Do Home Decorators Still Exist? Not Interior Designers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.1970dogwoodstreet.com/

I haven’t actually used them, but one of the founders is a friend of a friend. So I keep looking at their site and thinking that I should try. I think they work with a lot of the things people already have?

Maybe it’s just me but I don’t know…. Their portfolio just doesn’t look pulled together in the spaces. Something is missing like an extra layer or two of design. Pretty sure I could do the same thing. With the same “something is missing” result

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.1970dogwoodstreet.com/

I haven’t actually used them, but one of the founders is a friend of a friend. So I keep looking at their site and thinking that I should try. I think they work with a lot of the things people already have?

Maybe it’s just me but I don’t know…. Their portfolio just doesn’t look pulled together in the spaces. Something is missing like an extra layer or two of design. Pretty sure I could do the same thing. With the same “something is missing” result

I disagree with you. I think their work is polished without looking “done.”

[Anonymous]

^^^ or overdone (hit post too soon). Decorated but too designer-y.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.1970dogwoodstreet.com/

I haven’t actually used them, but one of the founders is a friend of a friend. So I keep looking at their site and thinking that I should try. I think they work with a lot of the things people already have?

Maybe it’s just me but I don’t know…. Their portfolio just doesn’t look pulled together in the spaces. Something is missing like an extra layer or two of design. Pretty sure I could do the same thing. With the same “something is missing” result

I agree. Kind of like they took one thing (floor, wallpaper, etc.) and just matched some things to the same colors. I can do that.

[Anonymous]

Heavenly was a train wreck for me. My designer kept giving me options that were sold out only to disagree and insist they were available or replace them with other sold out items. Friend had more success but she was shopping for larger pieces. I couldn't even get a rug in stock so what's the point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.1970dogwoodstreet.com/

I haven’t actually used them, but one of the founders is a friend of a friend. So I keep looking at their site and thinking that I should try. I think they work with a lot of the things people already have?

Maybe it’s just me but I don’t know…. Their portfolio just doesn’t look pulled together in the spaces. Something is missing like an extra layer or two of design. Pretty sure I could do the same thing. With the same “something is missing” result

I agree. Kind of like they took one thing (floor, wallpaper, etc.) and just matched some things to the same colors. I can do that.

I tend to agree, but I think it’s partly that they’re not great at photography or photo styling (two skills that are distinct from design) and they’re trying to show us some renovation choices, some decluttering/organizing, and some decorating. Plus they may not have a lot of projects with the budget to let them do a room to “completion” the way they might like to. But I agree it doesn’t look great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're wrapping up an engagement with Havenly and it's gone pretty well. There are different tiers but we select the option that costs about $150 or so per room.

I don't want to share more than what folks are interested in but I'm Happy to answer questions about the experience.

Did you go in with the intent of purchasing everything they suggested (and did you)? Did they work to incorporate your specific floor plan and any existing pieces?

I received a gift of a Havenly design package and what I really need is inspiration for a cohesive vision in my bedroom, with suggestions for things like lighting, area rug, some additional pieces and layout with my existing bed, things like that, but not an overhaul of everything out of the box. But I like the idea of looking for some of what I want on my own because I like vintage and antique furniture, one-of-a-kind art, etc. The site doesn't give you a great sense for what the process is like, even from reading the reviews.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.1970dogwoodstreet.com/

I haven’t actually used them, but one of the founders is a friend of a friend. So I keep looking at their site and thinking that I should try. I think they work with a lot of the things people already have?

Maybe it’s just me but I don’t know…. Their portfolio just doesn’t look pulled together in the spaces. Something is missing like an extra layer or two of design. Pretty sure I could do the same thing. With the same “something is missing” result

Oof, yeah, this doesn't look great





It all looks too small - or something. Definitely doesn't look aspirational!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.1970dogwoodstreet.com/

I haven’t actually used them, but one of the founders is a friend of a friend. So I keep looking at their site and thinking that I should try. I think they work with a lot of the things people already have?

Maybe it’s just me but I don’t know…. Their portfolio just doesn’t look pulled together in the spaces. Something is missing like an extra layer or two of design. Pretty sure I could do the same thing. With the same “something is missing” result

Oof, yeah, this doesn't look great





It all looks too small - or something. Definitely doesn't look aspirational!

I don't really get this, either.

[Anonymous]

Agree that none of their spaces look finished/designed to me. And per their website, at that price, $225 per hour + 3% billing fee (so, $231.75 per hour), it should.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Redbird Redesign

Kudos to you, lady, for promoting yourself all over every single DC-area mommy forum ever.

I’ve promoted them here because I’m a former client. They fit in the in between imo (or did, it’s been a few years) of the store designers and the full service, traditional interior design. But I didn’t recommend them here because I think OP would still find them too expensive.

FWIW I'm a DP and also used them in the past. They are a good price point for people who want to pay for help but can't afford the luxe designer services. Think more along the lines of thousands of dollars instead of tens of thousands. We have a townhouse, and the fancy pants people didn't even return my calls or emails after I told them that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Redbird Redesign

Kudos to you, lady, for promoting yourself all over every single DC-area mommy forum ever.

I’ve promoted them here because I’m a former client. They fit in the in between imo (or did, it’s been a few years) of the store designers and the full service, traditional interior design. But I didn’t recommend them here because I think OP would still find them too expensive.

FWIW I'm a DP and also used them in the past. They are a good price point for people who want to pay for help but can't afford the luxe designer services. Think more along the lines of thousands of dollars instead of tens of thousands. We have a townhouse, and the fancy pants people didn't even return my calls or emails after I told them that.

It’s not because of your town house, it’s just because your budget didn’t fit their model. They should have just explained that though. They need a quick boilerplate decline email that lists some other options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm also looking for the going rate for something like this.

We just found somebody that's looking to start out; mostly
just need help with layout and choosing furniture (like OP, I do not want anything custom; just don't have time or patience to sift through the interwebs and make a plan).

So what would you pay per hour for this type of work (in Northern VA)?

Probably $100-$125 for someone just starting out. I will say though that you migth get what you pay for. Sometimes designers will order things that don't fit in the space then you are stuck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.1970dogwoodstreet.com/

I haven’t actually used them, but one of the founders is a friend of a friend. So I keep looking at their site and thinking that I should try. I think they work with a lot of the things people already have?

Maybe it’s just me but I don’t know…. Their portfolio just doesn’t look pulled together in the spaces. Something is missing like an extra layer or two of design. Pretty sure I could do the same thing. With the same “something is missing” result

Oof, yeah, this doesn't look great





It all looks too small - or something. Definitely doesn't look aspirational!

I don't really get this, either.



That dining room really needs some drapes and art.

That living room is a mess. Nothing goes well together.

[Anonymous]

You can ask your real estate agent for suggestions. Our agent had a go-to lady who staged houses for her, but also would advise people on color palates and help them find artwork and figure out the most appealing way to arrange everything. It’s been over a decade and I can’t remember her name to recommend her, but her prices were very reasonable and she was quite helpful. I’m sure a lot of agents could give you a recommendation.