A Design Process Built Around You

At Wellington House, great design doesn't happen by accident — it happens by design. Our process is structured, intentional, and deeply collaborative. We've refined it across years of custom cabinetry projects, large-scale renovations, and new builds to ensure that every client feels informed, cared for, and genuinely excited at every stage. Here's what working with us looks like, from first conversation to finished space.

  • 1 - Discovery Call

    Every Wellington House project begins with a conversation. Before any commitment is made on either side, we offer a complimentary discovery call to hear about your project and your vision. We'll ask about your space, your timeline, your priorities, and most importantly, how you want to feel when you walk through the door at the end of it all.

    If it feels like the right fit, we'll move forward together. We take on a limited number of projects at a time, so this step matters to us as much as it does to you.

  • 2 - Design Consultation

    This is where we go deep. During your design consultation, we visit your space, take measurements, and have the kind of conversation that gets beneath the surface of what you think you want - to uncover what you actually need. We ask questions that other designers don't, and we're not afraid to challenge assumptions when we see an opportunity for something better.

    You'll leave this session with a clear sense of direction and the confidence that your project is in capable hands.

  • 3 - Design Development

    This is where the vision becomes tangible. Beverly develops detailed 2D floor plans and 3D Sketchup renderings so you can see exactly how your space will look and function before a single decision is locked in. Gillian works her magic on furniture sourcing, material palettes, and the finishing touches that make a space feel complete and cohesive.

    We present your design concept in full and walk you through every decision. Not to overwhelm you, but to show you the thinking behind the work. From here, your feedback shapes the final plan.

  • 4 - Build & Reveal

    With your design approved, it's time to build. With Cody on our team, Wellington House handles the construction side with the same care and precision we bring to design. No outsourcing, no gaps in communication, no surprises. We manage procurement, coordinate timelines, and oversee every detail from cabinetry installation to final styling.

    When we hand your space back to you, it's complete. Not almost done. Done. Ready for you to live in, fully and beautifully.

What We Ask of Our Clients

Our process works best when clients trust us to lead. That doesn't mean you're not involved; it means you don't have to be involved in every small decision. You bring the vision, the lifestyle, and the openness to be surprised. We bring the expertise, the plan, and the follow-through to make it happen.

If you're looking for a firm that will take genuine ownership of your project and deliver a result you couldn't have imagined on your own, you're exactly who we designed for.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that hiring an interior design firm is a significant decision. These are the questions we hear most often - answered honestly, so you know exactly what to expect before you reach out.

  • Every project is different, so timelines vary depending on the scope of work. A focused single-room renovation might take anywhere from six to twelve weeks from the design phase through to completion. A large-scale whole-home renovation or new build can span six months to well over a year, depending on the complexity, materials, and construction requirements involved.

    What we can promise is that we set clear timelines at the outset of every project and communicate proactively throughout. You'll never be left wondering where things stand. During your consultation, we'll give you a realistic picture of what to expect for your specific project.

  • Wellington House is based in Peterborough, Ontario, and we serve clients across the Kawartha Lakes region and Northumberland County. This includes communities such as Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, Cobourg, Port Hope, Campbellford, and the surrounding areas.

    If you're outside these areas, we're still happy to discuss your project - proximity isn't always a barrier, especially for larger renovations.

  • Both - and that's one of the things that makes Wellington House genuinely different. With our in-house carpenter and contractor Cody on the team, we're able to take your project from initial concept all the way through to physical completion under one roof. You don't need to source a separate contractor, manage multiple relationships, or act as the go-between for your designer and your builder. We handle all of it.

    For clients who prefer design-only services, our Millwork Package and Blueprint are both structured for that. We're happy to discuss the right level of involvement for your specific project during your discovery call.

  • Our clients tend to be hands-off by nature, and that's exactly how we work best. We ask for your input at the moments that matter most: the initial consultation, the design presentation, and key approval stages along the way. Outside of those touchpoints, we take full ownership of the process so you can get on with your life.

    That said, we adapt to each client. If you want more visibility into day-to-day decisions, we can accommodate that too. What we ask of every client is trust - trust in our expertise, our judgment, and our genuine commitment to delivering something exceptional.

  • Wellington House is a luxury design service, and our fees reflect the depth of expertise, care, and personalization we bring to every project. Because no two projects are alike, we don't publish fixed pricing, the investment varies based on the scope of work, the size of the space, and the level of service required.

    What we can say with confidence is that professional design pays for itself. A well-executed renovation avoids costly mistakes, maximizes your home's resale value, and produces results that simply aren't achievable without expert guidance. During your consultation, we'll walk you through our fee structure transparently so you have a clear picture before making any commitment.

  • A few things set us apart. First, our depth of expertise in custom cabinetry design is uncommon in this region. Beverly has spent over a decade specializing in kitchen and cabinetry design, understanding not just how spaces should look, but how they need to function from a structural and practical standpoint. That knowledge shapes every project we take on, whether or not cabinetry is the focus.

    Second, we offer a truly end-to-end service. With Gillian's talent for furniture sourcing and spatial composition, and Cody's skilled carpentry and contracting, our clients work with one cohesive team from concept through completion. No handoffs, no miscommunication between separate trades, just one studio that owns the result entirely.

    And finally, we care deeply about the people behind the projects. We don't take on more than we can give our full attention to, and we don't deliver spaces that look like someone else's idea of beautiful. We deliver spaces that feel unmistakably like you - only better than you imagined.

Ready to Begin?

The first step is a conversation. Reach out to Wellington House today to tell us about your project. We'll take it from there.