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What To Expect
What is the process like if I hire you for a project?
We will plan a time to meet so we can get to know each other and discuss the project to ensure we’re a good fit for each other. At or after our initial meeting, we will agree on a start date and plan of action.
Every person and project is different, so the plan will depend on what you need. Once we begin the work, you can expect lots of communication and collaborative decision making.
At first, I’ll be asking lots of questions and working hard to get to know you really well. Once I have a good understanding of your style, preference and priorities, I’ll be able to narrow down options more easily. At this point, usually we settle into a really nice, natural flow and things progress smoothly from there!
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Do I need to book ahead of time?
Probably! I often book up to 3-6 months out for medium or larger projects. I try to leave flexibility in my schedule so I can accommodate returning clients and time-sensitive jobs.
If you are interested in working together but are unsure if our timelines will be compatible, it’s always worth reaching out. Sometimes I’m able to begin quickly, to delegate to a member of my team, or to help with some of the urgent decisions (such as paint colour) right away, even if I’m unable to begin the rest of the work immediately.
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I have a small but mighty team who you will get to know including junior designers, an administrative assistant and all kinds of great contractors. I also know some other talented designers with different areas of expertise who I may suggest collaborating with.
I closely oversee all projects and work directly with all my clients, but you’ll likely have regular contact with other team members, as well. Sometimes, on projects with tight budgets or timelines I’m not able to accommodate, I’ll offer the option of having a junior designer take the lead on a project with my oversight. You’ll always know who’s working on your project, will be able to reach me if you need to and know what’s happening.
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Can you help with _______ ?
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Can you help me with renovations or selecting finishes?
Yes. If you need help with choosing things like flooring, kitchen cabinets or a paint colour, I can help. I have experience with renovations of all different sizes and types and know some really great contractors.
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Absolutely! You can be as involved (or not!) as you prefer.
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Yes. I’ll work with you to ensure I understand your budget, preferences and priorities and then am happy to run with things on my own. You can have final approval if you want, or I can give you a surprise makeover with a big reveal. Whatever suits you best.
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I regularly help clients create or refine their style and design direction. One of the best, most enjoyable parts of my work is getting to know my clients really well. Sometimes clients tell me that I figured out exactly what they wanted, even though they didn’t know what it was – it’s one of my favorite compliments!
There are lots of different ways to start, but generally I ask lots of questions and we review inspiration photos together to help narrow things down. Sometimes I’ll create a digital mood board or a mock-up of a room design to help with visualizing the end product.
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I’m not brave enough for that, either! My top priority is always my clients’ happiness. I will never insist on what I prefer, or make decisions without you. I like to work closely with my clients and collaborate to create a space that they love. If you’re happy, I’m happy!
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I mainly do residential work, but not exclusively. I’ve worked on downtown office spaces, a wellness room at a non-profit, trade fair booths and a kindergarten classroom, for example. If you have a project in mind, let’s chat!
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General Questions
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I’m based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I work all over the city on a regular basis, as well as virtually and in person in other locations. I have clients in Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, the Edmonton area, BC and California. If you have a project outside of Calgary, please reach out and we can make a plan.
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If I had to sum up Freya Home’s overarching style and aesthetic, I would say: light, bright, and highly personalized.
My goal is always to create beautiful, well designed spaces spaces that reflect each individual client, rather that bringing my own personal style to each project. Of course, I can’t hide my penchant for the colour white, for some breathing room and maximizing light, but how you want your home to look is of utmost important to me. I also tend to choose classic and timeless options, when it suits my clients, in order to ensure longevity of the design.
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There are definitely advantages to renovating or redecorating a whole house at the same time, but it’s certainly not necessary. I work on projects of all sizes – even if it’s just styling a bookcase or creating a reading nook and have lots of ongoing relationships with clients who work through their homes one section at a time.
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What hours and days do you work?
I have a full but flexible work schedule and can almost certainly work with your schedule.
