Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: How do I go about selecting an interior designer?

 

A: In general, the most common methods include asking someone you know who has used a designer about their experiences or seeing someone's work in print. Websites and social media are also great ways to learn about designers and their approach.  Many of our clients learned of our work through friends or relatives who have previously enlisted our services. Thus the phrase, "A happy client is your best advertisement," stands true.

 

 

 

Q: What are the advantages of working with a design professional?

 

A: Vision and expertise. Clients often know their color or style preferences, but they may not know how to bring the design elements together. Then, there are some people who don't know what they want at all. A good interior designer can begin the design process from either starting point. The interior designer's job is to discover a client's personal aesthetic. A designer should always ask a potential client how they live, if they have children, if they have animals, if they live in the home year-round, etc. These are important elements to consider as a designer goes about putting together the total interior design package. The relationship between a client and an interior designer is always one that is built on trust. An interior designer with vision will take a client's wish list and bring a room to life in a way that reflects the home owner's personality.

 

 

 

Q: What can I expect during the process?

 

A: From the beginning a client should be informed on how an interior designer charges, including their terms and conditions. Throughout the process, the client should be kept in the loop via emails and/or phone conversations on the progress of the project. Cebula Design policy is to inform the client, before anything is ordered, of all pricing delivery lead time information.

 

 

 

Q: How much will my furniture and fabrics cost?

 

A: It's all up to the client. A budget should be set at the beginning of the project. It's best if the client has an idea of what they wish to spend and what they wish to accomplish. The interior designer will work with the client to make sure the budget is reasonable/realistic. Clients should always feel they're in control of their own purse strings.

 

 

Q: How do your prices compare to those online?

 

A: CDI's prices without exception, are below any online. The consumer needs to realize pricing on websites is retail. Also it is important to understand what “free shipping” really means as many of them tout this as a perk. This can translate to curb-side drop-off at the end of your driveway. CDI ships, receives, inspects, and provides in-home white-glove installation.

 

 

 

Q: What lines do you carry?

 

A: Any interior design firm should be able to provide you with a list. Cebula Design is a full-service vertical company and represents over 80 nationally known and several boutique lines of furniture. We also have our own upholstery line which we manufacture. CDI handles everything soup to nuts, from plans to artwork. Most interior designers will want to supply you with furniture and fabrics. In many cases, clients will have a certain amount of their own furniture. An interior designer will work with existing pieces and artfully pair them with new acquisitions.

 

 

 

Q: Should I be charged a design fee or on an hourly basis?

 

A: Hourly basis is normally used just for consultations. A design fee is more commmon on larger projects. Typically with designers that charge a design fee, they expect to be supplying the furniture and fabrics at a net-plus basis.

 

 

 

Q: Can a job be too small?

 

A: There is no such thing as a small job. If a client wishes to employ a firm for a job, it's a job. Some interior designers require a guaranteed minimum budget, Cebula Design does not adhere to this policy. We are fully staffed to accommodate all projects that come our way. We welcome every opportunity to be of service, period.

 

 

 

Q: How long will my project take?

 

A: The length of the project will depend on the scope of work involved. The client and designer should have an open discussion about the different aspects of the project and any deadlines or expectations that exist. A timeline is usually established in the first two meetings. We pride ourselves in honoring our project completion commitments.

 

 

 

Q: Why is purchasing better quality ultimately the better route?

 

A: Unless you have a very short term need, buying quality furnishings is usually the better choice because these provide greater comfort and higher long-term value. For example, if your chair has frames that are screwed, glued, and doweled, coils that are 8-way hand-tied, and quality down feather cushioning, it will last longer. What you don't see in upholstered furnishings is what makes them last longer. Better quality pieces are worth reupholstering instead of replacing.

 

 

 

Q: Can I try out a sofa or chair, for comfort and fit, before I buy it?

 

A: Yes. On the first floor of our Liberty Street building, we have a showroom where clients can see (and sit on) sofas and chairs from our top lines, including furniture by Thos. Moser, Baker, Hickory Chair, Kindel, Hancock & Moore, and Somerset Bay.

 

 

 

Q: Is CDI a showroom or a design studio?

 

A: Yes. Our showroom is a resource for our design clients as well as customers interested in our selection of rugs, lighting, hardware, objet d'art, and furnishings available. We carry a beautiful array of fabrics and window treatments. Among the many prestige brands we offer are: Rocky Mountain Hardware, furniture by Thos. Moser, Baker, Hickory Chair, Kindel, Hancock & Moore, and Somerset Bay; window treatments by Hunter Douglas; and lighting by Visual Comfort & Co. We are pleased to be the region's only purveyor of Tufenkian Carpets.

 

 

 

 

Q: How do I keep my personal style?

 

A: A designer's first and foremost obligation is to know their client. Our primary goal, at Cebula Design, is to present a design that depicts the client's aesthetic, personal interests, and way of life. Our design team excels at asking the right questions and listening carefully to our clients. We are foremost an advocate for our clients, not for a specific design aesthetic.