Your Questions, Answered

  • We work on projects of every scope — a single room, a few rooms, or a full home renovation. Most experienced designers at our level only take on whole-house projects. We don't. We bring the same expertise to every project, whether it's one room or the whole house. High-end and small? We're here for it.

  • Interior decorators focus on aesthetics — color, fabrics, furniture, and styling. Interior designers also handle spatial planning, renovations, and structural changes. We do both. Many of our projects combine design and decoration, and we're equipped to handle either, depending on your goals, your desires, and what's needed on site.

  • Absolutely. We don't ask you to get rid of what matters to you — your books, inherited pieces, or collected objects. We work with what you love and integrate it thoughtfully into the new design. That's actually one of our favorite parts of the work.

  • Cost depends on the scope and scale of your project — from a decorating refresh to a full renovation with an addition. In our first conversation, we'll talk about what you're looking for and explain how we typically structure projects like yours. We're comfortable working within a range of budgets and will discuss that in our initial call.

  • It depends on scope. A decorating project might take a few months. A renovation or addition takes longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline upfront and keep you informed throughout.

  • No. That's our job. We have long-standing relationships with trusted contractors, trade partners, and workrooms throughout the Boston area. We manage the project, oversee the work, track every detail, and handle all coordination so you don't have to. You make the final calls; we handle the complexity.

  • As involved as you want to be — but you don't have to manage every decision. We present curated options, explain our thinking, and guide you through the process. You stay informed and in control without being overwhelmed.

  • Yes — this is one of our specialties. We work on older and historic homes throughout Boston, the North Shore, Cambridge, Brookline, and surrounding towns regularly. Our approach honors the architecture and original details while designing for how you actually live today. We don't have a signature look, so we adapt to your home's character and your taste.

  • We hear this often, and yes — we're good at it. We find the middle ground that feels right for both of you. It's not about compromise for its own sake. It's about creating a home that reflects both of your personalities in a way that genuinely works together.

  • Yes. We work with clients navigating all kinds of life transitions — moving, downsizing, becoming empty nesters, or planning to stay in your home long-term and make it work beautifully for the years ahead. We help design homes that support who you are now and into the future.

  • We design homes that are beautiful and functional for aging-in-place needs throughout the Boston area and North Shore. That might mean bathroom renovations, wider doorways, better lighting, accessible storage, or primary suite additions. Form and function can absolutely coexist — and in our experience, they make each other better.

  • We don't have a signature look. Your home should reflect your life, your personality, and your taste — not ours. We listen first, design second, and manage every detail from start to finish. We also take on projects many experienced designers won't — single rooms, more modest budgets, the work that actually matters to you.

  • We work throughout Boston and the greater Boston area, including Cambridge, Brookline, Wellesley, Weston, Newton, Belmont, and Lexington. On the North Shore, we serve Newburyport, Marblehead, Swampscott, Ipswich, Gloucester, and surrounding communities. We've also worked on Cape Cod, in the Berkshires, and in New York. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, just ask.

  • Contact us at info@AbbeyK.com or call 617.905.4185. Tell us a little about your home and what you're hoping to do. We'll be in touch to discuss how we can help.