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Please don’t! I work in construction sites, busy family homes, when people are moving in or out of houses and with people who are in over their heads and overwhelmed with too much stuff. I’ve seen it all and however your house looks – it’s probably perfectly normal to me!
Seeing your home in its usual state is helpful to my process. If it’s normally tidy, go ahead and clean up if you prefer, but if you’re tired and it’s been a busy week or if messy is your normal, leave it! Part of good design is solving issues of clutter, and purging unneeded or unloved items. You can always count on zero judgement and absolute confidentiality from me. It’s your home, and I’m honored to be invited in.
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This is an understandable fear! Hopefully it will be comforting to hear that I have never finished a project and had a client unhappy with how it looked. I work collaboratively, communicate extensively and prioritize my client’s preferences to ensure this doesn’t happen. You will never be surprised, unless you ask to be surprised.
If this is a significant concern for you, please let me know, and we can work slowly and closely to ensure you feel comfortable and in control.
You can read my reviews on Google, too.
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Billing Questions
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I invoice monthly, or as-needed (eg. after making multiple large furniture orders). If you’d like receipts, I can either drop them off or mail them to you.
Invoices are due on receipt and e-mail money transfer is my preferred method of payment. I also accept cheque or cash and can accept credit card as well, with an added 3.5% fee to cover the processing fee.
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Yes! I am always happy to work within your budget, and I can help you create a budget, too.
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Redecorating a medium sized living room, frequently takes in the range of 10-35 hours, though it can vary widely outside the average depending each client’s needs. Some factors that will influence billable hours are:
Budget – Budgets that are very small, or quite large, generally take more time
Client Involvement – The more involved you’d like to be in decision making (or if you’d like to explore various options or shop together) the longer it will take. Conversely, if you’re happy to do the legwork such as picking up items, assembling furniture, or installing shelves or art, there will be fewer billable hours
Shopping – Sourcing used, vintage or antique goods may take extra time, however it’s sometimes balanced out by lower costs. If we’re looking for high end, one of a kind or custom pieces, that will take longer, too
How many things need to be planned for and purchased – Do you have an empty room, or do you already have all your furniture and just need some help with layout and decor?
There are lots of factors that affect how many hours a project takes. If you need more information, just ask!
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I do not offer flat rate quotes, except for DIY Design or Staging Consultations. I can help you estimate how many hours a project will take and we can discuss the cost of similar projects. I will always respect your budget.
A flat rate quote has contingencies built in, which may or may not be needed. Charging you hourly allows me to split shopping time amongst clients when possible, to efficiently delegate to assistants and more. For example, if multiple clients need something from the hardware store, I combine it into one trip and split the billing, making it more cost effective for you. So, while we can certainly set a budget and stay within it, I do not offer precise and final numbers up front.
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Generally, it makes the most sense for me to make the purchases and add them to the monthly invoice. I have access to various discounts and trade programs and can organize and track purchases. My administrative assistant will record all online/phone purchases in a spreadsheet that you can access and I save all receipts from in-person purchases.
If you prefer to make orders yourself, that’s okay, too! I’ll check in before we start making purchases.
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Do you mark up furniture or other items?
No. Although markups are standard practice in the industry, it’s not how I work. If I receive a designer discount, I pass it onto you. If I find an amazing deal, I pass it onto you. You are welcome to any receipts or purchase orders at any time. I aim to give my clients the best possible deals, no matter their budget.
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About Real Estate Staging
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Absolutely! First impressions matter — most potential buyers make a judgement about a property within just a few seconds! A well staged home helps potential buyers envision how they’ll use the space and shows that the home has been well cared for. If you’d like to read some incredible stats on staging, click HERE for a great infographic round-up.
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I do not offer furniture rentals. I specialize in using what you already have, and will make recommendations for purchases or rentals if it makes financial sense.
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I understand that my staging clients are usually under time pressure and I try to leave room in my schedule for last minute staging consults. Unless otherwise discussed, I will have your staging report to you within 48 hours after our in person meeting.
