INTERIOR DESIGN FAQ'S

What does an interior designer do? What makes Design Allure different? What cities do you work in? I live outside of the Norcal area, can you still help me? What should I do before I contact Design Allure? Can you provide references? What is Design Allure's Design Style? Where do you source selections from? How long will the interior design process take? How do we get started? How do I prepare for my interior design consultation? How does the design process work in a home with an open floor plan? Can you assist with commercial spaces? What type of projects can you do? Do I need to use your contractor or architect? How are purchases for the project handled? Do I have to make purchases through you? Is there a contract? Is Design Allure Licensed and Insured? How do you charge? What will my project cost? Do you charge a markup on products?

What does an interior designer do?

WHAT DOES AN INTERIOR DESIGNER DO?

Every interior designer has their own process. It can be difficult to know which companies perform quality work and what to expect without understanding what all an interior designer should be handling.

Here at Design Allure, we strive to create beautiful, functional, thoughtful interiors for our clients here in the Folsom & Roseville area, all the way into San Francisco. We do this through careful evaluation of your lifestyle, tastes and budget.

Once we’ve gotten to know your needs more intimately, we create a customized interior design style that complements your home.

Next, we put together a floor plan to determine the furniture and decor arrangements that create the most natural flow and balance from room to room.

Should your project require, we'll even create digital 3D renderings of each room to help you get a true feel for the space in a photo-realistic format.

Finally, we select, order and assemble your finishes, fixtures and furniture for an unforgettable grand finale reveal!

What makes Design Allure different?

WHAT MAKES DESIGN ALLURE DIFFERENT?

By giving our clients access to vetted general contractors, smart project management, purchasing services and exceptional customer service, we provide a start-to-finish interior design experience you’ll love!

BETTER RESOURCES

Our access to many trade-only resources and connections means we’re able to pass along discounts and inside deals to our clients. Throughout your project, we’re able to bring in and connect you with the necessary people to get the job done right, from general contractors to specialized tradespeople.

COST CONSCIOUS

We respect your financial goals. That’s why we offer a simplified design process that helps eliminate costly errors and make informed design choices to increase your home’s value and strengthen your investment.

PROJECT MANAGER

As an experienced interior design company, we understand how to keep a design project on track, and we’re able to anticipate and resolve potential issues before they have a chance to derail the project. In addition, as a practiced firm in Portland, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro and the surrounding areas, we’re familiar with blue prints and always stay up to date on local building codes and inspection regulations.

What cities do you work in?

I live outside of the Norcal area, can you still help me?

I LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA, CAN YOU STILL HELP ME?

Yes! Design Allure can assist anyone (from anywhere) in designing their space. With our smart project management software, we’ll connect you with masters of the trade, vetted contractors and more in your area to execute the logistics of the plan (i.e. moving furniture pieces in, etc).

We’ll help you manage your design concepts, floor plans and 3D renderings while providing a user-friendly project management system for tracking your progress, orders, communications and more.

What should I do before I contact Design Allure?

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE I CONTACT DESIGN ALLURE?

Answer these 10 questions:

What's your interior designer service budget?
What's your project budget?
What's your interior design style? (Take a style quiz here)
What's your project timeline?
What’s your project wish list prioritized in order of importance? (i.e. furniture pieces, art pieces, textiles, plants, etc)
Which pieces are staying in the space and which are going
What colors do you like and dislike?
What do you like and dislike about each room?
How do you want the space to function?
Can you collect at least 3 design inspiration photos for each space being designed?

Can you provide references?

What is Design Allure's Design Style?

WHAT IS DESIGN ALLURE’S DESIGN STYLE?

Put simply, our style is your style. Here at Design Allure, we don't impose our own aesthetic style into our client’s homes. We design solely based on your needs, wants, lifestyle, tastes and budget. If you love color, we'll work color into your design plan. If you love neutral palettes, that’s exactly what you'll get. As an experienced design firm, we’re trained in the principles and elements of space planning and will challenge you to think outside the box to create a stunning interior that both surprises and delights. However, while we’re honored to provide suggestions, opinions and options, you’ll always have the final say on what is and isn’t included in your design plan.

Where do you source selections from?

WHERE DO WE SOURCE SELECTIONS FROM?

