DESIGN REFRESH
A design refresh is like a facelift for your home. Any design work that involves superficial changes and no demolition falls under our design “refresh” category. This is for clients searching for a re-imagined space without changing existing architecture, hard finishes or built in features. Usually, this means updating paint, wallcoverings, window treatments, furniture and decor.
It all starts with tackling Phase 1 of our process: Identification. Once we complete the concept design and planning portion, we can successfully move through the next two phases in one of two ways. See below for our flexible service options or book a discovery call today.
After Phase 1 is complete, we offer design refresh services in two ways
FULL-SERVICE DESIGN
Full-service means we fully manage the project from planning & concept to final styling and installation. We guide you through our core process of clearly identifying all aspects of your project, creating a custom design, developing the details and executing the vision in a way that leaves you feeling calm, supported and inspired. We create original designs, produce the drawings and documentation, work with the tradespeople, deal with procurement and ensure a beautiful and complete installation at the end.
Full-service is right for the client who desires a simplified process and values a truly custom space. We work hard to be artists and allies to our clients, guiding them through what should be an enjoyable and enlightening process to a space that inspires, nurtures and serves them.
DESIGN RETAINER
A design retainer offers a flexible solution to those wanting to update their space alongside our team, but prefer to manage certain aspects of the design or timeline on their own. We offer design in the form of blocks of time that can be used as needed, to work on the design and completion of the space.
Our design retainer is right for the client who desires more control over certain parts of the process, such as acquiring samples, procuring furnishings, coordinating tradespeople on their own or managing the timeline. These blocks of time are also appropriate for clients who would like to retain our design services as a means of as-needed consultation throughout the duration of a project.
Give us a call at (216) 356-6768 to learn how to get started on your Design Refresh or book a Discovery Call today, directly through our website.
Featured Projects
GRAM CREEK NEW BUILD
New build residence on nearly eight acres of land adjacent a winding creek, custom-designed to evolve with a young family while they enjoy life surrounded by nature.
MASTER SUITE AT GRAM CREEK
A luxurious, earthy-modern owner's suite in a beautiful custom new build.
NETHERLAND POWDER ROOM
A custom, feature powder room inspired by the tulip fields of the Netherlands and the magic of the old Dutch painting masters.
Frequently Asked Question
We work on a range of project types, from full-service renovations and custom new builds to color consultations and styling. Each type of project is unique and is treated as such:
– When we work on renovations, we partner with homeowners to assist with everything from obtaining quotes from tradespeople, all the way through to completion. We guide clients through a three-phase design process to ensure an enlightening and enjoyable experience.
– If a client is building a new home, we are brought in at the beginning of the build process to help form a vision and make critical decisions, saving the client and builder money and energy. Throughout the entire project, we act as a liaison between builder and client to help both parties translate ideas and make better decisions.
– For clients who want to create their space themselves, but just need the help of a designer at key points in the process, we offer design retainer options for all types of projects.
When it comes to commercial interior design, we offer three main types of services: full-service interior design, hourly consulting and styling.
– We work on commercial interior decorating, renovations and build-outs, partnering with businesses and building owners to design the space, procure all items, and manage the interior aspects of a project to completion.
– Companies also hire us on a consulting basis to provide design services on an as-need basis.
– Lastly, we partner with photographers to provide styling services to their clients, both for commercial and residential photo shoots.
If you need to alter the colors, finishes and soft textiles (like pillows, drapes, etc.) in a space and do not need any structural changes, then you likely need decorating services. This could include paint, wall treatments, window coverings, new lighting and even new flooring. If you might need/want to make structural changes to a room, including moving or altering walls, ceilings, installing complex lighting, adding windows or doors, then you should hire an interior designer.
At Gem and Clay, we handle both types of services. We enjoy the decor and styling aspects of projects, and we LOVE designing the interior architecture of a space.
Depending on the service, the steps from start to completion can vary. However, all services follow the same general format: Identification, Development and Execution. Any project we do involves in-depth discovery at the beginning, comprehensive design development in the middle, and meticulous execution to ensure each client is pleased with the end result. Many of our other services derive their processes from this core, three-phase (10-step) design process. To learn more, visit our process page or for questions more specific to your project, reach out to us through our contact form.
Yes, we love budgets, actually. However, we want to make sure your budget can realistically accomplish your design goals. If you’re like the 90 percent of our clients who don’t know what their budget should be, we can help. During our first phase, we have intentional conversations about budget and we establish realistic expectations for what your budget range should be. Then, in the second phase, we further refine those numbers to help you establish a budget that is rooted in real products and actual services needed.
This part varies greatly, depending on the scale/complexity of a project and the client’s availability. After our first phone call, and before project opening, we give you a general estimate on timeline. This, of course, cannot be set in stone (especially the execution phase) due to the many tradespeople and vendors that need to be coordinated over the course of any given project. However, we do our best to provide realistic timeline estimates for the parts within our control, and for the rest, we are very good at communicating the status of all tasks that are in the works.
Yes! We travel for full-service design of vacation homes and commercial photo shoots. Give us a call if you have a property or a shoot location you’d like to discuss.
For full-service design, we charge a flat fee for design work and project management. We are very thorough with our scope of work so we can arrive at a number we can stand behind. Our goal is to minimize surprises. When it comes to actual numbers, since there are so many factors to consider such as square footage, what furniture you own/need, what subcontractors will be involved (i.e. carpenters, electricians, flooring installers), which pieces do you want custom, how far will we be traveling, it is virtually impossible to accurately estimate design and project management costs before we get to know the scope of the project. We are happy to answer any pricing questions after our phone call and site visit. Photo styling is quoted on a project-by-project basis, based on time and travel. To schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone call to talk about your design or styling project, visit our booking page.
If a simple consultation is all you’re looking for, we offer those too, in the form of our House Call design sessions. Visit our in-home or virtual consultation pages for more information.
– Clear communication. A picture is worth a thousand words. Inspiration images on Pinterest and Houzz are super helpful in communicating what you want to us. Also, carve out enough time to thoughtfully answer some of those initial questions that we ask in the questionnaire and in our meetings. The more we know you up front, the better your end result will be. We love to listen, so tell us all the things.
– Responsiveness. Throughout the project, we are doing the heavy lifting, so to speak, but a project moves forward swiftly if decisions can be made quickly and there is a smooth flow between our questions and your feedback. This is the collaborative part that can make a project really great.
– Trust. We understand how hard it is to entrust your environment to someone else. However, you hired us for a reason, and everything truly does run smoother if you trust our capable hands and artistic eyes.
