Get Help Decorating Your Home: An Interview with Debbie Roemer of Interiors of Distinction

Tell us a little bit about your experience, company history and the services you offer.

I have been an independent designer for 11 years and still look forward to going to work every day. I offer full design services including remodeling and new build design consulting for residential and commercial clients, color consulting, the design, fabrication, and installation of custom window treatments, painting and faux finishing, as well as accessorizing. What makes my business unique, is simply I am the person who executes the work whether it be the designing, the painting, or sewing. When a client meets me for the first time, they know who they will be hiring for the job.

What is a common misconception that people have about interior design?

One of the common misconceptions is that designers/decorators are too expensive and a client cannot afford to hire one. For example, a client can hire me for a couple hours and get complete direction what colors to paint, what carpet to choose, where to place furniture, and what size and the number of accessories to purchase to complete a room, etc... This in turn saves the client time and money from making costly errors that they may have to correct later. For a minimal fee up front, the client can choose to execute the plan on their own or request my services to complete the job. If a client decides to hire me to shop for their accessories or paint, I provide the complete services. There is no minimum hours purchase necessary. A client controls how much time and money they want to spend on their projects.

How should someone who wants professional help decorating their house start the process?

A good starting point is simply making a call. Typically, a conversation is communicated via phone or email and a short list of questions is asked prior to setting up a consultation. Depending on what the project entails, I like to get a scope of what room(s)we will be looking at as well as the client's ideas of what they want to change or create. This allows me to bring the correct reference items with me to assist in creating a design plan, choosing colors, window ideas, etc? during the initial visit.

What is the most common room that people want to redecorate/redesign?

The most common rooms client's request assistance with are kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. Partially due to the expensive nature when remodeling or with a new home build. The permanent fixtures such as the flooring, cabinets, lighting, hardware are essential and typically the most expensive items in these rooms. The marriage of color between the flooring, cabinets, walls, etc.. is imperative to ensure a design success.

What are the basic elements of a complete room design?

Complete room design includes all elements that harmonize together regardless of your personal style. The colors must flow flawlessly and allow one's eyes to move smoothly throughout the room. Depending on the room and the client's taste, color, texture, lighting, and accessorizing will finish a room and look perfectly polished.

How are the interior design fee and budget typically set?

My philosophy is the client determines the budget and then we decide together what provides that client with the most bang for their buck. My design fee is based hourly , the painting fee is based on the room and colors chosen, window treatment fabrication is based on hourly, accessorizing is hourly as well. A client that requests my help is typically provided an estimated or projected bill based on the work required. This allows my clients to control the amount they want to spend on their particular project.

What is one of the most common regrets homeowners have when it comes to interior design choices?

Regrets?. The regret I hear most often from customers is "I wish I had met you years ago or before my last project." Spending a minimal amount of money up front often minimizes big dollar mistakes.

What's the best way for people to reach you and your company?

The best way to reach me is via my website; interiorsofdistinctiongb.com and send me an email at droemer37@gmail.com, find me on Facebook at Interiors of Distinction, or simply contact me at 920-660-1441.