If you don’t know anyone who has ever hired a designer for an in-home consultation, or you’re not sure whether the service right for you or what you’ll “get” from it, you are not alone. Almost every client I meet (aside from those whose friends referred them my way) isn’t exactly sure how it works or what happens during that meeting. Since I get asked so often, I decided to shed some light on what happens and what you can expect when you book your appointment.
Why Hire Me?
I have been decorating homes, managing renovations, DIYing projects, working with contractors, and doing it all on a budget since 2015 when I started my business…but you could say I’ve been doing it even longer—ever since I bought my first personal home in 2007. I work almost exclusively in old neighborhoods of Cincinnati, where homes average around 100 years old, so I’m quite experienced in what is going on behind these walls and in these basements and how quirky these small spaces with that lack storage and functionality can be. While these popular old neighborhoods and character homes are appealing, the way the houses were designed back then doesn’t always reflect what we need and want today. You may feel like your home is a problem or the hardest puzzle to solve, but I have seen it all: kitchens with 6 doorways, 2 full depth windows and a small footprint; bathrooms so awkward you can barely fit a sink; dated decor you’re trying to mesh with your contemporary furniture; old basements and attics just waiting to be finished. I can see the potential in any home. And I can also see what would be involved in getting it where you want it to be (from costs to extent of renovation to whether it’s worth opening that wall or not).
“The best part about our consultation was your perspective and experience! I liked that you kept it real with me and were really able to help me bring an empty space to life. Also you are a human Rolodex of information on where to shop local or online for everything and anything—especially discount finds. To me, that is priceless!” — Colleen R., Hyde Park
I have been invited into HUNDREDS of people’s homes to share tips, advice and ideas with them based on my experience designing, rehabbing and decorating houses. I have been in houses over a century old, track homes in the suburbs built in the ‘70s to ‘00s, and even fully renovated homes that need a little help with decor and furniture layout. I’ve helped people getting ready to put their house on the market to know what to do and where to focus to get it sold fast and for top dollar. Solving these puzzles aesthetically and on a budget is my passion—and my experience.
I often put on my “flipper’s hat” during an appointment to discuss what I would do to create the maximum value return for the least amount of money because let’s face it: Budget constraints are real. Working with someone who understands real-world budgets and real-life scenarios—and has lived in, renovated and revamped old houses for a decade and a half has its advantages. Whether your kitchen renovation budget is $1,000 or $80,000, whether you want to hire someone to do all the work or you want to tackle some DIY, I’m able to provide ideas to help your situation. Even if you have no realm of what you want to do or what it might cost, I can help with that, too. Because I understand real estate and the ROI for the dollars you put into your home, I can help advise you on the best way to prioritize your projects, whether your ideas make financial sense based on the current real estate market and what you paid for your home, and plenty of ways to mask or minimize the flaws of your home while playing up and showcasing its best assets.
“Working with Nicole literally saved me THOUSANDS of dollars on my kitchen remodel. What a fantastic resource!” -- Chris, Wyoming
Is a Consultation Right for YOU?
I have consulted with homeowners in modest starter-level homes and up to $1 million+ homes. I’ve helped with brand new construction and houses more than 120 years old. I’ve worked with people who feel overwhelmed to set a plan of action and a list of priorities to tackle, as well as been the neutral tie-breaker for couples who have very different ideas on what they should be doing. It doesn’t matter the budget, the age or the style of the home.
“I loved having the consult! I had already done a lot of work on my house but was having a hard time with the little finishes to make it all come together. It was so helpful to have a fresh set of eyes to give perspective! I made the small kitchen changes you recommended and it made all the difference in that room—and your tip on how to select paint to make the marble inset on my fireplace pop was one I would have never thought of.” — Grace S., Clintonville (Columbus)
I have been brought in by homeowners who already got architectural plans drawn up to have another set of eyes review them and consider anything else to make the space better, more aesthetic or even cost-saving before they gave a final stamp of approval. And on the flip side, I have given homeowners the space planning and design direction they need BEFORE they hire other design professionals to begin drafting. Often, getting a solid direction before hiring someone to create blueprints can save hours of expensive designer/architect design time later.
As a landlord, flipper, home stager, real estate investor and even Airbnb Superhost, I can cover a wide variety of topics related under these hats as well if you’re considering renting a property, starting an Airbnb, flipping a house or getting your home (or investment property) ready for the market. The majority of my consultation clients are homeowners, but I have worked with all sorts of investors (new and experienced) to help with direction on their properties. We can even help who want to make aesthetic (yet impermanent) updates to their spaces and decor, as well as condo dwellers. Wherever you live, whatever your space is like, whether you own or you rent, our design service can help.
What Happens During Our Appointment?
