Questions We
Hear Most Often

You can absolutely do it yourself — and many people do beautifully. A designer's value is in saving you time, preventing costly mistakes, and accessing trade-only resources you can't get on your own. We've seen clients save thousands by avoiding furniture that doesn't fit, paint colors that look wrong in their light, or renovations that put the budget in the wrong places. Even a single consultation can provide a roadmap that saves far more than it costs.

Design fees vary by scope. A one-time consultation typically ranges from $250 to $500. Single-room design projects run $2,000 to $5,000 in design fees. Full-home projects for a typical three-to-four bedroom home range from $8,000 to $25,000 in design fees. Furnishing budgets are separate and depend on the quality level and scope. We're always transparent about costs upfront and help you allocate your budget strategically.

Driftwood Studio is based in Apollo Beach, Florida, and we serve the entire South Shore Tampa Bay area including Waterset, Riverview, Sun City Center, Ruskin, Brandon, and the greater Tampa Bay region. We also offer virtual design consultations for clients outside our local area.

We describe our approach as livable luxury with a coastal soul. Think warm neutrals, natural materials, layered textures, and timeless proportions — not trendy, not themed, not beachy. Our homes feel collected and personal, built on a foundation of quality materials that age beautifully: Belgian linen, reclaimed oak, honed natural stone, unlacquered brass, and handmade ceramics. Every space we design is meant to be lived in, not just looked at.

Absolutely — new construction is one of our specialties. We work with many homeowners in communities like Waterset who want to transform their builder-grade finishes into something that feels custom and personal. From lighting and hardware upgrades to full furniture plans and material selections, we help bridge the gap between 'just built' and 'truly home.'

Timelines vary by scope. A design consultation is a single session. A single-room design typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from concept to completion. A full-home project can take 3 to 6 months or more, depending on the scope of work, custom orders, and any renovation components. We provide a detailed timeline at the start of every project so you know what to expect.

Our initial consultation is a focused 90-minute session where we walk through your space together, discuss what's working and what isn't, and provide specific, actionable recommendations. You'll leave with a clear roadmap — not vague suggestions, but concrete guidance on furniture arrangement, color direction, material choices, lighting upgrades, and a prioritized list of changes that will have the biggest impact.

Not at all. We love working with pieces you already own and love. Part of our process is identifying what to keep, what to reposition, and what to replace. A collected home — one that mixes existing pieces with new additions — has far more character than a room furnished entirely from scratch. We'll help you build on what you have.

Yes, and we encourage it. Having a clear budget isn't limiting — it's liberating. It helps us make smart allocation decisions: invest more in the pieces you'll use every day (sofa, dining table, mattress) and save on items that are easily changeable (throw pillows, accessories, art). We're experienced at creating beautiful results across a range of budgets.

Yes. We offer virtual consultations and design packages for clients who aren't in our local area or who prefer remote collaboration. Virtual design works particularly well for furniture planning, color consultations, and design direction. For projects that involve renovation or installation, we recommend in-person service.

Three things set us apart. First, our design philosophy is rooted in timelessness — we don't chase trends, and we won't design a home that feels dated in three years. Second, we specialize in the South Shore Tampa Bay area, which means we understand the local architecture, light, climate, and lifestyle intimately. Third, we believe design should be collaborative and accessible — not intimidating. We listen first, design second.

Florida does not require a state license for residential interior design services. However, if your project involves structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing modifications, those elements require licensed contractors. We coordinate with licensed professionals as needed and can recommend trusted local contractors for renovation work.