FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Many of my clients are in Tampa, St Pete, Lutz, Seminole, Clearwater, and I do not charge for my travel time. I also do not up charge on products I find for my clients, I pass along the pricing to my clients, such as 50% off on paint and I charge only for my time. I can accomplish a lot in an hour, and often within an hour or two my clients are set to go. If it is a bigger project I am willing to work within a budget. If a client is looking for initial ideas and guidance, and would like to schedule a few hours my time, to offer suggestions on design, wall colors, decor, flooring, lighting ideas, the over all big picture. I do not charge for emailing ideas, texts of pictures or when answering questions from my clients. Many of my clients, when out shopping, want a "second set of eyes "on a purchase they are considering. I am their shopping buddy. For sending pictures on the internet for visual ideas, no charge. I often Face Time with my clients or Skype with my clients that need help outside of Florida. Here is a quote from one of my clients in California. In an hour we had all of her paint colors. "What I liked about Sally Fretwell is everything. I had her help me select colors for my house in NH about 7 years ago. When I needed help for a house I just purchased in California I gave her a call. She is patient, (you do not feel rushed) so very knowledgeable about color and all the different effects (lightning etc.) has on the color paint she chooses, and someone you will enjoy working with. I highly recommend her. I could go on and on but I think you get the message." Louise Scianna
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I have a phone conversation with the client to see how I can help them, as well as answer questions they might have about how I work. If everyone is comfortable I schedule a meeting at their location and go over all the things I see. Many clients want to discuss all aspects of their project they are working on, like flooring, lighting, architectural designs, furniture and picking paint colors. How to bring out the best features that already exist in the home is an important part and how they can pull all of it together. What works and what doesn't and how to maximize their living space. Some clients just want to pick paint colors and some want to remodel their home, I am happy to help. We also have an upscale-affordable cabinet line for kitchen and bathrooms. So depending on what our client wants to work on, is the direction I start with. I have painters and craftsmen that I recommend, as well as an in house CAD design center.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 30 years of experience in the design industry, I owned and operated 3 design paint stores, have written 4 books on design and the use of color. As an architectural psychologist, I feel your home is your buffer zone, the place where you are able to recharge your battery. What colors you have on your walls can make all the difference in how your home feels. My philosophy is your home should be your sanctuary, where you are able to feel uplifted and re-charged after a long day. I am qualified to teach continuing education classes to Interior Designers. In 1999 I wrote the book, Back to Balance, a Common sense approach to Feng Shui, all aspects of your home should support your well being. I have been assisting my clients for 30 years, choosing products such as, paint color, flooring, lighting, interior and exterior, as well as completion in whole home remodels and office design. Love the home you live in.