How do you design for a homeowner whose style differs from yours?
Merrie Fredericks, founder and president of Design Concepts Plus, answers this question with wisdom passed down from her mother, who was also an interior designer:
“You have to design for the client.”
This isn’t just a catchy tagline—it’s the guiding principle of Design Concepts Plus. Every project starts with understanding the homeowner’s needs and preferences. While DCP brings expertise in design and construction, their process is always rooted in the client’s vision.
Designing Outside of Your Own Style
When asked about a specific instance where a homeowner’s style clashed with her own, Merrie recalled a unique project. The client loved monochromatic spaces but with a bold, exotic color. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, DCP embraced the challenge, using variations in hue, shade, and texture to bring depth and interest to the space—all while staying true to the homeowner’s aesthetic.
“There are times when we design beautifully—even for what might be considered ‘bad’ taste.”
At DCP, the client is always at the center of the design process. As Merrie explains, “It doesn’t matter if we share the same style. My clients have to be part of the design.” In an industry that can often feel competitive and ego-driven, this approach is refreshing. At its core, design is an act of service—one that begins with empathy and respect for the client’s home and personal vision.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
A particularly memorable project involved a home with a history of hoarding.
“You walk in, and you’re stepping on top of years of newspapers,” Merrie recalls. “But as I got to know her, I started noticing artistic elements within the clutter. I liked her as a person, and I knew we could find a way to bring her artistic eye to life.”
The process was time-consuming—clearing space just to begin remodeling was a challenge in itself. DCP started with the master bedroom and bathroom, transforming them into beautiful, functional spaces. The homeowner was so thrilled that they continued, remodeling the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
One of the client’s special requests was to incorporate old cabinet doors she had collected over the years. Instead of discarding them, DCP found a way to integrate four of them into the custom cabinetry—a perfect example of honoring the client’s vision, repurposing existing materials, and making the home feel uniquely hers.
A Philosophy Built on Trust
With 45 years in the design and construction industry, Merrie has seen many designers apply a “one-size-fits-all” approach, prioritizing their own style over the client’s needs. As the pressure to create a signature brand increases, DCP remains committed to a bespoke, boutique approach—balancing the client’s taste, the architecture of the neighborhood, construction limitations, and the possibilities of the space.
Every design challenge is an opportunity.
Working with this client wasn’t just about remodeling—it was an act of kindness, with no judgment. One of the homeowner’s biggest goals was to have her grandchildren visit again.
And in the end, that’s exactly what happened.
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