Maggie Zute Garcia

We consulted provider to decorate our family room. We had just moved into a beautiful house and the family room was an empty space that we just wanted someone to help us decorate to make it homey and comfortable since this would likely be the room we spent most of our time in. We were asked what our budget was which we gave a ballpark $10K give or take estimate. We were Charged a $ 125 for consult fee that included an evaluation, via visit to our house, and plan for decorating the space although there was NOTHING in writing about the details of this. She spent about an hour at our home, this after being late for the appointment. From there we engaged in emails back in forth with her showing me pics of furniture fabric and accessories, and me either agreeing or disagreeing. No discussions about a plan. No contract explaining pricing or a plan. From our end we were still spitballing the whole idea. She came to the house one additional time but to this point we were sort of playing it by here. No explanation from her of the plan. In my opinion we were still making decisions about what to do. Next thing we know she sends us her choices of pieces which were approximately $8000 over our budget and we were not even done yet. And she wants to meet at a furniture store so we can make the final deal and oh by the way, bring $500 for services rendered so far. WHAT? Understand we had not seen a contract, a plan, or itemized breakdown of the hours/ time we were being charged for. When I questioned her in emails, her tone became defensive rude and unprofessional. And a bit condescending. That was how communications continued to be despite my attempts to apologize to her for obviously being ignorant about how her services would be provided despite her giving NO explanation. Emails continued and I became exhausted with it all. A day or two later she did send a contract and acted as though all was fine. She wanted to know if we were still on. There seemed to be a MAJOR communication disconnect and I had to actually check myself by showing a couple other people the emails and telling the story just to make sure I wasn't missing something. She was condescending and rude when she proclaimed "did you really think all the work I've done was only worth $125"? Well I don't know- it was never explained in any sort of plan or contract. Just didn't seem to be the way someone providing a service that I'm paying for should act. Its not customer service. Not where I come from. We reluctantly agreed to just pay the $500 and walk away just to put the whole fiasco behind us and move on. She sent emails regularly looking for her money even after we sent it. I confirmed from our bank account that she received and cashed the check so we are done. I blocked her phone number just in case. On a good note we found someone else who has been so very helpful in planning our family room design and we couldn't be happier. All and all, I'd have to say the experience with this provider I'm reviewing was unpleasant and perplexing. And expensive considering I walked away -$500 with nothing to show for it except a draft floor plan WITHOUT MEASUREMENTS and a few beautiful but WAY OVERPRICED pieces of furniture. I would not under any circumstances recommend this provider to do your home decorating!!!