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Ask an interior designer: I'm on Drop Me A Question
A lot of you write to me with one specific question. You don't need a whole room designed. You just need a designer's eye on one thing so you can stop second-guessing and move forward. That's exactly what my Drop Me A Question page is for. It's a simple way to get a personal, written answer from me about your own home, at your own pace.
Ask Me Your Design Question
What you can ask me
If it's about your home, you can ask. These are the questions I answer most often:
- Kitchen and bath remodels. Cabinet colors, countertops, tile, hardware finishes, vanity and mirror choices, and whether a layout change is worth it. If you're planning a kitchen update, my post on kitchen refresh ideas is a good place to start too.
- Exterior design and curb appeal. Body, trim and front door colors, lighting by the entry, house numbers, planters and how to make the front of your home feel welcoming. The National Association of Realtors' Remodeling Impact Report on outdoor features is a helpful read if you're weighing outdoor projects.
- Layout and space planning. Where the sofa should go, how to arrange a room with no focal point, rug sizes, and how to make a long or narrow room work.
- Paint colors and finishes. Choosing between two whites, picking a color that works with your floors, and which sheen to use where. Benjamin Moore's guide to choosing a paint finish is a great companion to that question.
- Lighting. Fixture sizes, how high to hang a pendant, layering lamps and overhead light, and choosing the right bulb color. My post on kitchen lighting ideas covers many of the basics, and the U.S. Department of Energy explains LED lighting basics clearly.
How it works
It's easy, and you can do it from your phone:
- Go to my page at dropmeaquestion.com/jillseidner and type your question.
- Add one photo or PDF after you submit, such as a picture of the room or a floor plan. Room dimensions and your budget help me give you a more useful answer.
- Get my written answer within 48 hours. I look at your photo and reply personally with specific advice for your space.
Each question is $47, and you're only charged if I answer. If I don't, the hold on your card is released.
Who it's for
Asking a designer a single question is perfect if you:
- Are doing the work yourself and want a professional opinion before you buy.
- Have narrowed it down to two options and can't decide.
- Are planning a remodel and want to check your choices before you commit.
- Have a room that feels "off" and you can't put your finger on why.
- Live anywhere. Because it's all online, it doesn't matter where your home is.
If you're working on the outside of your home, my post on exterior paint colors is a nice warm-up before you send me your photo.
How to get the most from your question
A few small things make my answer much more specific to you:
- Take your photo in daylight, standing in a corner so I can see as much of the room as possible.
- Ask one clear question. "Which of these two rugs works better with my sofa?" gets a sharper answer than "What should I do with this room?"
- Share the basics: rough room measurements, what's staying, and your budget.
- Tell me what you love. A color, a style or a photo you've saved helps me match your taste.
Ask Me Your Design Question
Ask an Interior Designer FAQ
How fast will I get an answer?
I reply in writing within 48 hours of your question.
How much does it cost to ask a question?
Each question is $47, and you're only charged if I answer. If I don't answer, the card hold is released.
Can I send a photo of my room?
Yes. After you submit your question, you can add one photo or PDF, such as a picture of your room or a floor plan.
