And then there is the human side: uncovering ideal solutions for clients with their different (and sometimes competing) wants and needs.  Let's be honest, that's where we get to practice our "marriage counseling" and conflict management techniques.  

A skilled designer combines these technical knowledge and emotional intelligence to create custom beautiful spaces that look effortless and feel like magic. Good luck getting your personal shopper to accomplish all of that with just a swipe of a credit card.  ​

That all depends on when you hire us.

If a designer contributes to a delay, it is usually because they were brought into the project late. We need time to have a proper design process -  to explore  ideas, balance the budget, and select materials that work beautifully together. Depending on the size and complexity of your home, that process can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months. 

Homeowners build at most one or two homes in their lives. Understandably, they don't know everything they need to select or when the builder needs those decisions. They also don't realize how long it takes to make all the "right" choices or how one decision can affect five others down the line.

If you wait to start the design process until the house is framed, you are behind - and yes, that's when delays happen.  Hiring a designer early provides two major benefits.

Maybe... but not exclusively and every time.
Remember - good design costs money. Let's breakdown why designers often get blamed for projects being more expensive.

Builders typically give homeowners construction estimates and allowances for fixtures and materials at the start of a project. But here is the catch: most homeowners have no idea whether a $30,000 cabinet allowance is generous or bare-bones for their 5000 square foot home (spoiler: it's bare-bones). 

From experience, I can tell you that most non-luxury builders do not include robust allowances. They want the job, so they often make their numbers look more competitive.  Or, they simply don't build many custom homes so they don't know what upgraded finishes and fixtures cost. 

If you are building a home, chances are you want more than a run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter house. Custom homes, even modest ones, naturally cost more. But that doesn't mean your builder budgeted for upgraded or non-standard materials. Interior designers don't magically make a project more expensive. We just shine the light on the options the builder didn't plan for - the ones that are often better for your lifestyle, durability, and long term satisfaction. 

So, the next time you hear someone repeat one of these design myths, you can kindly (or sassily) set the record straight. Interior designers aren’t here to complicate your project or drain your budget — we’re here to make sure your home looks incredible, functions beautifully, and stands the test of time.

Good design is equal parts strategy and artistry. It takes training, talent, and a whole lot of coordination behind the scenes. When done well, it looks effortless — and that’s exactly the point.
​
Because at the end of the day, our job isn’t just to make things "pretty." It’s to make your life easier, your investment smarter, and your home a true reflection of you

As designers, we often hear clients say, "will this remodel be worth it?" "Will I recoup my investment?" As much as we would love to give them a definitive yes, those are tough questions that only a very skilled fortune teller can predict. Instead of saying yes or no, I like to have the conversation about what "value" means to them and discuss ROI (return on investment).
​


​​If you are currently asking yourself these questions about a potential home project... KEEP READING. This is for you!

The technical definition states, return on investment measures the financial gain or loss (net profit) resulting from an investment compared to the cost of that investment. This term is used in all sorts of business and marketing sectors but we have noticed it crossing over into real estate and home construction industries. Everyone wants high ROI - which is understandable. But ROI isn't as cut and dry when it comes to the homes we live in.  We need to be considering not only monetary ROI (immediate and future) but also emotional ROI.

Let's dig deeper into how monetary ROI plays into home remodeling terms.

Example: You have decided to remodel your kitchen and its estimated cost is $100,000.  It is good ROI if the remodel increases the resale value of your home by that same amount or more. Bad ROI means it doesn't increase the value of your home by $100,000.  It's that simple....or is it?

With the ever rising cost of goods AND labor, it is getting harder and harder to accomplish good monetary ROI.  Does that mean you shouldn't remodel your kitchen? This is where you need to determine if you need good ROI now or in the future.  If you are flipping the home for immediate profit then it's probably a bad investment if the remodel costs more than the value of the home.  However, if you are planning on living in your home for 5+ years and the market keeps increasing in value, then you are likely to get that monetary ROI in the future.  As you can see, although it's somewhat hard to predict the future market, it is pretty easy to evaluate if a project is "worth it" monetarily. But is profit gained everything to consider when doing a remodel?

