How We Work

What to Expect

NKM Design brings a lifetime of experience directly to you, creating a process that is both thoughtful and highly personalized. During your initial meeting, owner Kathleen Monteleone will take the time to truly understand your vision, asking detailed questions to gain a clear and in-depth perspective of your project, your lifestyle, and how you want your space to feel.

The first appointment typically takes place in your home or business and lasts about an hour, though larger or more complex projects may require additional time. If you choose to move forward, Kathleen will document the space with photos, video, and precise measurements to ensure every detail is considered. For homes with multiple areas, a follow-up visit may be scheduled to complete this process.

You can expect a comprehensive walk-through of your home, where you’ll have the opportunity to highlight challenges, goals, and areas you’d like to transform. Kathleen may even ask to see elements of your personal style—such as your wardrobe—to better understand your preferences for color, pattern, and texture. This initial phase is as much about getting to know you as it is about the space, laying the foundation for a design that feels cohesive, personal, and effortlessly refined.

Investment

Discussing your investment is an essential part of the design process, even though it can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Establishing a clear budget from the outset allows Kathleen to guide you thoughtfully, ensuring every recommendation aligns with your goals and delivers the greatest value for your home. If you’re unsure what to expect, she will help you navigate costs and define an investment level that supports the overall vision.

Whether you choose to design one room at a time or transform your entire home, your investment shapes the level of customization and detail within the project. NKM Design offers access to exclusive, to-the-trade furnishings, custom upholstery, and bespoke window treatments, along with beautifully crafted pieces from American artisans and select international sources. The result is a home that feels curated, personal, and truly one of a kind.

Design Plan & Presentation

Behind the scenes in our design studio, Kathleen and her team thoughtfully develop your project in detail. Floor plans, sketches, and, when appropriate, renderings are created to bring the vision to life. Custom window treatments and upholstered furnishings are designed specifically for you, with fabric selections guided by both your aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Every element—from lighting and accessories to rugs and finishes—is carefully curated and layered into a cohesive plan.

We confirm product availability with our trusted suppliers, refine every detail, and prepare a comprehensive design presentation. Your presentation appointment is then scheduled at a time when all key decision-makers can be present.

During this meeting, we reveal the complete design for your space—thoughtfully considered and beautifully resolved. Together, we review the plan, discuss any final refinements, and ensure every detail feels just right. Once the design is approved, we move forward with a signed agreement and initial deposit, allowing us to begin bringing your new space to life.

Behind the Scenes

Once your design plan is finalized, Kathleen and her team begin the procurement phase, carefully ordering furnishings and materials from a curated network of trusted vendors across the country and abroad. Each piece has been thoughtfully selected to align with your overall vision, and Kathleen will keep you informed throughout the process, providing updates as your project progresses and begins to take shape.

Because your home is being layered with items from a variety of sources, deliveries arrive on different timelines. Each piece is received, inspected, and securely stored until the full collection is ready for installation. While some items may arrive within a few weeks, custom furnishings and made-to-order pieces often require additional time, reflecting the level of craftsmanship and detail involved.

Behind the scenes, our team carefully coordinates orders, tracks shipments, and manages timelines to ensure everything comes together seamlessly. This level of organization allows installation day to feel effortless—when every element is delivered and placed with intention, transforming your space in a single, beautifully orchestrated reveal.

The Final Reveal

If your project includes renovations, much of the foundational work will be completed in advance. Painting and wallpaper installation are typically scheduled ahead of furnishings to ensure your new pieces arrive into a clean, protected environment. Every step is carefully planned so that installation day unfolds seamlessly—and with a sense of anticipation.

By the time installation day arrives, the transformation is ready to come to life. This is often the most exciting moment of the entire process. To allow everything to be executed flawlessly, we recommend leaving your home in the capable hands of the design team, who will oversee deliveries, manage installers, and ensure every detail is placed with precision—from window treatments to lighting and finishing touches.

When everything is just right, Kathleen will invite you back for the reveal. Returning home to a fully completed, beautifully layered space is a moment unlike any other—effortless, elevated, and entirely tailored to you. It’s the reward for trusting the process, and a true reflection of the value thoughtful design brings to your home.