Unique, designer home décor in all styles

General FAQ’s

Why should I shop at Kathy Kuo Designs?
Each and every product you see online has been designed personally by Kathy Kuo. We are not a retailer that amasses different wholesaler items together to mark up and sell. Each product is designed then carefully sourced with one of our hundreds of capable vendors. Kathy Kuo personally sees to each sample, construction, and fine tunes each item so that they meet the highest quality standards.

Frankly, you deserve a much more personalized buying experience, especially in the crowded marketplace we currently have. With each design, you can call or e-mail us, and we will respond within 2 business days on any questions you may have, large or small. We are happy to digress about the species of wood on furniture or exactly how it's possible to lacquer a panel 12 different ways! We also offer the most competitive pricing since we choose to only have an online presence. We're also committed to offering you preferred shipping rates and offer combined shipping discounts if you are working on a larger project and require more than one item.

Is everything in stock?
Yes! We only show what we can ship immediately. We feel that this also makes us uniquely positioned than other online retailers where waiting 4-6 weeks for delivery is the standard. Most items will arrive at your front door within 2 weeks.

Where do all your designs come from?
All the products are designed here in New York City and manufactured from over 13 countries worldwide. Kathy Kuo travels all over the world from Asia to Africa to source the best products from capable vendors and oversees the sampling and production of each unique piece.

Do you have a showroom?
No, we are strictly an online retailer, simply because it allows us to offer the most competitive prices. It is also too difficult to showcase all of Kathy Kuo's designs in one showroom since most items are large in scale, and would be difficult to do every product justice. Besides, shopping in your PJ’s 24/7 and share information to your friends with a click of a button is really a far more rewarding shopping experience. No more irritable unintelligible sales people to deal with!

Where is your warehouse, and can I pick an item up myself?
Yes! We encourage you to save on shipping by picking up larger items if you live in the state of CT close to NYC where our warehouse is located. Pick ups can be arranged from Monday- Thursday 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM EST. Please e-mail us first if you want to pick an item up personally. Otherwise, please refer to our shipping rates.

Can you send me a catalog?
Yes and no, we do not offer a paper catalog. In an effort to preserve the green space that we live in, we have elected to not print a paper catalog. However we are happy to send out PDF catalogs of products we recommend based on specific styles you are decorating with. We have done this in the past with interior designers and find that it is an effective way to style out your home quickly. Please e-mail us at info@kathykuodesigns.com to request a PDF catalog.

It’s so hard to buy from a picture! Do you have more detailed photos of the product?
Sometimes buying a product off a photograph is difficult. We totally understand that. If there is an item that you are interested in that you would like more images of, we can get you further product shots if you contact us. However, not all products will have further detailed shots.

How do you use some of the products?
If you are confused by how something is used, please contact us, and we can help you style out your living spaces!

Shipping FAQ’s

How long does it take to ship?
Orders are processed within 1-2 business days of receiving payment. Handling depending on size of product can take up to five business days. We ship via UPS Ground for UPS-able items, and Yellow Freight for larger items. Shipping can take anywhere from 1-6 business days depending on your proximity to warehouse location in CT after the merchandise leaves our warehouse Please note we only process orders and shipping Monday through Thursdays 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Please refer to our shipping policy for more information.

How do you decide when to ship Yellow Freight vs. UPS?
Your shipping weight and size helps us determine which carrier is best for you. UPS has weight and size restrictions on large items. Usually furniture, and larger decorative accents will ship via Yellow Freight.

What if I’m not at home to receive the shipment?
When we ship via Yellow Freight, your phone number provided at checkout will be given to the truckers. They will call you when the merchandise is in your town to coordinate a time/ date of delivery. Until a specified time/ date of delivery has been established, your merchandise will be housed in a safe warehouse in your town until you approve to release it.

UPS items don't require a phone number, and will be drop shipped just like any other UPS package you have received in the past. If you are not around the first time, they will attempt delivery up to three tries, after which you may pick up the item at your local UPS pick up location indicated on the call tag attached to your front door.

How can I track my package?
Once an order is shipped, you will be e-mailed a shipping notification that will include your tracking ID. The shipping notification will also indicate the carrier used to ship. You may then track the items yourself via UPS or Yellow Freight.

Do you ship priority for fast delivery?
Unfortunately, no, however your purchases will be likely be in your home between 1- 3 weeks at the latest. In the event that we receive a lot of requests for priority shipping, our shipping policy may change.

Do you ship internationally?
For our friends overseas, I’m so sorry that we cannot deliver overseas. As all my designs are large in scale, it is quite cost prohibitive to ship by air or by sea.

Can the shippers help me place my purchases inside my home?
For larger items that ship via Yellow Freight, the truckers are legally not allowed to enter your home for liability reasons. We cannot take responsibility for damages caused to your home as a result of shippers entering your home. All items will be shipped to your front door, and you will be in charge of carrying it in from there. If you require further assistance with the product to be placed in your home, you must explain this in detail to the shippers when they call you to arrange for delivery. Additional costs associated with that are not included in the shipping charges and will need to be covered at your own cost.

Return Policy FAQ’s

I received something that has been damaged, now what?
Please contact us immediately at returns@kathykuodesigns.com and we will work with you to resolve the issue immediately. We offer a 30 day money back guarantee on all merchandise received with damages. Please kindly send us a digital photo of the damage, and we will issue you a full refund on the shipping and cost of merchandise or a replacement if item is in stock. If you do not have a digital camera, please provide us a detailed description of the damage. We ask that you do this so that we can identify and resolve the issues with our own packing, shipping or manufacturers to ensure that quality products are shipped in the future.

I bought something that isn’t what I expected and want to return it. Can you take it back?
If you have purchased the item in error, we will happily grant a refund and issue you a shipping label so you may ship the products back to us. In the event that it is a size or color issue, please read the item description carefully before purchasing. We do not accept refunds based on size and color issues or simple “buyers remorse.” Please ask us all questions on a product before purchasing.

Product FAQ’s

I bought a mirror that has antiquing, will it continue to antique?
No, the antiquing applied to the mirror surface is all hand done by skilled artisans trained in the art of antique mirror making. The mirror will not continue to antique on its own or corrode.

What is the difference between brass, iron and fiberglass?
The difference in material is mainly the price. Brass is considered one of the most expensive metals these days second to gold. Brass surfaces can be polished extremely smooth, and the surface finish is very rich, deep and fused into the metal itself. Brass is also all weather proof and lasts a lifetime. Iron sculptures need to be treated with a coat of anti-rust if it will go outdoors, but is completely safe to use indoors. Iron products generally have a much more artistic hand to the surface texture. Iron as a metal is also priced more gently than brass sculptures.
Fiberglass sculptures look similar to the iron and brass sculptures but are cast from fiberglass. We usually reserve this material for extremely large items that are cost prohibitive to do in brass or iron. Fiberglass sculptures are more moderately priced than iron.

Do your clocks need batteries?
Yes, almost all clocks use one AA battery, which is not included with the clock. The battery can easily be replaced when needed

Do your candle holder accessories come with the candles as shown in the photo?
No, we do not include candles as part of the accessory. However, we do design with the need for a commonly sized candle for ease of use. We generally fit our candle cups for standard 7/8” tapers or 2-3” pillar candles. These can be purchased at any drug store or arts and craft store. If you are unsure of the candle size to use for a specific product, please contact us.

If you have further questions that we have not covered here, please contact us and we will be happy to post your questions here. We strive to understand your busy schedule. All phone calls and e-mails will be returned within 2 business days.