TERMS & CONDITIONS

APPLICATION

1.1 These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") apply to all quotations, proposals, contracts and agreements between Karine Kaelin Interior Design ("Karine Kaelin", "we", "our" or "us") and the Client.

1.2 Acceptance of a proposal or payment of any invoice constitutes acceptance of these Terms.

1.3 Any terms proposed by the Client shall not apply unless expressly agreed in writing by Karine Kaelin.

2. PROPOSAL

2.1 An initial written proposal outlining the scope of the project is provided without obligation.

2.2 The proposal will include a description of the Services, anticipated design process and associated fees.

2.3 Unless otherwise stated, all proposals remain valid for 14 calendar days from the date of issue.

2.4 A proposal does not constitute a binding contract until accepted in writing by the Client and any required deposit has been received.

3. CONTRACT

3.1 The Contract consists of the accepted proposal together with these Terms and Conditions.

3.2 Any changes to the agreed scope of Services, project objectives or design brief may require a revised proposal and additional fees.

3.3 Karine Kaelin reserves the right to charge separately for design fees, project management, procurement, supplier liaison, delivery, installation, storage, travel and any other services specified within the proposal.

3.4 Storage charges may apply where goods cannot be delivered or installed due to delays caused by the Client.

4. PROJECT EXECUTION

4.1 The Client shall provide all information reasonably required to enable the Services to be performed.

4.2 Significant amendments to the approved design brief or previously approved designs may incur additional design fees.

4.3 The Client agrees to provide approvals, information and feedback within 7 working days, unless otherwise agreed.

4.4 Where approvals, information or payment are delayed by more than 10 working days, the project may be placed on hold and rescheduled according to Karine Kaelin's availability.

4.5 If the Client believes the Services do not materially conform to the agreed proposal, written notice must be provided within 14 days of delivery of the relevant stage of the Services.

4.6 Failure to notify within this period shall constitute acceptance of that stage of the Services.

5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & PHOTOGRAPHY

5.1 All drawings, concepts, specifications, mood boards, presentations, design schemes and other intellectual property created by Karine Kaelin remain the exclusive property and copyright of Karine Kaelin unless otherwise agreed in writing.

5.2 The Client receives a licence to use the design solely for the property and project for which it was prepared.

5.3 Designs, drawings and specifications may not be copied, reproduced, shared with third parties or used on another project without the prior written consent of Karine Kaelin.

5.4 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Client grants Karine Kaelin permission to photograph completed works for use in portfolios, marketing materials, social media and the company website. Personal possessions, sensitive information and identifying details will not be included without permission.

5.5 Client testimonials may also be used for marketing purposes unless the Client requests otherwise in writing.

6. PAYMENT

6.1 Invoices are payable within 7 calendar days of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed.

6.2 Any deposit specified within the proposal is non-refundable once design work has commenced.

6.3 Design fees will be invoiced at the agreed project milestones.

6.4 Payment for furniture, furnishings, lighting, materials and accessories is required in full before orders are placed.

6.5 No goods will be ordered until cleared funds have been received.

6.6 Late payment may result in suspension of the Services until payment has been received.

6.7 Project timelines will automatically be extended where delays are caused by late payment.

6.8 Karine Kaelin reserves the right to charge interest on overdue invoices at 4% above the Bank of England base rate, together with any reasonable costs incurred in recovering outstanding sums where permitted by law.

6.9 Additional work outside the agreed scope will be charged at £50 per hour unless otherwise agreed in writing.

7. PROCUREMENT OF GOODS

7.1 Quotations for furniture, lighting, fabrics and other products remain subject to supplier availability and pricing at the time of order.

7.2 Clients are requested to approve quotations within 5 working days. Following this period, products may require re-sourcing and additional design time may be charged.

7.3 Colours, finishes, textures and natural materials may vary from samples, photographs or showroom displays. Such variations are not considered defects.

7.4 Handmade, natural and bespoke products may contain variations in colour, texture, grain or finish.

7.5 Karine Kaelin acts as a procurement agent and is not the manufacturer of goods supplied.

7.6 Karine Kaelin is not responsible for supplier delays, discontinued products, manufacturing defects or failures by third-party suppliers.

7.7 Karine Kaelin acts as the Client's purchasing and procurement agent when sourcing goods from third-party suppliers. All products are supplied subject to the relevant supplier's terms and conditions, including warranties, returns and manufacturing guarantees.

7.8 Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate lead times, delivery dates are estimates only and cannot be guaranteed. Karine Kaelin shall not be liable for delays caused by manufacturers, suppliers, couriers or other third parties beyond her reasonable control.

