House of Allure Interiors & Design is proud to deliver comprehensive design services suitable for a range of project demands. We seek to enhance your quality of life by bringing beautiful, functional, and attainable design to the spaces within your home.

0427 010 043

“where your style comes to life”

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Frequently Asked Questions

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE QUESTIONS
HOW DOES THE DESIGN PROCESS WORK?

Firstly, we’d love to have a chat with you if you’re interested in collaborating. Given that every project is unique, and we take pride in embracing the diversity of challenges, we offer full-service design to clients nationwide. The initial step involves an intake through a discovery call, where we delve into the specifics of your design project, discuss requirements, answer questions, and outline our process. We’ll also explain that the next step is scheduling an initial consultation to meet in person or virtually.

 

Following the initial consultation, we will prepare a comprehensive design and fee proposal that details the scope of work. This is not a proposal for the entire project’s cost, as developing the plan, creating designs, and assembling documentation for bids takes time. The agreement specifies our anticipated design fee, often presented as a flat encompassing fee. It provides a clear understanding of the cost involved in engaging us for the design project. Once the agreement is sent to you for review, and if you decide to proceed, signing the agreement and paying a 50% deposit secures your place on our project calendar.

 

Subsequently, we’ll coordinate a site visit to photograph and measure the spaces we’ll be working on. We’ll input these measurements into our design program to initiate space planning and embark on the exciting phase of design development. Once this phase is complete, we’ll meet again to present the design.

How do I select the right Designer?

Choosing the right designer is crucial, and we believe it hinges on a strong collaboration between the Designer and the Client. The foundation of this collaboration is built upon communication, trust, and respect, which are integral to the success of our projects.

 

Prospective clients are encouraged to explore our portfolio and body of work. Additionally, a visit to our social media channels provides insight into our design philosophy, approach, and work style.

 

Given that the design process, especially for extensive renovations, can be a lengthy journey, establishing a connection and ensuring alignment from the beginning is key.

Why should I consider adding an Interior Designer to my project when I already have a Builder/Architect?

Engaging an Interior Designer can enhance the overall project outcome by focusing on the intricate details that shape the internal atmosphere and experience of a space. While Architects and Builders handle the structural and external aspects, Interior Designers bring a specialised skill set to ensure the internal spaces align with the client’s lifestyle and preferences.

 

Collaboration among Architects, Builders, and Interior Designers and Decorators often results in a synergistic approach, where each discipline contributes to the project’s success. Interior Designers excel in crafting details such as internal joinery, kitchen and bathroom designs, colour schemes, material choices, fixtures, fittings, soft-furnishing, furniture and decor selection. This comprehensive involvement ensures a harmonious and well-integrated design, right down to the finest details.

 

In cases where there is an extensive internal renovation involving multiple rooms within the same footprint and lacking existing conditions or a measured site plan, we recommend connecting with a registered drafter. They can address these preliminary aspects before engaging the Interior Designer, allowing for a more seamless and holistic design process. Our approach is to create a cohesive and beautiful end result, with every selection and decision contributing to the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.

What does Design Management entail?

Design Management is a service we provide during the implementation phase of your project. Once you’ve enlisted a builder for your renovation, they take on the role of the Project Manager, overseeing the site and coordinating trades.

 

Our Design Management service ensures that the intricate design details are faithfully executed, and our design intent is maintained throughout the project. This can involve on-site assistance with decisions and addressing any issues that may arise, especially in larger projects or heritage homes where unexpected challenges may emerge during construction.

 

While we can conduct regular site visits at crucial stages, the overall timeline and execution of the build remain under the purview of your appointed builder. Design Management is billed hourly in advance, with time blocks tailored to the scale of the project.

WHAT DOES FULL SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN MEAN?

Full Service Interior Design entails providing a comprehensive, “done-for-you” design solution for your project, covering everything from the initial concept to the final styling. Our team takes on the responsibility of handling all the details, including research, selection, purchasing, coordination, and installation. We guide you through our signature process to achieve a beautiful outcome. This full-service approach is applicable to a single room, a group of rooms, or an entire home in a single installation. Many of our clients prefer working in phases, and consequently, full-service projects are often completed one room at a time. It’s important to note that full service still applies even if you already own some of the pieces we incorporate into your project.

DO YOU OFFER CUSTOM OPTIONS & DO I HAVE TO DO CUSTOM EVERYTHING?

We provide a range of customised options tailored to the specific needs of each client and the space we are designing. This may involve custom furniture, upholstery, curtains, and bedding, adding unique touches that give a space the distinctiveness most clients desire. It’s important to note that not everything needs to be custom-made; we collaborate with various trade suppliers and are open to incorporating ready-made items into your design. Customisation doesn’t necessarily translate to higher costs; we work within various budgets to ensure that the finished design is personalised to suit your lifestyle and taste, delivering a unique and thoughtful result.

CAN I CHANGE MY MIND IF I PLACE AN ORDER ON A CUSTOM PIECE?

Once an order is placed and acknowledgement received from supplier/ workroom it cannot be cancelled. This is especially true for custom orders. These require extra time, special consideration and skilled artisans to create a unique piece just for you, and for that reason manufacturers will not cancel custom orders. Stocked items may be cancelled but typically a restocking fee is charged. These fees range from 15% to 35% depending on supplier.

HOW INVOLVED WILL I HAVE TO BE IN THE DESIGN PROCESS?

The majority of our clients prefer a hands-off approach, entrusting everything into our capable hands. Based on years of experience, we’ve found that the design process runs smoother, and your design investment goes further when we fully manage the project after understanding your needs and desires for your home. While we highly value our clients’ ideas and input to ensure the space reflects your style and lifestyle, we take care of all the details. Our process involves presenting you with great choices and options, making recommendations, and guiding you through decisions, all while educating you along the way. We strive to make the process simple and enjoyable, taking a personable approach to collaboration. We ask for the opportunity to earn your trust, handling all the details for a stress-free experience.

