Why Our Proposals & Agreements Are (Intentionally) Detailed...

...And it's Not Just Our Type-A Personalities.

"Il est temps de crever l'abcès", which is French for it’s time to clear the air, but with a certain poetic tone.

Yes, our interior design proposals and agreements are detailed.

Yes, they’re longer than a CVS receipt.

And yes, we’ve heard it: “It feels overwhelming.” “It sounds strict.”

Totally fair. Legal language isn’t cozy. It’s not exactly Hygge, throw-blankets-and-candles energy. But here’s the reality: starting an interior design project, especially in New York, isn’t a casual decision. It’s a long-term relationship. One that involves your home, your routines, your budget, your timeline and a lot of trust. It’s like a marriage minus the prenup.

Why details matter for interior design contracts?

Because clarity is kindness. Our interior design agreements are designed to protect both the client and the studio, and to set expectations before renovation stress, contractor delays, budget questions or supply chain issues show up. Clear agreements mean fewer misunderstandings, smoother renovations, better communication and stronger trust on both sides. When expectations are clear from the start, projects run more efficiently, decisions feel more confident and everyone involved knows where responsibilities begin

and end. This clarity allows the process to stay focused on design rather than damage control, which ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. We don’t believe in vague promises. We believe in transparency, especially when managing complex interior design projects with full gut renovations.

“But the contract feels strict…” We hear this one a lot. Legal language can feel harsh or intimidating, and that reaction is completely understandable. Contracts aren’t written to be charming, they’re written to be precise. And that precision matters when you’re coordinating multiple vendors and managing construction or renovations, all while juggling procurement and logistics, and designing spaces that ultimately shape how you live every day.

Our goal isn’t rigidity. It’s clarity. Every clause exists because at some point, someone assumed something different. Our agreement is essentially a record of lessons learned, refined over time with a trusted legal professional who thought about the what if-s so you don’t have to. And yes, legal talk is rarely warm. Unless you’re binge watching the series 'Suits', and Harvey Specter is delivering the news. Then suddenly everything sounds reasonable.

Why our design proposals and agreements explain every single phase and step?

You’ll notice our documents include definitions, explanations and a lot of “here’s how this works” language, and that’s intentional. We want you to fully understand how design decisions are made and how fees are structured. We also want you to be aware what happens if timelines shift, what is procurement and how it works, and where responsibilities start and end, so there are no surprises along the way.

Not because we expect problems, but because transparency builds confidence. Interior design is personal. We step into your daily life, how you live, how your family functions, what stresses you out and what you want your home to feel like at the end of the day. That level of access deserves mutual respect and very clear boundaries.

Our work is personal. Our reputation is tied to every project we take on. When we ask you to trust the process, we’re not asking for blind faith. We’re asking for informed trust, the kind that comes from knowing exactly what you’re signing and that your best interests are always part of the equation.

And if reading contracts isn’t your idea of a good time? Same!

So we’re always happy to sit down- coffee, tea or a well-earned drink- and walk through every detail with you, line by line, in plain language. No pressure. No rushing. Just alignment. Because the best interior design relationships don’t start with confusion. They start with clarity, communication, and mutual respect.

If you’re looking for a New York interior designer who values clarity, transparency and a thoughtful process, we’d love to connect. Our approach is structured and always centered around designing spaces that truly reflect how you live. Reach out to start the conversation and we'll book your first Complimentary Discovery Call.

Every space has a story, we’d love to design yours.

How Our Process Begins

1. Complimentary Discovery Call (or In-Person Meeting for Gut Renos) + Fill Inquiry Form
2. Proposal sent by Studio 1820 for review
3. Proposal approval
4. Agreement sent for review & signature + deposit
5. Fill On-boarding Design Form
6. First official Kickoff Meeting — and the fun begins!