Design Your Dream Home with Kaiko Design's Expertise

1. What do you actually do?

Almost every time I meet someone new and tell them what I do they say something like “that must be so fun!!”. And yes, parts of my job are fun. But it is also hard work! In a sentence, Kaiko Design can turn virtually any space into something more functional, beautiful and liveable. This is quite an involved process, and each day looks different, but here is a basic list of the things we do:

Meeting with or chatting to clients about what they want for their home
Defining an overall concept for my client’s spaces
Visiting showrooms to source anything that goes in a house — tiles, fabrics, furniture, wallpaper, rugs and artwork to taps, baths and toilets
Drawing / drafting accurate and detailed plans, elevations, sections & joinery drawings. Detail is vital to the success of any project.
Arranging quotes and negotiating with trades people
Financial admin like managing my client’s budgets, purchasing and tracking orders
Styling a space for the ‘client reveal’ (the exciting part when the client comes home to the finished product!)
Preparing for a photoshoot in one of our completed projects
Working with builders and trades to sort out any problems or deficiencies along the way of a project

2. You must love watching The Block?

I get asked this a lot and I think people are surprised when I answer. I don’t watch the Block or any other renovation show. I appreciate the finished product, but it’s also given people mis-informed ideas about design, trends and how much and how long a renovation project actually takes. I think most designers agree with me.

3. Are you going to tell me to get rid of everything I own?

The short answer here is…maybe. Obviously, we understand that It’s your home, you have to live in it so we won’t ever tell you to get rid of anything you really love and want to keep. Often, we’ve been able to find a new home for a family heirloom or antique piece. And I do think it is very important for your home to be a reflection of the people who live there and not a showroom, so I love putting clients’ history and personalities in a space. A lot of the time pieces that hold sentimental or significant value are the jumping off point for a concept or inspiration.

In saying that, you’ll always get an honest and informed opinion from me, with your best interests (and your best home) in mind. And if you do want to start fresh and get rid of everything you own, we can help there as well!

4. How much do you charge?

There are 3 main ways interior designers charge — hourly, flat fee and percentage of build and procurement costs.

If you would like to know more about our process, get in contact and we can talk it through. Our charge out rates are transparent, and we pass on all discounts from suppliers.

5. Can’t most people just do this themselves?

Absolutely some people can (and do) do this themselves. But many of these people are surprised at how long it all takes, and how many decisions must be made along the way, not to mention all the people involved and issues that arise. Just like building a website or fixing a blocked toilet there are those amongst us with the transferable skills.

People who engage Kaiko Design realise they don’t have the time, skill set or inclination to be selecting pieces, dealing with tradespeople and organising multiple furniture deliveries. And these are the people I love to work with, because I take something that was a burden and make it easy and fun! We live and breathe design so if it sounds like you could use some help on your renovation, we’d love to hear from you!

Check out our Instagram for more inspiration. Whilst you are at it, check out Facebook too for more pictures and information!

Get a glimpse into the world of interior design and learn why Kaiko Design is the right choice for transforming your home into a functional, beautiful, and livable space.