FAQ's
J. Salmon Design Inc. offers boutique, personalized interior residential design services to those ready to invest in their next life phase. Here are the answers to some of the questions we are asked often.
It’s a great question—and one we get often! While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to very different services. Interior design is all about creating functional, beautiful spaces that work for your lifestyle or business needs. It involves technical knowledge, research, and planning. Designers consider everything from how a space will be used to local codes and sustainability. In fact, in many states, interior designers need to be licensed and may also hold certifications like the NCIDQ.
On the other hand, interior decorating focuses purely on the aesthetics—choosing colors, furnishings, and accessories to make a space visually appealing. There’s no formal training required, and it doesn’t usually involve structural or functional changes.
At J. Salmon Design Inc., we bring years of education, training, and hands-on experience in residential, commercial, and healthcare interiors. This allows us to approach every project holistically—making sure your space not only looks amazing but also works beautifully for your life.
As early as possible! The best time to bring in a designer is right at the beginning—when your architect is still working on floorplans. That way, we can ask the right questions and offer ideas that can save you time, money, and future headaches.
We specialize in new construction, large-scale renovations, and full-room furnishing projects especially those involving two or more connected spaces. Our goal is to ensure every room flows beautifully into the next, both visually and functionally.
We’re based in Worcester, Massachusetts, and work with clients throughout Central Massachusetts and across New England. If you love our style and think we’d be a great fit, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Project timelines can vary quite a bit depending on the scope. Decorating projects typically take between 6–18 months from onboarding to the final touches. For new construction, we often plan for 1.5 to 2+ years, and renovations usually include about 12 months of design work, followed by a construction phase that depends on contractor availability. We’re with you every step of the way.
Every project is unique, so we tailor our fee to your specific scope of work and the level of design involved. Julie personally meets with each potential client to understand their needs and put together a custom proposal. You can also explore our design process [here] to get a clearer picture of what’s involved.
You’ll be working directly with Julie throughout the entire project. We believe in open, proactive communication, so you can expect regular email updates and virtual meetings at key milestones. During those check-ins, we’ll review concept boards, floor plans, and thoughtful design options together. Our goal is to make the process smooth, collaborative—and even fun!
We are proud to collaborate with some of the area's finest builders, contractors, artisans, and tradespeople to achieve incredible results for our clients. We are happy to bring together a team for your project or work with your builder or contractor, whichever best fits your needs.
Absolutely! We love working with trusted builders and contractors, whether they’re part of our established network or your personal team. We’ll collaborate with whoever is the best fit for your project to bring your vision to life.
We make sure everyone stays in sync by sharing detailed design boards and drawings using tools like AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite. We join virtual or on-site meetings, provide all fixtures and finish specs clearly and accessibly on-site, and respond quickly to any questions. Clear communication keeps everything moving smoothly!
We know how overwhelming the choices can be—that’s where we come in! We’ll curate a personalized selection of finishes, fixtures, and furnishings based on your style, goals, and how you’ll use the space. From there, you can make confident, informed decisions without feeling overloaded.
It all begins with our client inquiry form. Once we receive it, we’ll be in touch to schedule a 20-minute Discovery Consultation with Julie. This is a casual, no-pressure chat to learn about your project, see if we’re a good fit, and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, feel free to explore our design process here so you know what to expect.