Design Allure sources from an extensive partner network of retailers, wholesalers and trade-only vendors to find the perfect pieces for your space and budget. Our go-to resources include:

TRADE ONLY VENDORS

Nest - Wall Covering, Carpet, Fabric, Furniture & More

Linde - Wall Covering Carpet Fabric, Furntiure & More

Kravit - Wall Covering, Carpet, Fabric, Furntiure & More

ProDesign Solutions - Floor, Paint, Windows, Counter & More

Parker Furniture

CFM - Contract Furnishings Mart - Tile - Flooring - Counters & More

Ann Sacks Tile

Bernhardt Furniture

Light & Living - Lighting

LH Imports - Furniture

Bitwell - Furniture

Classic Home - Furniture

Zuo Modern - Furntiure

Broyhill Furniture

Left Bank Art

Emerald Home Furnishings

Coaster Fine Furniture

Loloi - Rugs, Pillows, Throws

Gabby - Furniture, Lighting Mirrors

Uttermost - Furniture, Lighting, Art & Decor

Surya - Rugs, Lighting, Pillows & More

Ratana - Furniture & Floral

Mercana - Furniture, Lighting Decor & More

Style Crafts Furniture & Decor

Norwalk Furniture

IMAX - Furniture & Decor

Noir - Decor & Furniture

RETAIL VENDORS

Ferguson

Bradshaw Frame & Gallery

Cost Plus World Market

How long will the interior design process take?

HOW LONG WILL THE INTERIOR DESIGN PROCESS TAKE?

Interior design timelines vary based on the scope of work required.

For those who don’t need to contract labor:

Design plans usually take up to 2 weeks to complete, with an additional 2-6 weeks to receive and place home pieces, depending on how quickly things ship. Total lead time is anywhere from 4-8 weeks.

For those looking to make structural changes:

Design plans usually take up to 6 weeks to complete (particularly for those having kitchen work done), with an additional 2 weeks for contractor bids. Depending on the scope of the project, an updated timeline estimate will be given based on construction lead times. All together, this process can take up to 2-3 months.

How do we get started?

HOW DO WE GET STARTED?

For clients in the Portland, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro and surrounding areas:

Book a free, 1 hour consultation with Irene to meet and discuss the scope of your interior design project and get answers to any questions you may have.

Book an Appointment

For clients outside of the Portland, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro and surrounding areas:

Book a free, 1 hour phone consultation with Irene to virtually meet and discuss the scope of your interior design project and get answers to any questions you may have.

Book an Appointment

How do I prepare for my interior design consultation?

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATION?

1) Prepare a design wish list outlining everything you’d ideally like handled during your interior design project. For the most efficient use of your budget, it’s best to prioritize this list based on importance.

2) Spend some time thinking about what you’re willing to invest in the project so you can share your investment goals with us during your consult.

3) Of the rooms you’d like Design Allure to work in, decide which pieces you’d like to keep, if any, as well as what you like and dislike about each room.

Knowing this information upfront will ensure our consultation time is well-spent.

How does the design process work in a home with an open floor plan?

HOW DOES THE DESIGN PROCESS WORK IN A HOME WITH AN OPEN FLOOR PLAN?

If you have an open concept floor plan, pricing is determined by each “area” you want designed. For example, if you have an open living/dining space, and you want your living space and dining space designed and furnished, this would be priced as two separate rooms and would require two separate design packages.

Still have questions? We’re happy to review your space and give you a quote. Just send photos of your space, a floor plan with dimensions, and a little information about what you’re looking for to Irene.tokstad@designallure.com.

Can you assist with commercial spaces?

What type of projects can you do?

WHAT TYPE OF PROJECTS CAN YOU DO?

At Design Allure, we can handle any of the following project types for clients in the Portland, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro or surrounding areas. For out of town projects, please give us a call to confirm that a service is available in your area.

3D Rendering

Art Selection

Attic Conversion

Bathroom Design

Bedroom Design

Closet Design

Color Consulting

Custom Bathroom Vanities

Custom Blinds & Shades

Custom Bookcases

Custom Built-ins

Custom Cabinets

Custom Entertainment Centers

Custom Fireplace Mantels

Custom Furniture

Custom Home Bars

Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Custom Murphy Beds

Custom Pantries

Custom Rugs

Custom Shelving

Custom Walk-in Closets

Decluttering

Dining Room Design

Drafting

Energy-Efficient Homes

Entry Design

Feng Shui Design

Floor Plans

Furniture Selection

Garage Design

Holiday Decorating

Home Office Design

Home Theater Design

House Plans

Kids Bedroom Design

Kitchen Design

Laundry Room Design

Lighting Design

Living Room Design

Mudroom Design

Nursery Design

Playroom Design

Project Management

Space Planning

Sunroom Design

Construction

Sustainable Design

Do I need to use your contractor or architect?

How are purchases for the project handled?

HOW ARE PURCHASES HANDLED?

Once Design Allure receives a 100% down payment for the specified items in your design plan, we'll get to work ordering, receiving and assembling your products. Your project items will be delivered to our warehouse, where we will inspect each item upon delivery. We then warehouse your project items until construction is complete. On the final day of set up, we’ll meticulously arrange all design pieces and bring you in for the big reveal!

Do I have to make purchases through you?

Is there a contract?

Is Design Allure Licensed and Insured?

How do you charge?

What will my project cost?

Do you charge a markup on products?