FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers from Your Trusted Denver Interior Designer
Curious about what it’s like to work with Summer Kim Design? Based in Denver, Colorado, we specialize in quiet luxury interiors tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you're planning a full-service home renovation or a virtual consultation, explore answers to our most common client questions. Serving Cherry Creek, Wash Park, Cherry Hills, and beyond.
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Start by scheduling a free 15-minute discovery call. We’ll discuss your project, explain our process, and if it’s a good fit, we’ll schedule an in-home consultation. Feel free to gather inspiration images and discuss your goals, budget, and timeframe beforehand.
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After an initial discovery call, we schedule an in-home consultation. You’ll receive a detailed Fee Proposal outlining scope, timeline, and investment. Once approved, we begin measurements, trade coordination, and design planning. From concept through installation, every step is managed with care and transparency.
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Full-service means we handle everything—from concepts and presentations to ordering, tracking, coordination, and installation. You enjoy the transformation without the overwhelm.
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It begins with an initial consultation to understand your goals, scope, and vision. From there, we present a tailored design plan, coordinate all details, and manage your project through completion—right down to the final accessory placement.
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Designers bring creative vision, problem-solving skills, and a wealth of resources. We streamline communication between architects, contractors, and vendors while resolving issues behind the scenes—saving you time, stress, and money.
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We offer a flat-fee structure based on the scope of work. This allows transparency and peace of mind—you’ll know your full design investment up front.
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Your budget is our roadmap. Full-Service Projects typically range from $100K to $5M+, including furnishings and design fees. We guide you through setting a realistic budget that aligns with your vision and investment comfort.
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We are often booked 4–6 months in advance. We recommend contacting us early to begin the conversation and secure your spot on our calendar.
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The earlier, the better. Engaging a designer early helps avoid design conflicts with construction, ensures cohesive planning, and allows us to make thoughtful decisions about lighting, furniture layouts, and more.
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We transform vision into reality. By blending your lifestyle, architecture, and preferences with our expertise in materials, color, space planning, furnishings, and lighting, we create cohesive, functional, and beautiful interiors.
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Yes! We love working with meaningful pieces. Your favorite items help tell your story, and we’ll thoughtfully weave them into your design in a way that feels intentional and cohesive.
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Absolutely! That’s exactly what we’re here for. We’ll help you discover the look and feel that best reflects your personality and lifestyle—then translate it into a cohesive, livable design.
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Definitely. Even with a clear vision, our expertise ensures your ideas are implemented effectively and beautifully. We refine, guide, and execute your vision while helping you avoid missteps and elevating your overall result.
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We use a collaborative process of listening, learning, and translating your unique story into a thoughtfully tailored space—one that feels personal, expressive, and intentional.
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We guide you through this! During our discovery meetings, we ask targeted questions and listen closely. Your preferences, lifestyle, and inspirations all help us create a design that feels like “you.”
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We believe great design is both beautiful and livable. By prioritizing your lifestyle, daily needs, and routines, we create environments that are as functional as they are elegant.
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Designers help avoid costly mistakes by getting it right the first time. We also have access to trade-only resources and direct relationships with manufacturers—passing savings and value directly to you.
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A designer acts as the project’s creative director—ensuring all decisions support the overall vision. Without this guidance, details may be missed or miscommunicated. With us involved early, the process becomes more cohesive and less stressful.
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We serve as your advocate and point of connection between all parties—architects, contractors, and trades. We communicate every design decision with clarity and ensure nothing gets lost in translation.
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Yes. We source from exclusive, trade-only vendors and work directly with manufacturers for custom and bespoke pieces not available to the public.
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While it looks fun on TV, it’s not an efficient use of time or resources. Our job is to take the stress out of the process by managing the selections and logistics—so you don’t have to.
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Part of our service is curating, ordering, and coordinating every piece to ensure quality, scale, and cohesion. Outside purchases often lead to mismatches, delays, or costly do-overs. If you're looking to handle purchasing yourself, we may not be the best fit.
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We offer consulting and design-only packages for clients who prefer a more hands-on approach. Please explore our design services to find the right fit.
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With flexibility, clear communication, and professionalism. We plan for the unexpected and resolve issues swiftly—protecting your timeline, your investment, and your peace of mind.
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We attend trade shows, collaborate with industry professionals, test new materials, and study global design innovations—always bringing fresh perspective and lasting relevance to your project.
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Depending on the scope, we travel throughout the U.S.—even as far as Hawaii. We also offer virtual services for smaller projects and consultations.
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Design is deeply personal. Choose someone whose values, personality, and communication style align with yours. Review their portfolio, ask about their process, and ensure they understand and respect your vision.
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Costs may increase based on scope, size, material quality, design complexity, location, and unforeseen construction issues. We manage these proactively and communicate clearly throughout the project.
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Our process includes discovery, consultation, concept development, detailed design, procurement, and installation. We manage each phase to ensure a seamless, enjoyable experience with a stunning final result.
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HGTV is entertainment—not real life. While it captures the excitement of transformation, real projects take time, planning, and patience. Most of our projects take 6–8 weeks to finalize design and several months to complete. But yes, the big reveal is always worth it.