FAQ
Q: What is different about Yvonne from other designers ?
A: Yvonne’s experience and education in furniture design, industrial design and architectural technology.
Since 1995 Yvonne has designed furniture and interiors alongside clients in Italy, Asia, US and Canada, providing a unique, international point-of-view.
With an industrial design and architectural technology education, she can offer you solutions on technical aspects of design [e.g. lighting, telecom, electrical and construction details], and on ergonomics, psychology and perception.
Q: What can I expect from the 1-2 hour consultation ?
A: We can focus on 1 or 2 rooms in detail [e.g. discuss necessary updates, furniture layout and sizes, measure for anything custom, color, material & style suggestions, resources], or do an overview of several rooms you’d like to refurbish.
Q: I’m not sure if I need a 1 or 2 hour initial consultation. How does this work ?
A: If you have only 1 room, 1 hour should be enough. Ask Yvonne and she can help you decide ahead of time.
Q: How much does an interior design consultation cost ?
A: $185 / hour + HST for the Ottawa area. There is a small up-charge for out-of-town clients to cover travel costs.
Q: How much does it cost for a living room design?
A: A floor plan for a living, dining or bed room including generic furnishings and meetings, starts at $1,500 + HST. The price will depend on size of room, number of furnishings, etc. Selection of furnishings is extra.
Q: What happens if I don't like the design ?
A: To start, Yvonne asks all new clients to answer a detailed questionnaire to help understand your project goals, budget, style preferences, use of space requirements, etc. This information, allows Yvonne to create a design specifically suited to you.
Q: Can I read some client reviews of your work ?
A: Yes, there are several reviews on Houzz [click here] who refer to projects in Yvonne’s Portfolio section.
Q: What does turn-key mean?
A: It means everything is designed and implemented by Yvonne Potter Interior Design.
Q: Do you offer gift certificates ?
A: Yes, simply email your request to Yvonne with the number of hours you’d like and who it is for to : yvonne@yvonnepotter.com
Q: What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator ?
A: Interior design is the art and technology of understanding people's behavior to create functional spaces within a building, starting with space planning. Decoration is the furnishing or adorning of that space with beautiful things. In short, interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design.
Q: What is space planning ? Why do I need it ?
A: Space planning is a fundamental element of the interior design process. It starts with an in-depth analysis of how the space is to be used. Yvonne then draws up a to-scale floor plan/ furniture layout that defines the zones of the space and the activities that will take place. The floor plan will also define the circulation patterns that show how people will move through the space. The floor plan is finished by adding sizes and specifications of all the furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Q: How do interior designers work with contractors ?
A: They work with contractors by first working with you to plan the project and to develop a set of drawings that capture all the design details, including floor plans, electrical & lighting plans and all products selected. The drawings are then used by the contractor to estimate the project and provide a detailed quote. Therefore the drawings become part of the contract between you and the contractor. During construction Yvonne works closely with the General Contractor to ensure the drawings are followed perfectly.
Q: Why hire an interior designer when I can get free design services at a bathroom and kitchen store ?
A: Interior designers take a holistic approach when designing a space, by looking at all adjacent rooms and the inherent architecture. Kitchen cabinet and bathroom companies focus solely on that 1 room and sometimes just the cabinets in that room. There are several other key differences which Yvonne outlines here : http://yvonnepotter.blogspot.ca/2016/06/y-design-loop.html
Q: Why hire an interior designer when I can do it myself ?
A: You know what you like and don't like, but maybe you’re not sure how to achieve these preferences in your home? Maybe you get overwhelmed with all the details and options? Interior designers are skilled in the technical aspects of architecture and home renovations, space planning, ergonomics, curating furnishings, balance, scale and proportion.