What is it really like to work with an interior decorator? Is it just about picking out nice paint colours, lighting, and a few throw pillows? In some ways, yes, but there’s more to it.
It’s common to feel a little nervous about reaching out to an interior decorator. A lot of what you see online and in magazines looks expensive and impersonal. It’s easy to wonder whether you will feel like you’re living in your own home or in a magazine photo. There’s also the very real consideration of budget! You want to ensure your decisions are the right ones for you and your lifestyle.
At Get Organized by Design in Halifax, we take a collaborative approach to redecorating, redesigning, and renovating spaces so they truly support how you live. Our work is grounded in creating spaces that feel personal, functional, and aligned with your lifestyle—not a one-size-fits-all aesthetic. Here’s a closer look at how we work with our clients.
Step 1: Book a Free, No Obligation Discovery Call with Jane
We start with a 15- to 30-minute meeting, typically using Zoom. I’ll ask you about the rooms you want to change and why they aren’t working for you right now. This helps me learn what you value most and get a sense of your style.
You can share why you want to redecorate or redesign (maybe your life has changed, or you’re ready for a fresh look) and what you hope to achieve. Most importantly, the discovery call is your chance to ask questions. You can inquire about the process, the services, and what it’s like to work with me. My goal is to help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident about moving forward.
During our call, you can share your ideas, inspiration, and photos. You can even give me a virtual tour of your home if you’d like.
Step 2: Purchase the Get Started Decorating Package
We start with the 8-hour Get Started Decorating package. This introductory package allows us to meet once or twice to discuss your project. We can start the design or decorating process and, depending on the scope of work, perhaps complete it.
I visit your home for an initial consultation that takes about an hour. We’ll talk about your needs, create a plan, and I’ll take any measurements needed. This helps me see how you use your space and suggest design choices. I’ll also ask questions to learn more about your style and preferences, which will guide our plan.
Step 3: Get Inspired
Sometimes we need to strip a room right down to the studs and start fresh, especially for spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens. Other times, we can create a new design around the elements you already own and love. Whatever the situation, we will work together to bring the space to life with finishes and fixtures that suit your design style and the look and feel of your home. One of the benefits of working with an interior decorator is having someone help you turn ideas into a cohesive plan to suit your design style.
Personally, I prefer a neutral, minimal space with a few pops of colour in the artwork and accessories. But if you love lots of colour, we’ll use it to create a space you love. If you want to reuse furniture or artwork or keep some of the design elements already in your space, we can do that, too.
Sometimes clients tell us they truly have no design ideas and don’t know where to start. Often, they see so much “inspiration” on social media that they have decision paralysis. No matter what, we’ll work together to figure out your style and preferences. For example, we can find design inspiration from architectural elements in your home, artwork, your wardrobe, and even a toilet roll holder.
As we work together, I’ll encourage you to think creatively. After all, you likely don’t want your home to look exactly the same as before. Still, I’ll never push you so far that you won’t like the outcome. My goal is for you to love your home.
Step 4: Develop the Design Plan and Budget
With over 20 years of experience in home organizing and decorating, my approach often differs from that of other designers. I always focus on function first when planning your design. For example, I’ve helped clients reorganize a brand-new kitchen that didn’t work for their day-to-day life, and I’ve worked with people whose bathroom renovations left them with almost no storage space. That’s why I look at how you use your home and ensure there is enough space to store your belongings. To me, there’s no point in having a home that looks perfect but doesn’t work for you.
We will take the time to create a detailed design plan that we’re both happy with. The design plan is key to building an accurate budget and must be completed before we start any work or place any orders. The planning process can take some time, depending on your project.
For smaller projects, design fees can account for up to 20% of the budget. For bigger projects, it’s usually between 10% and 15%.
Most importantly, my job is to make your life easier and your project less stressful. Many people choose to work with an interior decorator for expert guidance without spending countless hours researching products and making decisions on their own.
I handle all the research and shopping for you. I find two or three options for each item that fit your style and budget, bring them to your home, and you pick your favourites. This way, you save time and money. I also track every expense on a budget sheet as we go, so there are no unexpected costs. You’ve probably heard stories about projects going over budget. No one likes those surprises!
Step 5: Planning and Execution
Once you approve the budget and design plan, we can begin. Your project may take longer than expected. For example, a bathroom renovation usually takes about 6 weeks, while a full kitchen renovation can take around 4 months or longer.
Skilled tradespeople are in high demand, so patience is key. You need to book a contractor for your job 4 to 12 months in advance, depending on the scope of work. Even for smaller projects, the lead time may be several weeks. We also need to calculate the time it takes to order and receive fixtures, lighting, furniture, etc. Timelines can be anywhere from a few weeks to several months. I prefer to order everything and know the delivery dates before any work begins.
I always advise my clients to be prepared for delays. For example, if a trade (e.g., a plumber) doesn’t show up on schedule, it can delay the entire project. If a product, such as flooring, doesn’t arrive on time, we need to adjust the timeline. As long as you are prepared for the unexpected, it will all work out.
Part of my job is to stay on top of these situations and keep you updated as we go. I love organizing, so I enjoy making sure projects run smoothly and get finished. I’m always following up with suppliers and tradespeople to keep things on track. Like any good interior decorator or designer, knowing the steps and order of a project is key. This is just one of the skills I bring to you.
Step 6: Ongoing Support
You may have heard stories about home renovation and design projects that get “almost-but-never-quite-finished.” This doesn’t happen with Get Organized by Design. We are not afraid to make things happen. It’s often the last few details that require the most effort, but trust me, I’m on it! I find unfinished elements particularly irritating, so I keep at it to the end. Over the years, I’ve had clients say to me, “If I want something done and done right, I call Jane.” Completing the project to your satisfaction is what I want most.
When you work with an interior decorator, it’s about much more than choosing paint colours and furniture. It’s about creating a home that functions well, reflects your personality, and supports the way you live every day.
Whether you want to refresh a room, do a full redesign, or take on a big renovation, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I can help you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure the experience is enjoyable and stress-free. In the end, the best design isn’t just about making your home look good in photos; it’s about making it feel like yours.
If you’re curious about what’s possible in your home, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to book a free discovery call, ask questions, or just explore your options.