreshes or organization guidance. These projects will require you to provide measurements, photos of your space, and blueprints or drawings (when available), as well as handle installations using a step-by-step guide provided as part of your deliverables.

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Once all design elements are approved, you’ll receive an invoice for the total amount due prior to purchasing. Items ship directly to your home, and I’ll oversee logistics, tracking, and delivery timelines.

I’d love to hear from you. Contact me today to start a conversation about your design needs.

Since I don’t maintain a holding warehouse, all items ship directly to your home, and I’ll oversee logistics, tracking, and delivery timelines. There will be instances where suppliers will hold/store items until we are ready for them to be delivered for remodels and new builds where timing variables can shift.

It’s also a great way for you to see your space through a designer’s lens and celebrate the transformation we created together.

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If you already have a contractor or construction team, your proposal will outline how I’ll coordinate and communicate with them to ensure a smooth, cohesive process.

New Builds & Renovations: These require additional coordination and can take 1–2 years (or longer) based on construction schedules and product availability.

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Full-Service Design: Many clients begin with furnishing and project budgets starting around $8,000 per room, which includes furniture, accessories, and estimated design fees.

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All fees and estimated hours are shared upfront before we begin your project.

The level of updates you’d like, from simple refreshes to full transformations

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The number and type of items sourced, along with where they’re purchased

Higher-end or custom design budgets include pieces sourced through trade-only designer lines that offer elevated craftsmanship and exclusive materials—an investment in both quality and longevity.

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Install Day: Allow approximately 3–4 hours per room.

Every project moves at a comfortable pace designed to balance efficiency with attention to detail.

This coverage area extends roughly within a 55-mile (1-hour) radius of my home office, with no additional travel fees within that range.

Design fees are separate from furnishings, décor, or contractor costs. You’ll receive a clear outline of all estimated design hours and fees before work begins.

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You’ll receive up to three initial design concepts, each with an approximate cost estimate. These are presented as visual concept boards so you can easily see how colors, textures, and furnishings come together.

From there, you may:

Choose your preferred design as presented

A budget-friendly and a premium version for cost comparison.

Early in the process, we’ll determine how you’d like your concepts structured—for example:

Up to three rounds of revisions are included.

Subtle variations for clients who already know their style and want to compare details like lighting, rugs, or accessories.

Preventing unnecessary delays,

This timeframe keeps your project moving smoothly by:

If you’ll be installing items yourself, your final presentation will include a detailed item-placement guide

Helping manage workflow alongside other active projects

Allowing accurate scheduling and completion timelines, and

Reducing the risk of product unavailability or backorders,

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Still have questions?

— Holly

If air travel is required, we’ll discuss those details during your initial consultation.

Mileage beyond that distance is charged at the current federal mileage rate (for example: if a project is 125 miles away, only the 70 miles beyond the radius would be billed, multiplied by two for a round trip).

Design Fees: Flat-fee pricing begins at $450 per room, with an hourly rate of $75/hour for post-deliverable updates or hourly consulting.

Consulting-Only Projects: If you don’t need a full-room design, hourly consulting is available at the same rate.

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