Services
At STORIE, we offer two ways to work together, depending on your needs, scope, and level of involvement. Whether you're tackling a full gut renovation or simply need expert eyes on your layout, our approach is thoughtful, tailored, and grounded in delivering beautiful, livable results.
Expert design support
Full-service design & ground-up construction management
The Real Estate Refresh
Design-driven updates for
market-ready homes
Tablescapes
Curated settings for unforgettable gatherings
1. THE EDIT
Expert design support - without the full-service commitment.

Think of this as your design shortcut: perfect for clients who want professional insight but prefer to manage their own project. "The Edit" is a 10-hour design package built to help you clarify your vision, avoid costly mistakes, and move forward with confidence.
You’ll get our expert eye on key decisions—no overcommitment, no long timelines.
This can include:
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Floorplan proposals & layout recommendations
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Custom millwork design
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Sourcing of furniture, lighting, materials, wallpaper, and paint
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Mood boards to align on design direction
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Technical drawings and specifications to hand off to your contractor
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On-site walk-throughs or consultations
Best for: Clients who are working with their own contractor or architect and want flexible, streamlined support from a designer along the way.
2. THE VISION
Full-service design support from ground-up construction to finishing touches—we guide your project from start to finish.
This is our most comprehensive offering, designed to support you from concept through completion. Whether you're starting with a blank slate or renovating an existing home, we oversee every step—from reimagining layouts to selecting finishes, furnishings, and fixtures.
We’re often the first hire on a project, collaborating closely with your architect and contractor (or bringing in our trusted team) to ensure the design is cohesive, functional, and beautifully executed.
This can include:
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Ground-up construction
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Full-scale renovations (layout changes, plumbing/electrical relocation, custom cabinetry, etc.)
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Kitchen and bath remodels without major structural work
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Full-home furnishing and decorating (lighting, wallpaper, paint, furniture, etc.)
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Sourcing, design presentations, ordering support, and install coordination
Best for: Clients undergoing a full renovation or furnishing a home from scratch—especially those looking for a hands-on partner to oversee the entire process.

Here’s how we bring The Vision to life—from our first conversation to final install.
1 - Discovery Call
What are you looking for an interior designer? Is our firm a good fit? Let's hop on a quick call to chat about your project and learn more!
3 - Proposal
We provide a proposal that breaks down the scope of work, design services that will be provided, and total cost for our design services.
4 - Collaboration
Time to dive in and hit the ground running! We will send you a questionnaire to understand more about you (your family) and your vision. We will ask for you to share some inspiration images to facilitate these discussions, and then design development begins.
6 - Layouts & Trades People
It's time to begin building your dream. Our team will compile a layout presentation on the best use of your space. Once you decide exactly how you want your space to be utilized, we can begin sourcing materials/furnishings and meeting with tradespeople to collect bids for your project.
8 - The nitty gritty
Here we compile the completed work scope, elevations, lighting plans, and design details contractor will need to bid the space. We will then coordinate these meetings and help you collect bids. We will also work on sourcing all of the remaining items needed to bring your design to life. This can include any remaining furnishings, accents, lighting, wall coverings, artwork, etc.
10 - Project Fulfillment
Working alongside the General Contractor, we ensure the details specified are properly executed as they work on your home. We do not manage their team, but we do site visits regularly and solve problems together.
12 - Final Reveal
After everything you have been patiently waiting for, your new space is revealed!
2 - Consultation
Let's see your space in person and walk through your vision together. Here we will dive into our process, deliverables, and discuss some initial design possiblitites.
4 - Contract & Retainer
Once the proposal is approved, we will send our contract and retainer invoice. Our contract offers transparent details on the process, how we work, and to set expectations up front.
5 - Site Survey
First we need the lay of the land, literally.
We will come and take measurements of the entire space (floor plan, furnishings that will remain, art, electrical items, etc). We will observe how light transcends through each room, and what the important sight lines are as one experiences your space.
7 - Design Development
This is when the vision of your space comes to life. Samples are collected to show the material selections, color palette, and textures we are suggesting for your space. Renderings and mood boards are also presented to show how pieces will relate to one another and what your space will feel like. An in-person design meeting is scheduled to review the selections and presentation.
9 - Procrurement
We order, track, and handle all aspects of your products from approval to install. If custom items are specified or artwork is commissioned, we collaborate with the builders & artists to bring those items to life.
11 - Installation & Accessorizing
We complete your design by accessorizing your home, hanging artwork, and anything else needed for that magazine ready look.
Do I Need an Architect for My Project?
Not every renovation requires an architect. But when it does, STORIE partners with a trusted group of architects from our preferred vendor list. Over the years, we’ve developed a collaborative process that eliminates confusion and overlap, ensuring your project runs smoothly.
Here’s how it typically works: we begin by creating the layouts, which the architect then reviews and advises on for any necessary code adjustments. From there, we finalize the design details—including the lighting plan—and return the package to the architect, who adds the required notations and stamp for submission.
Because STORIE is a full-service design studio, the need for architectural input is often minimal. Our team handles space planning, technical drawings, finish specifications, and overall design direction in-house. For any elements requiring sign-off for permitting or code compliance, we work seamlessly with our architectural partners to ensure everything is structurally sound and meets city requirements.
The result: an efficient, cost-conscious process that prioritizes design integrity while keeping your project moving forward.
3. THE REAL ESTATE REFRESH
Sellers want top dollar and a quick sale, and buyers want a home that feels aspirational, stylish, and move-in ready. Our Real Estate Refresh bridges the gap—transforming listings into polished, buyer-ready spaces that stand out and sell faster.
The Real Estate Refresh is designed for properties that need a
thoughtful polish—not a full staging.
Perfect for clients who:
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Are open to investing in upgrades that deliver real ROI, without the expense of full staging
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Already have a solid foundation of furnishings (bed, sofa, dining table, etc.) we can build upon
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Need help editing—removing excess items or sending pieces to storage for a cleaner, more elevated look
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Have outdated or unappealing paint colors that could benefit from a refresh
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Want to replace dated lighting with modern, buyer-friendly fixtures
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Have scuffed doors, moldings, or details that need a quick facelift
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Are missing essential layers—like rugs, pillows, artwork—that add warmth and personality
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Need help bringing cohesion, charm, and a distinct point of view to the home

