Designing vs Furnishing

Featuring our Curtis Point Project - view the full project here.

The History of Interior Design

Throughout history, Interior Design has always been an elite service.  From grande lighting to the intricacies of custom-made furniture, interior designers were entrusted with sourcing the finest materials and craftsmen to create bespoke interiors that were exclusive for you. Designers could offer their clients pieces that were not readily available to the public. The process of working with a designer was a highly personalized experience, tailored to the individual tastes and preference of the client. Designers would invest time in understanding their clients lifestyles, aspirations, and aesthetic to translate them into their curated home. 

At Mackenzie & Company, we approach our brand and services with an appreciation for the history of design. Drawing inspiration from great designers, our goal is to uphold timeless aesthetics and quality of goods. Yet, we are not naive to the fact that the community of Interior Design is changing. Consumers want quality products for a lower cost and as quickly as possible. Interior designers specialize in finding sustainable, heirloom pieces that will last a lifetime. Will these come with a higher price tag? Yes, but we will always invest in quality. While the upfront cost may be higher, quality furniture is built to last, offering durability and longevity that outweighs cheaper options. Will these come with longer lead times? Yes, they are hand-crafted here in the United States. These furniture makers specialize in building quality furniture and use the best materials to do so.

Featuring our Foxhill Project - view the full project here.

One of our most frequently asked questions is if we shop retail.

We do not shop retail. While we offer a range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients, we do not furnish spaces or shop retail. Our team specializes in high-end new builds, gut renovations, and comprehensive design projects for both residential and boutique commercial spaces. Our close collaboration with architects and builders ensure a seamless process from the initial conceptualization to the final construction phase.

With our Full-Service clients, we provide fully customized designs from construction to custom furnishings. Differing, furnishing focuses primarily on selecting and arranging furniture, fixtures, and decorative elements within an existing space. Furnishings can be well-suited for clients who have a clear vision for their space but just need assistance with choosing furniture that fits within the space. While this is a service that is in demand, we dive deeper than furnishings.

To learn more about the Services we offer, click here.

Featuring our Shore Drive Project - view the full project here.

If you are primarily looking to purchase furniture for your home, you will find people that can meet your needs, such as interior decorators or furniture stores. Yet, working with an Interior Designer can be more beneficial than receiving a curated design. Our team also focuses on procurement and project management services. Our process begins with onboarding and does not end until the project is fully styled on install day. While designing is a large part of what we do, most of our designers will say that most of their time is spent on procurement and management. Procurement is the ordering and weekly tracing of your design elements. Not only do seamless logistics help with the stress of delivery, but it ensures cost management, quality control, and risk management. In short, we inspect incoming goods, verify their quality, and ensure that they are using appropriately in the project.

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How do i know if Mac & co. is a good fit for my project?

What feels like home is different for each of us, but there are elements and processes that help us discover what our clients love and ultimately come to call home. We begin with determining how our clients define beauty. We uncover your unique aesthetic and that informs the project direction.

This becomes the foundation of our work together as we collaborate to design a space that is uniquely yours. In the end, all elements of the design must come together to create a real sense of home and tell your authentic story. If you want to start the conversation, enquire here.

What types of clients do you work with?

Our team is capable of helping clients with varying project scopes and goals. We are involved in large-scale remodels, new builds, and smaller transformations. By offering custom upholstery and hand-crafted furnishings, our design process is tailored to fit your specific needs. We welcome all clients and embrace the unique journey each new project brings.

Explore our Services to find your perfect fit. Click here to view.

when is the right time to hire a designer?

The sooner, the better! It's best for us to be involved from the very beginning of a project, especially with new builds or renovations. Our team can assist builders and architects in key areas such as floor plan development, interior draftings, budget, and selection of finishes.

Generally speaking, you should hire a designer at least 6-9 months before your desired completion date.