Working Mothers' Network - Interior Designers

Thanks to everyone who emailed me recommendations - here is the compiled list.  At the bottom is a compiled list from last october (thanks Amy!) so you can see that as well.

Ann Dlugasch
Ann Dlugasch Interiors
(908) 561-3363

used Jonathan Weismeth (JDW Designs) 973-783-7701. He is based in Montclair, but does a lot of work in this area. He did a wonderful job for us, and for some of my friends. He doesn’t have a set look—every house he does looks different based on the clients’ taste. As far as cost, I think his arrangement is pretty standard—he takes a retainer up front and then makes money from your purchases. We gave him a budget and he did a great job of staying within that amount.
Good luck.
Philicia

Cindy Bacigal 845-294-8292 She really excels at color, charges by the hour and knows great places to get great deals.

FYI Jodi Topitz helped me pick out the colors for the walls of the downstairs and it was a great start--I need more I help and haven't taken the plung yet.

A friend of mine worked with the woman on Millburn Avenue in Short Hills and was very happy. I have also spoken with the people at the shop across the street (a little more modern and liked their stuff).

I have been using a woman from the Morristown area named Liz Balough. She has her own business called Chrysaliz Design. She is very flexible -- she'll work by the hour or for a flat rate per room. You can shop on your own and just use her for color and layout or she'll shop for you or with you for an hourly rate. Her number is: 973-627-8551.

Jodi Topitz is terrific to work with.  She charges by the hour, rather than getting a percentage of what you buy, so there's no pressure to purchase one thing over another. She is fabulous with color and can also do stencils, faux finishes, murals, etc.

She helped me rearrange things I already had and the transformation was miraculous. She will shop with you or for you and is great at finding bargains (if you're interested, as I was).

Jodi is at 973/762-0273.

I can highly recommend Karen Bowen (973) 467-1124. She has great taste and is very nice to work with. She helped me with my kitchen, family room and living room. She has an hourly fee and charges a commission on what she purchases for you. Since she gets a 40% discount from her design sources even with her 20% commission you are paying less than retail.

Here is a list that was compiled last October. Good luck.
Amy

-----Original Message-----
From: Julie
Sent: Sunday, October 17, 2004 12:43 PM
Subject: [workmom] Compiled List - Decorators

creative wallcoverings (note: more than wallcoverings)
Florence is an aesthetic organizer, great at working with what you have. She has a wonderful sense of color and a very nice style. She did great things for our house - and she is very reasonable. Try a consultation. She's a breed apart. 973-762-4833

Mary-Anne Hayes has a casual elegant, clean line style. She has a store 123 Walnut Street in Montclair. Her cell phone number is 973-517-1424, best times to call her are Wed-Sat 11am-5pm since these are the store hours.
I understand that vs. other designers her prices are reasonable.
She is a friend of mine...and is helping me and I am thrilled. You may have met her since Jillian (the hand bag lady) is her friend from Australia.

Ina Wallman does great work -- 973.218.9293.
Jodi Topitz (who lives in town) is wonderful at working with what you have and working within a budget. She can be reached at 762-0273.

I really enjoyed working with Jodi Topitz, 973-762-0273. She’s not cheap, but she’s willing to work with what you have and then scavenge for what you need. She loves finding bargains.

I have been very happy working with Karen Bowen. I believe her current rate is $95 an hour. She also charges a 20% commission on what you buy through her but since she passes on her designer discount (generally 40% for things she buys wholesale) you still end up paying less than retail. Her phone # is 973-467-1124.

I work part-time in the office of a local interior designer. His name is Niv Miyasato, 507 Millburn Avenue, SH. He is very reasonably priced and much of his stuff is contemporary/modern – I think he has excellent taste. phone # is 973/912-9700. [truncated]

Janice Weinberg of JC Design in Scotch Plains. She is a pleasure to work with. Her number is (908) 889-9681
Patty Disque/Disque Interiors in Madison (973) 966-1301 as our interior designer and liked her a lot. She charges a flat fee based on how much of your house you need to decorate. Patty is great with advice on high end items
but also gives recommendations on that can be purchased inexpensively