Residential Interior Design Services for New Construction and Home Renovations in Sarasota
Four tiers of service. One philosophy: every detail resolved before the first nail is driven. From ground-up builds to complete transformations, we bring 30 years of construction fluency to every design decision.
30+ Years Construction & Design
53 Custom Homes Designed
Published in American Farmhouse Style
Serving Sarasota & Manatee County
Full-Service Interior Design Built on Construction Expertise
Why the Process Matters as Much as the Design
Most interior designers begin with a mood board. Lisa begins with your blueprints. After three decades of building homes from the foundation up, she understands that beautiful interiors start with decisions made months before the first tile is laid. Where the electrical rough-in goes. How the plumbing layout shapes your kitchen. Whether the ceiling detail you love is even structurally possible.
That construction fluency is what separates full-service interior design from decoration. It means fewer change orders, fewer surprises at installation, and a finished home that functions as beautifully as it looks.
How We Work With You
We offer four ways to work together, each built on the same foundation of transparency, documentation, and weekly communication. Whether you’re building a custom home from scratch or refreshing a single room, you’ll know exactly what’s happening with your project at every stage. No guessing. No chasing updates. That’s how we’ve done it for 53 homes, and it’s how we’ll do it for yours.
Our Interior Design Process, in Four Phases
Every project follows a structured four-phase process. No ambiguity about deliverables, no surprises about timelines. You’ll understand exactly where you are and what comes next, from the first conversation to the final styling.
01
Phase 1
Concept Development
We learn about your lifestyle, aesthetic and functional needs, translating these into a cohesive and personalized design vision and concept documentation.
This phase includes site measurements for modeling your existing space, space planning and concept development with preliminary interior design concepts, mood boards with physical samples where available, 3D renderings of the design, and meetings with you as needed. We’ll also meet with trades to prepare estimates so you have a realistic picture of costs before committing to the next phase.
Timeline: 1 to 2 weeks depending on the scope of work.
Investment: $150/hr with an initial $1,500 retainer (10 hours minimum).
02
Phase 2
Design Documentation
We transform the initial design concept into detailed plans, elevations and specification documents that precisely guide the construction and design process.
During this phase, we finalize all interior selections (fixtures, fittings, finishes) for the entire project. We work with draftsmen to prepare scaled interior design documentation with plans and elevations for construction purposes, and prepare a comprehensive Fixtures, Fittings and Finishes Schedule. We’ll visit suppliers to pick up samples and products on your behalf, then present everything in a home or Zoom design presentation. Design support and revisions are included.
Timeline: 6 to 8 weeks or longer, depending on the scope of your project.
Investment: $150/hr with a $3,000 deposit (20 hours minimum), with additional hours billed at the end of Phase 2.
03
Phase 3
Construction Period
We assist your construction team in executing the design plans and oversee progress to ensure that the original design intent is preserved.
This is where Lisa’s construction background becomes your greatest asset. We coordinate and arrange the purchase of items such as fixtures, fittings, finishes, lighting, and flooring. We conduct regular site visits to monitor design intent and progress, hold formal meetings on site with contractors and trades to resolve issues as they arise, and provide you with weekly status updates so you always know where things stand.
Timeline: 12 to 16 weeks, or up to a year for larger renovation and build projects.
Investment: $150/hr with a $3,000 deposit (20 hours minimum). Billed in multiple payments throughout the phase.
04
Phase 4
Furnishing and Installation
We curate, purchase and install furniture and accessories to complete your space.
We develop a design concept and furniture package for the entire project, utilizing existing pieces, when they fit with the overall design aesthetic. This phase happens concurrently with Phases 1, 2, and 3 to ensure a cohesive design process from the start. We visit suppliers to select furniture and accessories on your behalf, coordinate all trade orders, and manage the receiving warehouse for white glove delivery, inspection, and assembly. On your install day, our team is onsite to manage every detail: placement, styling, and those hand-selected accessories that make a space feel finished. Post-install design support is included.
