FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions about working with an interior design firm

I’ve never worked with an interior design firm. What should I expect?

With Interior Harmony, you can expect transparency, ease of communication, and thoughtful solutions to your design needs. We are adept at maximizing the style and potential of your space while minimizing the negative impact of your project on your health and the environment. The result is a space that is both beautiful and sustainable. Furthermore, we are tech-savvy and skilled at design software and can build your space in 3D which allows you to see and interact with our designs prior to ordering or purchasing any new items.

Why should I hire an interior designer?

There are many reasons to work with us. Even if only one of these reasons applies to you, it’s a great decision.
• You want to clearly see what a design will look like before purchasing any materials or furnishings
• You value the professional knowledge and judgement of those who are trained in the field of design
• You want guidance on choosing materials and furniture that are good for your health and the environment
• You have a space that needs a makeover but aren’t sure what the best approach is
• You are thinking of building a new home or performing a significant remodel and want to be sure that the design is optimal
• For signature level packages, you lead a busy life and prefer to outsource the selection, ordering, tracking, receipt, and installation of your furniture and accessories

What’s the difference between what you do and what a decorator does?

Both professions have a great eye for color, materials, layout, and placing accessories. However, there is a difference. Decorating is generally not associated with any formal training. In interior design school, we spend a lot of time studying architecture. Why? Because it teaches us how to read spaces, analyze the geometry, and understand proportions. We also receive formal training in color theory, materials, design drawing, and CAD (computer aided design), which allows you to see your project in 3D before it’s completed. This training enables us to generate complex construction documents that contractors can use to remodel a space. This means that interior designers are better equipped to go deeper in design thinking and to help you with large scale projects.

Why do I need an interior designer if I already have an architect?

Interior Harmony is committed to meeting your interior design needs. We typically pick up where architects leave off and are adept at selecting finishes to apply to surfaces (tile, carpet, flooring, counters, lighting and plumbing fixtures, window treatments). We are skilled at making sure the style of these materials is in harmony with the architecture of the space as well as your own personal style preferences. Additionally, we are knowledgeable in the flow and layout of furnishings in order to ensure that your space will be oriented for your livability. One of Interior Harmony’s areas of expertise is reading blueprints and determining if a space will or will not be functional for the client. We can give feedback on architectural designs and work with you and your architect to achieve the best outcome. In our experience, having the input of an experienced interior designer before new construction or remodeling begins is a wise investment. Additionally, with our extensive training and education, we can advise you on selecting construction materials that are better for your health and the environment.

Questions About Working With Interior Harmony

Why should I choose Interior Harmony?

At Interior Harmony, we create custom designs that are grounded in the core principles that have been used by architects and designers for centuries. Additionally, with our extensive training in material composition and fabrication, we are adept at eco sourcing and can guide you towards furniture, finishes and accessories that are better for your health and the environment. We tie all this together with cutting-edge design technology which allows you to see your designs come to life virtually.

How do you charge for a project?

Prices for most of our services are listed on our website. Prices for kitchen and bath remodels are custom and dependent on the scope of work. We recommend starting with a two-hour design consultation for kitchen and bath projects.

What cities do you work in?

For our in-person services, we work in the following cities with no additional fees for travel time: Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Medina, Yarrow Point, Hunts Point, and Kirkland. For other cities, please contact us for a free 20-minute call to discuss your project and get an estimate on fees for travel time. For our virtual services, we are generally able to provide service to anyone, anywhere, as long as you have a reliable internet connection and access to a computer.

What is your style?

We understand where this question is coming from – there are many designers (and design shows) that have a style that equates to their brand. Some designers feel most comfortable working in a style niche. However, the design team at Interior Harmony has the skill base and know-how to design within and even intermix many styles, eras, and materials.

Questions About Sustainability

What additional training in sustainability does your firm have?

Interior Harmony’s CEO and Creative Director, Christina, has received extensive formalized training in sustainable material selection. She is a Green Accredited Professional (Green AP) and holds a certificate in Healthy Materials and Sustainable Buildings from Parsons School of Design. This means she is deeply knowledgeable about materials that are unhealthy for our bodies and the environment and harmful to workers who manufacture and install them. Conversely, she is well versed in smart alternatives and better options and can help you select eco- and health-friendly finishes and furnishings for your home. In every project, Christina leads her team to provide superior design results while simultaneously minimizing a project’s impact on the environment and the client’s health and well-being.

Can you integrate my current furniture into your design?

Yes! This is called adaptive reuse, and we love to explore ways to give your existing furniture new life. Reusing what you already have is the most sustainable approach to furnishing your space.

How are the items demolished from my home renovation handled?

We have a process in place to attempt to find a second life for many of the materials that get removed during a demo. This generally involves sorting the materials by content and then transporting to one of our reuse partners.