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.
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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).
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​​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.
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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.
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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.
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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! 

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.  

From floor plan to finishes, color scheme to lighting, and even furniture to décor, your lifestyle and values affect everything. That type of customization and consideration has incredible value. Don't waste your money on a design not well thought out. ​

Are you about to start your journey into a new project and just don't know where to start? Never has it been easier to get expert design advice right from the start. Sonia Barney Design is excited to offer design packages curated for our DIY clients. 

- Expert design direction at minimal cost
- Get one-on-one design advice in your home or space
- Look at all your concept images and samples and help you pull together the right look 
- Measure and plan out the space in real time
- Answer any and all questions to help you to confidently implement an amazing design

Availability is limited so secure your spot today for your Designer-for-the-Day or Walk Thru Design Consultation in 2023. These make great gifts for loved ones as well this coming holiday. Click below for more details. We can't wait help you elevate your space!