Timeline: Varies with project scope. There may be more than one installation for larger homes.
Investment: $150/hr with a $3,000 deposit (20 hours minimum).
Getting Started With Your Interior Design Project
What Happens Before You're a Client
We don’t jump straight into a project. We take time to learn about you, your home, and your goals before making any commitments. Here’s how that conversation unfolds.
01
Phone Call (Complimentary)
In this complimentary 15-minute phone call, we’ll discuss your project goals, timeline, and budget. We’ll share about our process to determine if we’re a good fit and answer any questions you have about working together.
02
In-Home Consultation ($200)
During this one-hour in-home consultation, we walk through your space, take notes, and gather the information we need to prepare a proposal for your project. The consultation fee is non-refundable, but can be applied toward any future design fees if you decide to move forward.
03
Proposal
After the consultation, we prepare a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, estimated project budget, and anticipated timeline. Once approved, you’ll receive a contract and invoice to officially confirm your spot on our design calendar.
Four Ways to Work With Lisa Marie Design
Not every project requires the same level of involvement. We’ve structured our services into four tiers so you can choose the engagement that fits your project scope, timeline, and budget. Every tier is backed by the same construction expertise, the same communication standards, and the same commitment to getting the details right.
New Construction Interior Design
This is where we do our best work. When we join your project before the first wall rises, every design decision is coordinated with your builder from day one. Your electrical rough-in accounts for your art lighting. Your plumbing layout supports the kitchen you actually want. The ceiling detail you love is confirmed as structurally feasible before framing begins.
New construction interior design follows all four phases: Concept Development, Design Documentation, Construction Period, and Furnishing and Installation. We work alongside your general contractor throughout the build, attending site meetings, reviewing progress against our design documentation, and catching issues before they become expensive corrections.
This service is designed for homeowners building custom homes of 2,500 square feet or larger in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and surrounding communities. Typical project budgets start at $50,000-$150,0000 for the renovation or build itself, with furnishing budgets starting at $15,000. Design fees begin at $10,500 for full-service engagements.
Home Renovation Design
Renovating an existing home demands a different kind of expertise. You’re working within structures that have their own history, hidden conditions behind every wall, and often a family living through the disruption. Our construction background means we anticipate structural implications of every design decision before your contractor encounters them.
Home renovations follow the same four-phase process as new construction: Concept Development, Design Documentation, Construction Period, and Furnishing and Installation. The difference is in the discovery. We assess existing conditions, identify constraints, and plan around what the house will and won’t allow before committing to a design direction.
We take on kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, and whole-home transformations across Sarasota and Manatee County. If you’re considering a major renovation, the $200 in-home consultation is the best way to understand what’s possible within your space and budget.
Designer for a Day
Not every project requires a full-service engagement. Our Designer for a Day experience is designed for homeowners who want professional direction without the commitment of a multi-phase project. Maybe you’ve just moved in and the house doesn’t feel like yours yet. Maybe you’ve been staring at the same room for two years and need someone to see what you can’t.
Here’s what’s included: We start by getting to know you and your project needs. Then we meet with you in your home for up to two hours of hands-on design assistance. From there, we go back to our studio and build a design plan with specific furniture, accessory, and finish recommendations tailored to your space. We email you the full design presentation and follow up with a 30-minute call to walk through any questions. If you decide to purchase furnishings or accessories through our trade-only vendors, we can assist with that for an additional fee.
Investment: $3,000. A furniture budget of $10,000 to $50,000 is recommended, but will correspond to the scope of your project.
Consultation Session
For smaller decisions that still deserve expert direction. Whether you need help choosing paint colors, wallpaper, rugs, or flooring, our consultation hours give you access to professional interior design advice in flexible blocks.
This service includes 10 hours of design time to help with whatever you need. If you want someone to go shopping with you for furnishings, accessories, tile, or flooring options, we’ve got you covered. It’s the same expertise we bring to our full-service projects, just in a smaller package.
