Alex Honey is Sterling Interior Designs Creative Director

FAQ's

At Sterling Interior Design we have six separate levels of service, all for affordable fix fees - so you only pay for precisly the help you need.

If think you need assistance and have never worked with an interior designer before, here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

Need more help? If you have further questions let us know we would be delighted to answer them for you.

 What’s the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

Interior designers actually design your living space. This requires a thorough understanding of construction and space planning. This knowledge is backed by formal study and qualifications.

Interior designers also work with the finishes, fittings and fixtures within a room or dwelling. This covers materials such as flooring, cabinetry, lighting, tap ware etc

Interior designers and interior decorators both work with the decorative elements of a space. These cover areas like paint colours, furniture, window treatments and decorative accessories.

When should I call a professional interior designer?

If you are thinking about making changes, planning to alter the way you use your living space or need a new décor style you should always consult with a professional Brisbane interior designer and colour consultant. Their trained eye will see the options and opportunities you may overlook.

An In Home Consultation will provide invaluable interior design ideas, tips, advice and direction to make the most of your time, effort and budget ... even if you are doing the work yourself.

What should I do before I contact an interior designer?

Collect a few pictures from magazines or the internet that capture the look, style or colours that you like. Present the pictures to your designer during your initial consultation. Images are a great way to communicate and will help an interior designer to create a scheme you love.

What information will the interior designer ask me for?

Your interior designer will ask you a few core questions as part of your initial brief.

• How big is the project - the whole house, a room, a major renovation, minor adjustments?
• What is the purpose of your project? Style update, new renovation or extension or preparation for sale?
• Are there elements of your current interior you are planning to keep e.g: carpet, paint, furniture pieces or art?
• Is there a particular atmosphere you would like to create? Formal, casual or appealing for potential property purchasers?
• Have you worked with an interior designer before? What did you like/dislike about that experience?
• What is your budget and estimated timeframe for completion?

 What will my project cost?

Having an interior designer create a Design Concept Board including costing report will let you know what you are getting and how much it will cost before you begin.

If you have a budget or a general idea of how much money you want to spend on your project, let your designer know what this is in the beginning. Providing a budget means that your design can be tailored suit your budget. You will always be provided with the optimal recommendations for your property within your budget.

With our Design Concept Board all costs are disclosed up front – so there are no surprises at the end of the project.

How do I choose a designer to work with?

Take some time to browse through a designer’s portfolio. Examples of previous work give a good indication of how well a designer fulfils a client’s brief.

Even if the look or colors are not your taste, take in to account how well the scheme works over all. Don’t be afraid to ask what the clients brief or budget was or if existing elements had to be retained.

What if a designer suggests a style I don’t like?

During your initial consultation a professional designer will take a through brief from you. A brief is information about your property, the people who live in it, your life-style, special needs as well as your desires relating to colour and style.

The suggestions or concept from a designer should closely reflect the brief.

When opting for a Design Concept Board the designer will explain how it fulfills the brief during the 90 minute presentation. If you are not happy with an aspect of the design discuss this so your designer can suggest altrnative options for you.

Will the designer recommend lime green walls or mission brown bench-tops?

Alex Honey is an expert colour consultant who creates harmonious colour schemes with strong, layered neutral tones, interwoven with sumptuous subtle colour.   

Your interior design project will be based on classically inspired, clean lines, that surpass the passing fashions and provide you with a lasting style which is ideally suited to updating. Like wise our colour schemes are inspired by the building style and your personal preferences.

Of course you retain final approval on all design elements. You will always be consulted throughout your renovation and will never be recommended a "trendy" solution that will rapidly date your property.

All recommendations are made taking into account your personal preferences and aspirations.

 Is Alex Honey a certified interior designer?

Yes, following 10 years of industry experience Alex completed her interior design qualifications (Cert IV Interior Technology) in 2005.

STERLING INTERIOR DESIGN                                                                                                                                                0423 468 865 | info@sterlinginteriors.com.au