Who are your typical clients and what is expected?

I specialize in working with clients who appreciate high-end interior design and are committed to creating interiors that reflect style, beauty and elegance without compromising on livability or comfort. My typical clients are dual-career couples and families who are looking for a designer to understand and assist in creating a unique vision and style for their home and to translate that into their surroundings.

To achieve excellence in my design work, it is important that our client relationship be completely open and honest and trusting in my design expertise. As with any artist, the finished portrait is not readily apparent with the first few strokes of the brush. The same holds true for design. It is the careful balance of color, light, scale and detail that create the unique design for your home. While each element alone may not inspire you, it’s the artistic quality of design that allows me to see the potential in each element, understand its role in the space and allows me meld these various elements together in creating a unified space that speaks to your individual style.

What is “high-end” design?

Contrary to how it sounds, high-end design is not synonymous with expensive design. High-end design focuses on the artistic nature of design, combining the basic fundamentals and principles of interior design to create spaces that reflect that artistic quality and beauty of design that’s classic and timeless.

What led to you pursue design?

I have embraced design from as far back as I can remember. As a young child, I was inspired by interior spaces, often looking at the details and trying to identify what made one space feel different or look different from one another. My mother often commented on how observant I was but unbeknownst to me at the time; I was really connecting to what truly inspired me and was starting to discover my inner passions. As I grew up, design was not considered a “practical” path to take for a young college student so I turned my aspirations towards a degree in business. What followed was a fourteen-year career in corporate America but I was fortunate to work with those who took notice of my creative side and often gave me projects that really tapped my creativity. It was after having an opportunity to stay at home with our fourth child that I reconnected with that inner calling and passion for interior design. I embarked on the second chapter of my life, starting a career in interior design, receiving a formal education in design and most recently opening my own design studio as well as business helping other designers reconnect with their passion for design.

What inspires you in your design work?

Interior design is truly an art and like any artist, my designs are created from an initial inspiration or idea. It is from this initial inspiration that I am able to select and edit appropriate elements for your space. Inspiration can come from literally anywhere - a favorite seashell from your family vacation, the view outside your home, a unique piece of artwork or the architecture of the space itself. When I start a project, I walk in with a blank canvas and let your emotions and the surroundings tell me what you envision for the space and it is from that point that I create.

Will your design recommendations reflect my personal tastes and style?

From the very beginning, I bring you into the design process, by getting a clear understanding around your style, vision and goals for your space. If you’re not quite sure what you want or need from your space, time is devoted to identifying those elements so those elements can be incorporated in the final design. Design is very individual and personal; what makes a space work or inspire someone is very different from person to person. My role is to draw out those qualities and traits that really speak to the individual person and marry those elements into their surroundings. I’m often asked how I work with couples who have very different tastes. Balance is one of the fundamental principles of design and in the case of couples with very different styles, that balance is reached by incorporating the highest valued design elements from their individual styles while applying the core principles of design to bring a cohesive balance and maintain the integrity of the overall design.

How do you charge for your services?

I have approached offering my services on a package basis so my clients know exactly what they are receiving for their investment in my services. My packages extend from my top-tier package where I can assist you in completing your entire home to my a la carte services where I can assist in one specific aspect of your design project, such as selecting paint colors. I’ve structured my packages to meet you at the various phases of your design project.

What is your own personal style?

While it’s not technically classified as a style, my personal preference is what I call “Southern Traditional”. I love the architectural character and style that embodies the Deep South with its richly carved woods, iron scrollwork, colorful warm palettes, lots of texture and subtle tropical influences. It’s based in a classic traditional style but its ability to be quirky and incorporate the “unexpected “ is what really draws me to this look. My first visit to Charleston, South Carolina felt like home and it’s become a favorite vacation destination for us each year, where I relish in exploring the local shops and artists and really studying how the South has influenced the elements of traditional style.

Do you incorporate “green” products?

Green design or better known as “eco-friendly” design is something I am truly passionate about. I received my certification from the Sustainable Furnishing Council as an Accredited Professional in green design and I am committed to working with clients to make their homes healthier and friendlier for themselves and the environment. I can assure you the environmental concerns we hear about are very real and we all need to take notice of them now. Even the smallest steps we can take, such as selecting a low VOC paint or repurposing older furniture, can have a tremendous impact over time. I fully encourage my clients to consider implementing eco-friendly alternatives into their design plans. There are so many exciting new options available now for green products so you can easily be “eco-friendly” without sacrificing style.

How long will it take to complete my project?

It really varies on the scope of your project. It is important to remember that design is a process and while it’s nice to see a room done in a weekend on HGTV, that’s not reality. The design consulting phase typically takes 3-4 weeks to complete. This involves drafting, space planning, product research and specification and gathering samples in addition to our client meetings. Delivery times for actual pieces vary but here is a general guideline:

Furniture – 8 to 12 weeks
Accessories – 2 to 6 weeks
Window Treatments – 4 to 8 weeks

How much do you charge?

Design services are priced on a project basis so it's hard to address this question upfront until we have a chance to talk more and determine the level of design services that will best fit your needs and objectives. During our design assessment call, we'll talk in depth about your project, your specific struggles and how best I can support you in meeting your design needs. Once the scope of your project is established, I can then provide you with a detailed proposal for design services so you know exactly what you are receiving for your investment.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, KMD Interiors accepts MasterCard, Visa and Discover as well as personal checks.

How do we get started?

We begin with an initial design assessment via telephone. Prior to our conversation, I provide you with a questionnaire to help you organize and articulate your thoughts about the space as well as help me better understand your needs and desires for your space. When we do talk, the completed questionnaire provides us a starting point to work from so we can make the most effective use of our time together. To start the process, simply call 571-257-2467 or email ClientServices@kmdinteriors.com to schedule your 20-minute complimentary design assessment.

What are the next steps?

After the initial design assessment, together we decide which level of service would best meet your needs. I then forward you a copy of my contract for your review and signature. Once your completed contract and payment are received, we will schedule an in-home consultation to discuss the aesthetics of the space and take room measurements and photos. I will be in touch on a weekly basis to provide you with project updates. The final design recommendations are typically ready for your review within 3-4 weeks of our initial visit. With the exception of our e-Design services, I will make an appointment to meet with you in your home to formally present my design recommendations.