FAQ: General
Who composes your team?
In my years in business, most Clients have come to me without having previously interviewed or hired a contractor. For this reason, I bring in my vetted team to support each Client throughout their design / construction journey. This can be an Architect, Contractor, Kitchen Designer, Electrician, Painter, Flooring, Wallpaper Installer, etc that each serves a different purpose to meet all of your project needs. They have all been vetted, have the proper licensure or certification, have worked with me on a number of projects before, and offer a high-quality finish. Based on the design, I'll make recommendations of who we'll need and will ask you to interview them to be sure the personalities align.
Do you share your designer discount?
With the exception of Full Service where our clients receive the best pricing available*, we do not share our discounts with any other package. All other packages do not include product procurement and would come at a significant level of involvement from a Designer. This means the Designer's fee would exceed that which was was saved. For this reason, best pricing is only available exclusively to Full Service.
What qualifications do you have?
I attended the School of Interior Redesign in Connecticut with courses at Parsons School of Design in New York where I became a Certified Interior Decorator. As my company expanded, I completed my Certification as a Staging Professional and received accreditation from the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP). I’ve continued my education throughout the years to hone my skills, keep up with the latest trends, and ensure that I’m providing my clients with the best quality services at an affordable price.
How do your skills differ from an in-store decorator?
Typically the in-store decorators are sales people with minimal training in the design and/or decorating aspects. In addition, they’ll only offer you product selections from their featured lines. Whereas, I've been tested and certified with extensive training on the important aspects of decorating such as color theory, design concepts, drawings and rendering and so forth. I've also established relationships with many vendors and work hard to source the right items at the right price for your project. If you opt to hire an in-store decorator, please be sure to ask for their qualifications to determine if they're the right match for you.
What makes you different then other Designers?
My home underwent a very extensive remodel so I am familiar with the pains and frustration that come with construction. Having this first hand account has helped me relate to clients. Working as an Interior Decorator on a client's projects and being the client is a vastly different experience. More importantly, this experience has allowed me to not only understand what client's experience but to be a sounding board and safe place for client's to express those frustrations and get an expert's opinion on what to expect during the process. We've been in your shoes and we've got your back.
Where can I see your work?
You can find information on KH Home Design and our designs by visiting the website here, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Houzz accounts.
Additionally, KH Home Design been featured in numerous articles and magazines. You can access these articles directly by visiting here.
What area do you service?
I currently service North Haven, CT and surrounding counties. Virtual eDesigns are available to Clients outside of this area residing within the United States.
I’ve never worked with a designer before. How does this work?
I'm so glad you asked! Below is a step by step sample of what my process looks like.
1. An Initial Design Call (15-30 minute) phone conversation to discuss scope of work
2. A consultation is schedule to view the space and review the scope of work
3. You'll receive a Welcome Guide complete with proposals and information to help in the decision making process
4. Upon acceptance, the agreement is signed and payment is submitted
AND THEN THE FUN BEGINS! I'll be in touch about the particulars of your project and the next steps!
How much does it cost to work with a designer?
This is a great question and varies with each Designer. Some charge hourly while others are flat fees. Some offer high-end design while present themselves as affordable. Some have hidden fees while others do not.
I pride myself on transparent pricing so you'll see my fees listed on the website. These fees are the projected number of hours to complete the project based on scope of work. Therefore this number is likely to vary with clients who have larger homes. In this case, a custom quote would be provided.
How much does it cost to furnish a home?
This question is one that I get asked the most. Please click here for a detail explanation. I've also offered a complimentary mini-budget planner at the link above to get you started. Additionally, you can click the button below to subscribe for the full budgetting version which details every room.
What is your design style?
I don’t subscribe to a just one particular design and pride myself on being able to deliver any style. Believe it or not, your choice of home says a lot about your preferred style. Your personal preference in combination with the architecture of the house will guide the direction on the style that's best suited for you.
What forms of payment do you accept?
For all services, we accept:
1. Check, made out to: Kimberly Horton
2. All major credit cards
3. Secure bank transfer
A check may result in delayed services due to processing time.
Are payment plans available?
Payment plans are only available on select packages, typically reserved for Full Service clients. Your proposal will list payment options if applicable.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation of services can be made within 24 hours from signed proposal. Please see your signed agreement for further details.
My project involves construction. How can you help?
At this time, new construction and renovations are accepted on a limited basis. Please contact me early on in the process to discuss availability, services and timeline.
Can you help me if I have structural work?
If your project involves changing structural load bearing walls, or adding square footage, an architect and/or structural engineer will need to be part of your team. They’ll provide the necessary drawings and structural calculations required by your local building department to ensure your safety and welfare, as well as pass building code inspections. I'd be happy to refer you to someone who could assist you with this.
How do I obtain an estimate for services?
To obtain an estimate for any service, you may book directly at your convenience by clicking here to schedule an Initial Design Call. This is required prior to booking an Interior Decorating consult.
Which service is best for me? Interior Design or eDesign?
A brief description is listed below to help you assess which one best suits your needs:
Interior Design:
Services local clients only
Requires KH Home Design access on location
Encompasses a large variety of design services
Ex. flooring, tiling, lighting and plumbing fixtures, paint colors, etc.
Suited for new construction, updates, renovation or additions
Clients who need assistance assembling and choosing the design
eDesign:
Services both local and long distance clients
Can be done from the comfort your own home
Services are comprised of a package or purchased individually
Ex. floor plan only, furniture layout only, etc.
Suited for room by room updates
Clients who feel confident doing work upfront and implementing the design themselves