THE (INTERIOR) DESIGN PROCESS

What is the sequence of phases that my design project will go through?

At Sibylle Clerey Interiors, all collaborations start with an Interior Design Consultation. If you then decide to hire us on a Full-Service Interior Design basis, we will be working in 4 phases: Design Brief, Design Concept, Design Development and Design Implementation. Read more about how this works here.

How do we get started?

You just need to book a complimentary Initial Call to discuss your project.

What should I do before I contact an interior designer?

Start by asking yourself some questions: What do you expect from an interior designer? How involved would you like to be in this project? What’s the information you’ve already gathered for your project? Do you have a style and/ or a budget in mind? If you have worked with an interior designer before, think about what you liked/ disliked about this collaboration.

What happens at the first consultation?

We discuss your most pressing design challenges and at the same time get to know each other. Each consultation is different, depending on whether you plan to continue working with us or prefer to complete the project on your own.

How long will our project take?

This depends on the scope of your project. It can go from 2-4 weeks for small projects to 2 – 6 months for furnishing only projects. A refurbishment project usually takes anywhere from 6 – 24 months. The project duration includes concept, sourcing, ordering, lead times (i.e. furniture production, shipping and transport) and installation.

How involved in the process will I need to be?

This is entirely up to you and what we agree upon during the initial stage of your project. I have worked with clients, where once the concept and the overall budget were approved, they completely handed over the project to me. In any case, you will receive regular updates to keep you informed of the process.

How involved are you personally in my project?

We work with a limited number of clients each year, because we like to give our clients the attention they deserve. If you decide to work with us, you can rest assured that we will personally be involved in every step along the way from the first conversation to the last tweaking of the sofa cushion.

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES

Why do I need an interior designer if I already have an architect? 

Architects work from the outside in, interior designers work from the inside out. We look at the desired outcome and style of the space and then work backwards. For example, we carefully consider the positioning of electrical outlets and sockets depending on the furniture layout or we consider the type and size of window, depending on the style of window treatments.

Do you also offer Colour Consultations?

We offer Interior Design Consultations, which can be fully dedicated to the selection of colours and/ or other finishes. It is not just about picking the ‘most beautiful’ colour, but the one that suits your personality, works well with the other elements in the space and enhances the overall look and feel of it.

What type of projects can you do?

Sibylle Clerey Interiors offers Interior Design Consultations, E-Design packages and Full-Service Interior Design. These projects include residential interior design and commercial interior design, and can range from one room to an entire house for partial and full furnishing as well as renovations including bathrooms and kitchens.

Would you consider using eco-friendly and sustainable materials?

Yes, absolutely, we continuously educate ourselves on this subject matter in order to make more conscious purchasing decisions. There’s an ongoing trend for more sustainable and ethical materials, such as vegan leathers i.e. leather alternatives made from fruit waste, mycelium etc. 

Can you integrate my favourite pieces of furniture or accessories into the design? 

Yes. We typically work with expats and international people who are well travelled and have lived in many places. We will work in your favourite pieces wherever possible, in some cases, they may even be the source of inspiration.

FEES, TERMS & CONDITIONS

Is there a contract?

Yes, there is a contract for Full-Service Interior Design projects, outlining the scope of the project, what to expect , terms and conditions and the agreed design fees.

Isn’t hiring a designer very expensive?

Pricing largely depends on experience and location. You are likely to find interior designers at many price levels. Interior Designers with several years in business bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Not only do they have a trained eye, access to some of the most amazing vendors and artisans, but they also know what can go wrong in a design project, how to handle it or better even how to avoid it. You not only pay for a beautiful outcome, but also for your own peace of mind.

How can an interior designer save me money?

By doing things right the first time around and avoiding expensive mistakes. By working off a design concept and by carefully planning your project, we avoid making expensive mistakes, such as purchasing the wrong tiles, painting the walls in the wrong colour, placing the wardrobe on the wrong wall, installing the wrong type of curtains, buying a sofa that is too big for your space etc. It may seem more costly at first, but having to undo something, such as repositioning an electrical outlet or painting over a wall can quickly increase costs, let alone delay the project by several weeks.

How do you charge?

At Sibylle Clerey Interiors we charge a flat project fee for all design work from concept to completion. In addition, you will purchase all furniture, lighting, soft furnishing and décor through us at retail prices. If you want us to purchase on your behalf a handling fee will be charged.

Do I have to make purchases through you?

No, you can decide whether you would like to purchase through us or not.

Do you offer discounts for multiple rooms?

There are no discounts as such, but the more rooms you hire us for to complete, the lower the design fee per room, because we can maximise our time spent together.

For any further questions or to discuss your project, you can either book an Initial Call or send an email to info@sibylleclereyinteriors.com.