What are your sustainability practices?

I approach every project with sustainability in mind, because creating a beautiful home shouldn’t come at the cost of the environment or at the cost of your health. Good design IS sustainable design. The functionality, feel, and design details are always first. Once I have a design concept in place, I source from the most sustainable options I can. You can’t necessarily tell by looking at a well-appointed space that it’s designed in a sustainable way.

The most sustainable option is typically the one that already exists. I will see if there are items you already have that can be used, refreshing and repurposing them for a new, more stylish life. I also emphasize vintage and antique finds in furnishing and decorating your home as much as I can.

I do, of course, also purchase new items for your space. When doing so, I opt for products from retailers and makers with solid sustainability practices in their manufacturing process and in the materials they use for their products. I look for certifications indicating both environmental sustainability practices and health-related ones.

Purchasing quality products is also an important sustainability practice. I will scrutinize every detail on your behalf- the hardness score of the tile you’re considering, the durability rating on the fabric sourced for your reupholstery job, the ability of your stone counters to resist etching, etc. I will ensure we get the highest quality products we can within your budget.

Lastly, guiding you through finding your personal design style helps to prevent you from making impulse buys and rapid cycling of decor. When you know yourself well and have a blueprint for success in your home, you will naturally become significantly less wasteful in your purchases.

Chelsea Evans Interiors is a member of The Sustainable Furnishings Council, the leading sustainability resource center for the home furnishings industry, focusing on suppliers, manufacturers and retailers of interior furnishings as well as the designers who specify them.

what is your design process like?

Regardless of the level of service you’re looking for, you start by filling out my questionnaire. This allows me to better understand your budget, needs, wants, and timeline. After filling out the questionnaire, I will receive a copy of your responses and promptly reach out to you to chat about next steps.

If you are looking for one-on-one design consulting, rather than full design services, I will send you a link to schedule our appointment at your home.

If I’m designing a space for you, we will begin with an initial meeting to understand your vision and requirements. During this site visit, I will take photos and measurements of your space(s). After, I will move on to concept development, where I create floor plans and mood boards. After your approval, I’ll proceed with detailed planning, sourcing materials, and managing the installation. There are multiple opportunities for you to provide feedback along the way.

how long does the design process take?

One-on-one design consultations can often be scheduled and completed within one week of you filling out the questionnaire.

Full design projects vary depending on how many rooms I’m designing for you and the complexity of the project(s). One-room designs that include only furnishings and decor can take as little as a few weeks, whereas larger renovations or whole-home furnishing projects can take several months or more. We will talk through your anticipated timeline for receiving designs when we begin the initial phase of working together.

what if I don’t know how to describe my style?

This is very common, so don’t stress! Most people don’t have the ability to effectively communicate their personal style. I’ll take the guesswork out of the process for you. We will get to know one another, and I will ask you plenty of questions to get to the source of your style and needs. It will be a fun discovery!

what are your design fees?

Design fees range quite a bit depending on the scope of the project (see Services page for descriptions). A proposal with my fees and services will be provided before starting your project, so you’ll know exactly how much to expect.