Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. We offer window coverings made from materials that effectively block harmful UV rays, helping to protect your furniture, floors, and artwork from sun damage.

Yes, we have a range of window coverings that are designed for ease of use, allowing you to open and close them effortlessly to control light and privacy. You can even opt for motorized hardware and operate your window coverings by remote or app! One popular option is the PowerView® Automation system by Hunter Douglas, which allows you to control your shades with the touch of a button, a tap on your mobile device, or even with voice commands.

Certainly! We offer a variety of stylish draperies and decorative window treatments that can add a touch of personal style to your space.

Yes! Many of our window covering brands offer specific lines that use sustainable, eco-friendly materials. These designs offer a natural aesthetic while also helping you reduce your environmental footprint.

Yes, we offer many motorized window covering options that can be controlled remotely or via an app, making them ideal for hard-to-reach windows – or simply for added convenience.

Our window treatments come in a wide range of prices to suit all budgets. We work with you to find solutions that fit your financial plan while meeting your needs and preferences. The best thing to do is visit our Nanaimo showroom so we can discuss your budget and project requirements.

That’s OK. Having a rough idea of your budget idea gives us a chance to be more efficient with our time together, so it is worth thinking about. As we discuss your project you will start to see where your main priorities are, which will give you an idea of what’s a must-have and what can wait.

Yes! Island Efficient Interior Design is an eco-friendly business, and gravitate to using the most sustainable materials available. We are also passionate about energy-efficient designs, and love working to reduce the environmental footprint whenever possible.

Yes! Our job is to help determine your goals but to also make suggestions. This is why it is important for us to understand your lifestyle and personality, so we can offer professional advice on how to design your ideal space.

Interior designers not only improve the look and feel of your space like an interior decorator might, but also have an strong understanding of how you use your space as well. Interior designers also complete much more formal training than an interior decorator. A simple rule of thumb is interior designers help create space, which may require moving walls and adding space to achieve the desired outcome. An interior decorator, on the other hand, works to beautify an existing space.

No. You are welcome to hire Island Efficient Interior Design for any services you wish. You can choose to book us for a couple of hours for consultation only, or bring me in for complete design, drafting, and project management.

Architects or homebuilders are often focused on the “bigger picture” items while building your home. They tend to not consider normal living patterns, storage needs, or how you use your furnishings in the space you are creating. An interior designer can help make your new space uniquely yours.

Absolutely, yes! Seeing the treasures that you love is often the best part of our first consultation. Your favourite pieces can help guide the initial design or layout of your space. We would love to see what you have and figure out how we can get the most out of it!

Island Efficient Interior Design charges an hourly consulting rate of $90, with a 2-hour minimum required. We also provide per-project quotations, depending on your project and your budget. If budget is a concern, we can work with you to determine what items and features are “must-haves”, and what might be placed on your “someday” list.

Whether or not you sign a contract depends on your specific project and its scope. Generally, a contract is not required for consultation work. When a contract is required, it will be simple, clear, and concise. You will always have the ability to ask questions and clarify the project before we begin.

No. Island Efficient Interior Design also provides interior design services for commercial spaces of all size of spaces. If your business is looking for a facelift, space planning, or you’re starting from scratch, we can help with it all.

The timeline depends on the size and scope of your project. Part of our services and skill set includes project management experience, and we work hard to provide you with a clear, set schedule once we understand the specifics of your project.

Yes. Island Efficient Interior Design has years of experience working with trades all over Vancouver Island, and we’re happy to help you find the right contractor for your project.

No. However, we may be able to source items for you that are available only to dealers. We may also be able to purchase items at discounts that we can pass on to you. We can sort out those details once we know your goals.

No. Our goal is to understand your own aesthetic and functional needs to craft a style that is unique to you.

Not necessarily. Whether or not you require an architect depends on the scale and complexity of your renovation. During the initial stages of your interior design project we will be able to help you determine whether you’ll require the services of an architect or not.s

It depends. The amount of time you need can vary on how much help you’re looking for, the scope of the project, and what you’re looking to get out of our time together. We suggest getting in touch with details about your project and goals so we can provide a recommendation.

