1   I live in Seattle and have a little vacation condo in Whistler, BC. Can you help me design and decorate both interiors at once?

Of course we can. We’ve worked with people on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border and have the benefit of easy access to Canadian and American supplies and professionals. In fact, we can import and export to and from nearly everywhere. And, if we’re working on two spaces at once, you could take advantage of saving some time.

2   I’ve just gone through a horrible renovation. Nothing is what I had hoped. Can you help me with design now?

Yes. The first thing we have to do is chat about what you need. Then we will come to see what is happening with your space during a site visit.

3   I want to redesign the public area (kitchen, living room, dining room) of my upper floor, but don’t have time to run across town for meetings or to scout out flooring, tiles, and fabrics. Can you help me?

You bet we can. In fact, we can do much of the design work over the internet with pictures, drawings, and power point presentations. And, we’ll come to you with the samples so you won’t have to run all over town.

4   Help! We bought this three-bedroom house when it was just the two of us. Now we have two toddlers and need to make some changes, without the costs and inconveniences that go with renovations. What can we do?

We can help you turn your existing space into something much more conducive to your new lifestyle, without the expense, mess, and inconvenience of a full-out renovation. Indeed, sometimes it’s as simple as re-purposing a room, organizing closet space, or incorporating built-ins.

5   I’m happy with the inside of our home but know there is so much living space we could use on the back patio if only we could get things together. Can you help us design an outdoor living space?

We absolutely love working with outdoor spaces, and taking something from backyard blah to outdoor oasis! The outdoors is just such an open canvas. We can work with your existing space or advise you regarding some garden reconfigurations. Give us a call so we can talk a little more and find out what’s important to you.

6   What’s the difference between an interior designer and interior decorator?

Interior designers are educated professionals who develop a space and work with builders, contractors, and architects to meet the needs of a client. Interior designers have to know about modern construction practices and building codes in order to do their job well. Interior decorators are concerned with the surface and appearance of a space only. SMC Design is an interior design firm.

7   We’re just getting ready to hire an architect to design our house. Is this a good time to bring in an interior designer?

It certainly is! At this stage we can incorporate what you want: your use of desired space, light, and other important functional elements. This is also a good time to have certain sustainable products and processes specified.

Have another question?

Contact Susan Collins directly at 360.656.6845 or s.collins@smcdesign.biz.