Here's how we partner with agents and sellers to maximize their property:
1 - client walkthrough
We take the time to understand your targetmarket, to ensure the re-design speaks totheir preferences and needs. and then wevisit the space with you and your client for awalk through.Here we listen to your challenges and takenote of what changes should be made, formaximum impact.
2 - assessment
When we visit the home, we take detailed notes, measurements, and photos to spot what’s missing and what can be improved. We’ll review layout, paint colors, and finishes with your client’s goals in mind, then recommend affordable pieces from retailers like Target, Wayfair, or West Elm. Every item comes with a direct link for easy shopping—and the seller can keep, resell, or return them after the sale.
3 - findings report
Following our walkthrough of the property, we will provide a
comprehensive recap of our recommendations.
This report will include:
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A list of items to remove.
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Suggested layout adjustments (such as furniture placement or minor wall modifications).
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Recommendations for replacements to help elevate the space.
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It will also outline the estimated design time needed to create detailed purchase suggestions that bring the space together cohesively.
4 - execution
Upon receiving the final report, you and the seller can decide whether to engage us for additional design
time—either to specify purchase recommendations, coordinate with trades for home modifications, or
simply move forward with our suggestions independently.
Once items have been purchased and are on-site, if further styling is desired—such as accessorizing bookcases, coffee tables, kitchens, or dressing the bed—we’d be happy to be present on the day of the shoot to ensure the space is styled and camera-ready. We can also collaborate with your photographer to create a more editorial-style shoot, elevating the imagery beyond a standard real estate approach. This
service is billed hourly for the day of the shoot.
Investment
Consultation: $300
The consultation includes an in-person visit to the space (as outlined above in this brochure) and
a findings report summarizing our general recommendations.
For more specific needs—such as sourcing purchase suggestions, coordinating implementation,
or providing styling services—we will also provide an estimate of the design hours required. This
estimate will be based on the size of your home and the scope of pieces or updates needed.
Our hourly rate is $200/hour. As a reference, for a two-bedroom apartment, assistance with tasks
such as swapping out fixtures, adding pillows, rugs, and layered accents would typically require
approximately 2–4 hours of design time beyond the initial consultation.

"Sarah Kruse at Storie Designs is incredible, I couldn't recommend her more highly!
She's super reasonable, has an incredible design sense and is really thoughtful in her approach. She really works to make sure the space suits your families use and aesthetic.
We've hired her for a full kitchen redesign, designing custom cabinetry and built-ins as well as designing our white box of a basement into an incredible multi-use family space that adults and kids can feel comfortable.
She's really cognizant of budget when designing which was greatly appreciated."
Maya - Park Slope, BK