When we talk about ROI it's not just about the financial return, but also how the investment improves someone's QUALITY OF LIFE.  We call it emotional ROI.  Let's walk through a common kitchen remodel project to better understand this.

Problem: You live in a home with an out-dated, one-butt kitchen where appliances hit each other, the sink gets clogged every time you run the dishwasher, and there is minimal storage for your pantry items.  Everyday you have to move small appliances around to just be able to have a little countertop room to prepare your meals.  You know you really want to open a wall, extend your kitchen, and get that much coveted island. 

Solution: You hire a designer to reconfigure the space and help select everything. They redesign your whole kitchen creating an amazing new layout that fits in all of your wishes including a big island and new pantry.  You and the designer select new appliances, flooring, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, and countertops evaluating the pros and cons of each decision.  Then you add the kitchen jewelry: backsplash, hardware, and decorative lighting.  IT'S GOING TO BE BEAUTIFUL!  Finally, the cost of the kitchen comes in and you find out it will $100,000. Now it is time to determine if it is "worth it."

Imagine your day to day experience in the new space. (For this example image a kitchen with finally enough room for the kids to sit and tell you about their day, cooking supplies in arms reach, countertops devoid of small appliances, and room for two people to cook and clean joyfully.) Now ask yourself these questions.

• Will your quality of life improve at all? Yes/No/Marginally
• On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your experience in your new space?
• On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate time saved in the more efficient layout?
• How much longer will you be able to live in this space if you remodel? 
• On a scale of 1-10 how much will you regret if you don't remodel?
• Does the $100,000 investment seem less of a concern when you know you will get so much out of it?

Now you might think that we are pressuring you to say it is worth that money.  Let's be clear- we are NOT.  Emotional ROI is extremely subjective and only the homeowner can determine the answer.  What we are saying is that emotional ROI must be considered just as much as monetary ROI. You need to evaluate if the investment in your home (money and time) is worth what you will get out of it (home value increase and quality of life increase). 

Let us offer you one last piece of advice. If you are on the verge of remodeling, building, or just plain buying a new house, please don't discount the value of good design. Do it right the FIRST TIME. 

We have never heard someone say, "I wish I would have done this cheaper."
What we hear most often is, "I wish I had just added the (fill in the blank)."

From personal and professional experience, 99% of any remodel will cost more when you have to go back and fix later.  Don't kick yourself later because you wanted to save a little money now. We recommend waiting and saving up to do it right the first time. Our job as your designer is to help you anticipate the inherent costs of "good design". When you are ready to invest fully we will be there to guide you through that decision making process so you feel confident that you are selecting the right finishes and products for you now and in the future.  We guarantee, hiring a designer from the beginning will save you time, money, and anxiety from making poor or rushed decisions - all ROI factors that must be considered while asking yourself "Is this remodel worth it." 

​The kitchen, while adequately sized, was dark, outdated, and secluded from the spacious, open dining and living area that has lovely views of the Teton mountains. Our main goal was to open up the bar area so the family could see into that space from the kitchen, making it easier to stay connected during gatherings. We also set out to improve the layout by refining the work zones and flow, while incorporating high-end appliances and polished finishes to bring in a clean, mountain modern vibe.
​

Despite all the warmth and natural light pouring in through the many windows, the living room still felt dark and heavy.  After updating the floors and paint, all this space needed was the right furniture to bring it to life.
​
Space planning is our jam — and the transformation speaks for itself in these before and after photos. The room’s unique trapezoid shape and corner fireplace made it a challenging layout to crack. Before, the space felt disjointed and unsure of its purpose, but now, it’s a welcoming, cozy gathering place!

The entire basement was updated along with the main level — from the kids’ bedrooms and the bathroom to the family room and game room. What were once dated and cluttered spaces are now modern, cozy rooms that provide the perfect backdrop for the family’s art collection to shine.
​

Hopefully you noticed the family Art collection was intentionally sprinkled throughout the home.  We had the help of KC Framing Corner a local framing shop here in town. They have been doing custom framing since 1978 so we knew we were in good hands.  Over the course of a few months we hand selected frames, matte, and glass for all 40 pieces.  This was quite the process but, in the end it was so worth it. The family was thrilled and I think the artwork appreciated the facelift too! 

