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Frequently Asked Questions
What will this cost?

A stumbling block to hiring an interior designer or custom artist is often the fee. Because no two designers charge alike, it has become increasingly confusing. There are several ways that designer's charge:

Flat fee. This requires a thorough and detailed understanding of the services to be rendered and the specific areas involved; the written contract should state that no additional services are to be added.

Hourly and Per-Diem. The designer is paid for all of his or her time. This may include, but is not limited to, consultations, conceptual design, space planning, preparations of working drawings, cabinet designs, budget, shopping and travel.

Art work fees are based on several things, time, size and level of detail. After a consultation as well as an on-site review, particularly with murals, stencil, or large faux projects, I submit a formal letter of agreement with the proposed fee. Fees are usually based on square footage, or amount of time.

I want some original artwork, what media do you work in?

The web site shows only acrylic and watercolor work. I use all media - Drawing, pencil, charcoal, Pastels, Conte crayons, pen and ink, markers. Painting, Oils, Watercolor, Acrylics, Tempera, Gouache.

How can I make sure that my color scheme won't be dated in a year or two?

Every year an international group of furniture, automotive, appliance and clothing designers meet to choose the colors for the year. They predict which colors will be gaining in popularity and which will be declining. This is based on such diverse factors as the political situations, popular movies, the environment and exotic locations. They are not well known outside of the design world, but they do play an important part in the color choices that are available to you.

I like to make my own furniture choices, but I am too busy to shop around and find unique things. Who will help me?

La Mountaine Designs, likes to work as a partner with her clients. Diane's designs reflects the lifestyle of the people that live there. Diane listens to your design needs, helps you determine what you want and does the preliminary shopping for you, if you prefer. Then she takes you with her to select the items that will create the perfect space for your home.

I am planning a remodel. When should I hire an interior designer?

Hire your interior designer early in the planning stages. From the beginning, your interior designer, architect and contractor should work with you as a team. Each is professionally trained in his or her own field and complement each other. The interior designer can help you determine if you have enough space and if your furniture will fit in the rooms as designed. She will also coordinate colors, surfaces, lighting design, furniture design and any other decisions related to the remodel.

I just want help redesigning with the furniture and accessories I have, can you help?

Of course! This is some of the best work I do. I make it less painful for couples especially, When they have combined two households and aren't sure how to blend it all. Everyone gets to use what is most important to them. This work includes organizing and sometimes, letting go of things, but I make it fun. I'll have some before and after pictures on the site soon.

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The Design Process

Start by asking questions. Consider your lifestyle or workstyle and how you and your family use your space. Collect pictures. Talk about your home, its feeling and your expectations.

After completing the preplanning, the design phase begins. It's still not time to choose furniture, colors or decide what to buy first. It is important to determine if you want structural work done and to hire the proper professionals: architect, if needed, and interior designer and contractor to complete the job. Structural work can be as extensive as a complete remodel or as simple as replacing a window or door.

While working on the structural plans, cabinets, counter tops, floors, faucets, fixtures, recessed lighting and other permanent items will need to be selected. Upon completion of the structural plans, whether they be major or minor, the designer is ready to begin the furniture plan. Furniture placement must be determined before beginning any structural work or before making any purchases. There is nothing as frustrating as enlarging a room and finding out after construction that it should have been two feet longer to hold the grand piano.

Upon completion of the furniture plan, you and your designer can begin to determine furniture styles and colors (this is where your pictures will be helpful). Now you are ready to shop. There are no steadfast rules, but it helps to begin with the floors and walls, then choose the furniture. Never make any purchases until you have all the fabrics, wall coverings, flooring and paint colors selected.

Diane La Mountaine is an individual who genuinely loves to work with people. Her natural talent, education, expertise and knowledge will guide you through the design process, and help you find enjoyment in your home or office for many years to come.

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