Investment: $1,500 for a 10-hour block. A $100 travel fee applies for locations outside our regular service area.
What to Expect When Investing in Residential Interior Design
Design Fees
Our design fees are billed at an hourly rate of $150, and you’ll know the estimated hours upfront at the start of your project. Full-service design fees begin at $10,500. The exact investment depends on the scope of work, which we outline clearly in your proposal following the in-home consultation.
Furnishing Budgets
Our clients typically have furnishing budgets beginning at $15,000, or renovation and build budgets beginning at $50,000. We work with clients at a few different levels so we can accommodate different budgets while maintaining the quality standards every project deserves.
Products and Trade Pricing
We source from a variety of local and to-the-trade vendors and price our products so they are competitive with retail. Invoices for furnishings are due prior to order placement. Our pricing includes our team managing the entire ordering process for you, so you never have to lift a finger. In the event we can’t beat the retail price, we’ll provide the details to purchase on your own.
Shipping and White Glove Delivery
Our vendors require that items are shipped to a receiving warehouse so they can be inspected, stored, and prepared for delivery. When your home is ready for soft furnishings, the receiving warehouse provides white glove delivery and assembly. Shipping and white glove delivery fees are typically between 15 and 20 percent of the furniture budget.
Typical Furniture Investment Ranges
Every Piece Is Chosen With Your Lifestyle in Mind
Below is a general range of the investment our clients typically make in their furniture. We love to mix custom, retail, and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces in every design. If a special piece is outside of the approved budget range, we’ll notify you in advance before incorporating it into your design.
| Item | Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Sofa | $3,500 to $10,000 |
| Sectional | $4,800 to $10,000 |
| Lounge Chair | $1,500 to $6,000 |
| Ottoman | $900 to $3,000 |
| Coffee Table | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Table Lamp | $350 to $1,100 |
| Floor Lamp | $500 to $2,000 |
| Console Table | $1,000 to $6,000 |
| Area Rug (9x12) | $2,000 to $15,000 |
| Dining Table | $1,900 to $10,000 |
| Dining Chairs (each) | $500 to $2,000 |
| Buffet | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Chandelier | $900 to $5,000 |
| Bar Stools (each) | $400 to $1,500 |
| Kitchen Pendant | $500 to $1,500 |
| Desk | $1,200 to $4,000 |
| King Bed | $2,000 to $5,500 |
| Queen Bed | $1,500 to $4,200 |
| Twin Bed | $1,300 to $3,000 |
| Nightstand | $900 to $3,000 |
| Mirror | $500 to $2,000 |
| Pillows | $100 to $450 |
| Custom Drapes | $1,500 to $5,500+ |
| Off-the-Shelf Drapes | $1,000+ |
| Drapery Hardware | $700+ |
| Woven Shades | $350+ |
| Roman Shades | $850+ |
| Shutters | $550+ |
| Artwork | $600 to $3,000+ |
| Accessories per Room | $1,500+ |
How We Keep You Informed Throughout Your Design Project
Our Commitment to Clear Communication
Proactive communication is essential to keeping your project running smoothly. Our goal is to provide clear and frequent updates so you always know the progress of your project, what decisions are coming, and what we need from you.
Weekly Updates
Every Friday, you’ll receive a personalized email with a clear summary of the week’s progress, any decisions we need from you, and a preview of what’s coming next. Even during phases where nothing visible is happening (waiting on materials, coordinating with trades behind the scenes), you’ll still hear from us. No news doesn’t mean no update.
Preferred Contact Methods
Email is our preferred method of communication so we have a record of everything happening with your project. We limit text messaging to quick turnaround situations and do not use social media messages for project correspondence. Our business hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and you can always expect a response to your emails and phone calls during this time.
What Homeowners and Builders Say About Working With Us
Interior Design Services: Questions and Answers
How much should I budget for interior design services?
