Frequently Asked Questions About Working with Rory Everitt Design

“Designers help you get the most value from your investment while sparing you the stress and setbacks that often come with major projects.” - Rory Everitt

1. What does an interior designer do?

An interior designer transforms a space into one that feels as good as it looks. It starts with understanding the client’s unique needs, wishes, and personality. We then bring together layout, furnishings, fixtures, decor, color, shape, and texture to create an environment that enhances your lifestyle while balancing comfort, beauty, and function. We call this “elevate your everyday.”

2. Why hire an interior designer instead of doing it yourself?

A designer brings expertise, resources, and vision that elevate a space beyond what’s available off the shelf. We help you avoid costly mistakes, save time, and achieve a result that feels unique and effortless.

Your space should bring you joy every day, and the process to get there shouldn’t be burdensome. Major projects involve a lot of decisions and a lot of moving pieces. An expert designer like Rory Everitt helps make that project process feel comfortable and - he dares to say - enjoyable. The designer structures the project steps, distills complex ideas into easy-to-understand choices, and ensures the cumulative effect of your decisions will be stunning. Clients delight in working with an expert like Rory for redecorating, remodeling, and custom construction.

3. How much does it cost to work with an interior designer?

Investment depends on the project’s scope, size, and level of customization. During our initial conversation, we’ll help you define your project and provide a clear outline of your options for engaging with Rory Everitt Design. We will follow up with a clear proposal so you know exactly what to expect.

The highest level of service in the industry is called full service design; there are different flavors of it but the designer essentially is embedded as part of your project team for the duration of the project. That service can be billed hourly or at a flat project rate. Because we believe good design should be accessible to everybody, we also offer some entry-level options to get expert design help. View our services page for more information.

4. Do I need a large budget to hire a designer?

Not necessarily. There are two ways to think about your design investment:

• You probably already have a project budget in mind, of how much you’re willing to spend to upgrade your space. A designer helps you maximize that financial investment, whether modest or expansive. We’ll guide you on where to splurge and where to save so your finished space feels both elevated and true to you. Of course, your budget needs to match your level of scope and ambition, but we’ll cover that during our initial conversation.

• Major projects involve a lot of vision definition, decision making, and project management. Most clients don’t have the required skillsets and/or time to properly navigate the full project arc, leading to frustration and burnout. Interior design is a professional service that offloads much of that burden, freeing you up to enjoy the parts you are most interested in. Obviously, the greater the service scope that a designer takes on, the greater the service fee.

Rory Everitt Design excels at working within a range of project budgets. From home office makeovers costing only $3,000 for furnishings, lighting, and window treatments, to whole-home new construction with over $200,000 spent on finish materials, fixtures, and decor, it can be a wise investment to hire Rory.

5. What types of projects do you work on?

There are 3 primary design project types Rory Everitt Design can help with:

• Redecorating. Refresh your space without needing a general contractor. Always involves shopping for furnishings and decor; can also involve changing flooring material, paint color, millwork, window treatments, and lighting fixtures.

• Remodeling. Refresh your existing space using a general contractor. Usually involves stripping the room(s) down to the studs, to reconfigure the building’s space definition and internal systems like plumbing and HVAC. If you’re working with an architect, we offer creative layout and architectural ideas, and collaborate with you on selecting all surface materials, colors, finishes, cabinetry, counters, and fixtures. After the contractors leave, we handle installing lighting, window treatments, furnishing, artwork, and decor. For smaller projects, we can draft construction documents and permit sets.

• New construction. Build something completely new using an architect and general contractor. A stool can’t stand on only two legs - achieve a distinctive, solid, and super polished result by adding a designer as the third leg of the project team. Scope is similar to remodeling projects, but with more legwork up front. In particular, we help you define a very detailed contract with your general contractor, to make smart use of your budget and avoid costly change orders down the road.

6. How long does a typical project take?

Timelines vary with scope, size, and complexity. A redecorating job for a single room may be completed in a few weeks, while a full home new build can take several years. At the start, we’ll provide a project roadmap so you always know what’s ahead.

7. How involved will I be in the process?

Rory Everitt Design prefers to work collaboratively with every client. Your functional needs, aesthetic style, and context (eg incorporating some cherished collections or family heirlooms) is always at the heart of the design. Some clients love to be hands-on, while others prefer to step back and let us manage the details. Either way, the process is collaborative, transparent, and tailored to your comfort level.

8. Can you work with furniture or art I already own?

Absolutely. A well-loved piece often tells a story and brings some much-needed soul to a room. We enjoy weaving your existing items into a refreshed design, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.

9. How do I choose the right designer for me?

Look for a portfolio that resonates with your style and read online reviews from past clients. Also pay attention to how you feel when speaking with the designer. The right fit is someone who listens, inspires confidence, and makes the process enjoyable.

10. What happens during the first conversation?

Over the phone or a video chat, we’ll talk through your goals, ideas, budget, timeline, and practical needs. It’s a chance for us to get to know you, understand your vision, and outline how we can bring it to life.

11. Do you also handle renovations?

Yes. We often collaborate with architects and contractors to ensure that everything - from floor plans to finishing touches - flows seamlessly and reflects the holistic design vision. For any work requiring permits, you will need to hire a general contractor. We have a few we love to work with and highly recommend.

12. Do you work with residential and commercial spaces?

Our primary focus is on creating extraordinary homes, well-loved by their owners. We also take on select commercial projects in the hospitality industry. If your space requires a refined and thoughtful touch, we’ll be glad to discuss it with you.

Ready to Talk?

A well-designed home is more than beautiful - it’s a joy to live in. Schedule your introductory call to start the journey.