Frequently Asked Questions
Great design starts with a great conversation. We’ve answered our most frequently asked questions below to help you feel confident and informed before we begin working together. Still have something on your mind? Send us a note – we’re always happy to connect.
Interior Designer
An interior designer is trained to work with both the function and aesthetics of a space. They are often: Create space plans and floor plans, Modify layouts and traffic flow, Design kitchens, bathrooms, and custom cabinetry, Coordinate with architects, engineers, and contractors, Select finishes such as flooring, tile, plumbing fixtures, and lighting, Understand building codes, accessibility requirements, and construction methods, Manage projects during construction and renovation
Designers are typically involved before walls are built or moved and throughout the construction process.
Interior Decorator
A decorator focuses primarily on the appearance of a space after the structure is complete. They are typically: Select furniture, choose fabrics, rugs, and window treatments, pick paint colors and wallpaper, style accessories and artwork.
Decorators generally do not alter floor plans, specify construction materials, or coordinate structural changes.
Every project is unique, so fees vary based on the scope of work, level of involvement, and project timeline.
Studio Blu offers several service options, including:
- Full-Service Interior Design
- New Construction & Remodel Design
- Furnishing & Decoration
- Procurement & Project Management
- Virtual Design Consultations
- Luxury Relocation & Move Management
Some services are billed at an hourly rate, while others may be structured as flat-fee or phase-based agreements. Following an initial consultation, we will provide a customized proposal outlining the scope of work and anticipated investment.
Our goal is to create a design experience that aligns with your vision, priorities, and budget while delivering exceptional value and results.
We work on projects of all sizes and take pride in creating thoughtfully designed spaces tailored to each client’s unique lifestyle, goals, and investment level.
Our projects range from single-room transformations and bathroom remodels to comprehensive whole-home renovations and ground-up new construction. Many of our new construction clients also engage Studio Blu for the furnishing, styling, and decoration phases, allowing us to create a cohesive vision from concept to completion.
In addition to interior design services, we offer luxury relocation and concierge move management, overseeing every detail of the transition to ensure a seamless, turnkey experience.
Whether you are refreshing a single room, remodeling your home, building from the ground up, or relocating across the country, Studio Blu provides personalized guidance and expertise every step of the way.
Absolutely. Selecting the right paint colors is one of the most important elements in creating a cohesive and inviting home.
Studio Blu offers paint color consultations as a standalone service or as part of a larger design package. We carefully evaluate your home’s architecture, natural light, furnishings, flooring, fixed finishes, and personal style before making recommendations.
Depending on the scope of the project, we will create a customized color palette for one room or your entire home. We can also coordinate directly with your painter, review sample applications, and provide on-site guidance to ensure the colors are executed beautifully.
Our goal is to create a palette that feels timeless, cohesive, and uniquely tailored to you and your lifestyle.
Yes. Whenever possible, we recommend creating a 3D rendering before construction begins or furnishings are purchased.
Our highly detailed, photo-realistic renderings allow you to visualize your space and gain a clear understanding of the overall design before making major decisions. Seeing the design in advance helps eliminate uncertainty, improves communication, and provides confidence throughout the process.
For example, if you’re deciding between a tile or marble backsplash, different cabinet finishes, or furniture layouts, we can present multiple options within the rendering so you can compare them and make informed decisions before work begins.
Our goal is to help you feel excited and confident about your investment by allowing you to experience the design before it becomes reality.
Many clients find that 3D renderings save time, reduce costly changes, and make the design process more enjoyable.
Whether you are building a new home, remodeling, or furnishing an existing space, Studio Blu offers comprehensive procurement services to simplify the purchasing process and ensure every detail is carefully managed.
Once selections have been finalized, we prepare detailed client proposals for approval. After authorization is received, our procurement team places orders, tracks production and shipping schedules, coordinates deliveries, and maintains communication with vendors throughout the process.
We also oversee receiving, inspect items for damages or discrepancies, coordinate installations, and manage quality control to help ensure everything arrives and is installed as intended.
Our goal is to provide a seamless, organized experience while allowing our clients to focus on enjoying the design process rather than managing the logistics.
From initial selection to final installation, Studio Blu manages every step to ensure your project is executed with care, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Return eligibility is determined by the individual manufacturer’s or vendor’s return policy. If a vendor accepts returns, Studio Blu will assist in coordinating the return process in accordance with that vendor’s guidelines and applicable restocking, shipping, handling, or return fees.
Please note that many furnishings, lighting fixtures, rugs, window treatments, and custom-made items are manufactured to order and are therefore non-returnable and non-refundable.
To help clients feel confident in their selections, Studio Blu provides detailed specifications, finish samples, material reviews, and, when applicable, 3D renderings prior to ordering. For custom items, clients are required to review and approve all specifications, dimensions, finishes, and renderings before production begins.
Once a custom item has been approved and released into production, changes, cancellations, returns, or refunds are generally not permitted by the manufacturer.
Our goal is to ensure every selection is thoroughly reviewed and approved before purchase so that the finished result aligns with your vision and expectations.
