Services - Alegre

It’s no wonder why people are confused! You see the term designer and decorator used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. You should be aware of what the difference really is because that will help you decide which one to use for your design project, not that I don’t want to help you myself!

An interior designer is a professionally trained, educated professional, typically holding a four-year degree. The designer is responsible for more than just the visual or ambient enhancement of a space. Their designs are functional and enhance the quality of life, health, safety and welfare of the public as well as being efficient and aesthetically pleasing. They often work closely with a team of architects and contractors to achieve client goals while also adhering to safety standards and building codes. Interior designers pay special attention to space planning, ergonomics/comfort, lighting, acoustics, and surface design elements such as color and textiles. Designers are often involved with planning from the very beginning but may also be brought in at any stage of the design and construction process.

An interior decorator requires no formal education and focuses mainly on furnishings and decor. While both an interior designer and interior decorator provide input on aesthetics, the interior designer typically goes beyond to provide further input on the functionality, efficiency, and safety of a space improving the quality of life.

We feel the best way to hire someone is to interview them. So, we offer a free consultation with no obligation. We will come to your location so you can interview the designer and ask questions about working with us first hand. This is a great way to get a better feel for how we work, who we are, and get questions answered. You can tell us about your design project and we will let you know if your project is something we can help you with or not. You are under no obligation to hire us. This free interview stage is usually no more than a half hour. Since this is only an interview it does not include design ideas for your project. If we mutually agree to proceed, we will schedule an in-house meeting and begin the design process, which consists of a few, but critical, stages.

Setting a Strong Foundation

A strong structure is only as good as it’s foundation and it’s no different in the design process. Your design foundation starts with us delving into your personal life: Your likes and dislikes, what style and mood you are trying to achieve, how you use the space and why you use it. We ask for your wish list: If money were no object, what would you want?

It’s very important that all parties be included in this phase of the project. This is the foundation we will build on to create your unique design. Budget will be discussed. Measurements and pictures of your space will also be taken and referred to during the creative phase.

Getting Personal

As we get to know all about you, we want you to get to know us so you feel comfortable with us. We’ll ask you some personal questions and we want you to be brutally honest and tell us what you hate, what you love, what your dreams are, how you live and use your space, etc. You get the idea. There will be a lot of questions!

Creative Juices Flow

Armed with all the information and photos we’ve gathered, we’ll get our creative juices flowing and begin to create your perfect space! We’ll present several design concepts to you in person. With scaled drawings and samples, you will see your space transformed. Ideas for materials, colors, furnishings, and lighting are presented. With your input and some minor changes, we’ll create a final concept from which we’ll build on.

Decisions, Decisions

During this fun stage, we’ll select final choices of fabrics, colors, floor coverings, window treatments, furniture, and lighting. Your project really takes shape now as decisions are made to move ahead with construction, fabrication and orders. Only with your approval, a ‘selection sheet’ is signed giving the designer the okay to proceed with orders and contractor scheduling.

The Waiting Game

Patience and detailed planning go hand in hand during this phase, but it’s all worth it when you see the final results. Construction, waiting for orders to arrive, scheduling installations all happen here. We know how stressful this phase can be and we will be there to oversee all work, deliveries and installations go as smoothly as possible without interrupting your day or disrupting your home. Open communication is the key to making your project a positive experience, so we want you to know you will not hurt our feelings by being honest with us.

It’s Your Story

We carefully select a few accessories and strategically place them in your space. Whether we use your prized possessions or buy new accessories, these finishing touches help bring the room together and complete your story.

Julie Gablin, owner of Alegre Designs, LLC and Head Designer, personally manages all design projects. She will act as your general contractor and has full control of every aspect of the job, with your prior approval. Every contractor and sub-contractor refers to her. Project management includes site checks, invoicing, and scheduling of all subcontracting and vendor work/installations. Our goal is to keep you worry free throughout the entire design process and make this a good experience.

Redesign is less invasive and can give you the look without investing too much time or money into a project. The designer takes items you already have, with the addition of some new things, such as a new color scheme, window treatments, accessories, or furniture and creates a new look for your space.

Pick My Brain- Consultations work great if you just need some guidance without the drawings, selections, and contractors. You will have the designer for two hours where you can ask the designer anything about your space.

Staging your home helps sell it faster. With a small investment, your home will stand out over the rest on the market.

Renovations, New Build, Additions- Using a designer before any construction begins saves you from headaches down the road. We can work with your contractor or architect before the drawings begin to make sure the interior is how you envision it before the walls go up (or down!). Planning is key.

Custom Work- Just need a built in unit to house a TV? We can custom design furniture, area rugs, tile layouts and let you do the installation.

Window Treatments, pillows and throws help make a room complete. Sometimes custom treatments aren’t necessary. We can help you select products to give you the look you want without going with all custom.

"Recently we had the pleasure of having Alegre Designs decorate our home. The style, flair and professionalism demonstrated by Julie have added elegance to our 12 room home.

From the selection of colors, fabrics and accents to the scheduling of contractors and delivery of materials, she stayed within our timetable and made the process as non-intrusive and trouble-free as possible.

Julie worked with us every step of the way with a willingness to listen to our ideas, desires and concerns. She did not consider the job complete until we were totally satisfied with the finished product. When the job was done, we found that Alegre Designs had turned our home into a beautiful showplace.

In the future, we would not hesitate to retain the services of Alegre Designs for any and all of our decorating needs."

Susan & Patrick O.
Sewell, New Jersey 2008

"It is a truly wonderful and positive experience working with Julie. She listened carefully to our ideas, understood ‘our style’ and incorporated them into beautiful designs which had the flair we were looking for. The contractors that she hired for the work were professional, courteous, and timely. I felt very comfortable having them in my home.

Julie is a warm person and consummate professional, and it was always a pleasure spending time with her as we went through ideas. Months later, I still look in awe at the beautiful rooms she helped me to create and truly can say ‘I love my house now more than every’.

PS. We have also recommended her to many friends who have been pleased too!

Randi & Ken K.
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 2007

"Just wanted to thank you for your help in finally getting my bedroom done. Your great ideas and expertise in picking just the right colors was just what I needed. So, instead of avoiding going in there, I now love it! Couldn’t have done it without you!"

Thanks again,
Joanne & Bob K.
Sewell New, Jersey 2009

“When I was speaking with my friend Laurie the conversation turned to decorators. I asked her if she knew of anyone and she said yes. When she gave me your telephone number and told me how much she liked the way you had decorated your house, that was my lucky day!

I want to thank you and Pat for the beautiful job you did for us. Both of you are a pleasure to work with. My living room looks lovely. I appreciated your willingness to listen to me and go with what I was comfortable with. Your ideas are terrific and I was reassured going into the project that I was dealing with a person of great taste and talent.

I so instantly liked you and your manner that I never bothered to call the references you gave me. As the job turned out, I was right. I didn’t need to call anyone to tell me what a wonderful job you would do. Going forward, should we need more work, you will be called.

Larry joins me in thanking you again for a job well done and for being the person you are."

Sincerely,
Mary & Larry G.
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 2007