When should I hire an interior designer for a new construction project?

The earlier the better. The success of a remodel or new construction project is often determined long before construction is complete. Hiring a designer early creates better flow, more cohesive finish selections, and reduces costly changes during construction.

What is the interior design process for a remodel or new construction in Los Angeles?

The process typically includes four phases: defining the vision through discovery and onboarding, the interior design phase covering space planning and finish selections, construction collaboration and site visits, and final details including decorative lighting and material cohesion.

Does Michelle Accetta Home handle contractor management?

Michelle Accetta Home collaborates closely with contractors and trades throughout construction, including site visits, confirming design details, and clarifying specifications. Construction management and contractor services are contracted separately.

Why should I hire an interior designer for my remodel in the South Bay or Los Angeles?

Remodels and new construction projects involve hundreds of decisions that all impact one another. Working with an interior designer early creates better flow and functionality, more cohesive finish selections, clearer design direction, and a more elevated final result while reducing decision fatigue.

What should I look for in a local kitchen designer?

Look for verified five-star reviews, experience with your home's architectural style, and a design process that starts with understanding how you actually live — not just a quick aesthetic assessment. The best designers ask thoughtful questions before they ever pick up a pencil.

How do I find a kitchen designer near me with good reviews?

Search for local interior designers on Google, Houzz, or Yelp and filter by reviews. In the South Bay area of Los Angeles — including Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Palos Verdes — Michelle Accetta HOME has 50+ five-star reviews and has been designing kitchens since 2014. You can book a consultation at michelleaccetta.com/book.

How do I make sure my remodeled kitchen matches the rest of my house?

This is one of the most common concerns homeowners have. The answer starts before the design does — by looking at your home's existing architecture, materials, and flow. Transitional design is one of the most reliable strategies for creating cohesion because it bridges styles rather than forcing a hard contrast.

How can a kitchen design support my lifestyle and not just look good?

A great kitchen designer will ask about how you use your kitchen — how you cook, how your family gathers, whether you're focused on health, connection, or ease. Michelle Accetta HOME begins every project with a discovery conversation to uncover those needs before any design decisions are made.

Does Michelle Accetta HOME work on new construction as well as remodels?

Yes — Michelle Accetta HOME has been working on new construction projects since 2014, alongside remodels of all sizes across Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, and the greater South Bay.

How do I get started with Michelle Accetta HOME?

The first step is a consultation. You can book directly at michelleaccetta.com/book. Michelle will start with a discovery conversation about your home, your lifestyle goals, and your vision before any design work begins.

Where do I start a bathroom remodel?

Start with your floor plan. Before looking at a single tile or fixture, zoom out and evaluate your layout. Ask whether there are creative ways to add square footage or improve the flow... something as simple as moving a door or relocating a furnace can transform the space. Your layout determines every surface area, which directly drives your budget.

How do I finance a bathroom remodel?

The two most common ways homeowners finance a bathroom remodel are cash and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC is an especially strong option because you only make payments on the amount you actually borrow, not the full credit line. Most HELOCs are also interest-only during the draw period, which keeps monthly payments significantly lower than a conventional loan.

How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach?

Costs vary significantly based on the finishes you choose. Tile alone can range from $5 to $20 or more per square foot. Working with a designer before getting contractor quotes helps you understand the full scope and balance higher and lower cost items to achieve a designer look within your budget.

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

Construction on a bathroom remodel typically takes 1 to 3 months. Working with a designer can actually shorten the overall timeline because long-lead items like cabinetry and lighting are ordered in advance and arrive ready when construction begins.

Do I need an interior designer for a bathroom remodel?

While not required, a designer prevents costly mistakes like misaligned tile patterns, poor lighting placement, and missed opportunities to maximize space. A designer also bridges the gap between your vision and what your contractor executes, and can balance your budget across finishes to get the most out of every dollar.

What Is the Process of Working With an Interior Designer for a Remodel or New Construction Project in Los Angeles?

