Frequently Asked Questions

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What are my qualifications?

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• Southern Connecticut State University, BA, Fine Arts
• Interior Design program, FIT, A.A. 
• Allied ASID
• Fellisimo (a retail home furnishings business that promoted green products), Retail Store Manager
• Mancini Duffy architectural firm, Interior Designer and resource library manager

I've been in the interior design business since 1990, and have worked with homeowners and businesses all over New Jersey, New York and in Connecticut. I'd be happy to provide references from satisfied past clients on request.

Q. What's a "successful" interior design project?

I have three measures. First, a client has to be happy. When people say "I love the way my home looks now" or "I'm so comfortable in this room now" I know that one of the most important goals has been achieved. I believe that interior design is not just about looking good, it's about feeling good and being comfortable in your space. 

My second measure is that rooms need not only to be visually pleasing, rooms need to work. In other words, rooms need to facilitate how individuals and families live, work, relax and come together. The traffic flow needs to work ... the storage needs to work ... and the finishes and fabrics need to stand up to the daily realities.

And third, I know we've succeeded when I hear that a past client has recommended me. I'm really proud of the fact that most of my new clients are the result of referrals.

 Q.  What's the value of working with an interior designer? 

Designing and updating your home -- whether it's a one bedroom apartment or a larger home -- can be very exciting, and also intimidating. It requires smart planning with realistic goals, a budget, trustworthy resources, and patience.  Working with an experienced interior designer can help you make valuable improvements to your home, while saving you time. It should be a collaborative effort, personalized, and with a focus on getting your spaces to function to support your lifestyle. A good designer will listen to your needs and envision a plan that will be successful and beautiful, while offering unlimited attention to the details and your project.

 Q.  In what geographic areas does Maggie Bender Interior Design work? 

Typically a designer wears many hats, and their role includes space planning, furniture and finishes, lighting, cabinetry, floor covering, window treatments, exterior furniture and lighting, and project management. Many designers also customize products for their clients, which truly make spaces unique.

Our service area include the towns listed below.  If you're located in another town, please don't hesitate to ask whether it's an area we can service effectively.

• Berkeley Heights
• Bloomfield
• Caldwells
• Cedar Grove
• Chatham
• Clark
• Cranford
• Fanwood
• Florham Park
• Garfield
• Livingston
• Madison
• Manasquan
• Maplewood
• Millburn
• Montclair
• Morristown
• Mountain Lakes
• New Providence
• Normandy Beach
• North Caldwell
• North Plainfield
• Nutley
• Plainfield
• Ridgewood
• Scotch Plains
• Sea Girt
• Short Hills
• South Orange
• Spring Lake
• Springfield
• Summit
• Union