Imagine spending most of your time doing what you love: spending time with the family, going out with friends, relaxing on the sofa, and your hobbies while we work on taking from a million different ideas into a few that are perfect for you.
In quick summary though, here's what it truly looks like:
It starts with a real conversation about how you live, what you love, and what you want to spend. Then we craft a custom plan that covers everything from layout to materials.
After a site visit, assessment, and nailing the design together, we carefully choose the furnishings, finishes, fixtures, or lighting, so everything feels like you and functions like it should.
We help you pick a contractor, evaluate bids, and, if you'd like, provide ongoing design oversight during construction to ensure your vision is executed to a T.
Our hourly rate for meeting with our principal designer, Kristie, is $150 per hour except for an initial complimentary meeting. However, we also offer flat-rate project fees depending on the scope of work and size of the project. We'd be happy to discuss the best pricing option for your needs during an initial no-cost consultation.
Certainly! Here's an example of some projects we can assist with at Alaric Designs:
Kitchen Remodeling: We review the layout and update items such as cabinets, countertops, lighting, and appliances to create a functional and stylish kitchen.
Bathroom Remodeling: Where we can upgrade fixtures, flooring, finishes, and storage and discuss improving the layout for a fresh, more functional bathroom.
Room Updates: We can give your room a modern refresh with new paint, furniture, or décor to improve the overall feel.
Solving a Problem Area/Space: We'll address specific issues like storage, layout, or awkward spaces to find a solution to make your room more functional.Keep in mind that we do more than just mentioned above!
Refer to the project types on this page for more information.
Our principal designer, Kristie Sandoval, is a Registered Interior Designer with over 25 years of experience in the design industry and 20 years working on construction and remodeling projects.
She has extensive knowledge of building codes, safety requirements, and a wide range of home products and materials.
While it depends on the project scope itself, you can expect your project to take 2-6 months. Throughout this time we make sure every detail is covered.
If you don't have a good idea, no worries! We can help you find a couple ideas for your space during the initial consulation. A bit later down the line we can fully cement an idea that will have you 100% confident you'll love and live with. It's all on us unless you have some ideas you wanted to share while scrolling on Pinterest or Instagram.
Of course! While our signature service is full service interior design, we love helping clients decorate, style, and add those finishing touches that make a home feel beautifully complete, and we're no more of a stranger to it than we are designing.
The right interior designer should match your project goals, communication style, budget, and level of remodeling support needed. Look for experience with similar homes, a clear process, and strong client reviews.
Many homeowners searching for an interior designer near Chicago want help making confident remodeling decisions. A designer with planning experience can help avoid layout mistakes, improve flow, and create a home that works better for everyday living.
Full-service interior design typically includes space planning, finish selections, furniture guidance, project coordination, and design support from concept through installation.
Many Chicagoland homeowners choose full-service interior design to simplify the remodeling process and reduce decision fatigue. A structured process also helps keep projects organized and aligned with long-term goals.
Yes. Interior designers help plan kitchens and bathrooms for better layout, storage, functionality, and overall flow before construction begins.
Kitchen and bathroom remodels involve hundreds of decisions. Professional planning helps homeowners create spaces that are practical, comfortable, and easier to use long-term.
We work with homeowners throughout Kane and DuPage County, including but not limited to:
Many homeowners searching for an interior designer near them want someone familiar with local homes, remodeling trends, and contractor coordination in the western suburbs. Working with a designer who understands the Chicagoland area can help streamline communication, planning, and long-term functionality throughout the remodeling process.
Interior design costs vary based on project size, level of support, and remodeling complexity. Many homeowners prefer flat-rate pricing because it creates clearer expectations upfront.
Homeowners planning a remodel often want pricing clarity before construction starts. A structured design process and transparent pricing model can make budgeting easier and reduce uncertainty throughout the project.
Interior designers focus on both functionality and aesthetics, while decorators primarily focus on furnishings and visual styling.
Many Chicagoland homeowners use the terms interchangeably, but remodeling projects often require more than decorating alone. Functional planning is especially important for kitchens, bathrooms, and aging-in-place design.
Yes. Interior designers help improve how a home functions by rethinking layouts, storage, lighting, and room flow.
Many homeowners contact an interior designer because their home no longer works well for daily life and finally get around to looking for a better design because of something as simple as a broken appliance. Thoughtful design planning can make spaces feel larger, more comfortable, and easier to navigate.
We don’t design around one specific style. Instead, we help homeowners take the ideas, inspiration, and feelings they already have and turn them into a home that feels personal, functional, and uniquely theirs.
Many homeowners come in with inspiration photos, saved ideas, or simply a feeling they want their home to have. Our process helps organize and refine those thoughts into a clear design direction that feels authentic to the people living in the space.
Hiring an interior designer can help homeowners avoid costly mistakes, improve functionality, and create a more organized remodeling process. For instance, we can:
Many homeowners hiring an interior designer are looking for guidance, efficiency, and confidence during a remodel. Professional planning often saves time, improves decision-making, and leads to better long-term results.
Before starting a design project, homeowners should think about their goals, budget, priorities, and how they want the space to function long-term. A professional in-home consultation can also help organize ideas, clarify next steps, and create a realistic plan before remodeling begins.
Many homeowners feel overwhelmed at the beginning of a remodeling project because they are unsure where to start or what order decisions should happen in. Our 1-hour in-home consultation helps simplify the process by turning scattered ideas into a clearer direction. Homeowners leave with practical guidance, professional insight, and a printed process sheet that explains what to expect throughout the project timeline. Book your consultation today!
