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Where did the name Aegean Designing Whims come from?
When we specialized in only floor coverings, our name was Aegean Floor Coverings. And when we started doing design work, we thought people might have a hard time remembering Aegean, so we added Designing Whims.
It’s a funny name, and I’m amazed how many people do remember us as Aegean. I think once you get Aegean, you don’t lose it.
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Are you licensed and insured, and what does that really mean?
All California contractors need to be licensed and insured. The license “qualifies” that person or company to do certain work in your home. Contractors are also required to be “Bonded” which is insurance benefiting consumers and employees of the Contractor. Liability Insurance is not required, but necessary for any “smart” contractor, who wants to protect themselves and their customers in the event of any major catastrophe (such as causing a fire) in their customer’s home.
It’s very important you hired only Licensed, Bonded AND Insured Contractors.
You can always contact cslb.ca.gov/ to verify a Contractor’s license is current and that they are in good standing.
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What type of work requires a Licensed Contractor?
Any job over $600, plus any job required installation. That means Carpeting and Floor Coverings, Window Coverings, Wall Coverings, and Remodeling,
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Will you still have sales in your new “Store & Design Center”?
Absolutely. Sales are a great way for our customers to take advantage of merchandise that’s either been discontinued, or has been on the floor for awhile. It gives us an opportunity to change out the store, so you constantly see new and exciting products.
Our sales are twice a year, in June and January, and it’s a good idea to sign up for our Mailing and Email List, so you are sure to hear about them.
We’ve also just started emailing photos of pieces that are on sale in between sales. Only email customers are notified, so be sure you get on our list.
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What is your return policy?
While we don’t actually have a written policy, it’s our absolute #1 priority that you are 100% happy with everything we do. And we’ll do anything we can to make sure that happens.
If you custom order a sofa or chair, it’s hard for us to take something like that back, so we try to make sure you’ll love it before we order it.
When it comes to Case Goods, tables etc., we also try to make sure you’ll love your purchase, and we try to make sure we have something from that company on the floor so you’ll see the quality. Sometimes we’ve even ordered something for a customer, like a table or a print, On Approval. When that piece comes in, you can make sure you like it before you purchase it.
Our workmanship is ALWAYS guaranteed. We’re not always perfect, but we fix any problems we can.
Our goal is to have you happy with us and with your purchases.
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Are you more expensive than Lowe’s and Home Depot?
I love it when people ask me this question. Anyone can be less expensive than anyone. On a day to day basis, we are not any more expensive than anyone. (We just look it).
When you go to a “Big Box” store, there’s no way you can get the personal service you can when you shop at a smaller store. They often carry some of the same brands as we do, but they don’t always have all the amenities. And sometimes it’s confusing, because when you see a brand, you think everything is equal. Sometimes manufacturers make special products for Big Boxes but with less, or it’s made a little differently. Manufacturers have 2 customers in this case; one the Big Boxes, and one the Independent Dealers.
When you shop at a store like ours, what you know you’re going to get is personal service, someone who really cares about you purchasing what’s best for you and your application, and you aren’t dealing with different independent contractors who have no idea who you are.
Lowe’s and Home Depot are great places to purchase hardware, toilets, appliances, drywall and wood. But shop with a store like us for the finishing touches. You won’t be paying more, and you’ll get more value.
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Why do I need an Interior Designer? And, doesn’t it cost more?
If you’re truly a do-it-yourself person, you probably don’t need the services of a Designer. You have time and interest to research exactly what you want to do, and aside from enjoying doing your own work, price is your primary focus. However, we’ve had a number of customers who want to do their own work, but need help deciding between products or colors.
However, if you know you want to do some work around your home, but aren’t really sure where to start, or what to do first, having a Designer can make your life a lot easier.
When you hire a Designer, you do pay for that service. We, for example, charge $85 per hour for consultation when you are purchasing from us, or $125 per hour when we do consulting only. Don’t hang up here!
When you’re furnishing a room, you might pay $500 to $800 depending on how many things we do for you. Floor plans and furniture placement are critical, colors for walls, flooring and furniture are next, and then finding the perfect pieces and doing window treatments absolutely finish the room.
What you’re doing is paying someone to help you, then you are purchasing what you need. You’re also not making costly mistakes.
When we do consultation only, it’s usually because you’re remodeling or building your home, and our input can be invaluable during both the planning process and during the remodeling. Sometimes we’ve looked at blueprints and have realized window placement makes it almost impossible to put furniture along a particular wall. Or if you have certain wishes for specific furniture, like a sectional or dining room set, you really want to be sure there is enough wall space or unobstructed floor space for everything to fit in your room.
Once you’ve met our Designers, we find out what you’re interested in having done, and we come to your home for an initial consultation so we can see first hand what your visions are for your project.
Then we can give you a better idea what the costs for us to help you would be. We’ll work with what you already have, and possibly suggest moving something from one area to another…..every home is different. And we always remember that it’s YOUR HOME, not ours.
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Are you considered a High End Store, or do you have reasonably price furniture and accessories too?
Sometimes customers have said “Your store looks expensive” or “I thought you were expensive until I looked at the prices. And you have all different price points”.
One of the things I love about decorating is that you can get a great look at an affordable price. Sometimes you spend a little more on a sofa that you’ll be sitting on every day, but then can find accent pieces that cost a little less and do the trick.
The goal is to mix what you do, and no one will every know the difference.
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