Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about our interior design services, process, pricing, and how we work with clients in Miami and remotely.
Carolini Interior Design serves homeowners and property investors in Miami with two core services: comprehensive residential interior design and virtual design consultations starting at $150. The studio is led by architect Cecilia Carolini, NKBA certified and IIDA member, who designs from the space itself rather than imposing a predetermined style.
Services
Carolini Interior Design offers two core services: comprehensive residential interior design covering all types of spaces (kitchens, bathrooms, closets, nursery, home offices, gyms, and more), and 60-minute virtual design consultations for $150. Each service includes 3D visualization so you can see your space before any work begins. When a project requires construction or remodeling, we coordinate with our network of trusted professionals.
Yes, vacation rental and Airbnb property design is part of our comprehensive residential design service. We understand the difference between designing a home for daily living and designing a property for short-term rental revenue, selecting durable materials, planning guest flow, creating photo-ready spaces, and developing environments that earn five-star reviews. We also offer property advisory through our work with Otero Academy, where over 200 properties have been analyzed and optimized.
Absolutely. Our 60-minute virtual design consultation is a standalone service priced at $150. You will receive personalized recommendations, a thorough analysis of your project, strategic solutions adapted to your space, and a clear next-steps plan. Many clients use the consultation to get clarity before starting a larger project, and if you decide to move forward with full design services, your consultation fee can be applied toward the project cost.
Process
Our process has four phases. First, a discovery call where we discuss your goals, lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Second, we develop a design concept with layout optimization, material selections, and photorealistic 3D renders for your review. Third, once you approve the concept, we handle procurement, coordinate deliveries, and oversee installation. Fourth, the final reveal and styling, where we add finishing touches and make sure every detail is in place. The timeline varies by project scope, but most residential projects take between six and twelve weeks.
Our 3D renders are photorealistic and designed to give you an accurate preview of the finished space. We use professional rendering software to represent materials, lighting, and proportions as faithfully as possible. While minor differences can occur due to natural material variations, lighting conditions in your specific space, or product availability, we work closely with you throughout the process to ensure the final result aligns with the approved concept. If any substitution is needed, we present alternatives before proceeding.
Project timelines depend on scope and complexity. A single-room redesign typically takes four to six weeks. A full-home interior design project usually takes eight to twelve weeks. Vacation rental projects can often move faster, around six to eight weeks, since they require less personalization and more standardized decisions. The design and 3D render phase takes about two to three weeks, and the remaining time is for procurement, delivery, and installation. We provide a detailed timeline during the discovery call.
For vacation rental projects, at the end of the process you will receive a professional PDF document that includes: detailed technical floor plans (floor plans and wall elevations), a complete shopping list with all project elements, material and finish specifications, and renders to visualize the final result of the space. This document works as a clear guide to execute the design with precision.
Remote design and pricing
Yes, we offer design services for clients who are not in the Miami area. Our 60-minute virtual consultation is fully remote and available to anyone regardless of location. For larger projects, we can work remotely through the design and planning phases using photos, measurements, video calls, and 3D renders. For implementation, we coordinate with local contractors, vendors, and installers in your area. This makes our services accessible to out-of-state property owners and international clients.
For remote projects, we start by asking you to send detailed photos and measurements of your space, along with any floor plans if available. We conduct all consultations and design presentations via Zoom. Our 3D renders allow you to see exactly how the space will look before any purchases are made. For procurement, we can ship furniture and decor directly to your property or work with local vendors in your area. If installation supervision is needed, we coordinate with trusted local contractors who follow our design specifications.
Before your Zoom consultation, we recommend gathering a few things: clear photos of the space from multiple angles, including any areas that concern you most. If possible, basic room measurements and any floor plans you have. Also helpful are screenshots or saved images of styles, colors, or furniture pieces that appeal to you. This gives Cecilia the context needed to provide specific, actionable recommendations during the 60-minute session rather than general advice.
Pricing depends on the scope and type of project. Our design consultation starts at $150 for a 60-minute virtual session. Full residential interior design projects are quoted based on the number of rooms, complexity, and level of service required. Vacation rental design projects are similarly customized. We provide a detailed proposal with transparent pricing after the initial discovery call, so you know exactly what to expect before committing. There are no hidden fees.
Yes, if you decide to move forward with a full interior design project after your consultation, the $150 fee is credited toward your project cost. This means the consultation is essentially free if you proceed with our services. We structured it this way because the consultation provides genuine value as a standalone service, but we also want to make it easy for clients who are ready to invest in a complete design renovation.
We accept credit and debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. Payment terms are outlined in the project proposal and typically involve an initial deposit to begin the design phase, a second payment before procurement, and a final payment upon project completion. We provide clear invoicing at each stage so you always know where your investment stands.
Working together
We are a specialized design studio. We have a network of contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other professionals in Miami with whom we collaborate when the project requires structural interventions or remodeling. We coordinate and supervise the implementation, ensuring that every stage of the work respects the design vision and standards.
Of course. We understand that some pieces have sentimental value or are simply in great condition and worth keeping. During the discovery phase, we assess your existing furniture and decor to determine what works within the new design direction. We can build the design around pieces you love, refinish or reupholster items that need updating, and blend existing pieces with new selections for a cohesive look. The goal is a space that feels intentional, not wasteful.
Yes, Cecilia Carolini is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. All communication, design presentations, contracts, and consultations are available in both languages. Many of our clients in Miami prefer to work in Spanish, and we are happy to accommodate that preference throughout the entire project. Our website is also available in both English and Spanish.
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