Questions page, Interior Design by Encore Decor Ltd.


Am I working directly with Mindy?
Yes, Mindy works directily with you. She loves to Design and her enthusiasm is contagious. The Encore Décor Design Team expideites your orders and follow-up closely on all deliveries with vendors. You’ll find it a kick to work with her personally and then watch her on TV. Click TV to see a list of her current segments. For a list of some of the people she has worked with, click Credentials.


I want my home to look like the pages in Metropolitan Home, Elle Décor and Architectural Digest. I also value the benefit of hiring an accredited Interior Designer. Can Mindy not only design the rooms but also provide all the necessary furnishings?
Sure, that’s what we do everyday. Busy lifestyles the norm, some clients trust us to make decisions on their behalf while others prefer total involvement. In either case, improvements are at your pace and suited to your needs. We are flexible and have different working methods to help you get that finished “Look”.


I know she always begins with an “Initial Design Meeting”, what should I expect?
More than just an introduction, this is an interplay of ideas for our Design Team to become familiar with you, your thoughts and what would work best for your space.

An Empty Space

- Rough Drawing of Furnishings Needed

- Contracting Needs and Timing

- Realistic Budget Discussions

- Style + Palette Development

A Lived In Space

- A Walk-Thru of your Entire Home, to answer assorted concerns in All Rooms

- Room Re-Design, like Mindy does on Home + Garden Television

- Update Solutions for Window Coverings, Lighting + Flooring

- Paint Color Selections

New Construction

- A Review of Floor Plans

- Walk-Thru of Space during Construction

- Material Choices for Kitchens + Baths

- Lighting + Flooring Solutions

- Paint Color Selections

...or any other design service your Home might require.


How does the Design process proceed after that first meeting?
Depending on your time frame, budget and needs, both parties will have decided on the best way to work. We will know if we should prepare a Design Plan, draw Renderings, gather Tear Sheets, create Presentation Boards or Pre-Shop, to save you time. We will also decide if you are buying Wholesale at Designer Showrooms or Retail.


If I just need help with paint colors. How does that work?
Most of the time, many paint choices can be picked during your first "Design Meeting". We can bring an entire paint selection and large samples of all the popular shades so it’s easy to see just how the shade will look on your walls. Defining a color palette for your home, is a great first step. We consider this service a necessity in preparing for your painter.


If I have trouble visualizing what my room will look like with new paint, new furniture and new window treatments, how can I be helped?
Mindy and her team can create computer generated Renderings, Scaled Floor Plans and Presentation Boards showing you our suggestions for how your finished room could look. We do these after the Initial Design Meeting, upon request, and for an additional fee. Many clients find this to be an effective way to proceed.

I am having some construction done and would like a second opinion on wall placement and choices of materials. Does Encore Décor do this type of work?

Yes, although we are not architects, we consult on this exact problem all the time. With more and more people renovating, the final use of the space and color flow are sometimes tricky. It's always smart, in the scheme of a big project, to get a fresh perspective.


The construction of my new home is almost finished and is totally empty. Where do I start?

During a "Design Meeting", we do a walk-thru, draw rough sketches and make suggestions for room usage, furniture scale and placement. If your home is out-of-town or not ready yet, we can work off your floor plans. Next we create a plan and start the Design + Furnishing process.


If I need a few new items, will Encore Décor be able to help?
Absolutely! In fact, we shop for most of our clients. Our resources fit any budget. Whether it be Retail, "Designer Only" Showrooms, Work Rooms, Auctions, Antique Shows, Trade Events or even Flea Markets. We are up-to-date and know where to find just about anything.


I'm not certain, but I think I need a different layout using some of the things I already own. How is that done?
During your first "Design Meeting", we can help you move some of your furniture and accessories into different areas and even other rooms. Most times the change is so dramatic that our clients can't believe that their home could look so different, so simply. It's just like appearing on one of Mindy’s TV shows.

I am downsizing from my large home of many years to smaller space.
It's a daunting task and I need some advise as to what will fit into my new place and what to sell. You can advise, right?

Yes. This is a very helpful service that tends to ease some anxiety. We can actually visit your present place and your new space to plan the layout using some, or all, of your existing pieces. Or, if the new space isn't ready yet, or you're moving out-of-state, we can work off your floor plans. Additionally, if you are offered construction upgrades for your new space, we can help you pick those as well.


My real estate agent recommended her to do some "Home Staging". What is that?
It's the art of preparing a home for Re$ale. Something like set design or store window display. Maybe it's just a few quick space enhancing tricks or the addition of rented furnishings from Encore Decor's inventory. By making the space look more appealing, "Staging" is the newest, most cost effective way to increase Re$ale value substantially. It's a lot less expensive than lowering your selling price! A new pair of "trained" eyes makes all the difference. For more information please click Encore Décor's Real Estate Review


My office at work could really use an update. Can Encore Décor design commercial spaces?
No problem. We design offices, conference rooms, residential building lobbies, restaurants and retail stores. In fact, commercial design was Mindy's specialty for many years prior to her concentration on the home.


I am relocating to NY for business and don't have time to set-up a comfortable living space. I'm stressed. Can they take care of the details so I can concentrate on work?
Yes. Our Design team can create a comfortable retreat for you to return to after a busy day. Once your needs are determined, you review the checklist of necessities. All can be waiting for you when you arrive. From unpacking your boxes, to contracting services needed, the Encore Décor team is "AT YOUR SERVICE". Some nice extras can include: new bedding & towels, an espresso maker, live plants & stocked pantry. Whatever you need to feel comfortable. For most, that includes a sofa, flat screen tv & martini glasses. Corporate accounts are welcome. Cheers!


Are Gift Certificates available?
Sure, and they are very popular! It's the ultimate uniquely thoughtful gift. They can be for an initial "Design Meeting" to tackle any of the above Decorating Dilemmas, for a Room Make-Over or a Shopping Spree. The perfect Anniversary, Housewarming, Birthday, Wedding, Holiday, "I'm Worth It" or Thank-You Surprise!
Since they have been so popular, we now offers optional "Gift Packages" as a follow-up to our visit and sent on your behalf. All can be customized for your guest and tailored to your special occasion.


Are Credit cards OK?
Yes. Visa, Master Card & American Express.

I work full time and have a busy schedule but would love to get my home in shape. Are evening or weekend appointments available?
Yes, both are possible.

Is there a fee for time and expenses to travel to my home?
Sometimes, since we visit so many areas.

Please feel free to call and speak with Mindy about your next project.

MEET MINDY