An initial discussion (by phone or in person) is without charge.
Depending on what makes sense, I charge either an hourly rate, a project fee, or a mix of both. Some clients just need an hour or two of design/planning consultancy or styling help. Often I’m paid by the hour until we’ve agreed the scope of work, and then we agree a fee for the implementation of the project.
I am not VAT registered, and many of the tradespeople I use are not either.
I can frequently obtain trade discounts on bathrooms, kitchens, lighting, interior furnishings and flooring, and in these instances savings are passed directly on to the client.