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Why Work With A Design Professional?

1. To develop an overall design theme and plan for your remodel. 

2.  To prevent costly mistakes: you won't make an inappropriate fabric selection or buy the wrong size chair. 

3.  To tap proven resources: expert painters and upholsterers are but a few of the resources a designer can provide without having to find them through trial and error. 

4.  To get the best value for your money: design professionals know what's in the market and where to find just what you're looking for.  

5.  To take advantage of terrific discounts that are unavailable to non-professionals.
 

How To Work With A Design Professional (Or, What You Should Know Before Calling!):

1. Know what you want to accomplish, what the room or house should do for you when finished. Should it be formal or casual? Know your objectives and your lifestyle needs. 
2. Know your budget, at least approximately. After you've hired a designer and gotten and estimate, you can firm up the numbers. 
3. Know what colors, attitudes, and effects you like. Be sure to share that information with the designer. Start by going through magazines and clipping photos of items and rooms that appeal to you, including: 
4. Furniture pieces (and how they're arranged) 
5. Fabrics 
6. Floors 
7. Windows (hardware and treatments) 
8. Doors 
9. Lighting fixtures 
10. Styles of houses (Cape Cod, Colonial, Victorian, etc.) 
11. Interesting ways to hang pictures, display candlesticks, etc. 
12. Couples should collect photos separately and present both their collections to the design professional. 
13. Know the time frame in which you'd like the work accomplished. Do you have a specific deadline that needs to be met? Share it with the designer. 
14. Know what annoys or inconveniences you about the room as it is now. Do your kitchen cabinets open the wrong way? Do you wish you had a broom closet? Keep a list and share it with the designer.

What To Ask At Your First Meeting:

1. Ask to see the designer's portfolio, but remember that the pictures in it reflect other people's tastes - not the designer's and probably not your own. 
2. Ask what size projects and budgets the designer has worked with, as well as what kind of locations. 
3. Ask how the established budget will be handled, and the kind of payment schedule the designer offers. 
4. Ask about the types of services the designer can provide. Typically these range from consultation only to developing and implementing an overall design plan. 
5. Ask what kind of communication you can expect from the designer. Will you hear from him or her daily? Every other day? (Then ask yourself: is this communication style compatible with yours?) 
6. Ask for a list of references, call them and ask: How does the designer work? Is their office professional and organized? How often will you hear from them? 
7. Ask about the designer's availability for your project. If it's something that need to be done quickly, be sure the designer has the time to devote to it.

1. When you want a wonderful space filled with beautiful things without having to spend all your time shopping and wondering if you really like what you're selecting. 
2. When you like a variety of styles but are not sure how to group them together. 
3. When your current furniture arrangement requires an infusion of inspiration. 
4. When you would like to use the collectibles you own and love in a completely different way. 
5. When you're buying, renovating or building a new house... when your lifestyle needs change... when you feel you need just a little guidance of full project coordination.

1. Be honest with yourself and the designer about what you want to spend. Telling the designer you are willing to to invest less money than you really are will only send him or her off to work in the wrong quality category. When that happens, you will not get the best job possible and ultimately, you will not meet your own expectations. 
2. When it comes to working with a smaller budget, if you don't like the quality that budget allows you, you may need to either increase what you're willing to spend or revise the scope of the job.