Have you recently visited a beautiful home and realized it’s time to seek the assistance of professional decorators? Interior design specialists can help you get the most from your home investment in several ways.

Maybe it’s time to update your 1980s or 1990s kitchen decor with a fresh, new design that uniquely fits your personality and lifestyle. Kitchen and bathroom make overs are popular due to the high returns on investment but we’re also seeing home owners interested in bedroom and living room updates here in Northern Virginia and DC.

One of the benefits of hiring a professional is the incredible selection of custom furniture and window treatments, carpeting, and accessories you just can’t find in local stores. Having multiple options is key to creating a unique look of your own. Working with experienced interior decorators assures the biggest “WOW” for your investment.  Carefully selected merchandise that fits you as well as your budget – as much or as little as you need — allows you to live in the space of your dreams.

When you work with a design professional from Decor and You DC you have access to an exclusive selection of products from over 300 quality manufacturers. You won’t find “your” unique look in someone else’s home or at a store. Plus, our professional decorators handle everything for you – from ordering and deliveries to the flawless, final installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your credentials?

We train with the best.  We have studied under Mary Gilliatt, internationally acclaimed designer and author of 40 design books.  We have studied with her in the US and France, and are committed to continuous education – formal and field experience.

We offer full service interior decorating services which include color schemes, floor/space plans, selection of custom window treatments, furniture and accessories as well as the full execution of spaces and projects. In addition to our local team in Maryland and Virginia, Mary is an associate and assists with design on select projects.

How do you work?  How do you charge for your services?

We offer full-service interior decorating by the project, and also offer design consultation by the hour.

For partial or full projects, we offer multiple designs to enhance or completely update existing spaces.  We can work with clients in stages to assure that the items selected and purchased complement the desired look and style of the client.  Full project design is an excellent option for someone who wants someone to design, manage and install the entire project.

We also offer design consultations by the hour.  The sampling of services we offer include color scheme/paint consultation, new home selection and design consultation to builders and their clients, room redesign, preparing the home for sale, and shopping.

Do you provide references and referrals?

You bet! We can provide a list of client referrals as part of our mutual interviewing process. Additionally, we offer our clients contractor referrals for handyman services, painting, electrical and carpentry.

Do you specialize in residential or commercial work?

We work on both residential and commercial projects.

Do I have to buy everything from you?

Absolutely not.  It is not going to cost a client more money to order furniture from us. We work with over 300 manufacturers that are priced similarly with the prices of retail stores that carry merchandise of comparable quality.  We also work with manufacturers that are exclusive and only work with the trade.

Our job is to provide guidance so a client does not make costly choices they regret.  We want clients to love their new space and feel good about their investment. And, in this case, we prefer to let our clients tell you how it went (testimonials here).

Do you design in a particular style?

Like anything that has to do with fashion, what’s old is new – yet nothing is the same. We pride ourselves on appreciating and studying all styles from history through current trends.  We work with our clients to assure a look that is comfortable and unique to them.  Our commitment is to use excellent design principles, guidance and execution so clients have the space of their dreams.

Contact us if you would like to discuss your interior decorating project.

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Solid Surface Counters – While maintaining the footprint of the existing kitchen, enlarging the island to expand a bar and create more comfortable seating is easy.  Contrasting granite in the main kitchen area and island is often suggested.  The island becomes a fine piece of furniture and creates a natural focal point.  Quality, sealed granite averages $50-$80 a square foot installed to make a standard kitchen counter upgrade from $3,000-$5,000.

Tile Backsplash – Backsplash makes any kitchen look new.  Choose from subway tile in a natural stone, a 1×1 glass mosaic in 12” pieces, tumbled stone in 4×4 squares on the diagonal, or even some combination blended together to create permanent art.  Before the tile design is installed, be sure to add under cabinet lighting if it’s missing.  Lights will reflect off solid surface counters and tile backsplash to add dimension, interest and mood.  Installed tile backsplash in average-sized kitchens averages $2,000-$3,500.

Lighting Fixtures – Add new fixtures above the bar and eat-in areas.  Try burnished metal lighting fixtures to create a transitional look, or brushed nickel fixtures for a more contemporary feel.  Drum lights come in every style to create an updated look.   A few new lighting fixtures with high style can range from $500- $1,000.

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New Cabinets – If tastes have changed or new cabinetry is finally an option, upgrade cabinets to a better quality, color and style.  With the proper resources and a reasonable budget, replacing cabinets is within the reach of many homeowners.  New cabinets which are installed and available in a mid-range quality for a 15×15 kitchen start at about $14,000.

Whether you have $2,500 or $25,000 to invest in updating a kitchen, consider a kitchen designer to ensure that a budget is maximized, while style and function are not compromised.

For more information, call us at 703.599.0648 or contact us online.

Kitchen photos compliments of Monarch Design and Remodeling.

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• Top 8 Trends, High Point 2011 Market
• High Point, NC Market 2011 Day 2
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