THE DESIGN PROCESS
INITIAL CONSULTATION
A complimentary design consultation is held at your home to see your space, take photos and measurements, and discuss how your rooms are used and what changes you are interested in making. It’s important for us to get a feel for your personality, style and taste in design and décor. If you’re working within a specific budget, this is the time to let us know. We are very resourceful and will always look for the ideal item at the best price.
DESIGN ESTIMATE
We will prepare and submit a detailed line-by-line cost estimate that outlines the scope of services to be performed. The estimated figures are based on our experience and from what we learned about your specific needs during the home visit. Once you have approved the budget, you will be sent a professional services agreement. Once that is signed, we begin the design, planning, sourcing, purchasing, and installation process. We will never purchase an item or have any work performed that didn’t get your final approval.
Some budget line items may come in under budget and some items could go over budget. Our goal is that the budget grand total when the work is finished is at or under budget. For example, we might be able to get lighting at well under the budgeted amount, but the sofa sectional might end up costing more. We make every effort not to exceed your budget grand total, but may need to adjust the amounts between items in order to achieve the desired look and function you want. You will be made aware of any overages as they occur and they will not incur without your approval.
For remodels and renovations, it’s important to note that we could run into unforeseen complications during phases like demo, electrical, or plumbing that could end up increasing the overall budget. We are excellent problem-solvers and partner with general contractors on remodels who help us troubleshoot unpredictable circumstances. You will be made aware of these situations once we understand the scope of the issue and have some options for resolving them.
FINANCIAL AGREEMENT
Once the estimate is approved and the professional services agreement is signed, we will ask for a 50% deposit of the design fee at the start of the project. The remaining balance of the fee will be due upon completion of the project. For the actual costs of furnishings or work to be performed by subcontractors, we will need you to forward us funds in advance of those items. We will maintain an ongoing budget-to-actuals report and share it with you frequently and at any time that you would like to know where we are budget-wise, we will provide you with that information in a timely manner.
CONCEPT
A complimentary design consultation is held at your home to see your space, take photos and measurements, and discuss how your rooms are used and what changes you are interested in making. It’s important for us to get a feel for your personality, style and taste in design and décor. If you’re working within a specific budget, this is the time to let us know. We are very resourceful and will always look for the ideal item at the best price.
IMPLEMENTATION
When all items have been received and delivered, and any renovation work has been done, we will schedule a final installation to place all furnishings in the proper location in your home. We bring with us two skilled laborers to move furniture, hang artwork and mirrors, and breakdown boxes and haul off all waste materials.
If you have any other questions about the design process or wish to set up a consultation, please give us a call at 808-300-9039 or send an email: [email protected].
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does interior design cost?
Our pricing varies based on the service and scope of your project. We offer several options to fit different needs and budgets:
-Design Consultation: One Hour Call ($250) or Design Plan ($1,200)
-Service Design: Varies depending on scope of project
-Remodels & Furnishings: Flat-rate pricing determined after a complimentary consultation
We believe in transparent pricing and will discuss all costs upfront during your initial consultation.
What is the typical timeline for an interior design project?
Timeline depends on your chosen service:
-Design Consultation: One hour call or 6-week design plan
-Full-Service Design: Varies by scope but averages 3mos up to 1yr
-Remodels: Varies by scope, discussed during consultation
We'll provide a detailed timeline during your consultation based on your specific project needs.
Do I need to hire you before starting construction or renovation?
Yes, we recommend hiring an interior designer early in the process, ideally before or around the time you hire your architect or general contractor.
This ensures design elements are integrated from the beginning, preventing costly changes later. For remodels, we collaborate seamlessly with your chosen contractors and can also provide trusted builder referrals.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve clients across all the Hawaiian Islands, including Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. We offer both in-person consultations and virtual design services to accommodate your preferences and location.
What if I already have furniture I want to keep?
We love working with your existing pieces! Our approach specializes in blending your current furniture with new additions to create cohesive, personalized spaces. During our consultation, we'll assess which pieces work well in your new design and how to incorporate them effectively.
What's included in your design services?
Each service includes different elements:
All Services Include:
-Professional design direction
-Detailed planning and visualization tools
Full Service & Remodels Also Include:
-To-scale floor plans Custom design boards
-Furniture sourcing and procurement
-Lighting plans and design selection spreadsheets
-Photo-quality renderings (as needed)
Furnishings Service Also Includes:
-Complete sourcing, purchasing, and receiving
-Professional installation and waste removal
How involved will I be in the design process?
Your level of involvement is entirely up to you! We offer:
-High Involvement: Collaborate on every decision with our Personal Shopping Guide
-Moderate Involvement: Approve designs and make key decisions with Full Service Design
-Minimal Involvement: Trust us to handle everything with our Furnishings service.
We include one revision at each phase of Full Service projects to ensure your vision is perfectly captured. Additionally, nothing will be purchased without a signed approval from our clients.
Do you work with my budget?
Absolutely. Understanding budget limitations and timelines are essential aspects we discuss during consultation to create realistic design plans and manage expectations effectively.
We'll work within your budget to maximize impact and help you prioritize spending for the best results. Our complimentary consultations help determine realistic project scope based on your budget.
What happens during the initial consultation?
Our consultation process varies by service:
-All Services: We schedule an initial Discovery call to discuss your vision, timeline, budget, and how you use your space This ensures we can provide the most relevant advice and accurate project planning from day one.
-Design Consultation: You complete a questionnaire beforehand, then we dive straight into problem-solving during our focused session
-Full Service/Remodels: Complimentary on-site visit to determine project fit, scope, and pricing
What makes Two Cats Interiors different?
Our approach focuses on creating spaces that feel luxurious, comfortable, and most importantly, like home.
Here's what sets us apart:
-Personalized Approach: We take time to understand how you live and what you need from your space
-Hawaii Expertise: Deep understanding of island living and local resources
-Comprehensive Services: From one-hour consultations to complete home builds
-Stress-Free Process: We handle logistics so you can enjoy the transformation
-Flexible Involvement: Choose your preferred level of participation
Every home and client is different, so we tailor our approach to reflect your personality and lifestyle.
Contact Us
154 Waianuenue Ave #1067 Hilo, HI 96721
