What can you expect and how do I charge for an appointment? I do not charge for a window treatment consultation. The way that I earn an income is that I operate just like a store, except I come to you, giving us the advantage of working directly with your furnishings and lighting. I purchase the items at cost and sell them for a fair and comparable price based on what you are receiving. In addition to that, although I like to say that I “specialize” in custom window treatments, ( they are my favorite because you really can establish your personality in the room through window treatments) I am an interior decorator who works with all aspects of the home. I bring to you and want to share my 22 years of experience, ideas and excitement in this wonderful world of interior design.
When you contact me at 908-403-2475, I will spend some time with you on the phone asking you questions about the project you are working on. I will ask you about existing pieces in the room, colors, sun/privacy requirements and your lifestyle. This will allow me to prepare for your appointment.
When I arrive – I will see the room you are working on, I may want to look at some other rooms in the house that you like and ask you more questions. Based on the answers I will sketch out ideas taking in to account all of the information I have absorbed about your specific and unique needs. I will address everything from the mood and feeling you’d like to create, along with lifestyle issues, maintenance, color preferences and privacy issues. We will discuss the ideas I have given and then after some tweaking I will give you some ball park estimates.
Based on previous jobs I can give you an idea of what the cost can be. I will give you a range, beginning at a starting point ( I don’t low ball my estimates, since I know my clients want pretty fabrics and great quality) and I will show you the high side. As I tell my clients all the time, you don’t need to spend the “high”amount to have beautiful window treatments but it IS available. Usually, if there is some latitude from the low to mid-range it allows me to do those extra dressmaker “details”, we can introduce trim and/or work with some exclusive fabrics. I also have access to a local designer showroom (to the trade only); www.majormills.com and they have a host of fabrics, trims and hardware. Some imported from England and other points of the world.
The bottom line is when it comes to your budget, I will give you the MOST look I can with the budget you are working with. Again, I want the room to make you happy when I am finished.
I will show you fabrics that would work in the room; once we find the perfect one I will give you exact pricing. I take a deposit of ½ to 1/3 of the total. At that point, you can relax, the job is in my hands, I will take care of all aspects from measuring, specking it out for the workroom, ordering fabrics/trims/hardware etc., scheduling an installation date with my installer and finally I will come with the installer on Delivery Day- this is always my most exciting day. It’s when the room begins to take shape and have its own personality. I always pray that the treatment meets and exceeds the clients’ expectations and I must say, the prayer is always answered. The balance is paid at the time of installation.