HOW LONG WILL THE PROCESS TAKE?

This is really dependant on the scope of work and complexity your project could last anywhere from 8 weeks to 26 weeks – longer if there is construction and remodeling involved. We will discuss the timeframe upfront with you before the project begins.

WHO ARE YOUR TYPICAL CLIENTS

Our clients come from diverse backgrounds, representing various life stages and lifestyles. We cater to young professionals embarking on their first living space, empty-nesters preparing to downsize, career-driven individuals, bachelors, bachelorettes, high net worth individuals, families with young children, and individuals with unique lifestyles. The commonality among our clients is their shared desire for a home that serves as a sanctuary, complementing their unique tastes and lifestyles.

 

We welcome clients at every stage of life and are committed to meeting their diverse design needs.

 

Our ideal clients are those who recognise the value of the creative process and appreciate the experience, expertise, and systematic approach of a professional design team. They trust our team to deliver exceptional results, make decisions decisively, and are ready to take action. These clients are willing to invest in creating a home that truly reflects their vision, understanding the intrinsic value of beautiful, high-quality design work.

DO YOU OFFER FREE CONSULTATIONS?

We do charge a non-refundable fee for our initial in home consultations since this will be working session and we are blocking out a specific time on our calendar and traveling to your home to assess the space, make recommendations, give solid design advice and direction, and put together a Design & Fee Proposal for you. Most clients understand that this is a minimal cost compared to not calling in a professional from the beginning and possibly end up making costly mistakes. Clients have thanked us for the information and guidance that they receive during our consultation, and for them, it is absolutely worth the small investment into making their home one that they can be proud of.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE INITIAL CONSULTATION?

The initial consultation is a pivotal step in our design process. Following the discovery call to ensure a potential fit, the in-home consultation is the next phase. This two-hour appointment is a collaborative working session where we provide you with invaluable expert guidance, ideas, and information to set you on the right path for your project. During this session, we conduct a thorough tour of your entire home, helping you define the project scope. We delve into discussions about your style, lifestyle needs, vision, budget (we can help establish one if needed), timeframe based on scope, and we manage your expectations about the process. Furthermore, we provide details about our work approach, how we bill for our services, and how we meticulously handle every aspect of your project. Following this consultation, we’ll present a comprehensive Design & Fee Proposal to proceed with your project.

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE STYLE YOU PREFER?

While we have a distinctive design point of view that leans towards layered, sophisticated contemporary interiors, we also take pride in our flexibility and ability to tailor designs to our clients’ preferences. Our commitment to excellence means we strive to create the perfect design for each client, incorporating their individual tastes and needs. Many clients are drawn to us for our skillful use of colours, patterns, and textures that enhance the interiors we typically enjoy creating.

CAN YOU USE MY EXISTING FURNITURE?

Absolutely, we encourage clients to incorporate and celebrate the treasured pieces they already own. This not only adds a personal touch but contributes to a homely and unique design. We highly respect our clients’ desire to repurpose and reuse items whenever feasible. However, we maintain honesty about what will complement the overall design. For instance, if a piece is too large for the room, we might suggest relocating it to another space where it could be a better fit.

WHAT GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS DO YOU SERVE?

Our physical location is in the southern region of Adelaide, and our services extensively cover Adelaide, The Fleurieu, and The Hills. However, geographical distance doesn’t limit our ability to collaborate. If your project aligns well with our expertise and approach, we’re open to discussions regardless of your location. Whether you’re outside of Adelaide or even international, we’re willing to explore your design requirements and find suitable solutions.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?

Determining our fees involves a personalised approach based on the unique aspects of each project. During your initial consultation, we’ll delve into your vision and the scope of work required. Following this, we’ll provide you with a detailed Design & Fee Proposal. For Full Service Interior Design projects, our fees are typically a flat rate, ensuring transparency and clarity about the overall costs from the outset. This approach allows you to understand the likely fees upfront, tailored to the specific scope of your project.

CAN I ORDER JUST CUSTOM MADE WINDOW TREATMENTS, CUSHIONS & BEDDING?

Certainly! If you’re specifically interested in custom soft furnishings such as curtains, blinds, cushions, and bedding, you’re more than welcome to engage our services for these elements alone. We can meet with you in your home, take measurements, quote, and craft tailor-made soft furnishings that suit your style and space. It’s important to note that, unlike curtain and blind showrooms that may provide this service for free, we operate as design professionals, and therefore, we do charge a fee for our expertise and personalised design approach.

HOW DO YOU WORK WITH TRADES PEOPLE?

As we are not general contractors or project managers, we do not directly hire subcontractors for executing designs in your home. It’s your responsibility to engage and ensure that all tradespeople are properly qualified and have the necessary documentation. Tradespeople may include general contractors, architects, builders, plumbers, electricians, wallpaper hangers, painters, handymen, installers, fabricators, joiners, cabinet makers, tilers, and other specialists.

 

We’re more than happy to meet with the contractors and subcontractors you hire to review our design plans, drawings, materials, and other specifications. They are responsible for verifying all dimensions before commencing work.

 

If you don’t have contractors or lack the time to research, we can provide you with a list of tradespeople we may or may not have worked with in the past. You are responsible for interviewing and vetting them before signing a contract and paying for their services. While we won’t interview tradespeople on your behalf, we can advise you on questions to ask and points to cover in your meetings. Upon request, we can attend the initial meeting to discuss design concepts and feasibility, offering our observations and expert opinions based on that meeting.

 

We do, however, directly engage trades and artisans responsible for custom window treatments and installation, custom bedding, custom furniture, and custom upholstery.