This is a genuine tip you won't want to forget during the process of decluttering.  Accept the idea that thoughts and emotions may make it difficult to move forward. You may at time cry or groan (trust me I have seen it). But you got this!  Remember, you grow through what you go through.
​

Using our creativity and skills to help our clients with design challenges, seriously makes us so happy!  And we love sharing good before and after photos.  They are the perfect way to showcase how small and big design elements can make a huge difference.  This older home received three bathroom remodels, along with new paint, flooring, and a few other great design elements.  We don't want to  spoil it for you though, so keep reading to see all the great changes for yourself.  

Tranquil, cozy, elegant, inviting and warm are just some of the words our client used when describing how she wanted to feel when walking into her updated home—so that's exactly what we gave her.  This entry (above) had all the right features and all the wrong colors.  We simply lightened everything with new stain, paint and a beautiful light fixture—and voila—she's better than new!  This stubborn old banister did not want to strip its darker stain, but we were able to do a faux finish with new spindles, giving it a fresh new look.  What once was a dark and unwelcoming entry is now inviting, light and airy.

Next, we head into the dining room.  Not a ton of work was needed here, but isn’t it amazing to see how new flooring, paint, an updated light fixture and drapery created a charming new ambiance?  Window treatments can make your room feel more elegant and, in most cases, help elongate the walls by moving your eye upward.  This warm and cozy dining room is exactly what our client needed.  

This powder bathroom was not so elegant when we arrived on the scene, but by the end of it, we called it "The Little Jewel Box.”  We can't turn down a fun wallpaper, and while the plaid wasn't horrible, we had other plans. In addition to the floral wallpaper, we added beadboard wainscoting to give it a touch more character.  Speaking of character—check out the details of the vanity, countertop and lighting, as these are thoughtful design decisions that we care about at Sonia Barney Design.  

"The Little Jewel Box" wasn't the only bathroom to get a full-blown remodel.  Each one was able to get its own unique look, while keeping a cohesive look throughout.  

This final bathroom turned out as elegant as its counterparts!  The beautiful floor tile really elevates this bathroom and the one above.

See how we were able to make minimal but impactful changes throughout the rest of the home to give it the refresh it deserved (below).

Renovations can be both overwhelming and daunting.  If you’ve been inspired by these before and after photos and want to get started on your own renovation project but don’t know where to start—we’re here to help!  There are always solutions to your design dilemmas, and we would love to help you find the right solutions for your home or business.  We have the experience, expertise and creativity to help you get it done.  

Products that we love and trust from Pottery Barn—straight from the source. ​

If you’re looking for a great retail brand that offers an array of products to style your home, you’ve come to the right place! We love sharing our professional opinion on great products we can stand behind (because as we know you can't trust everything you see online). Who better than myself to share my PB knowledge, as I am a former Pottery Barn Designer and Manager. Here are some of my favorite Pottery Barn furniture and accessory pieces to spruce up your family's favorite spaces.

​This clean-lined collection is totally customizable which makes it perfect in every way, giving you the option to choose from upholstered, slipcovered or even leather. It’s available in 3 different arm styles which include slim arm, wide arm, and recessed arm. This collection offers several configurations to choose from, but you can also choose the Build Your Own option to customize it for your space.  We recommend visiting your local Pottery Barn to test out the comfort and feel, and this is also a great time to see all the fabric and leather options in person.  If you do not have a store nearby, have no fear, Pottery Barn will send free fabric swatches directly to your home. In addition to the free swatches, a great way to get more information is by calling your nearest store and speaking with a designer about the products you’re interested in.  You can also check their website for all the specifications.  

