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Custom Decorator Online FAQ's
Is my project handled by a ‘real’ designer?
- Yes. We have a team of qualified individuals whose goal is to provide a great design plan just for you, based on your Design Assessment answers and other information you supply to us. These are creative and talented people who work full time in the interior design industry. We do not create generic, one-size-fits-all plans or have unskilled people involved in your design project.
Why shouldn’t I just use the ‘free’ design advice at my local furniture store?
- As the old saying goes...nothing in life is free. And that goes for the advice from someone at a furniture store. The reason they give free advice, is that their main job is to sell you furniture. They are typically driven by commissions, which doesn’t always translate into product selections that are in your best interest. And, many stores will charge for in-home consultations if you don’t buy a certain dollar volume of furniture from them.
How does this ‘online design’ process work?
- (Click here to read a thorough explanation of our process.)
- In a nutshell, you are doing some of the legwork (measuring and photographing your room, completing our assessment) in order to provide us with the information we need to create a new design plan for your room. You’re saving hundreds of dollars in design fees that you would normally pay a designer to come into your home and gather the same information.
What kinds of questions are in the Design Assessment?
- Every piece of information you provide through the assessment is extremely important. From lifestyle questions to color preferences, every question leads us closer to developing a complete picture of your space and how you use it. We’ll ask about your desires for the new space, colors and fabrics you like, if you have pets or kids, storage issues and a host of other questions that provide us with the details we need to develop your unique design plan.
How do I measure and photograph my room?
- We’ll provide instructions and forms to assist you with this process. You can also email us if you need additional help.
What if I don’t have a digital camera or scanner or I don’t know how to email photos?
- No problem. Use a regular camera, have the photos developed and mail them to us. If you don’t have a way to scan and email your room measurement form, you can also mail it to us through the postal service. Just make sure you MAKE COPIES of everything you send.
What about my existing furniture? Can you develop a plan to include some of it?
- Absolutely! If there are pieces you want us to include in the new plan, we have a form that you’ll complete that gives us the details of each piece. We even provide instructions about how to measure your furniture.
What if I want to purchase the exact items shown in your design plan?
- The fabrics we recommend are trade only lines (not sold direct to the public), but we can certainly order these for you. We even offer a generous 25% discount off retail pricing. Just refer to the code associated with the fabric swatch, give us your yardage requirements and we’ll provide a quote and availability.
- The furniture and accessory recommendations will vary according to each customer’s style and preferences, but we provide a resource list of these items for you. Some recommended furnishings are available only to the trade, but like the fabric lines, we can offer some of these pieces at a discount, while others you may be able to find at a local retailer or online.
What is the next step after I pay for my room design package?
- After you make your purchases through Paypal (room design package, upgrades, etc), click the "Return to Custom Decorator" button. The following page contains all the instructions you need for completing the assessment, instructions on measuring and photographing your room, and downloadable forms to include in the packet you will be mailing to us. Not all forms are applicable to all customers. Here is a brief overview of the process:
- Pay for your room package.
- Complete your assessment.
- Measure and photograph your room.
- Fill out any applicable forms relating to your specific room design.
- Review checklist of items to complete and include in your mailing to us.
Once I receive my design plan and recommendations, how do I get started?
- Not to worry. We include a six page Implementation Guide with your packet to help you get started and stay organized throughout the process of decorating your room. We also offer email consultations with both our Standard and Premium packages. (see our Pricing page for details). Additionally, you can order a subscription to our Decorator Hotline service for design advice anytime.
Are there rooms you don’t do design plans for?
- Kitchens and bathrooms are unique rooms to design due to plumbing and electrical issues that require adherence to local building codes. However, since the owner of Custom Decorator Online has extensive background in kitchen and bath design, these rooms are handled personally on a case by case basis and not through our online design service website. Contact us via email if you have further questions about design services for these rooms and we’ll reply as quickly as possible. Just put ‘kitchen and bath’ in the subject line.
What if I already paid for the Standard Design Packet but now I want to Upgrade to the Premium option?
- No problem. Just email us and we’ll contact you to upgrade your order. You can upgrade your selection to the Premium package within (7) seven days of your initial order. Because we begin work on your project right away, we have to limit the timeframe for any changes. We’ll send you an email invoice for the difference in cost.
Can I add the separate upgrade options to my Standard Design Packet later on?
- Unfortunately, not at this time. Currently, our system is only set up to accept orders for upgrade options at the same time your Standard Design Packet order is placed.
What kind of guarantee do you offer?
Do you offer gift certificates?
- Yes. This is a great way to introduce your friends and family to our service. They are available in denominations of $50.
Do you accept credit cards and checks?
- Yes. We use Paypal to process credit card payments but you do not have to have a Paypal account to use your credit card. If you prefer to mail a check, please email us for our address but keep in mind that your design project will not begin until your check clears our bank.
Do you offer discounts for multiple rooms?
- Yes. If you order a second room design within thirty days of receiving your first Design Packet, you pay only $299 for a Standard Design (regular price $329) or $479 for the Premium (regular price $499). You don’t have to order multiple rooms at the same time! Put us to the test with your first room design and we’re sure you’ll come back for assistance with other rooms in your home.
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