Studio Blu’s value extends far beyond access to designer discounts. Our clients hire us for our expertise, creativity, project management, procurement services, and over 25 years of interior design experience.
While some vendors may offer trade pricing or designer programs, discounts vary by manufacturer and are not guaranteed. More importantly, our role is to help clients make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, create cohesive designs, and manage the countless details involved in bringing a project to life.
If your primary objective is simply obtaining a retail discount, Studio Blu may not be the right fit. Our clients engage us because they value professional guidance, thoughtful design solutions, and a personalized experience that results in a home uniquely tailored to their lifestyle.
We believe great design is an investment in how you live, not simply a discount on furnishings.
A procurement fee covers the time, expertise, and administrative services required to source, purchase, track, receive, inspect, and manage products on behalf of a client.
The fee structure may vary depending on the type of item being purchased and the level of service involved. For example, products sourced through trade-only vendors often have different purchasing requirements than items purchased through retail stores or online retailers.
Procurement services may include:
- Preparing client proposals and purchase approvals
- Order placement and payment processing
- Tracking production and shipping schedules
- Coordinating deliveries and installations
- Inspecting items for damage or defects
- Managing replacements, claims, and vendor communication when necessary
- Quality control and project coordination
When clients purchase and manage items independently, they assume responsibility for ordering, tracking, receiving, inspecting, resolving damages, coordinating returns, and handling any issues that may arise. Clients seeking a full-service interior design experience typically prefer that Studio Blu manage these details on their behalf.
Our procurement services allow clients to enjoy the design process while we handle the logistics, coordination, and quality control behind the scenes.
Interior design fees can vary significantly from one firm to another based on experience, education, scope of services, business structure, and the level of involvement provided throughout a project.
Some designers may be newer to the industry, building their portfolio, offering limited services, or operating with a different business model. Others may provide only design concepts, while full-service firms manage every aspect of a project from planning and procurement to installation and final styling.
Studio Blu brings more than 25 years of professional design experience and offers a comprehensive, full-service approach. Our clients benefit from expert guidance, detailed project management, procurement coordination, vendor relationships, construction collaboration, quality control, and personalized attention throughout the entire process.
When comparing firms, we encourage clients to look beyond the hourly rate or design fee and consider the overall value, level of service, experience, and results being provided.
The right designer is not always the least expensive option, it is the professional whose expertise, process, and vision best align with your goals and expectations.
A Luxury Concierge Move is a fully managed relocation service designed for clients who want a seamless, stress-free moving experience.
Whether you are moving across town, across the state, or across the country, Studio Blu oversees every detail of the process from planning and coordination to move-in and final installation.
Our team acts as your single point of contact, coordinating trusted moving professionals, organizers, installers, cleaners, art handlers, and other service providers on your behalf. We manage the logistics so you can focus on your family, career, and daily life.
Depending on your needs, our services may include:
- Move planning and logistics
- Home inventory and organization
- Coordination of movers and specialty vendors
- Packing and unpacking oversight
- Furniture placement and space planning
- Art, accessory, and décor installation
- Closet, kitchen, and pantry organization
- Coordination of cleaning and handyman services
- Procurement of new furnishings and décor
- Complete home styling and final reveal
Imagine leaving one home and arriving at another that is fully furnished, professionally organized, and thoughtfully arranged. Artwork is hung, beds are made, closets are organized, kitchens are stocked, and every detail has been carefully managed for you.
Our goal is simple: to transform a traditionally stressful move into a smooth, turnkey experience that allows you to feel at home from day one.
Many architects, builders, and contractors offer design services as part of their overall project package, and for some clients, that may be the right solution. We encourage homeowners to carefully review what services are included and determine which professional is the best fit for their project and goals.
An independent interior designer’s primary focus is creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional while advocating for the client’s vision throughout the entire process.
When interviewing any design professional, we recommend asking detailed questions about their experience, scope of services, design process, availability, fee structure, and level of involvement throughout the project.
The most important factor is finding a professional whose expertise, communication style, and service approach align with your vision and expectations.
At Studio Blu, we collaborate closely with architects and contractors while serving as our clients’ dedicated design advocate from concept through completion.
Studio Blu primarily serves clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Mar Vista, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Studio City, Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, and surrounding communities.
We are currently involved in several custom home rebuilds in the Pacific Palisades and have extensive experience with new construction, major renovations, luxury furnishings, and full-service interior design projects.
In addition to our local work, Studio Blu regularly assists clients with vacation homes, second residences, and out-of-state projects. We also offer our Luxury Concierge Move Service, allowing us to travel nationwide to oversee complex relocations and create fully furnished, move-in-ready homes.
Whether you are building a dream home, remodeling an existing residence, furnishing a vacation property, or relocating across the country, Studio Blu can provide the expertise, organization, and personalized service needed to bring your vision to life.
Not sure if your project falls within our service area? Contact us —we are happy to discuss your location and project needs.
The first step is scheduling a discovery call!