We work with clients in a few different ways so we can accommodate different budgets. For our full-service design, clients typically have furnishing and project budgets beginning at $15,000 and project budgets beginning at $50,000. We charge hourly for our design services and you’ll know the estimated hours at the time we start your project. Our design fees begin at $10,500 for full-service design. We also offer Designer for a Day at $3,000 and Consultation Hours at $1,500 for a 10-hour block.
Can you work with my existing contractor?
Absolutely. Partnering with professional tradespeople is a crucial part of our process. We’ll work with your team of trades to prepare estimates for the work we recommend, oversee their progress throughout your project, and coordinate with them during the construction phase. If you don’t have a contractor yet, we can recommend trusted builders we’ve worked with in the Sarasota and Bradenton area.
Can you use my existing furniture and heirloom pieces?
We do our best to incorporate heirlooms and antiques into your design if they are compatible with the layout of the space and your design aesthetic, however we cannot guarantee the inclusion of every existing piece. That said, some of our most meaningful projects have been built around pieces our clients already loved. We’ll give you an honest assessment during the concept development phase.
How long does the interior design process take?
Every project is unique, and we provide an estimated timeline in your proposal. The design phase takes anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the size of your project. From there, ordering, furniture production, shipping, and project management can take anywhere from 16 to 24 weeks or more. A typical furnishing project takes about 16 to 20 weeks from start to finish, and a renovation or build project can take a year or more. We recommend securing a designer 6 to 8 months in advance of any upcoming deadlines.
What if I don't love the design?
The research phase of every project is incredibly detailed and thorough so we have a complete understanding of your design style and lifestyle. Every proposal includes a certain number of reselections. In cases where you are unsure of an item and it’s something we know you’ll love, we’ll state our case as to why it’s “the one” for you. These items are often the ones our clients tell us they love most.
How often will we communicate during the project?
Once we’ve officially started your project, we’re available by email during business hours (Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM) and happy to schedule calls to talk through any questions about the process. Each Friday, you’ll receive a personalized email with a clear update on progress, any decisions we need from you, and a preview of what comes next. We’ll find out how involved you want to be and how often you want updates, then manage communication from there so you can enjoy the process without overwhelm or anxiety.
What areas of Florida do you serve?
We serve Sarasota and Manatee County, including Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Bird Key, Lido Key, Casey Key, Anna Maria Island, Palmer Ranch, Lakewood Ranch, The Founders Club, University Park, Downtown Sarasota, and Bradenton. Our studio in Bradenton places us within easy reach of both counties’ most distinguished residential communities.
Do interior designers manage contractors?
We do not manage your contractors, but we will work closely with them and their trades to make sure your design intent is achieved. During Phase 3 (Construction Period), we conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, hold formal meetings on site with contractors and trades to resolve issues as they arise, and coordinate the purchasing of fixtures, finishes, and materials. Lisa’s 30 years of construction experience means she speaks the same language as your building team, catches potential problems before they become expensive, and ensures the original design intent is preserved through every stage of construction.
Interior Design Services Across Sarasota and Manatee County
Communities We Serve
From barrier island estates to master-planned golf communities, we design for Southwest Florida’s most distinguished residential addresses. Each community brings its own architectural character, covenant requirements, and lifestyle considerations. We know these neighborhoods because we’ve worked in them.
Longboat Key · Palmer Ranch · Siesta Key · The Founders Club · Lakewood Ranch · Bird Key · University Park · Lido Key · Downtown Sarasota · Casey Key · Bradenton · Anna Maria Island
01 Phone Call, Complimentary
02 In-Home Consultation
03 Proposal
Begin Your Interior Design Project
Start With a Conversation
Every design project begins with a conversation about you, how you live and how we can help you use your space more effectively, efficiently, and beautifully. Tell us about your project, your vision, and your timeline. We’ll share honestly whether we’re the right partner for your project.