Peggy Berk 
Certified GREEN AP
IDS, IFDA, WCAA, SFC  
Telephone:   917.754.6535
pberk@areaaesthetics.com

Just the FAQs...

How do I know if I need the more traditional full service interior design or if an interior redesign is right for my home?

If you're happy with the furnishings you currently own and want to utilize them as much as possible in your redesigned room, or feel that you can implement a design plan on your own even if you will be making a lot of major new purchases, then a one day decorating consultation is probably the cost-effective avenue for you.  In addition to arranging the room to best advantage,  you will receive a detailed design plan, suggesting ways to further enhance the room, which you can implement at your own pace as your budget allows.

On the other hand, if you're too busy to work on a collaborative interior redesign or would just prefer that a professional do it all for you, then our full service interior design and decorating is most likely the better choice right from the start.. 

If you're unsure about what will best serve your decorating needs, call us at 917-754-6535 and we'll be happy to help you decide.

What if I later decide that I want help implementing my design plan ?

Because our one day decorating clients receive the same type of extensive professional "designer's" plan that we would create as a blueprint for ourselves when handling a full service client - including full color schemes, window treatment designs and worksheets, etc.-  you never have to worry that you made the wrong choice.

If you later opt for more help with implementation of your written plan or any part of it, we already have our professional plan in hand and are available to you for follow-up shopping services and all other aspects of plan implementation as needed.  We waive the minimum two-hour requirement for decorator shopping and other implementation services when we are implementing one of our own room plans.

And don't forget!  Unlike any other one day redesign service in the market,  Area Aesthetics' one day decorating service includes ongoing follow up by phone and email at no additional charge until your plan is completed. 

How much are your flat-rates for one day decorating?

Our flat-rates are based on the size of the room so you will know exactly what the cost will be before we start.   We stay abreast of the market and know that our interior redesign services are one of the best design values to be found anywhere.  In fact, we invite you to call  our competitors and compare!

We understand that choosing a professional to work with you in your home or business is a very personal decision and that you have put a lot of time and energy into finding the right design professional for your project.  For this reason, Peggy Berk personally handles all Area Aesthetics clients. Junior staff is never dispatched to a job alone and there are no hidden up-charges for the involvement of Area Aesthetics' principal designer. Your project deserves the best and Area Aesthetics is committed to delivering nothing less.

We will be happy to send you a rate card and other information about our interior design, redesign, home staging and decorating services.  Call us at 917-754-6535 to discuss your project and request our free information.   <back>

How long does a one day room makeover take?

Generally speaking, a room redesign can take anywhere from a couple of hours to the better part of a day, depending on the size of the room,  how much furniture will be rearranged,  the use of color, the number of windows and so forth. Area Aesthetics' policy is never to book more than one client a day - so you can be sure that your room will get all the attention it needs.  And, should you decide to redecorate additional rooms,  they can almost always be redesigned on the same day.    <back>

Can everything be rearranged on the day of my interior redesign?

This is the ideal, but, sometimes there are items that can't or shouldn't be moved.  For example, you might find yourself without cable TV until you can arrange for a service call, if we move your media unit.  Items such as grand and baby grand pianos should always be moved by a professional.

But don't worry!   If a particular item can't be moved on the day of the interior redesign, your detailed design plan will indicate where it should ultimately be placed.  And, in most case, we can move the item to help you visualize how your finished room will look, and then move it back for you until you can make the arrangements needed to enjoy the change permanently.   <back>

Can you do one-day decorating in an empty room?

Yes.  Because our design plan is identical to the type of professional designer's plan we would develop for a full service interior design project,  we can work in empty rooms as well as from floor plans.  While we won't be rearranging your furnishings, we will create a fully detailed design plan, including sources for purchasing the furnishings you need at the best price given your budget.   <back>

Do I need to be home during the interior redesign?

Our one day decorating service is a collaborative process. Because we include a full lifestyle consultation and space planning and will be creating a detailed design plan including a range of color selections and finishes for your room,  it is important that you play a significant role in its development.  

My goal is not only to help you achieve a wonderful room that reflects your personal style and lifestyle, but to inform and involve you in the process, by educating you about home decorating and inspiring your own creative muse. Every question or concern you have about the room, down to the tiniest detail, will be addressed during the redecorating consultation.   <back>

I'm moving.  Should I call you after I am settled, or before I unpack?

You should call us before you pack! We have some very special decorating services for movers designed to save you the trouble and expense of moving items that won't work in your new home or office.  We also offer move-in day services that will alleviate the stress of relocation.   <back>

My husband and I both want color in our home, but we can't seem agree on the colors we'd like. Can you help?

Area Aesthetics has developed a proprietary system for helping you discover the colors that both of you will happily welcome into your home.  In fact, our clients tell us that it's a lot of fun!  Our "Couples Coloring Book™" is available at no extra charge as part of our flat-rate one-day room redesign services, and also included with our more specialized hourly Color Consultation Services.  Naturally, both of you have to be there on the day of the consultation to work with our unique color discovery system.   <back>

My contractor has asked us to select finishes for our bathroom and kitchen.  Can you help?

These are important choices. Tiles, flooring, countertops and other finishes you are considering for your home are not just important elements in your interior design, but, because they become a permanent part of your home's style and color scheme, can also significantly impact the resale value of your home down the road. 

Area Aesthetics offers hourly selection services to help guide you in the selection of finishes for the kitchen, bath and every other room in your home.  We'll also coordinate paint and other colors in the room that will bring it all together in a cohesive color scheme.

In addition, we have excellent trade sources for tiles and flooring and are often are able to source your selections at discounts of 40% or more, prices far below the discounts generally available to you through contractors.      <back>

Do you work in period homes?

We work in all styles and period homes are among our favorites.  Whether you want to embrace and showcase the authenticity, or are struggling to leave the past behind, Area Aesthetics can help you achieve your vision. 

If you're looking for authentic period furnishings,  Area Aesthetics works with an extensive network of antique dealers throughout the U.S. and abroad, including many who deal only to the trade.  We can also direct you to expert tradesmen who can help you restore your own family heirlooms.    <back>

How can I find out more about your High Point Excursions?

The selection and discounts available in the to-the-trade showrooms in High Point, NC, America's furniture capital, are unparalleled.  If you are making major furniture purchases,  the savings can be enormous, with discounts ranging from 30-50% and more.  Call us at 917-754-6535 to discuss a High Point shopping excursion.   <back>

I see that you are a certified interior refiner, but did not see you on that group's directory. Why?

The directory you refer to is a paid listing.  Although there are hundreds of certified individuals all over the country going back many years, you will note that only a very small percentage of those with certifications older than 12-18 months find it to be a worthwhile listing.   <back>

More importantly,  I firmly believe that design should be the major component in a redesign, and that every home is unique as are the people who inhabit it . Although I continue to offer flat rates for interior redesign, my own one day decorating services reflect more of my broader training in interior design and have evolved very far beyond the "interior refinement" formula of fixing the same ten "common decorating mistakes" in the same manner in every room.      <back>

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Contact interior decorator and redesigner Peggy Berk at 917-754-6535 or by email at pberk@areaaesthetics.com.