"You just saved me a thousand dollars" he said with a stunned look on his face...
It Was The First Design Consultation With My New Client
I do a lot of different kinds of design.
For example, right now I'm working on floor plan recommendations for some homeowners who are moving and want to know if their old furniture will fit best in their new home (something I don't do often), I'm designing an Airbnb for an out-of-state client, and I'll be staging two homes this week - one straightforward and one extremely challenging.
But one of my favorite tasks has always been helping Investment Flippers put a plan together that makes them money without spending too much of it.
It has to be done without cutting corners, dishonesty, or chintzy finishes.
But it also has to be as cheap as possible - after all flipping is a business, and clients are looking to maximize their profits! And that's a challenge I've always enjoyed.
So that's why last week's design consultation with a new flipper client was so much fun!
Especially because I was able to find LOTS of ways to SAVE him money! (Yep, you read that right.) Most people who hire designers think that they're going to just add costs and drive them crazy with silly little touches that they don't actually need.
It's not surprising...TV designers have given us all a bad rap.
But the best business to business designers (Like me! Let me blow my horn, toot toot!) know how to get really creative so that in an ideal situation, they can actually talk you out of several costly decisions, and in the process pay for themselves and sometimes more!
That was the case with this project last week. From re-glazing a blue bathtub to painting a front door rather than replacing it, I was able to find so many opportunities to save money, while also improving the finished product!

Why Hiring a Designer for Your Investment Property is the Best Money Move You’ll Make (Spoiler: It’s Me)
Let’s cut to the chase—investing in real estate is all about maximizing profits and minimizing waste, right? So, why on earth would you spend money on a designer when you could just slap some paint on the walls and call it a day? Here’s the deal: hiring a designer, especially one who loves working with no-nonsense real estate investors (ahem, that’s me again), can actually save you big bucks and get you better results than you ever imagined.
If you’re an investor, you know the drill—maximize ROI, keep it tight, and don’t get too emotionally attached to the property. That’s exactly why I love working with investors. No drama, no overthinking, just smart design decisions that move the needle and make your property shine.
So, here’s how bringing me (or another savvy designer) on board will save you money and make your investment property a knockout.

1. I’ve Got All the Creative Solutions You Didn’t Know You Needed
Look, I get it. You’re trying to keep costs down. But sometimes, a little creativity goes a long way—and that’s where a designer like me comes in. I’m all about finding clever, budget-friendly solutions that make your property look like you spent a fortune (without you actually spending it).
Designers like me are experts in using what you’ve got, working with affordable alternatives, and finding just the right details to elevate your space without breaking the bank. Maybe it’s repurposing old cabinets or finding the perfect budget-friendly tile that looks high-end—whatever it is, I’ll make sure your property looks amazing, and you won’t have to blow your entire budget on a single item.
Plus, designers often have connections and unique sources. That means I can score you discounts you wouldn’t even believe. Who doesn’t love a good deal?
2. I Know Fixtures & Finishes Better Than Anyone (And I’m Really Good at Finding You a Steal)
I’ve spent years curating the best products at the best prices. Trust me, I’ve seen all the typical investor-flip fixtures, finishes, and materials out there, and I know which ones give the most bang for your buck. When you hire me, you’re getting a pro who knows exactly where to splurge and where to save—without sacrificing style.
That means you won’t end up with a complicated, overpriced faucet that doesn’t fit the vibe of your property, or worse, overpaying for an item that’s destined to go out of style in a year. I’ll help you select fixtures and finishes that are timeless, trendy (but not too trendy), and don’t cost an arm and a leg.
And did I mention I know where the good deals are? That’s right—I can score you top-tier materials without draining your budget. So, your property will look fantastic, and your wallet will stay intact. Win-win.
3. I Keep Up with Design Trends—So Your Property Won’t Look Like It’s Stuck in 2015
Design trends come and go faster than you can say “open concept.” And while some investors may still be hanging on to that farmhouse-style look (hello, black and white everything and subway tiles), I’m here to make sure your property doesn’t fall behind the times.
Farmhouse? Over it. Buyers are already looking for something fresher and warmer. As a designer, I keep my finger on the pulse of what’s trending—and more importantly, what will continue to be in demand. That means when you work with me, you’re getting a design that will stand the test of time and make sure your property doesn’t feel outdated the minute it hits the market.
Plus, I know exactly what buyers are craving right now—so I’ll help you create a space that stands out and attracts all the buyers. No one wants to buy the 20th house with the same white subway tile. Let’s make sure yours is the one they can’t resist.
4. I’ll Help Your Property Stand Out, So Buyers Are Fighting Over It
As an investor, you want your property to fly off the market. The last thing you need is for your beautifully renovated home to get lost in a sea of "meh" properties. That's where I come in.
I specialize in creating spaces that people can’t help but fall in love with. I make sure everything from the layout to the color palette works together seamlessly to create an experience that feels modern, welcoming, and just…right. The result? Buyers are going to walk in and immediately feel at home—and that’s what leads to fast, competitive offers.
Investors like you don’t have time for long-winded design debates. You want results, fast. When we team up, you’ll get a property that not only looks great but sells fast, too.
5. I Keep It Simple—No Fancy (and Expensive) Renderings or Over-the-Top Floor Plans Here
Listen, I’m all about getting things done efficiently—and I know you are too. That’s why I skip the fancy, time-consuming (and let’s be honest, expensive) computer-generated renderings and super-detailed floor plans. You don’t need that to make smart design decisions, and I don’t want you to waste your money on something you’re not going to need.
Instead, I prefer using practical, affordable tools to communicate my designs. You’ll get easy, clickable mood boards that you can share with contractors and vendors. They’re simple, clear, and most importantly—effective. No confusing architectural jargon or intricate diagrams here—just straightforward, hand-rendered floor plans and quick sketches that get the job done faster and with fewer mistakes.
This approach cuts down on miscommunication (because, let’s face it, no one has time to explain their vision a thousand times) and allows me to keep things moving quickly and efficiently. Your team will know exactly what needs to be done, and you won’t be wasting time or money trying to perfect some over-the-top design mockup.
By keeping things simple, I’m able to work faster and pass those time and cost savings right back to you. It’s all about getting results—without the fluff!




In Conclusion
Look, I know you’re all about numbers and ROI—but the right design can make your investment. When we work together, we’ll take your property from “meh” to “must-have” without blowing your budget. And with my eye for detail, access to creative solutions and unique discounts, and knowledge of the latest design trends, I’ll ensure your property stands out and appeals to the most buyers.
So, if you’re ready to turn your investment property into a showstopper (and save some serious cash in the process), it’s time we work together. I’m here for the no-nonsense, all-business design you need—let’s get started!
Much Love,
-Amy 😊