Oldbat2be, I just mentioned in a thread from Mtn to Artemis that I hadn't seen you here. Sounds like you've got a busy project. I wish I could help, do not know the market for Boston area. I'm glad to see you here and hope you keep us posted with photos.

Where is her work room? Is this though the Design Center?

Quotes are ridiculously high. Would like to know about her work room and her cut. Even 1/3 of that…$400.00, and assuming you are buying fabric through her, add another 1/3 and then install? High way robbery.

Call around…try Zimman’s in Lynn, I haven’t been to Reading since I moved to the Cape, but someone told me Zimman’s had a store there, as well.

Word of caution that I ordered romans on etsy for a lowish price (about $300-500 each for small shades) and got what I paid for...cheap hardware and the fabric was slightly crooked!!

Seems cheap compared to Los Angeles prices!

Do you have a local Calico Corners? They do similar project and could give you a quote, so you have something else to compare. CC isn't a bargain, but the prices are reasonable when they have their sales. I had 2 fitted bedspreads done at CC and they did a good job.

maddielee - thank you, I will check out the suggestions.

shadylady2u - Thank you, great input. 21.5 tall x 91 wide, and 18 x 92, so maybe 14 + 11.5 = 25 square feet, if I'm doing the math correctly. I do not know what the headrail was. The Romans quoted were slightly adjustable and stationery, with around 3 pleats. I take your points about quality foam and wrap, and measuring correctly.

We have a nice view, the purpose of the shades is to tie the two windows together.

Arapaho-Rd! So nice to see your name! New job this past year and yes very busy, especially of late. Hope you are well! I will be posting a lot with questions and pestering the forum for advice as I figure these out on my own.

JudyG - It might be, but I think it might be a friend/more local. However, that's where I'm guessing she selected the fabrics (Cowtan & Tout, Carolina Irving Textiles, Colefax and Fowler) and rug (JD Staron). Lovely, though, all. I too am curious about the workroom and cut but assumed one can't ask. I can say the designer has passed on a 10% discount on everything I buy through her. Zimman's is a great idea, I love that place and will visit in the next couple days (hadn't heard about Reading, thanks). Thank you for confirming what I felt was out of line.

Robo - thank you, good point. I'll ask for referrals prior to any work however I go.

chispa - I'm sure everything seems cheap compared to your prices! Yes to local Calico Corners; great idea to have another quote in hand. Thank you :)

Way out of line IMO . Go to a window covering showroom and choose the fabric you like and have them custom made and I will tell you it will not be that high and custom made and installed.

What size ’large’ window? I paid a ridiculously low fabrication and installation price for shades for two bathroom windows couple of years ago. One was a medium sized square window above a soaking tub and the other was a small window, but still. I bought the fabric at a specialty shop and they had a list of fabricators recommended. One in particular they pointed to. I called her, she came and measured and told me how much fabric, lining and trim to purchase and gave me a price. Had it done within 2 weeks of receiving the fabric (she picked it up at the store!). It was excellent work and she and her husband installed them.

That does not seem out of line with what I paid for work done in our beach house. And on one hand Maine should be cheaper than Boston, but then second home markets are often overpriced too.

I was going to recommend Calico Corners for comparison, too. They can work up quotes very quickly. Their work is pretty reliable and I totally concur w Chispa on pricing.

BTW, do we get to see pics!? And how are you!?

Do you need it to be adjustable? If they made them entirely faux, they would be cheaper. I'm going to guess they're sewing rings on and using split rings to make them adjustable, which will put it in the square foot pricing range. Considering the widths, I'd have to say those prices are in line. It should include lining and possibly interlining. Perhaps people saying they're out of line, live in lower priced areas. I live in Philly and I think Boston is in line with Philly.

I’m north of Boston and paid much, much less than that. I’d second checking out Zimman’s or I’m happy to recommend who I’ve used for upholstery/window treatments if you message me. Good luck.

You can also find much more affordable banquette pillows on Etsy, and many of exceptional quality, with or without fabric selections with quality fabrics and premium foam. It’s what I specialize in, and out of well over 2,000 sales, have only had a couple priced that high, and those included very expensive fabric costs.

So those that said they paid much less or it should be less, did you also have two shades made in a 90" plus width? Just curious. It's quite a bit of work making shades that wide.

Size matters in custom work.

Smith and Noble does amazing custom work and their in-home design service (with an interior designer) is free (part of the cost). I paid much much less than that for custom window treatments.

