Frequently Asked Questions

What is L'Atelier?

L'Atelier is the curated online boutique born from DFI Interiors, a luxury residential interior design studio based in Newton, MA — with clients spanning all of New England and beyond. Think of us as your private access to the designer's world.

For years, our founder Dominique has been sourcing extraordinary pieces for her clients' homes — lamps that anchor a room, vases that make you stop mid-conversation, objects that simply feel different from anything else you've seen. L'Atelier is our way of sharing that world with you.

Every piece here is held to the same standard we apply when designing a multi-million dollar residence: exceptional craftsmanship, a genuine point of view, and that ineffable quality of feeling both special and completely at home. We bring a European sensibility to everything we do — unhurried, considered, and always with an eye for what will still feel beautiful in twenty years.

What does "trade only" mean?

Many of the most beautiful home décor pieces in the world are only sold through professional trade accounts — meaning you typically need to be a credentialed interior designer to access them. These brands protect their distribution carefully, and that's part of what keeps them special.

By shopping L'Atelier, that door is open to you. We've built the relationships, we hold the accounts, and we do the curating — so you get to enjoy pieces that most people simply never have the chance to discover. It's one of our greatest joys to be able to share them.

Who shops at L'Atelier?

Our clients are a wonderful mix of people who share one thing in common: they care deeply about their homes. That includes:

• Homeowners renovating or furnishing a luxury residence who want pieces that feel truly curated — not just assembled
• Design-savvy individuals who have outgrown what's available in mainstream retail and are looking for something with more soul
• Collectors drawn to artisan and handcrafted objects — pieces made by hand, in limited quantities, with a real story behind them
• Lovers of European design and quiet luxury that doesn't need to announce itself
• Anyone who believes their home should reflect who they are, not just what's trending
• Past and current clients of DFI Interiors who want to continue building their home between projects

If any of that sounds like you, you're exactly who we had in mind when we created this shop.

Are these pieces ready to ship?

Most of our pieces are carefully prepared and packed by us directly from our Newton studio. We take real pride in how every order leaves our hands — your piece will arrive wrapped with the attention it deserves.

Some items in our collection are dropshipped directly from our supplier partners and ship from the source. In all cases, you can expect the same quality and care in how your order is handled.

Our inventory is intentionally small. These are artisan-made pieces, produced in limited runs — not mass-manufactured goods. That's precisely what makes them worth having. When something sells out, it often doesn't come back, and that rarity is by design.

If you've fallen in love with a piece that's showing as out of stock, please don't hesitate to reach out. We'll do everything we can to track it down for you — sometimes we can, sometimes we can't, but we will always try. Email us at latelier@dfiinteriors.com and we'll get back to you personally.

Can I work with DFI Interiors on a full design project?

We would love nothing more. DFI Interiors offers full residential interior design services — from concept to completion — for homes across New England and beyond. We also offer a more flexible à la carte option for clients who want a designer's guidance on a specific room or space, with a minimum engagement of 10 hours.

Whether you're starting from scratch, refreshing a space that isn't quite working, or simply want a trained eye on a room you love but can't get right — we're here for it. Our clients often become friends by the end of a project, and that's something we cherish deeply.

To start the conversation, reach out at info@dfiinteriors.com or through our contact page. We'd love to hear about your home.

How do I know I'm buying quality pieces?

Because we would never offer anything we wouldn't put in our own clients' homes — and our clients' homes are our reputation.

Every piece in L'Atelier has been personally reviewed and approved by Dominique and her design team. We evaluate craftsmanship, materials, finish quality, scale, and that harder-to-define quality of genuine presence. If something doesn't pass that test, it doesn't make it into the shop — simple as that.

Many of our items come from brands we've worked with for years through our design practice. These are relationships built on trust, and we extend that trust to you every time you shop with us.

Can you help me style a room or choose the right pieces for my space?

This is truly one of our favorite things to do — and the honest answer is: please ask.

Choosing the right lamp for a bedside table, pairing a vase with pieces you already own, knowing whether something will feel right in scale or overwhelm a space — these are exactly the questions we live for. Styling isn't a separate service here; it's simply part of how we like to do things.

If you see something you love but aren't sure how it would work in your home, reach out before you order. Send us a photo of your space if you'd like — we're happy to give you an honest, thoughtful opinion. Email us at latelier@dfiinteriors.com and we'll get back to you personally.

What is your return policy?

We accept returns within 14 days of receiving your order. Items must be unused, in their original condition, and in their original packaging.

To start a return, email us at latelier@dfiinteriors.com with your order number and a brief note — we'll take it from there and make the process as smooth as possible.

Because many of our pieces are artisanal and sourced in strictly limited quantities, we offer store credit or exchanges rather than monetary refunds. Your store credit never expires and can be applied to any future purchase. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer, and we recommend using an insured, tracked method to protect your item in transit.

Please note that sale items and gift cards are not eligible for return.

As always, if you have any questions about a piece before you purchase — sizing, finish, how it might work in your space — please reach out first. We'd much rather help you make the right choice than process a return after the fact.

How do I stay up to date on new arrivals and special offers?

Our collection is always evolving. New pieces arrive as Dominique and her team discover them — through design projects, trade shows, supplier relationships, and travels. Some pieces are available for only a very short time before they're gone for good.

The best way to stay in the loop is to subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of any page on the site. You'll be among the first to know about new arrivals, limited finds, seasonal edits, and the occasional special offer. As a thank you for joining us, new subscribers receive 10% off their first order with the code WELCOME.

We promise we won't flood your inbox — only the things genuinely worth knowing about.

I have another question — how can I reach you?

We're always happy to hear from you — truly. Email us at latelier@dfiinteriors.com and you'll receive a personal response from our team. We don't do automated replies here. We believe that good service looks like a real person taking the time to help, and that's exactly what you'll get.

Whether it's a question about a specific piece, an order update, thoughts on a design project, or simply a conversation about what might work in your home — we're here for all of it. We look forward to hearing from you.