Interior Design FAQs: Pricing, Process & More

Getting Started With Your Project

1. How do I start a project with Karamia Designs?

Every project begins with a free consultation, either in-home or virtual, where Karina reviews your space, listens to your goals, and outlines next steps. There’s no obligation, and you’ll leave with a clear idea of scope and direction before committing to anything.

2. Is the first consultation really free?

Yes. The initial consultation carries no cost and no obligation to move forward. After the consultation, you’ll also receive a fixed-price quote at no charge, you only pay once you decide to move forward with the project.

3. Do you work on projects outside Los Angeles?

Our core service area is Los Angeles and Orange County, and we regularly take on projects in nearby communities. If your property falls outside these areas, reach out, we do evaluate select projects further afield on a case-by-case basis.

4. Is there a minimum project size or budget to work with you?

We take on everything from a single-room refresh to full estate design, so there’s no strict minimum. That said, larger or highly custom projects naturally receive more of our hands-on time, and we’ll always be upfront about whether your scope is a good fit during the consultation.

5. What’s the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

An interior designer works on space planning, layout, materials, and functional structure, often before any furniture is chosen. A decorator focuses purely on finishing touches like furnishings, colors, and styling within an existing layout. Karamia Designs operates as a full interior design studio, meaning we handle both the structural planning and the final styling.

Pricing, Payment & Contracts

6. How does Karamia Designs charge for design services?

Every project receives a transparent, fixed-price quote after the initial consultation, based on scope, square footage, and level of customization, so there are no open-ended hourly surprises.

7. Do I need to pay a deposit before work begins?

Yes, a deposit secures your project on our schedule once the fixed-price quote is agreed upon. The remaining balance is broken into milestones tied to each project phase, which we’ll walk you through in your proposal.

8. Will I know the total project cost before work starts?

Yes. Because we work on a fixed-price model, you’ll see an itemized cost breakdown before any design work or purchasing begins, so there are no hidden fees along the way.

9. Do you mark up furniture and materials you source for me?

As a trade-licensed studio, we access wholesale pricing and vendors not open to the public. Sourcing costs are built transparently into your project quote, so you’re not left guessing what you’re paying for the pieces we select.

10. What happens if I want to change the scope mid-project?

Scope changes are common and expected on any design project. We document the change, provide an updated cost and timeline impact, and get your sign-off before proceeding, so budget and schedule stay predictable.

The Design Process & What to Expect

11. How many design concepts or revisions do I get?

You’ll typically review two to three initial directions before we narrow in on one, followed by a defined number of refinement rounds included in your proposal. Additional rounds beyond that are always discussed openly, never applied as a surprise charge.

12. What if I don’t like the initial design direction?

This is a normal part of the process, and it’s exactly why we present concepts and mood boards before committing to final selections. We refine based on your feedback until the direction feels right before moving into detailed drawings or procurement.

13. Do I need to be present for every meeting or decision?

No. While we welcome your input at every stage, many clients prefer to stay hands-off after the concept is approved. We keep you updated at key milestones and only need your sign-off at defined decision points.

14. Can I use my own furniture or existing pieces in the design?

Absolutely. We regularly design around pieces that matter to you, whether for sentimental or budget reasons, and build the rest of the space to complement them rather than replace everything.

15. Do you offer purely virtual or e-design services, or only in-person?

Both. Alongside full in-person design, we offer virtual design consultations and an E-Design package for clients across California who want professional direction without a full-service engagement.

16. How do you communicate with clients during a project?

You’ll work directly with Karina throughout, not a rotating team, with regular updates through your preferred channel, email, calls, or scheduled walkthroughs, at each project milestone.

Professional Residential Interior Designer in Los Angeles

17. Do you also handle construction, or only design?

We are a design-only studio. We create the plans, drawings, and specifications, then coordinate closely with your chosen contractor or builder during execution, so you get unbiased design decisions without pressure toward a particular construction team.

18. Can I use my own contractor, or do I have to use one you recommend?

You’re free to use your own contractor. We also maintain relationships with trusted contractors and can provide referrals if you don’t already have one, but there’s never a requirement to use a specific builder.

19. Do you handle permit drawings and submissions?

For projects that require permits, such as ADUs or structural renovations, we prepare permit-ready drawings and assist with submission and plan-check corrections with the relevant city or county department.

20. Who owns the final design plans and drawings?

Once your project is paid in full, the final design plans, drawings, and specifications are yours to use, including for permitting, bidding out to contractors, or future reference.

Style, Materials & Sustainability

21. Does Karamia Designs specialize in one particular design style?

No single fixed style. Projects range from warm minimalism to transitional and luxury traditional, shaped around your home’s architecture and your personal taste rather than a signature look we repeat across clients.

22. Do you consider sustainability or eco-friendly materials in your designs?

Yes, where it fits the project and budget. We prioritize durable, responsibly sourced materials that hold up over time, which often aligns naturally with sustainable choices.

23. Can you match or work around my home’s existing architecture?

Yes, this is central to how we work, particularly on additions, ADUs, and partial renovations, where new design needs to read as a natural extension of the existing structure.

24. Do you design for specific cultural or multigenerational living needs?

Yes. We’ve designed for multigenerational households, home offices, aging-in-place considerations, and other lifestyle-specific needs, tailoring layouts and materials around how the household actually functions.

Credentials, Trust & Practical Logistics

25. Is Karamia Designs licensed and insured?

Karina Rizzo is an NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer (California) and an Allied Member of ASID. Insurance and licensing details specific to your project scope are available on request.

26. What languages does your team work in?

Consultations are available in English, Russian, and Italian.

27. How far in advance should I book a consultation?

There’s no strict lead time for a first consultation, but for larger projects or seasonal demand periods, booking a few weeks ahead helps secure your preferred start date.

28. What if I only need advice, not a full design project?

Our Residential Interior Design Consultation is built exactly for this: a focused, in-home session with a professional designer for clients who want expert direction without committing to a full project.

29. Do you provide 3D renders or visualizations before work begins?

Yes, for most full-scope projects we provide 3D renders and floor plans as part of the concept phase, so you can see the direction clearly before any purchasing or construction decisions are finalized.

30. What happens after the project is complete, is there any follow-up support?

Yes. After installation and styling are complete, we remain available for any follow-up questions, and many clients return to us for future rooms or projects as their needs evolve.