How We Work

A calm, white-glove process

Great design should feel reassuring, not stressful. From the first phone call to the final styled detail, our process keeps everything considered, transparent, and beautifully managed — so you can simply enjoy watching your home come to life.

Our Philosophy

Design that reflects who you are

“We help clients define their style and realize their design visions by creating spaces that are a reflection of who they are and who they want to become — operating with integrity, honesty, and creativity. We firmly believe that good design is beautiful, down-to-earth, functional, comfortable, personal, and tangible.”

Nina Green, Principal Designer
Before You’re a Client

Three simple first steps

There is no pressure and no obligation — just a thoughtful way to get to know one another before any commitment.

01

The Phone Call

A complimentary 20-minute conversation to learn about your home, your goals, and your timeline — and to make sure we are the right fit for one another.

02

The Consultation

A complimentary one-hour, in-home consultation where we walk your space together, discuss scope and possibilities, and align on a realistic investment range.

03

The Proposal

A tailored design proposal with a clear contract and invoice. Once signed, you are officially an NGD Interiors client and the work begins.

The Design Process

Four considered phases

Once you’re a client, your project moves through four clear phases — each with its own rhythm, deliverables, and milestones.

Warm, layered living room representing the listening phase of the NGD Interiors process
Phase 01

Listen

Every project begins by listening. You complete a thoughtful design questionnaire through our NGD client portal and share inspiration with us — a private Pinterest board makes this effortless.

We then meet for a 90-minute in-home kickoff. We ask that all key decision-makers attend so that we hear every voice, capture how you truly live, and measure and document the space in detail.

Typical duration · The Kickoff
Layered entry and stair illustrating the imagine phase, where the design concept takes shape
Phase 02

Imagine

We translate everything we have heard into a clear point of view: preliminary floor plans and elevations, a curated mood board, and a preliminary budget.

We review this direction together over a virtual Teams meeting so you can react, refine, and feel confident before we resolve a single detail.

Typical duration · 2–4 weeks
Finished marble-and-brass kitchen representing the create phase and presentation day
Phase 03

Create

With the concept approved, we finalize layouts, source fixtures and furnishings, and select every finish — resolving the design into something complete and buildable.

It culminates in Presentation Day: an in-home presentation of 3-D renderings, elevations, fabric swatches, finish samples, tear sheets, and detailed pricing proposals. Again, all key decision-makers attend so we can move forward together.

Typical duration · 4–6 weeks
Serene finished primary bath representing the installation phase of the process
Phase 04

Manage & Install

Once approved and ordered, our studio manages the white-glove logistics — purchasing, tracking, and receiving each piece at a dedicated receiving warehouse — and keeps you informed with weekly update emails.

Where construction is involved, we collaborate with your contractor and trades, coordinate a trade day and site visits, and act as your liaison. We then oversee delivery and the final install day, returning to resolve every last detail until your home feels complete.

Typical duration · 12–20+ weeks
Working Together

Communication & guidelines

A beautiful result depends on a calm, organized process. Here is how we stay in step throughout your project so nothing is ever left to guesswork.

  • How We ConnectEmail and your private client portal keep every approval, document, and decision in one organized place.
  • Office HoursMonday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. We respond to all messages within 24–48 hours.
  • ApprovalsAll selections and approvals happen in writing through the portal — never by text, which we reserve only for quick, time-sensitive turnarounds.
  • ReselectionsChanges to presented selections are welcomed within 7 days of your presentation so your project stays on schedule.
  • PaymentsProducts are paid in full before they are ordered. Shipping and white-glove receiving are billed by the vendor.
The Investment

Transparent from the start

We believe clarity is part of good service. Below is a realistic picture of design fees and what a furnished or renovated space typically invests — so you can plan with confidence.

Flat-Rate Design Fee
from $850

A defined design fee for your project, paid in two installments — an initial installment at signing and the balance before your in-home presentation. Best for clients who want a clear, all-in scope.

Hourly Design
$125 / hour

Flexible, hourly design billed against a monthly retainer. Ideal for focused engagements, phased work, or projects where scope is still taking shape.

$15,000
Project minimum / small furnished room
$45,000
Small-room renovation or build
$75,000
Kitchen renovations begin
$35,000
Large primary baths begin

Figures are typical starting ranges to help you plan. Your proposal will reflect the specific scope, materials, and timeline of your home.

Furniture & Furnishings

What pieces typically invest

A reference guide to the to-the-trade, mid-to-high-end furnishings we source. Ranges reflect quality, materials, and customization.

