This Hemma Living blog explains how our flexible, hourly interior design services empower clients like you at any stage of a home project, from simple material selections to detailed cabinetry layouts and 3D renderings. It also outlines how clients in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin can access expert design support without committing to full-service packages.
Not every home project needs full-service design. Whether you’re deep into a remodel or just stuck on which backsplash to go with, we at Hemma Living offer flexible, hourly support to help you move forward with confidence. We cover everything from what this looks like, who it’s for, and how we collaborate with both homeowners and trade professionals across the Northland.
Not Every Project Needs a Full-Service Designer
Not every project starts with a blank slate, and not every homeowner wants or needs full-service interior design support. At Hemma Living, we believe in meeting you where you are, whether that means helping you reimagine your entire home or simply sourcing the perfect tile for your bathroom refresh.
No Minimums. No Pressure. Just the Right Help.
We understand that each client has a unique vision, pace, and set of needs. Some are mid-renovation and not sure on a layout. Others need help pulling finishes together before meeting with their builder. And some are just starting from scratch but want a designer’s eye on only one part of the process, such as cabinetry, hardware, or lighting.
Our design services are structured to be flexible and responsive. That means you’re not locked into one service package. Instead, you can choose from a range of offerings and decide how much (or how little) support you want within each service.
Sourcing-Only? No Problem.
If you’ve already fallen in love with a color palette or found inspiration online, but just need help sourcing a tile that matches the tone and feel you’re after, we’re happy to step in. Once we understand your style, size, color preferences, and the type of space you’re designing, we can help you find the perfect tile (or flooring, cabinetry, pendant light, etc.).
If you also need help designing a tile layout, we’ve got you covered there, too. Our team has deep experience crafting layouts that work with your space, budget, and installer’s needs.
We regularly help clients with sourcing and planning for:
- Tile, Quartz, & Porcelain (walls, showers, backsplashes)
- Flooring (luxury vinyl plank, engineered wood, tile)
- Cabinetry & Hardware (kitchens, baths, built-ins, mudrooms, outdoor, inset, and other custom cabinetry options)
- Automated window treatments & light fixtures (considering how they work together to create layered lighting and support energy efficiency)
- Select furnishings, wall coverings, and soft goods (e.g., pillows, rugs, or drapery)
A Special Note on Cabinetry
Cabinetry is where our design foundation was built, and it shows.
While we now offer complete home design and a wide range of materials, cabinet layouts remain one of our strongest areas of expertise. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, adding a mudroom, or designing a custom office wall, we’ll help you choose the right cabinet type (framed, frameless, or inset), layout, features, and then coordinate every detail from door style to hardware.
We work with several trusted cabinet manufacturers and specialty lines, including outdoor, glass, and other custom cabinetry options. No matter the application, we’re known for getting the layout right and for helping you think through how the space will actually work with your lifestyle.
3D Renderings & Documentation—Even if You’re Not Hiring a Designer
Sometimes clients already know what they want, but don’t know how to get it into a visual or buildable format.
That’s where our rendering and documentation services come into play. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to visualize a bathroom layout or an independent designer who needs help with technical drawings, we can help. We provide:
- 3D walkthroughs for visualizing space
- Technical documents for installers
- Elevations and plans for cabinetry, tile, or lighting
In some cases, these services require a little extra collaboration with your builder or contractor, but we’ll guide you through what’s needed to ensure a smooth handoff.
Learn more about our rendering and documentation services
At Hemma Living, we define “Design” as layout, materials, and documentation, and we’re equipped to help with any of these pieces, or all three.
Flexible Design Support (But Not Free Advice)
We love helping clients make confident decisions, but we also value our time and yours.
Remember how we said “no minimums”? Okay, we mean, mostly no minimums.
If your project requires design support beyond an initial scope consult, we do require a 3-hour minimum, billed at our standard hourly rate (available upon request). This applies to layout consultations, product comparisons, technical documents, and renderings not tied to a materials purchase.
That said, if you’re sourcing materials through us at Hemma Living, many conversations naturally happen along the way, without the need for a separate design package. That’s why you can count on us to help you determine the level of service that best suits your needs.
To the Trade: Let’s Partner Well
We love working with trusted contractors, installers, and trade partners. And we know how to stay in our lane when that’s what you prefer. But here’s what we’ve learned over time:
A phone call isn’t enough. We need a real meeting.
Each contractor or installer has a unique approach to their work—cabinet construction preferences, flooring installation techniques, who handles what, or how detailed documents need to be—and those preferences directly impact how we all do our job.
When we’re not aligned from the start, assumptions happen. And that creates unnecessary headaches for everyone.
We genuinely want to make your job easier, not harder. But we can’t accommodate your preferences if we don’t know what they are. That’s why we request a short in-person or virtual meeting at the outset of any material-focused project. We’ll ask clear questions, clarify expectations, and document what we learn, so your jobsite runs smoothly and your client feels supported.
Looking for a reliable partner for selections, drawings, or product supply? Let’s connect. We’d love to collaborate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of projects qualify for Hemma Living’s flexible design support? We offer hourly consulting for projects that don’t require full-service design but still benefit from expert input. These often include:
- Selecting paint colors for cabinets, interiors, or exteriors
- Helping prioritize or select from lighting options you’ve already found
- Choosing door, window, or trim styles from a mix of samples
- Swapping out a bathtub for a walk-in or curbless shower
- Replacing a tiled tub surround or shower walls with large-format quartz or porcelain panels to reduce grout lines and simplify maintenance
- Upgrading a kitchen backsplash with a slab of quartz or porcelain for a seamless, luxurious look
- Helping select a new cabinet color or coordinating cabinet hardware
- Replacing patchwork flooring with a cohesive material throughout the home
- Choosing window treatments for privacy, light control, or energy savings, which is especially important in our Northern MN & WI climate
Some clients reach out with a specific question, others with a general sense that something’s not working. Either way, we’re here to help clarify the path forward.
What does a 3-hour design minimum typically cover?
It all depends on the scope. In 3 hours, we can usually offer targeted support on one or two items—like reviewing paint swatches, walking through your lighting options, or advising on surface materials. Larger requests (like layout revisions, cabinetry drawings, or complete finish selections) often take more time and may require additional support.
Do I have to source materials through Hemma Living to work with you?
No, but it often makes the process smoother. Many clients choose to source materials through us because we handle everything from selection to order management. Additionally, we are already familiar with the product details inside and out. That said, we’re happy to consult on standalone design questions when needed.
Do you work directly with contractors or other designers?
Yes! We love collaborating with the trades and are happy to support projects initiated by other professionals. We’ll meet briefly to understand your workflow and preferences, ensuring our documentation is both valuable and efficient. Our goal is to support your process—not complicate it.
Let’s Make It Work For You
Whether you’re deep into construction or just getting started, we’re here to support your project every step of the way.
With trusted materials, thoughtful design, and flexible services, we at Hemma Living offer the clarity, expertise, and support to help you move forward with confidence.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk about what you need. Call (218) 729-270 or reach out today.
