Use-What-You-Have Interiors

05/31/2006 Posted by jamiek18

Use What You Have has helped me decorate my last three homes. The first two were rentals and now I own my apartment. Since I never used a decorator before the first meeting I was especially impressed with the designer's helpful attitude and innovative suggestions. That was twelve years ago and I can't imagine moving without getting their advice on where to put things and what to buy. This company has been around for many years and is a great value at a fair flat rate fee. Also, I have read and enjoyed all of the books by Lauri Ward, the president of the firm.

Pros: reliable, professional, well-priced

05/25/2006 Posted by sweetnote

This company is great!!! A few years ago I used another designer and they rearranged pieces and added accessories but it just looked different NOT BETTER!!! That is why I love Use-What-You-Have. The designer was truly interested in developing a plan which not only gave a new look to my place but included my favorite pieces which reflected my lifestyle. Leaving me with ideas which I could implement in the future was a great plus. Now I love where I live!

Pros: Talented!, Reliable, Personable

05/25/2006 Posted by dooley05

We were very pleased with Use What You Have Design. I question the rude comments made by others and their motives. I also think it is the competition trying to undermind a great designer. Our favorite redesign from Lauri is the bedroom, my retreat,my place to recharge. We truly can have fun in the kitchen where we entertain, her expertise was well worth it.

Pros: professional, CURRANT STYLES, dedicated

05/19/2006 Posted by brisbaneglen

This was a great experience. They explained the process and costs by phone before setting up the appointment. They turned up on time and set to work immediately. There was no wasted time. I felt totally included in the process and was able to watch my rooms evolve in a way that I could never have imagined. I felt that my belongings (even the older items) were treated with respect and the final placement made some of the items look totally different in their new position.

Pros: No new purchases, done in one day, fun!

Cons: None

05/19/2006 Posted by newyorkgal25

Really looked at what we had and worked with our style -- but our place looks brand-new after the redesign. Great layout ideas and helped us find affordable accesories that brought everything together!

05/19/2006 Posted by melnyc06

I used Use-What-You-Have Interiors a year or so ago. The designer did a wonderful job rearranging my stuff. She was very creative and had a real knack for seeing what worked well together and making recommendation for what items I may want to purchase in the future. I haven't gotten around to doing the "future" part - but I was very happy with what she did with my stuff.

Pros: Fun, Creative

05/19/2006 Posted by marisdyan

I recently had one of the decorators from Use What You Have come to my home in New Rochelle to help me with my L-shaped living room/dining room because I was unable to do it myself. Boy was I thrilled with the results. After just a few hours I had two rooms transformed into calm, chic and comfortable spaces where I am now anxious to entertain my friends and family, as well as unwind with my hubby. The designer who came by was warm, bright, and made a point to teach me about decorating as we moved stuff around, so I feel like if I ever move at least I won't start off with such a poorly designed place. Nonetheless, the service was so affordable that I would gladly call them again if and when we move. I am definitely a huge fan!

Pros: Talented, Educational, Affordable

04/30/2006 Posted by amoss

I agree with the first reviewer - I called for information and they grilled me about who else I called and then kept badmouthing there competition and were acting so superior I refused to give them my address. I called 4 companies and others were politely and helpful and I ended up using one very happily with great results. This company gave me an estimate for the two rooms that was twice what two of the other companies gave me for the head of the design firm to do my rooms. They said they could send a lower designer but refused to give me the person's name or let me speak with them. They don't include color and told me nobody does, but the other companies include color for the price. The fourth company didnt offer flat rates, only hourly fees. All of the others included color in their prices.

Cons: not nice on phone, condescending, more expensive

03/23/2006 Posted by annierr

It sounds as though the two reviews posted previously must be written by this company's competitors. Originally, I heard about Use What You Have in an article in the NY Times. I hired them three years ago for my last place and loved what they did. I just hired them again to redecorate my new apartment and they made my stuff look stylish again. Two of my old neighbors, one who is in fashion, also used them and were very happy with the results and price. Use What You Have has been around for many years for good reasons.

Pros: great decorators, very reasonable, reliable

12/21/2005 Posted by weaxel

4 calls they kept promising to call back with an appointment. they never did. i had to keep calling and start over. so disorganized. the man on the phone wouldn't identify themselves. very curt and willnot make an appointment on your first call - they have to call you back.

Cons: rude, disorganized, inefficient