There is no longer a Zimman's in Reading MA. You have every right to ask about her/his workroom. Plenty of designers in your location so either discuss your concerns with her/him or interview another one

Who said etsy? 4Heidesign did! I love etsy. My living room is all Kravet. I wanted accent pillows in coordinates, but didn’t need, nor did I want to spend on yardage. Searched etsy for Kravet pillows and got all of them, minus stuffers, for a fraction of the price I would have paid to buy the fabric and have them made. Here, for instance, is products with Cowtan and Tout fabric:

https://www.etsy.com/market/cowtan_and_tout

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I spent the past hour replying to everyone's kind comments and included fabric and room pictures and then lost the post. GRRR!

Quick update - thank you all! I spent today getting second quotes on rugs and fabric (which I should have before). I found some great rug options as well as two fabrics at Zimmans both work.

Hard to photograph decently both windows at same time:

Backsplash:

Fabric 1:

Sample in place:

Sample 2:

Your Fabric 1 is gorgeous!!!

Visit your local flooring company to see if they have a remnant in an appropriate color and large enough for your purchase. They will bind it in any color that you choose. In our previous house I had 12 X 18 carpets bound. It was a while ago, but I think that I paid only a few hundred dollars for the rugs. Of course, we had to figure out how to get them home and to put the padding down (being young and frugal we used the previous indoor-outdoor carpeting for the pad), but I think that the store would have done that for us. Bottom line, check with a carpet store for your rug.

Did you redo a K and we missed it! Looks great! Love the BS. I vote for Fabric 2. The first one is really pretty it's just that is looks like something i've seen again and again, while the second is different but not whacky. The larger scale works in the space too IMHO.

Have you made your famous spice cake in the new kitchen yet? : )

I'm floored by cost of pillow! I had a very long window seat to cover. I purchased good foam from a local company. It wasn't cheap, had my own fabric, but had a local seamstress make the covering- - it did not approach that cost (including foam, fabric, labor) , and I'm in a very HCOL area.

PS: This is ?? BUT: I bought the fabric through Calico Corners. I was aghast at the price. I asked the sales person if she knew of anyone else who did upholstery/pillows, etc., That is how I received contact info of person I use for such. There are other people out there who do this who are excellent!

You are missing too much information:

The rug: Id the room an odd shape" Curves or something? A rug in any straight line configuring , does NOT require a "template" It needs dimensions - /finished" size.Is serging being done locally, miles from local, or at the rug factory before delivery?

A simple hand bind is about 4.00 a running foot in most moderate markets in a high end shop, binding material depending. The pad alone on a 12 x 15 rug could approach 500.00 dollars.

Roman shades: I don't find the labor unreasonable. It includes the lining, rings, cord, hardware. Install of any treatment is usually separate. All window treatments cutom are usually quoted WITH the materials the sewer provides to complete the treatment. They are also based on "cuts" Your fabric, the repeat, all can make a difference.

Banquette: We don't know size. It is a SEAT cushion?A seat cushion is not a "pillow". What is the foam density? Quality foam is quite expensive. .......more density costs more.

MOST important? What does your CONTRACT say about how the designers fee is structured? Does she mark up labor, are you paying retail, hours a design fee applied to any of those etc?

You have not provided enough info , to answer anything.

Not a shocking total at all for true custom. Romans for a “typical” 🙄 30” window run $900-1500 for something custom and well built. More if you start adding trim or features. JC Penney’s custom program would run right about that price.

I did a custom cushion on Cushion Source. It is beautiful and nowhere near that much. Check around.

Add this to your fridge with a cut and paste:

When I have a designer, and decide to get my own labor source. I am 100% RESPONSIBLE for the outcome.

This will include any "oopsies" with regard to the fabric my designer provided. It will include every detail of finish, fit, quality and quality, per MY instructions.

This is not meant to scare you. Just to make you think: ) Because designer sources are just that. The designer is responsible for your happiness. Or not. It's her monkey, and her circus if something is leas than satisfactory in any way.

Quick note to say I very much appreciate the feedback and will reply in more detail over the weekend.

As an update - I notified the designer that I wished to terminated the agreement.

Calico Corners quoted 2 Flat Faux Roman Shades with cords, one inner mount, one outer, including fabric, lining, measure and install - $1900. I also asked a friend about her beautiful Romans and she has put me in touch with someone local. Always good to have more than one quote.

Patricia Colwell, OutsidePlaying, KR, live_wire_oak, Jeanne Seefus - Thank you.

mntnrdredux_gw - Your feedback is very much appreciated, I agree with you about the fabric/s. All well with us, we are now empty nesters and somehow time passes even more quickly. You must be looking at colleges, no? The kitchen redo was 8-9 years ago, thanks!! Spice cake is made regularly, hope you are making it too!

shadylady2u - The person who did the measuring mentioned they would be slightly adjustable (perhaps during install?). The purpose of the shades is to tie the two rooms together vs. for privacy. The shades do not need to be adjustable; The quote including lining; I'm not sure about interlining. Thank you for your detailed questions, they are helping me learn.

