604-922-6828
refined design inc
p r o f e s s i o n a l o r g a n i z i n gi n t e r i o r r e d e s i g n


 FAQs

Why Refined Design Inc?

We seek to enrich the functionality of home and work environments.

Our action plans are tailored to individual needs.  We update, decorate and accessorize according to requirements of our clients, not trends.

Reducing environmental waste is important to us!

In striving to inspire simplicity and efficiency, we combine our organizing skills with an artistic flair.  Our “both sides of the brain” approach employs methodology that's both practical (the left brain, logical, objective organizer) and artistically creative (the right brain, intuitive, redesigner).  For example:  a highly organized kitchen may be a work of art in itself, but we add the touches that'll entice you to cook in it!

What does a Professional Organizer do?

A Professional Organizer (PO) assists people and organizations to improve their unique situations, as defined by their specific needs.  We create customized solutions to increase the efficiency of any home, office or individual.  POs help clients find balance, restore order and maximize their time and resources.

What is “interior redesign”?

By evaluating your current needs, interior redesign makes the most of the furnishings, accessories and systems that you already have.

Functionality is improved by employing a combination of space planning, time management strategies, repurposing, rearranging and refurbishing.  Redecorating incorporates treasured favourites with select new pieces - and suitable storage solutions - as required.

A redesign makeover is a practical, cost-effective alternative to a full renovation.

Is hiring an organizer / redesigner a luxury?

Getting organized is an investment in the well-being of yourself and everyone around you.  The impact is immediate and far reaching.

A simpler lifestyle requires less energy and money to operate.  More time and less stress are noticeable benefits.

The trick is to get off the treadmill; to determine what is most important to you and your family.

How does the process work?

Working in an isolated area - without reference to how the rest of the household is operating - usually leads to less than effective results.  Consequently, we begin with an overall assessment of the entire property.

The same holds true for the workplace:  an overall review allows for a more realistic appraisal of segments of the business.

The action plan generally evolves with the project since each area has a ripple effect on the others.  Our recommendations are based on individual needs, budget and priorities.  Suggested options are intended to provide long term solutions, rather than quick fixes that do not address underlying reasons behind the problem.

What if I don't have a big budget?

Our services may pay for themselves several times over.

Regardless of your project budget, we know how to make things better.  We're experienced in making the most of what you've got, stretching a budget, and making “something out of nothing”.  We've seen how even simple changes can make a world of difference.

We offer packages to suit a variety of lifestyles.

How can organizing / redesigning pay for itself?

Being more organized can pay for itself in many ways:  more time, less stress, a more beautiful and better functioning environment.  Redesigning can provide alternatives that save hundreds – even thousands – of dollars that you may have anticipated spending in order to solve an issue.

Here are some plausible scenarios:

  • by purging and reorganizing, everything suddenly “fits”, eliminating the cost of monthly storage fees
  • organizing paperwork uncovers unpaid bills before penalties kick in, interest rates are increased and / or an overdue bill goes to collections
  • the table is cleared and available to eat meals … family dynamics change and there is renewed interaction
  • space planning deals with a situation that you thought you'd need a renovation to resolve
  • an organized pantry / fridge / freezer enables better rotation, cuts spoilage and reduces over-purchasing; food safety goes up
  • a change in furniture placement brings a room to life, eliminating the need to buy new pieces
  • you already have the perfect piece; it simply needs refurbishing
  • cost-effective decorating and storage solutions come in under budget
  • with excess clothing removed, you now see everything you have in your closet, thereby reducing duplicate purchases
  • a family calendar helps reduce missed appointments
  • a transformed junk room becomes a multi-functional family room; smiling faces return
  • guests intuitively know how to navigate your kitchen (and compliment you on it)
  • unwanted items, properly disposed, find new homes rather than the landfill

Each project is unique.  What's it worth to you?

What is “transition organizing”?

