Reasons to Consider a Professional Designer for Your Interior Decorating Project

When one is considering a new look for an existing room the question always arises, "Do I need to hire a designer for my new project"? This depends on you and on your available free time, patience, creativity, resources and many more factors.

---You might want to hire a professional designer if:

Your time is at a premium with little free time for such a product.

You feel completely overwhelmed by the number of choices available.

You want to have quality work done but don't have your own list of reliable workmen, installers and other resources.

Understanding the reason you may be in this situation is you have already tried to decorate your home and have purchased a few nice items, but really need help pulling it all together.

You want a cohesive color scheme and design that can be carried throughout your home as many of the colors you like do not meld together within a specific theme.

You and your partner can't seem to agree on anything for your home.

You have seen furniture or accent pieces in decorating magazines, but it's available "to the trade" only.

You are not aware of the many new products, fabrics, or appliances are available that might be used for your new room(s).

You're tired of buying things here and there without an master plan to pull it all together.

You would like more choices in fabrics, floor coverings and window coverings and furniture than are available in your local stores.

--- It's a Good Decision to Consider an Interior Designer as an Option.

Interior decorators help you put your look and personality in your home by dealing with space, design, and furnishings. Ask for a portfolio of before and after previous designs. Choose an interior decorator whose projects are not only appealing to your taste, but have proven practical to build and live in as well.

If you're too busy to shop around, want to make some major changes or if you simply feel like you need some advice, there are a number of interior professionals who can help you get the results you're after. Many designers and decorators will save you money by using their sources of discount furniture and accessories.

Interior decorating is not just "having an eye" for color or recognizing quality furniture. It is an extensive discipline that encompasses many specialized areas of expertise that take many years of experience to develop.

--- How Much Do Interior Designers and Decorators Charge?

While it varies from decorator to decorator, and job to job, decorators usually get most of their compensation through commissions or discounts they negotiate with vendors of products and services. In other words, most of their compensation comes from suppliers, not from you. In many cases, it is also necessary for the decorator to charge a consulting fee. This is usually assessed on an hourly basis or as a flat fee. Always ask about charges and payments before hiring a decorator.

---Pick the Right Professional:

Whose past projects look good to you. Who listens well and designs around your wishes rather than their personal sense of style. Who has done jobs that are similar in scale and budget to yours. Who has experience working with any specialized materials or treatments you are considering for your project.

Interior decorators help you put your creative stamp in your home by dealing with decorating, furnishing, and space issues, often in unique ways. You may find complete listings of designer assosciations that may help you find a decorator or designer in your area at http://www.onegreathome.com. Go to the directory under Interior Designers or Associations.

Choose an interior decorator whose projects are not only appealing, but have proven practical to build and live in as well.

Robert C. Pearson is a copywriter for several online sites including http://www.onegreathome.com and others. He has also submitted furnishings material being published this summer in Woman's Day Magazine and has completed research interviews with Fortune Magazine that has been previously published.