Gretchen Young - I may still take you up on your kind offer!

Regarding the banquette pillow, to learn about construction I watched a few videos, including this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpVyVjjOnEc. So I believe I am looking for a boxed and welted cushion cover with square corners and a zipper.

Then, I spent time on Etsy (great suggestion, 4Heidesign - and by the way, your work is lovely) and was quoted $370 for a cushion cover with piping, including the 4" foam. (COM). Heidi - once I finalize fabric, I will reach out to you to quote.

jck910 - I felt as though it was rude to ask about the workroom and I take your point about discussing concerns with the designer directly.

JudyD - Loved the link to Etsy marketplace - genius idea to make use of leftover designer fabric. Thanks!

Yvonnecmartin - Good idea, thanks!

maddie260 - thanks, this is the approach I think I will be taking as well.

Jan Moyer - Great feedback. You are correct, the (rug) room includes a corner fireplace, and we were planning a carpet which shows about 8" of flooring, following the perimeter of the room. Thank you for the figures on binging/serging; lots of unknowns. The window treatment on the proposal only lists 'fabric and linings'. Banquette cushion is planned at 90 x 18 x 4. I will have to read up on foam density. I like the fridge quote - absolutely take your point.

The contract was a fairly simple one, including the designer's hourly rate and that of her assistant; furnishings and materials to be billed at retail less 10%. I do have a question - there was a clause specifying that any products specified by the designer needed to be purchased through them. Am I ok, now that the agreement has been terminated, to purchase the fabrics I did like? (I have quotes back from Zimman's and they are all less than the 'retail less 10%').

OB2B - Your kitchen, pantry and laundry room continue to be on ‘My Favorites’ list. Glad you received additional quotes. I had two custom stationary Roman shades made for the kitchen windows at a cost of approximately $1,000 six years ago. The cost is why they are still up (shaking my head). The same fabric was $20/yard less expensive at Hobby Lobby. In our bedroom we have custom drapes that the lining has stretched over the years and hangs below the fabric. A local company received that order, but I learned post-purchase they outsourced all their drapes. They arrived in a box and wrinkled. I was so surprised the local shop did not come to hang and steam the drapes; something they did in the past. I learned my lesson and now only use the “local gal that can make anything.” She delivers, installs and steams. Best of luck!

Anticipating the next question: Many of us contribute free advice here. Why?

Because we have zero responsibility for outcome, zero responsibility for process, for quality assurance or result,, and we can abandon you to disappear into the hinterlands two nano seconds after the post, if we so choose, UNLIKE the paying clients we break from for a few moments. That's why. : )

Jan, I read your post three times. I always appreciate an honest answer, thank you. This was my first time working with a decorator and I went into this not knowing what to expect. My number one goal was to warm up our family room, with which I've struggled for years. Most of the time has been spent in the kitchen, which is a really fun space. I'm proud of it... so enjoyed having others admire it and just trusted the process. In hindsight, I should have had her laser focused on the family room.

I also did not communicate a budget. When the proposals came in, all but one were for the kitchen. I totaled them, added the other things I want to add and I realized I would be spending more than I wished, and frankly, I had not made much progress towards my initial goal. Mistakes certainly on my end.

So far, I've paid around $1500 for the decorator to make vendor visits/sourcing and around $800 for two visits to the house. I can't see adding another $1500 for new material sourcing. I think I've paid fairly well for design advice (YMMV, it's all relative!). And yes, I will be relying on the forum (and hopefully you too) for much more 'free' advice.

motherof3sons! So nice to hear from you. I still remember your kitchen and that gorgeous tile:) Thank you for the advice on going local. Hope all is well!!

" have received my first round of proposals”. You decided the labor quotes are too high, you are not under any obligation to continue at this point, IMO. You have paid the designer for her time spent and are free to move on.

When people want their home to look lovely, but budget does not allow for over the top costs (as in the labor quotes you received), I feel it is my responsibility (and glad to take it) to look for other vendors who will have lower rates. IMO, your designer lost a job because of her inflexibility; she should have adapted to your check book. Designer should research and add other installers to her Rolodex. There are plenty around who would love the work. Lower rates do not necessarily mean shoddy work, just as high rates to not guarantee perfection. We have all been down that road.

