Choosing Professional Help When You're Redecorating

Redecorating your home can be an intimidating prospect. There are just so many elements to coordinate. Even if you have the time and desire to take on the project alone, you may not have the product knowledge of a professional. So, if the first step is admitting you could use some help, the second is determining who you need. What kind of pro should you rely upon: a salesperson, a consultant, or a certified designer?

One of the benefits of working with a salesperson is that they have an intimate knowledge of their particular product. If you have a specific style in mind - like contemporary European design - the sales staff at Roche Bobois can help you with the specifics of their exclusive collections. If you are on the enviable quest of attaining new art, Melissa Butler assures that Southwest Gallery can help you navigate the 16,000 square feet of antiques and traditional and contemporary art.

A consultant, however, offers broader assistance. The benefits of their service often include house calls and fees that are absorbed in the cost of goods. According to Becky Taghdin, design services are available from the Home Décor Design Center for $75 an hour (with a two hour minimum), but the fees are credited towards your furniture purchases. Basset Furniture Direct offers an in-home design service that's complimentary. Erin McAnally explains that "trained professionals will consider room dimensions, existing pieces you wish to keep, neighboring rooms, scale, budget, color schemes, and personal style. Through discussions and questionnaire, a consultant can prepare presentations, even mock-up your room at the store."

If you're changing more than furniture and accessories, an interior designer can coordinate wall coverings, textiles, window treatments, flooring, art, and even architectural elements. Though they may be more of an investment, designers to have access to all product lines, without being tied to one. Cantoni Design Studio is renowned for producing some of the most innovative and fashion-forward interiors in Dallas. A great designer can re-imagine the space so it really expresses your passions and lifestyle.

Change Your Room with the Seasons

Don't just spring clean, but refresh your room with a new look. When winter winds blow, you can turn the same room back into a cozy haven. Just follow these easy tips:

• Rearrange the furniture. You can create more intimate or open areas by changing the position of existing pieces.
• Group candles together for ambient fall lighting.
• Layer fleece, cashmere, and woolen throw blankets for fall. Change to tossed floral pillows in spring.
• Use voile window treatments in sunny seasons. Layer drapes and valances as it gets cooler.
• Add bright colored vases, table linens, and other small accessories to punch up a neutral room in summer.
• Change your artwork. Reserve a few paintings and pieces of art glass so you can rotate your collection.
• Use fresh cut flowers and bowls fruit to reflect the season's theme.