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.
