Frequently Asked Questions

  • Formerly part of the renowned company Beyond The Stage Homes, we have over 15 years of experience in the design industry. Our expertise spans custom interior design, large-scale renovations, and specialized accessibility design, allowing us to create functional, beautiful spaces that leave a lasting impression.

  • Designing your own space can be overwhelming and time-consuming. With Beyond The Design Studio’s expertise, you can achieve your dream space without the stress. Our supplier relationships allow us to source exclusive materials and decor, often at lower costs than retail. We manage everything—from purchasing to working with contractors—ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. Plus, with our guidance, you avoid costly mistakes and get the most value from your investment.

  • Simply contact us with details about your project, and we will provide you with an overview of our process and services.

    Unsure if we’re the right fit? We offer a no-charge discovery call to discuss your project needs and how we can support you.

  • One of our expert designers will visit your home to gather information about your project vision, style preferences, timelines, and budget. We’ll discuss how you use each space and any challenges you face. This consultation allows us to create a tailored proposal and roadmap for your project.

  • Following the consultation, we break your project into two distinct phases: Concept and Execution. In the Concept Phase, we focus on design ideas, space planning, and creating a budget. Once finalized, we move to the Execution Phase, where we bring the design to life—sourcing materials, managing trades, and handling all project details.

    You can download our complete process map here for more details.

    Following the consultation, your BTD Studio Designer will provide you with a proposal for the next steps, which we call the "Concept Phase". In this phase, we focus on designing the look and feel of the space, which may include but is not limited to creating 2D floor plans with space planning and furniture layout, creating concept boards with illustration pictures, providing a design report with notes and images, and creating an initial budget.

    Once the concepts phase is finalized, our design team will provide you with a new proposal for supporting you for the next phase of the project, known as the “Execution Phase” (phase 2). The execution phase is where we put our ideas into action and work to bring the design to life to achieve your desired results. This phase may include (but is not limited to):

    • site meeting with contractor

    • selecting finishes

    • sourcing and procuring furniture

    • detailed millwork CAD drawings

    • communication with trades and suppliers as needed

    • site plans and spec guides for contractors

    • order management

    • budget tracking

    • final styling and installation

      We will take care of all of the details, and ensure that the final design meets your expectations.

  • It’s never too soon to bring our team in. As soon as you start thinking about your project, it's a good idea to set up a consultation with an interior designer. This will help you explore your ideas and create a clear direction for your project that aligns with your needs and desires.

    If your household requires specific functionality, an interior designer can use their experience to incorporate this into the design seamlessly, without compromising the look, feel, and style of the space. This can ultimately save you time and money in the long run.

    If your project involves renovation or construction, we recommend hiring an interior designer 6-12 months before the project is set to begin. This will allow enough time to create a clear vision and secure the finishes and materials needed without rushing decisions unnecessarily. Many items, such as custom furnishings and millwork, as well as contractors, can have long lead times, so it's important to plan ahead.

    By bringing in an interior designer early on, you can also avoid costly missteps that many people make in the beginning stages of a project. An interior designer can use their experience and expertise to guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions that will ensure the success of your project. Overall, bringing in an interior designer as soon as possible can help you save time, money, and stress, and ensure that your project is executed to the highest possible standard.

  • Our fees vary based on the scope of the project. Factors such as space size, customization, and materials will affect the budget. During the consultation, we will discuss your budget and provide an estimate, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

    You can learn more about budgeting for your design project with our blog, What it Costs to Hire an Interior Designer in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

  • At Beyond The Design Studio, we believe in creating unique and personalized spaces that reflect our clients' individual tastes and preferences. Our talented team of designers is experienced in working with a wide range of design styles, from contemporary and modern to traditional and eclectic. We tailor our approach to each client, incorporating their ideas and preferences into the design process. Our goal is to bring your vision to life while adding our expertise and creative touch to achieve a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing result.

  • Our full-service design covers everything from the initial consultation to the final reveal. We handle every detail, including space planning, furniture sourcing, project management, and final styling. Whether it’s a renovation or a new build, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.

  • Yes, we specialize in creating accessible, functional spaces that meet your specific needs without sacrificing beauty. Whether you need modifications for aging in place or a fully customized accessible home, we ensure that your space is stylish and practical.

  • Absolutely! We provide tailored design solutions for vacation rentals, focusing on guest satisfaction and long-term durability. We also offer additional services, such as custom welcome books and reset guides to enhance the guest experience.

  • While we typically use 2D floor plans, elevation drawings, and concept boards to illustrate design plans, we can arrange 3D renderings through third-party services for an additional fee if required.

  • While Beyond The Design Studio focuses on the planning and design phases of your renovation, we work closely with contractors to ensure the design is executed to perfection. We manage the entire process from sourcing materials to overseeing installations, but we do not perform the construction ourselves. This allows us to ensure that every detail aligns with the design plan, while also bringing in trusted professionals to handle the building work.

  • Yes, we work closely with trusted contractors and specialized trades. We’ll arrange meetings with the appropriate professionals and maintain communication throughout the project to ensure a smooth process and successful completion.

  • Our standard service areas include Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, and Guelph. We also work with clients throughout Ontario and offer remote design services. For clients outside our standard area, additional travel fees may apply.

  • We require a minimum of 24 hours' notice to cancel any appointment to avoid a cancellation fee. If less than 24 hours' notice is provided, 50% of the consultation fee will be billed unless we can rebook the time for another client. No-show appointments are billed at the full consultation fee.