about working with me
Rates:
I charge $75 per hour, including travel time over fifteen minutes. I charge a mark-up on goods purchased wholesale through my business, because as a designer, I pay income tax on the value of those purchases. A typical mark-up is 20-40%. My expenses are covered and you still pay less than retail.
Shopping:
If you like to shop online and save money that way, I’m happy to look over items you’re considering and see if they fit into our design. We can also shop retail together, visit the Seattle Design Center for to-the-trade items, or go to flea markets.
Minimums, hours:
Yes, I will come to your house for just a couple of hours, and:
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• help you rearrange your furniture
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•choose paint colors
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•edit your possessions
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•hang art work
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•work out storage options
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•negotiate with your spouse!
A house-call is two hours and a flat fee of $200. But no, I will not come on the weekend. I try to walk the talk about family time!
Scope of work:
I will not try to convince you to renovate your whole house if all you want is a new sofa. I have helped folks find the right furniture without ever meeting them or setting foot in their house! If you need guidance through a larger remodel I’m delighted to help with that too. Rest assured that the job will not “inflate” unless you ask for it!
About that sari:
If you can tell that’s what I’m wearing in the photo, then chances are you’re a textile junkie too! Visit www.sarisafari.com to see where I developed this passion! And in case you’re wondering, yes, I am concerned about the Indian textile industry. Read Melinda’s article about why she sources handloomed saris - it’s a complex issue.
inquiry@barbatdesign.com copyright Frith Barbat 2009
resources & reading
go green & clean!
working with me