Design Consulting via web and phone now available

Designing an interior is not for the faint of heart. First, you have to get inspired. Then you have to figure out what you can afford. Then the real decision making begins: Furniture, colors, textiles, window treatments, flooring, artwork, lighting and accessories. Then you have to pull it all together so that it works for you and your family.

That’s why many hire interior designers. And if you don’t think you can afford professional advice, think again. I offer phone and virtual consultations to anyone – even if you live outside of Eastern Massachusetts. (Of course, nothing beats the personal service the face-to-face consultations that I offer through my design business .)

Come to me with your questions and ideas and I can help you design the home of your dreams.

"To the Trade" Buyers Service

Ever see something in a magazine - fabric, furniture, wallpaper or accessories - that you just love, but it's listed as "To the Trade"? For those who don't know, this means that the vendor only sells to designers or other similar design trade professionals.

If you've been frustrated by the fact that you don't want to hire a designer just to purchase a single item, then this service is for you.

Contact me [linda.m.merrill (at) gmail.com] for fee information and for information on the item you're looking for!

Due to the time it takes to research sources for trade items, this service is for serious inquiries only.

A detailed answer for a quick question

Need help with color selection or just how to begin? Maybe it's figuring out what to do with an old piece of furniture or how to mix two design styles.
Based on my vast experience and resources, I will provide a detailed written response – actually it’s more like a detailed how-to guide.
Since some questions may seem like single topic questions, but require a multi-part answer, I reserve the right to breakup the question into parts and charge accordingly. Please email me your question and we will come to an agreement prior to billing.
COST: $50

Telephone Consultations:
Pick my brain. I’ll tell you everything I know.

Most people know what they want; they just don’t know how to execute the plan. Book a design conference with me to brainstorm your ideas, talk about your home, lifestyle and family. We’ll talk ideas and I’ll do my best to answer your questions. You’ll come away inspired. You’ll know what you’ll need and how to go about getting it done.
COST: $50 - 30 minutes
$90 - 60 minutes

We can also schedule a series of 60-minute calls and I’ll help you throughout your design project. Think of me as your designer-on-call.

$175 - two 60 minute calls
$240 - three 60 minute calls
$300 - four 60 minute calls

Please email me for more information. It is recommended that you provide a short list of the items you wish to discuss so that I can prepare for our calls.

Design Budget Review

Ever experienced sticker shock when it comes to your design plans? You think you've put aside a significant amount of money for a room makeover, only to find that it only covers about 50% of what you had planned? Before you start your plans, you must create a realistic budget. I can help. You will provide me with a detailed list of what your plans and wishes are, what new furniture or finishes you are thinking about and I will help you come up with a realistic budget. Please email me for more information.

COST: $100 per room

Home Staging Plan

Selling your home in today’s market is a tricky business. The market is flooded with sellers for limited number of buyers. That means if you’re selling your home, you have to make the most of what you have. The goal is to highlight the good and obscure the bad. I know what I’m talking about: Homes I've staged have sold in bidding wars and have been previewed in glossy magazines.

Send me photos of the rooms in your home and I will provide written recommendations for how to best present your space to the widest array of potential buyers.

Expect tough love. I will be very blunt about what I see and what you need to do.

Please email me for more information.

COST: $150 per room.

Where should I put the sofa? Floor Plans.

Sometimes rearranging the furniture can give you a whole new outlook. I can provide computer rendered drawings of your room, including furniture layouts and recommendations for furniture sizes. You must be able to provide a drawing, complete with accurate measurements. In most cases, I will be able to provide 4-6 furniture layout options for each room.
Please email me for more information. I can provide you with a worksheet to facilitate this project.
COST: $375.00 per room
Note: The cost of this service is higher than other offerings due to the many hours we’ll need to devote to this project.

Get That Look!

One of my most popular regular features are my Get That Look posts where I create a shopping list for how to get the look of a popular movie or television program. I've received national media attention for these posts.

Have you ever wanted to design around a specific look or theme, but don't know where to start? With this plan, you will receive a multi page list of recommendations on how to get the look for yourself - tailored to your specific needs and desires. You will send me photos and answer a short questionnaire about what you are looking for, why this theme, etc. Please email me for more information.

COST: $1000

Please note that all plans and fees will be agreed to prior to billing. All plans must be paid for in advance.

These plans are not intended to replace the traditional in-person design consultation, which is still recommended for those located in Massachusetts.