A consultation is a verbal, in-person meeting at your home. While I bring basic tools (paint decks, measuring tapes, graph paper for quick sketches), homeowners usually take extensive notes (and sometimes even record audio for our meeting). Every single appointment is different because everyone’s home and area(s) of concern are different. I have spent the entire appointment just talking about remodeling ideas to consider for a bathroom or kitchen; and I have spent the time going over details and ideas for an entire house (inside and out). Sometimes we drill down specific paint colors or tile. Sometimes we sketch a rough kitchen layout you can take to your preferred supplier. We can cover furniture and decor ideas as well as mini renovations or updates or full-scale remodels. I have talked homeowners through the pitfalls of their home and helped them decide whether to renovate or put on an addition or to sell their home and look for something that better suits their needs. You lead. You talk and share your concerns, ideas or questions and then I answer based on my design aesthetic, what I would personally do to solve or attack the problem to make it both beautiful and more functional—without overspending.
I also share vetted contractors and tradespeople I personally use that do excellent and professional work as well as places most homeowners aren’t even aware of where they can purchase fixtures (like cabinets) for a fraction of the cost of most retailers. In addition, for those who have never tackled any home renovation but want to, I can share useful insider information about how long it would take to complete, approximately what they can expect it to cost, what it would be like to live through, how to get the best and most accurate contractor bids.
“I was so attached to my own perspectives about my houses, so I appreciated you seeing things from a different—perhaps more accurate—perspective. It was valuable for me to hear I could get a good result with a reasonable budget and that I didn’t need to tear down various walls just because open spaces are on trend. I am mostly grateful you put me in touch with the best contacts that I have used for every house project since!” — Rebecca V., Hyde Park
How Should You Prepare for Our Appointment?
You don’t have to do anything at all to prepare, but I do suggest having childcare lined up if possible. I’m a mom too, and I know how hard it is to focus and retain information when young children are around vying for attention. For all you Type A’s, feel free to make a list of questions and ideas that have been in your head so we can be sure to cover it all and not miss anything, because typically, we cover SO MUCH information including ideas you may not have even considered yet. Also be prepared to take notes (or record the audio of our conversation). If you’re going for a certain decor style and need advice on whether it works with your space or how to achieve it, feel free to save a few inspiration images to share with me during our visit. But honestly, NONE of this is necessary—don’t stress. Most homeowners do nothing to prepare and that’s totally fine! If you do want help with making a decision on the exact flooring, carpet, custom drapery material or upholstery, please have all samples you’re considering on site when we meet.
COVID-19 Protocol: All parties are responsible for health self-checks for everyone in their household leading up to our appointment; should anyone be experiencing symptoms or fever, test positive or become exposed to someone with COVID-19 prior to our meeting, both parties cancel without repercussion in advance of the appointment time.
Do You Consult on Home Additions?
Yes! I have consulted with homeowners prior to hiring an architect AND after getting plans drawn up—and sometimes at both phases! Some homes are easy to envision how an addition would flow, but not all homes are incredibly straightforward upon an initial consultation alone. Some DO require an architect to measure the existing home and require architectural collaboration in order to see what the possibilities are.
That said, I have consulted with numerous homeowners on the concept of additions in various stages of planning: before they meet with an architect (so they have directional ideas to steer the design), after they have some preliminary plans (to provide third party feedback for flow and cost engineering etc.), and sometimes even after that to make sure nothing has been overlooked. Some homeowners can also meet with a lender as a first step to get a sense of their home's current value and then what they can afford to put into the home in terms of additional construction costs, which can inform whether an addition is even financially feasible and what their firm budget ceiling is.
What Happens after the Consultation?
Overwhelmingly, when we wrap up our appointment, my clients are filled with excitement and even relief at all the ideas and direction they received. The vast majority have the ideas and direction they need to confidently take the next steps toward making it happen.
Revival Designs is not a full-service interior design studio. Most of our time is spent executing our own renovation projects. Outside of that, 2-hour consultations are the only client service we offer. The consultation is a total of two hours and doesn’t include additional design work or follow-up. If a client needs additional design help (such as architectural plans or a flushed out kitchen layout), I will refer them to the appropriate professionals during our appointment to take the next steps.
Do You Offer Follow-Up Consultations?
Yes! Some clients choose bring me back again, whether for other areas of their house we didn’t cover OR to help give them confidence and another set of eyes once they are finalizing their design plans or finish selections. Sometimes this CAN be done virtually and at a prorated cost if we don’t need a full two hours.
How Do I Pay for the Consultation?
I accept cash, check or Venmo at the completion of our appointment.
How Do I Schedule a Consultation?
Please just click the Contact Us tab and fill out the form. I will reply with any answers or clarifying information as needed, along with a link for clients to self-schedule their appointment during my available hours. Please note that our spots do fill quickly and we are often scheduling up to a month into the future. Please keep your email confirmation after scheduling. Should you need to cancel or reschedule, the links within that confirmation email will allow you to access the calendar and do so.
Do You Offer Virtual Consultations or Take Appointments Outside of Cincinnati?
Sorry, but I do not offer e-design or virtual appointments at this time. I feel it is absolutely necessary to be present in a space to fully understand and “see” it in order to share valid and accurate ideas.
I have driven somewhat further than Cincinnati (45 minutes or so) for an added fee based on the distance when my workload schedule allows. If you’re curious about whether I’ll come to you or what it might cost, please contact us and share your address to inquire.