Question 1

Are you an insured business and do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

I absolutely guarantee my work. If I didn't I wouldn't last long in this business. Word of mouth would quickly spread and I'd be unlikely to get new jobs.  Apart from that mercenary reason, I love what I do and want to deliver an outstanding and unique space.

Question 2

How did you decide to get into your line of work?

Accepted Answer

I've had a varied work history, starting as a receptionist, then a dental nurse, then onto beauty therapy and then human resources - all of my career choices had a central theme: people.  There was always a passion for design however- even when working in these roles, I would spend weekends styling and redecorating friends and friends of friends houses.  I have always been a home decorating magazine addict and am now a lifestyle channel addict, so it was an obvious career choice.  Interior decorating and property styling is the most rewarding career choice - seeing the happiness on a clients face when you help them create something special is truly amazing.

Question 3

Do you have a favourite customer story you would like to share?

Accepted Answer

There are a few that really stick in my memory, but my favourite and the one that gives me the most pride (not because it was my largest or most commercially successful) was a recent widower (12 months) that was having difficultly 'moving on' and was encouraged by her grown up daughter to seek the advice of an interior decorator in making some alterations.  I met with the client (who at the time was very sceptical and wary) and spent time getting to know her needs, wants, fears and dreams for the future. We took it slow, but eventually I encouraged her to either store or dispose of some of the less special possessions of her husband, but anything that was special or unique to him, we either highlighted or re-purposed.  She was so happy at the end of the project and said that she felt 'freer' and admitted that she was afraid that having someone 'interfere' in her home would 'banish' her husband's memory. She was surprised and very relieved (and extremely happy) that this wasn't the case. We've kept in touch and she still loves her new space.

Question 4

What do you like most about your job?

Accepted Answer

Every day is different, every client is unique. You start with either a blank canvas or a slightly uncoordinated and maybe not too stylish canvas, and get to work some magic. It's so fulfilling to work with a client and see their confidence grow and make design decisions on the direction of their space, when before they felt hesitant and unsure.  But basically, taking away the satisfaction of helping clients make their visions a reality, my real reason for loving what I do is the selfish pleasure I take in working with texture, colour, patterns and design - I live and breath it.

Question 5

What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, determine that they are a registered professional. Also ask for their fees and what is includes. Ask if they guarantee their work -  make sure this is in writing. Where possible actually meet or speak with the service professional to see if you have a rapport, if you don't then it could make the project rather difficult.  Also ask about their selection of tradesmen, and their ability to oversee the project. Determine how issues will be resolved and how contactable they are.  No question should be out of bounds to ensure you select the right service professional.

Question 6

What questions do customers commonly ask and how would you answer them?

Accepted Answer

What do you charge? $240 for an initial consultation and 25% of overall budget. I can tell you though, that you will make this money back on the outcome and the savings that I can make as a professional interior decorator. Why would I need an interior decorator? I bring fresh eyes, am up on the latest decorating trends, and know how to get information out of you that you probably haven't even thought about yourself - would you feel happier, more relaxed, more energised, more creative, more content etc with a particular style over another.

Question 7

What makes you the most reliable and trustworthy person for the job?

Accepted Answer

Noosa is a small town and if I don't do the right thing I won't last long in this business.  Apart from that, I actually absolutely love what I do and am committed to doing the absolute best job that I can no matter how many hours I have to put into it (luckily you're not paying by the hour so it's no problem!).  I'm also an ex HR person and people and relationships mean everything to me, so I must do the right thing by my clients. Regardless, word of mouth and technology would be killers if you weren't reliable and trustworthy - everyone would know about it in a mili-second!

Question 8

Why should a customer hire you over another service provider?

Accepted Answer

Our low overheads, our passion, our attention to detail, and our care factor.  We love what we do, we understand and respect that any design/decorating project that we undertake must start with the needs and wants of the individual.  We will work with you to understand your lifestyle needs and help create an environment that you absolutely want to spend time in.

Question 9

What are the typical things that you need to know before you can provide a quote to a customer?

Accepted Answer

Who lives in the space - I design for all inhabitants. I also need to understand the lifestyle needs and wants of the clients. How do you use the space, how could you utilise the space better. Do you have visions that you perhaps thought were out of reach . Naturally I need to understand your budget and your desired timeframe for completion of the project. I would also like to understand your style and design likes/dislikes. I would basically like to understand you as a person - this will ensure that we come up with a design that is unique to you.

Question 10

How can a customer save money before you start the work? Please give 3 tips

Accepted Answer

1, Clean and de-clutter 2. Consider their lifestyle needs and understand their likes and dislikes 3. Have a set budget and priority of you really want done to meet your personal or family must haves and no matter what, don't waiver - it's so tempting to buy that absolutely gorgeous 3 seater $8000 couch, even though it's impractical and uncomfortable, but damn it looks good!

Question 11

Are there any special offers you would like to offer to Oneflare customers?

Accepted Answer

As INterior INspirations is fairly new to the Noosa area (although my business partner has been operating on the Gold Coast for 23+ years), I will halve my initial consultation fee for the first 10 clients to contact me through Oneflare.

Question 12

What makes your pricing competitive?

Accepted Answer

Not having a showroom or office building, my overheads are extremely low.  I do however have a fully functional office with all of the mod cons and required technology at my fingertips.  Living centrally between Noosa and Coolum (Doonan) it's an easy hop, skip and jump to meet with clients.  Technology makes things so simple - I can source anything over the Net, and being registered and having relationships with all of the major suppliers, means that I can source the best finishes and furnishings at the most competitive price without having to add on my overheads.

Question 13

How do you normally charge for your service?

Accepted Answer

An in depth initial consultation is $240 for both residential interior decorating and resort refurbishments.  This includes advice on furniture placement, de-cluttering, advice on items & areas that need addressing, and concept suggestions (notes only). Should you decide to undertake my recommendations, my fee is 25% of your set budget for the project. You would then have your $240 initial fee refunded on your final invoice. The full package includes an initial consultation to determine your brief & allowable budget, concept or mood book displaying all selections, one full day or two half days shopping with you, and where able, I will pass on my decorator’s discounts, I will also organise all tradesmen in accordance with job scope, oversee installation & all deliveries, be mindful of spatial planning, organise customised upholstery, select furniture, soft furnishings & art, select finishings & fittings (for example, tiles, kitchen cabinetry, bench tops, appliances, flooring), select window treatments, organise quotes, and ensure complete client satisfaction.

Question 14

Is there a particular aspect of your trade or industry that you specialise in?

Accepted Answer

Residential design and decorating is the core part of our business, but I also have a passion for property styling.  I love nothing better than to see a property that has been on the market for a while with no bites, go in and do my stying "stuff" and then see the property sell.  Amazing feeling.  We also specialise in resort and accommodation let refurbishments - it's so rewarding to see the transformation, be told that the room let has increased and hear about the recommendations of previous holiday makers - and know that you have, in some part, had something to do with the increase in a resort's revenue.

Question 15

What experience, skills, qualifications or training do you have to make you the right person for the job?

Accepted Answer

Apart from my passion and desire to work in the design and decorating industry, I have 10 years experience in creating unique residential and commercial spaces.  I also have qualifications from the International School of Colour and Design.

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