Not necessarily, but CAD drawings are highly recommended for accurate space planning. 2D plans and 3D renderings will allow us to accurately visualize the full picture, and help us to avoid any unforeseen issues by planning ahead and seeing the space in context.

Space planning really is the beginning stage of any good interior design project. This phase is all about gaining a strong understanding how your space is used, and defining the different zones and activities that could take place in order to maximize the efficiency, flow, and functionality of your space. Space planning is a fundamental element of interior design, and something that Island Efficient Interior Design is particularly invested in.

Yes! Small or large, creating the best flow and function of a space can make a small room feel bigger.

Yes! With a skilled space planner and an efficient design, you can squeeze the most out of your layout. You can maximize the functionality of your home or business, allowing you to achieve all you need your space to be – now and for the future. Efficient space planning can also help you avoid costly mistakes, ensure all key components are considered, and can also help save on energy costs. Allotting good workspace in your home may also help you avoid having to build an addition – or even move – in order to improve your functional space.

Yes! It is important that you indicate your needs and lifestyle for the room to be spatially functional and enjoyable. It all starts with your knowledge of what is working – and what isn’t working – in any space.

Space planning allows us to optimize your space by anticipating and accommodating the needs of your staff and clients. With proper space planning, we can make the most out of your space in an organic but highly functional way, and avoid wasted space or “dead zones”.

Design/Build is a proven method for successful and efficient project delivery where you have a single contract that covers all of your required design and construction services. Your Design/Build contractor also acts as your sole contact, and takes on the responsibility for the outcome of all phases of your project.

Yes. Some of the benefits include faster project delivery, an emphasis on quality, reduced administrative burden for the owner, seamless communication, and an overall decreased risk.

We believe it’s important that you really connect to the contractor you hire for your Design/Build project. Make sure they listen to you, and fully understand your aesthetic and your goals. Your Design/Build contractor should always have your best interests in mind, be an open and clear communicator, and respect your budget and time.

Yes. We have worked with many different local Nanaimo contractors over the decades. Our relationship with them provides confidence in the outcome on the quality of work, and we’re able to select the most appropriate trades for your project.

No. With the Design/Build approach Island Efficient Interior Design acts as your single point of contact, and takes full responsibility of your project. However you can still be involved in the subcontractor selection, product price comparisons, and many other stages. The Design/Build approach helps to streamline the entire process, but does not mean giving up control.

No. Island Efficient Interior Design offers custom design work only, as we feel our skills are best suited to understanding our clients in order to design a space that is unique to their needs and lifestyle.

2D drafting creates a scaled view of your space in two dimensions, such as a blueprint or cross section. 2D plans identify key elements of your design, and help us determine the right layout required to navigate your space well. Drafting allows us to edit and annotate technical drawings for your interior design project, making it easy to make decisions, updates, and adjustments before we land at your final design. These 2D drawings may be used to help secure building permits, finalize and floor plans, and even specify landscaping.

3D renderings allow us to create a 3-dimensional image of objects and spaces. They are used to calculate everything from lighting and shadows to the spatial layout and functionality of a space. 3D renderings may be simple wireframes or lifelike projections of a final design. 3D designs demonstrate the mass of key components in your design.

AutoCAD is specific brand of computer aided design (CAD) software. Though AutoCAD is considered by some to be the industry standard, there are many different CAD programs available. CAD software in general has made the drafting process much easier, by allowing designers to quickly create and make changes when drafting or revising plans.

At a minimum 2D drafting is a step that should not be missed in any space planning project. It is an invaluable tool in determining if your ideas will actually fit in your space, or if you need to make adjustments such as moving walls or adding more space. Drafting and rendering can significantly increase the development speed of interior design projects. Changes can be made quickly, allowing us to experiment more with ideas. Renderings also provide you with an accurate, visual idea of what your final design will look like, and make is easier for you to confidently sign-off various phases of a project.

Rendering and drafting rates vary. There are many factors that determine the cost of an interior render. Room size, custom elements, whether you’re hiring me for renderings only or a larger project, and the number of viewpoints required are just a few examples.

Yes. Typically we include up to 5 minor revisions for each illustration, and revisions must be requested within 30 days after the initial designs are delivered. Note that these are general terms only that vary from project to project. Please get in touch to learn more.