Furniture Investment Guide
ItemTypical Range
Sofa$3,500 – $15,000
Sectional$4,800 – $18,000
Lounge Chair$1,500 – $6,000
Ottoman$900 – $5,000
Coffee Table$1,000 – $3,000
Console Table$1,000 – $6,000
Table Lamp$350 – $1,100
Floor Lamp$500 – $2,000
Area Rug (9×12)$2,000 – $15,000
Dining Table$1,900 – $15,000
Dining Chairs (each)$500 – $2,000
Buffet$1,000 – $3,000
Chandelier$900 – $10,000
Bar Stools (each)$400 – $1,500
Kitchen Pendant$500 – $1,500
Desk$1,200 – $4,000
King Bed$2,000 – $7,500
Queen Bed$1,500 – $5,200
Twin Bed$1,300 – $3,000
Nightstand$900 – $3,000
Mirror$500 – $2,000
Pillows$100 – $650
Custom Drapes$1,500 – $5,500+
Off-the-Shelf Drapes$1,000+
Drapery Hardware$700+
Woven Shades$450+
Roman Shades$950+
Shutters$550+
Artwork$600 – $3,000+
Accessories (per room)$2,000+

Shipping & white-glove receiving typically add 8–15% of the furniture budget.

Kitchen & Bath

Renovation investment

Kitchen and bathroom renovations are our most requested work. These ranges cover the materials and fixtures that make up a project; contracting and build-out are estimated separately.

Kitchen & Bath Investment Guide
ElementTypical Range
Kitchens
Semi-Custom Cabinetry$10,000 – $35,000
Full-Custom Cabinetry$35,000 – $200,000
Countertops$4,000 – $12,000
Backsplash Tile$1,000 – $5,000
Flooring$2,000 – $6,000
Lighting$1,500 – $5,000
Appliances — Midrange (6 pc)$11,000 – $14,000
Appliances — Built-In / Pro (6 pc)$28,000 – $38,000
Plumbing Fixtures$2,000 – $12,000
Hardware$200 – $6,000
Bathrooms
Stock Vanity w/ Top$1,000 – $5,000
Custom Vanity$2,800 – $12,000
Countertops$1,800 – $3,500
Flooring$1,000 – $4,000
Lighting & Mirrors$800 – $3,000
Tile$2,000 – $12,000
Bathtub$2,500 – $12,000
Shower System$1,100 – $5,000
Sinks & Toilets$1,000+
Plumbing Fixtures$600 – $2,000

Contracting & build-out typically represent 17–40% of the overall project budget. We recommend a 20% contingency for renovation work.

In Their Words
“My wife and I hired Nina to lead the redesign of our master bedroom and bath. She is an active, astute listener who can read between the lines — and the quality of her work is unmatched. I highly recommend her.”
M. Kelly · NGD Interiors Client
Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum investment to work with NGD Interiors?

Project investment (the furnishings and materials we purchase on your behalf) begins at $15,000. Flat-rate design fees start at $850, and hourly design is billed at $125 per hour.

How do your design fees work?

We offer two structures. A Flat Fee is paid in two installments — an initial installment at signing and the balance before your in-home presentation, typically 6–10 weeks after we begin. We also offer Hourly design with a monthly retainer at $125 per hour.

How long does a project take?

The design phase generally runs 6–10 weeks. Ordering, production, and shipping typically add 16–24 weeks. A fully furnished project usually spans 3–6+ months, while a renovation can take a year or more. We recommend securing your designer 6–8 months ahead of any deadline.

Where do you source furnishings?

We source mid-to-high-end, to-the-trade lines and manage the entire ordering process for you. Trade pricing is competitive with retail, and our flat-fee structure is built around purchasing through NGD Interiors. A 25% procurement fee applies if you choose to buy a presented item elsewhere.

Can we keep some of our existing pieces?

Often, yes — though we cannot guarantee that every existing piece will work within the new design. We will be honest about what elevates the room and what may be worth replacing.

Do you work with our contractor?

Yes. For renovations we collaborate closely with your contractor and trades, coordinating a trade day, site visits, and ongoing communication, and we are glad to recommend trusted partners where helpful. We also suggest a 20% contingency budget for renovation work.

Take It With You

Download our client guides

Want everything in one place? Our Welcome Guide and Investment Guide walk through the full process, fees, and investment ranges in beautiful detail. Preview them and download your copies.

Ready When You Are

Let’s begin with a conversation

The first step is simply talking — a complimentary 20-minute call. Tell us about your home and what you imagine for it.