​Got pets? They’ve got you covered— literally.  In addition to pet friendly fabric, Pottery Barn offers a Pet Furniture Throw in 3 different sizes and in whatever fabric you have chosen for your sofa.  If there are any accidents down the road, don’t worry.  As long as the fabric is still in stock, you can replace covers and cushion inserts as needed.  By checking your order history, a Pottery Barn sales associate can check availability and help you place your order.  I have this sofa in my home and couldn't be happier with it!  It has been indestructible even with my 4-year-old and two dogs climbing all over it.  On a muddy day I can take off all the covers and machine wash them on cold. I personally like to hang my light fabrics outside on a sunny day to use the sun as a natural stain remover.  It works wonders! 

​Ayden Barrel Leather Swivel Chair

​Who doesn’t love a good leather chair? Well, we're obsessed with the Ayden Barrel Swivel.  This minimal but comfortable chair is a perfect statement piece that offers beauty and function.  We look for opportunities to ground spaces with warm leather pieces, and with a 360-degree turn, this chair is suitable for almost any location.  We envision this chair in many places, from the living room to the bedroom, or maybe even a nice quiet reading nook.  No matter where you put the Ayden Barrel, you won’t regret it.  

This chair is made to order, which means you can customize it to your liking.  You choose from a variety of leathers and colors, and you have the option of either the 32” or 40” Grand version–creating the perfect combination that fits your needs and style.  

Because leather is a natural product, both texture and color will vary slightly from hide to hide. Top-grain, aniline-dyed leather will lighten and soften with age and wear making this product timeless. Pottery Barn offers leather products designed to revive and extend the lifetime of your furniture.  Check out their Mohawk Leather products on their website for more information.  

Like the sofa above, this item is White Glove Delivery which is a wonderful service that makes this purchase pain free when installing.  Pottery Barn will schedule delivery once the item has been receieved and will assemble everything for you.  They do not take any existing furniture so you will want to have a plan for any old furniture before they arrive.  

​Let’s talk pillow covers.  The Faye Linen Textured Pillow Cover is one of my favorites.  Made up of 100% linen on the front and a 52% linen and 48% cotton blend on the back, this pillow cover adds texture, color and warmth to any room. This item is available in 15 color choices and also comes in a striped version available as the Faye Textured Stripe Pillow Cover that has a few color options as well.  Faye covers are a great option if you want to mix different pillow patterns, sizes, and shapes to elevate your space.  Get inspired and add a pop of color to your bed, sofa, or chairs.

​It may be spring but there is always a need for the perfect throw blanket.  I love the soft and cozy, Colossal Ribbed Handknit Throw Blanket for many reasons.  This is a great way to add layers and texture to your space that also offers function.  I like to call this “living décor” because it is beautiful but will keep you warm on cooler days. Made from 100% acrylic, yarn-dyed fiber has an incredibly rich color that holds its vibrancy over time and the bonus—it has been tested for 1000+ harmful substances. This thoughtfully handcrafted piece can be a staple accessory in any room. ​ 

​​Artisan Handcrafted Terracotta Vase

We love pottery at SBD, and I think we can all agree handcrafted accessories are a no brainer if you're looking to add a unique touch.  These Artisan Handcrafted Terracotta Vases from Pottery Barn will help you create a wow factor with an organic feel.  Style yours with fresh flowers, faux flowers or just let the vase speak for itself.  Either way you will have an elegant and timeless piece of art. 

We hope you found your favorite Pottery Barn product while reading through.  If you aren't able to visit a retail store, shopping online may seem like climbing a mountain, but doing a little bit of research and then calling a store can make it easier to make a decision.  A personal favorite hack of mine is looking at customer photos online to get an idea of the actual color, size and texture of the products you're interested in.  When all else fails, hire your favorite designer to do all the heavy lifting. Comment on your favorite item below, even if it's something else you've purchased from Pottery Barn, and love.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with finding time or energy to design your favorite spaces,  Sonia Barney Design is only a button away!  

1. Red Colored Bubble Drinking Glasses
2. Glazed Soup/Salad Bowls
3. Brushed Gold Candle Holders
4. Faux Frosted Cranberries
5. Faux Greenery Vine
6. Burgundy Fabric Napkin
7. Gold Charger
​8. Glazed Dinner Plates