Interior Design Process

Jun 1

Written By Michelle Accetta

Working with an interior designer for a remodel or new construction project typically includes space planning, finish selections, lighting design, contractor collaboration, construction site visits, and overall design direction from concept through completion.

At Michelle Accetta Home, we guide homeowners throughout the entire remodel and new construction process in the South Bay and Los Angeles area, helping create homes that feel cohesive, functional, elevated, and intentionally designed around how our clients live.

A Streamlined Interior Design Process for Remodels & New Construction

One of the biggest misconceptions about interior design is that it’s only about making things look beautiful at the end. In reality, the success of a remodel or new construction project is often determined long before construction is complete.

The earlier thoughtful design decisions are made, the more cohesive and functional the finished home becomes.

Our process is designed to help homeowners feel supported and guided through each phase of the project while reducing overwhelm and creating clarity around the many moving pieces involved in construction and remodeling.

Step 1: Defining the Vision

Every project begins with onboarding and discovery.

Before selecting materials or reviewing plans, we take time to understand:

How you live in your home
Your lifestyle and routines
Functional needs
Design priorities
The overall feeling you want your home to have

Whether we’re working on a Manhattan Beach remodel, a Hermosa Beach new construction project, or a full-home renovation in the South Bay, this phase creates the foundation for every decision moving forward.

Great interior design is not just about aesthetics. It’s about creating a home that supports your daily life while feeling elevated and cohesive.

Step 2: The Interior Design Phase

This is where the project begins to take shape.

Depending on the scope of work, this phase may include:

Floorplan review and space planning
Material and finish selections
Cabinet and built-in detailing
Decorative lighting specifications
Lighting plans and coordination
Concept boards and visual direction
Kitchen and bathroom finish selections
Interior elevations and design detailing

One of the things we prioritize throughout the design process is creating one strong, cohesive direction rather than overwhelming clients with endless options.

The goal is to create a home where every finish, material, and detail feels intentional and connected.

Step 3: Construction Collaboration & Site Visits

A large part of our role during remodels and new construction projects is collaborating alongside contractors and trades throughout construction.

This may include:

Site visits during construction
Reviewing finishes onsite
Confirming design details
Answering contractor questions
Clarifying specifications and placement
Adjusting details when field conditions require it

Construction projects are dynamic, especially in custom homes and high-end remodels throughout Los Angeles and the South Bay. Part of our role is helping clients navigate those moving pieces while maintaining the integrity of the overall design vision.

While we collaborate closely with contractors and trades, construction management and contractor services are contracted separately.

Step 4: Decorative Lighting & Final Details

Lighting is one of the most transformative elements in a home and plays a major role in how a space feels.

As part of the design process, Michelle Accetta Home sources and specifies decorative lighting selections that align with the overall vision of the project. Once approved, we handle the procurement and coordination process to help ensure consistency and accuracy throughout the project.

The final layers of a project are often the details that make a home feel complete:

Decorative lighting
Material cohesion
Styling and finishing touches
Flow between spaces
Functional design details

These are the elements that elevate a house from simply renovated to thoughtfully designed.

Why Homeowners Hire an Interior Designer for Remodels & New Construction

Many homeowners in Los Angeles and the South Bay hire an interior designer because remodels and new construction projects involve hundreds of decisions that all impact one another.

Working with an interior designer early in the process helps create:

Better flow and functionality
More cohesive finish selections
Clearer design direction
Better collaboration with contractors
Reduced decision fatigue
A more elevated final result

The Goal

At the end of the day, our goal is not just to create a beautiful home.

It’s to create a home that feels cohesive, functional, elevated, and deeply aligned with the people living in it.

A thoughtfully designed home should feel effortless when you walk in, even though an incredible amount of intention went into creating it behind the scenes.

interior designLos AngelesHermosa BeachPalos Verdeskitchen designcontractor collaborationSouth Baylighting designfinish selectionsspace planningremodel

Michelle Accetta