Transitioning from one stage of life to another may be very difficult.  We assist individuals and families with life transitions, including:

  • downsizing seniors 
  • move organizing 
  • preparing houses for sale
  • estate matters:  sorting / organizing / facilitating distribution

Sometimes, big changes are forced upon us by a major event:  a birth, death, illness, marriage, divorce, promotion, move, economic upheaval etc.  Other times, change is spurred on by a desire to move forward.

Purging the old, the excess and the unnecessary can be emotionally draining.  We assist in this process of letting go …

Why is redesign a “green” option?

Interior redesign makes the most of what you already have.  We focus on reviving, re-purposing and recycling.

Unlike a renovation, which may require gutting a room and replacing everything, we look to see what can be reasonably salvaged, updated and reused before assuming that structures, furnishings and fittings must be replaced.

As items are classified as no longer wanted or needed, we encourage sourcing “new homes” for unwanted items, wherever possible.  (Please see our resources section for recycling and charity options.)

What is “home staging®”?

Staging involves the preparation of a residence (ideally, prior to listing it for sale) with the express purpose of increasing its marketability.

Most often, staging entails the removal of excess items.  Décor is designed to appeal to buyers (the way you live in your home - and the way a house is best marketed - are entirely different matters).

Properly staged homes attract a wide range of potential buyers, evoking a positive emotional response.  Since staging highlights a home's best features, staged houses tend to sell quicker and at higher prices.

The term “stage®” was coined over 20 years ago and trademarked by Barb Schwarz of stagedhomes.com.  The process of preparing homes for sale is also known as real estate enhancing, property presentation, house doctoring, home styling, visually coordinating for sale, real estate staging, environmental / property presentation enhancement.

Several TV shows feature staging:  The Stagers, The Unsellables, Sell This House, Designed to Sell, Take This House and Sell It, Curb Appeal, Selling Houses Abroad.

How does staging differ from interior redesign?

Essentially, staging is a redesign project for the purpose of selling a home.

  • both update space to reflect current needs
  • staging is a sales tool; redesign is employed in spaces that you intend to keep
  • the scope of each project is determined by individual requirements, time frame and budget

Preparing a home for sale is best tackled as early as possible for the most effective transition to your new home.

What are 3 organizing tips to kick-start the moving process?

Start as soon as you begin contemplating a move; the earlier, the better!

1.  stop buying new stuff; return borrowed items; discard broken objects
2.  purge, purge, purge …
3.  ask adult kids to pick up their stored belongings, giving a specific deadline

How can you help my business?

We begin with an overall assessment of the business environment, which allows for a more realistic appraisal of segments of the business.  The action plan generally evolves with the project since each area has a ripple effect on the others.

Our recommendations are based on individual needs, budget and priorities.  Suggested options are intended to provide long term solutions, rather than quick fixes that do not address underlying reasons behind the problem.

Since our analysis and redesign packages vary depending on your type of business operation, please call us to discuss your individual situation. 

Who is our principle?

Debora Bengtson, our founder, is a POC Trained Professional Organizer and an Accredited Staging Professional™ (ASP™).  Debora is a long time resident of West Vancouver, a Canadian Olympian and a former POC Director of Education.

Debora provides her clients with options, tailored to their unique requirements.  Drawing from her design, legal, financial, organizational and business training, she has honed the ability to approach situations from several perspectives.

What about confidentiality?

Working in concert with clients in their home and work environments, we may be exposed to personal information.  We are bound by our Code of Ethics and offer confidentiality agreements.

What about insurance?

We are insured and covered by WorkSafe BC (WCB).

I don't live in your area; can you still help me?

Some projects can be done via telephone and email.  Please contact us to discuss the specifics of your project.

Anything else?

Please call us at 604-922-6828.  Thank you.


 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 

refined design inc
604-922-6828

inspiring
simplicity & efficiency

organizing & redesign
for home, work & life





 

 


“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  Lao-tzu

t:  604-922-6828    e:  info@refineddesign.ca    © copyright 2005 - 2012 Refined Design Inc    all rights reserved    E & OE    v2012.01