7.9 If supplier prices increase or products become unavailable following a delay in approval or payment by the Client, any additional costs incurred shall be payable by the Client. Karine Kaelin will make reasonable efforts to source suitable alternatives where appropriate.

7.10 Goods become the Client's responsibility upon delivery to the agreed address.

7.11 Ownership of goods passes to the Client only once full payment has been received by Karine Kaelin.

8. REFUNDS

8.1 Returns and refunds for goods are subject to the individual supplier's terms and conditions.

8.2 Bespoke, made-to-order or customised products are generally non-returnable unless faulty.

8.3 Design fees, sourcing fees and procurement fees are non-refundable once the relevant Services have been performed.

8.4 Where goods cannot be supplied due to events beyond Karine Kaelin's reasonable control, refunds will be limited to sums recoverable from the relevant supplier.

9. CANCELLATION AND TERMINATION

9.1 If the Client is a consumer and this Contract is entered into at a distance (for example, online, by email or by telephone) or away from Karine Kaelin's business premises, the Client has the right to cancel the Contract within 14 calendar days from the date the Contract is concluded, without giving any reason.

9.2 To exercise the right to cancel, the Client must notify Karine Kaelin in writing by email or post before the end of the 14-day cancellation period.

9.3 If the Contract is cancelled within the 14-day cancellation period and no Services have been provided, Karine Kaelin will refund all payments received from the Client within 14 days of receiving the cancellation notice.

9.4 If the Client cancels after the Services have commenced, or after the expiry of the 14-day cancellation period, the Client shall remain liable for all fees and expenses incurred up to the effective date of termination, including but not limited to:

Design work completed or partially completed;
Time spent on the project;
Project management and procurement services;
Goods, furniture, furnishings or materials ordered on the Client's behalf;
Non-refundable supplier charges or cancellation fees;
Reasonable travel, accommodation and other project-related expenses incurred.

9.5 Any design fees, sourcing fees or procurement fees relating to Services already completed are non-refundable. Where the value of the Services provided exceeds the payments already received, the outstanding balance shall become immediately due and payable.

9.6 Karine Kaelin reserves the right to terminate the Contract by written notice if:

the Client fails to make payments when due;
the Client repeatedly fails to provide information, approvals or instructions necessary to progress the project;
the Client commits a material breach of these Terms and Conditions.

In such circumstances, the Client shall remain liable for all fees and expenses incurred up to the date of termination.

9.7 Termination of the Contract shall not affect any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities that have accrued prior to termination, including Karine Kaelin's right to recover any outstanding fees, costs or expenses due under these Terms and Conditions.

10. CLIENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES

10.1 The Client is responsible for ensuring safe and reasonable access to the property.

10.2 The Client is responsible for obtaining all necessary planning permissions, building regulations approval, landlord consent and any other statutory approvals required.

10.3 Karine Kaelin shall not be responsible for the structural condition of any property or for verifying the accuracy of plans or measurements supplied by others.

11. LIABILITY

11.1 Karine Kaelin shall exercise reasonable skill and care in providing the Services.

11.2 Karine Kaelin is not liable for errors arising from inaccurate information, drawings or instructions supplied by the Client or third parties.

11.3 Karine Kaelin shall not be responsible for workmanship carried out by contractors or suppliers appointed by the Client.

11.4 To the fullest extent permitted by law, Karine Kaelin's total liability arising out of the Services shall not exceed the total professional fees paid by the Client under the relevant Contract.

12. FORCE MAJEURE

12.1 Karine Kaelin shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform the Services caused by circumstances beyond her reasonable control, including but not limited to supplier delays, transport disruption, industrial action, extreme weather, pandemics, government restrictions or shortages of materials.

12.2 Project timescales shall be extended accordingly.

13. COMPLAINTS

13.1 Any complaint relating to the Services should be submitted in writing as soon as reasonably practicable.

13.2 Both parties agree to use reasonable endeavours to resolve any dispute through discussion before commencing legal proceedings.

14. DATA PROTECTION

14.1 Personal information will be processed in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation and Karine Kaelin's Privacy Policy.

15. GENERAL

15.1 If any provision of these Terms is held to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15.2 These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all previous discussions and correspondence relating to the Services.

15.3 Any notice required under these Terms shall be given in writing by email or post.

16. GOVERNING LAW

16.1 These Terms and any Contract shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales.

16.2 The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any dispute arising under these Terms.

17. CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

17.1 Karine Kaelin reserves the right to amend these Terms from time to time.

17.2 Updated Terms will apply to new Contracts entered into after the date of publication and will not affect Contracts already in place unless agreed in writing by both parties.

Karine Kaelin Interior Design is not VAT registered.