So, I'm curious. How much was just the labor from CC? I am trying to figure out how your first quote compares but they are apples and oranges.

Roman shades for two fairly large windows - labor - $1175. Install is separate (tbd) Fabric not included.

Calico Corners quoted 2 Flat Faux Roman Shades with cords, one inner mount, one outer, including fabric, lining, measure and install - $1900.

mtn - Total labor was $960 (for the two) from Calico Corner. I see I mistyped the workroom labor for the roman shades in my initial post: $1775, not $1175. So, around $800 difference.

Ohhhh! Good for you.

I think you don't know. First it was "labor, not including fabric", then it was "fabrics and linings" then it was install is separate. Then it was

"
Calico Corners quoted 2 Flat Faux Roman Shades with cords, one inner mount, one outer, including fabric, lining, measure and install - $1900.

Then it was 1775.00 :"labor"

I can tel ya : ) I sure as heck don't know. I DO know is you aren't getting Colefax, Cowtan etc at Calico Corners.

You need to do some math and determine your maximum budget -- and stick to it -- so that your pro can help you find appropriate products within that budget rather waste not only your time but the time of your pro designer.

If you outspend your budget, you risk having some serious regrets that could affect how much you enjoy the results of your efforts.

@ Judy G

The op didn't share a "budget" . The designer failed to prod and clarify. The Op wasnt clear on her own design goal, and let said designer glorify a space she was already happy with.

I "adjust" labor sourcing virtually never. I don't need to create my own problems when I have fair pricing to deliver quality to a client.. These are folks with decades of experience I business, also with ME! If a client wants to research? Provide their own?! Great! Own the result too.

Best of luck to you in your search for items for your home.

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oldbat2be did you find another designer?

I agree with Jan Moyer mostly except for the shipping costs—-I have always been billed the exact amount for freight / shipping of all fabrics with our ID. That said, he was perfectly clear that frieight was a separate billable, at cost.

Transfer of knowledge is a hidden benefit of hiring a professional like an interior designer.....or maybe transfer of taste? :) There are thousands of fabrics that could have looked just fine on your windows. Based on her taste and experience in how fabrics look in different treatments and sizes of treatments (huge difference in curtains pleated at the top or not in terms of how much of the pattern shows, same with Roman shades) she narrowed that down to a manageable choice. Our guy always gives me at least three possibilities, and as many as six if there’s only one fabric involved. I would not feel comfortable taking that knowledge and purchasing the fabric outside our contract, although I would definitely ask him for a lower priced workroom if the costs were ridiculous. With reupholstery I have used my own guy and the fabric was shipped to him. However, ID did not guarantee hose products’ quality or timeliness.

That said, after paying him a flat fee (and one I considered a lot of money) to do a floor plan / furniture placement, I purchased my own curtains (combination of off the rack and custom) and saved at least $15k on window treatments alone doing an entire house from scratch. I did not use any of his suggested fabrics. If I had I would have bought the fabric, at least, through him.

FWIW, I like the first fabric you posted. It is definitely more of a type, but looks more refined (for lack of a better word) and has more colors to pull from when accessorizing the right side of the rooms picture. Is that a sitting room, or hearth room? I remember your family room redo year ago , wasn’t your husband involved with the beautiful moldings and trim?

I just ordered two roman shades for two good sized windows from Select Blinds. I ordered samples and went with there top of the line fabrics choices and cordless. The price for both windows fabric labor and all was $1462. They are very well made and I am very happy with them. I went with a fabric with design this time, the previous roman shades were neutral, but wanted to liven things up a bit now.

I've posted twice and lost the posts, not sure what is happening, but it's frustrating!

I'll try again with just a couple pictures:

jck910 - No, I'll be working on this on my own going forward, thank you for asking.

I requested a final invoice (and got a significant one, ah well) but we parted on good terms and I've learned some lessons.

kswl - Thank you for the input! You were on point with respect to assistance with choices; I am pleased with the ones we ended up selecting. The kitchen is one large room, with a round table in front of the other window and a fireplace in the corner. DH is still very much a part of all my projects:)

olliesmom - I've been obsessing over shades, thank you for the recommendation and the pricing details. It looks like a great website... please share pictures of your treatments if you are willing!

Here is the fabric I am considering for the windows.

For possible window seat bench pillow (right hand window):

Pattern loosely photoshopped:

Window treatment idea for sink window: I like the reverse box pleats lining up with the vertical window lines and coordinating ribbon. I love the view and the light out these windows so wish to minimize the loss of either.

Thoughts?

Thanks, enjoy the weekend!

I like the 2 fabrics in the 1st picture.