When and How to Use a Decorator

Not long ago most of us didn't have to worry about whether or not to call in a professional decorator. We couldn't afford one, and that was that. But in recent years this profession has grown not only in size but in scope, and today's interior design consultant is as available to the budget conscious as the wealthy. So if you are currently undertaking a decorating project, no matter how much or how little you plan to spend, you should investigate the possibilities of outside help.

You want your family to live comfortably in a pleasant atmosphere geared to your own personalities and your own way of life. Can a stranger help you achieve this goal? Will a decorator tried to impose his or her taste on you or talk you into spending more money than you can afford? How much will he charge? Knowing the answers to these and other questions about interior design services will help you decide what's right for you.

In most cases you can sink your the talents of an interior designer free of charge in return for purchasing merchandise through him. The designer makes a profit by buying through dealers at wholesale prices, then charging you the established retail prices. Or he may work on a consulting basis, charging you for his time at an average rate of about $50 per hour.

As you probably know, interior designers shop at resources not open to the public and the merchandise they buy is exclusive - you won't find it in any retail store. This raises another question. Can you afford to be exclusive?

Actually, the wealth of merchandise available today through decorators sources covers such a broad area that there is something for everyone's pocketbook. Some show rooms cater to the wealthy, but others are on a par with better department and furniture stores. The chances are you will wind up paying more for some things. But if you want your home to have an individual rather than a mass-produced look, it helps to have at least a few furnishings that are custom made or come from the more expensive "limited edition" collections.

Briefly, here's what happens when you ask a decorator to take on a job, whether it is a single room or a complete house.

1. He consults with you. First he must talk to you about your way of life, your taste and your finances, usually making a trip to your home in the process. If your home is still on paper, he may ask to see the architect's original drawings.

2. He draws up a budget based on total sum you have decided to spend. He will then advise you on what to buy and how much to a loud for each item.

3. He sketches a floor plan. This tells you how to complete the room or rooms will look and how the arrangements will fit in with your family's routine.

4. He works out a color scheme - guided, of course, by your preferences.

5. He shops with you for new merchandise. Whenever possible a designer works around the furnishings you already own, perhaps sending some pieces out to be reupholstered or refinished. If you do not live near sources of supply or if you prefer to have him do the legwork for you, you can select new furnishings from catalogs, swatches and the merchandise the designer has on hand if he maintains his own show room. If you are more independent, you may want to shop the market alone, using the decorator's card to gain admission to show rooms. In any case he makes the transactions and is responsible for following up on the orders and taking care of any adjustment after delivery. You will not be permitted to make purchases on your own from dealers who cater exclusively "to the trade."

6. He can launch you successfully on your own decorating project. If you prefer to decorate your own home but need advice on getting started, you can hire a decorator for a consultation only. A single hour spent in this way can prove to be a sound investment. Or if you are moving to a new home but can't afford to refurbish, a decorator will work out a new color scheme and show you how to rearrange the furniture you already have to fit the new space requirements.

So far, you may be thinking, there's nothing a decorator can do that most women can't do themselves. This is true, but decorating involves so many complex factors that somewhere along the line and amateur is bound to make at least one error in judgment.

When lawmakers by the wrong things it isn't because they lack good case or don't know which colors class, but because they are not trained to think in terms of scale or proportion. They coordinate the right colors, but in the wrong amount. They select attractive lamps of the wrong scale, and by lovely tables and chairs in the wrong proportions for each other or in relation to the room. The interior designer is a specialist in avoiding these pitfalls. Decorating a home is far too expensive to be done on a trial and error basis.

In addition, and interior designer is something like an investment broker - he is supposed to keep you from misappropriating your funds. Of all the services he has to offer, working out a sensible budget often proves to be the most important. Left to our own devices, we are all likely to be tempted by furniture and accessories that look you resist will but are not really necessary. A designer's knowledge enables you to put your money where it does the most good.

If you do not have much money to span all at once but have visions of gradually acquiring the home of your dreams, seeing a decorator in the beginning is wise - especially if you are newlyweds or new homeowners. You may have $1000 to spend right now, for example, and plan to invest an additional $3000 in the next two years. A decorator will plan your every purchase for the entire three-year period. He will start by supplying you with the basic furnishings you need for comfortable living. With his knowledge of color and a few other tricks of the trade, a good interior designer can give a home and lived in look through the first sparsely furnished year or two.

If you make up your mind to retain a professional, there are responsibilities for you to shoulder as well. No doubt you have heard complaints from people who have used decorators and never really felt at home with the results here it when this happens the client may be to blame. Ideally, the designer guide you in selecting the best merchandise available within the range of your budget and your particular preferences in colors and styles. He helps you to express your taste. But unless you tell him what you like and how you live, the results are bound to reflect less of your background and personality and more of his. Never walk into a decorator's office as you would the beauty salon and say, "Do something exciting." The excitement may prove too much for you.

A good decorator will try to get a clear picture of you, your husband and your children. Be sure your husband is a long for at least one meeting. If your children are old enough, they should be consulted as well, but don't take them with you.

FINAL NOTE: Listen to your gut instinct. If something about the person or business just doesn't feel right, trust those feelings and look elsewhere.

Sources:

http://www.decoratorlocator.co.uk/how_to_find_a_good_decorator.asp
http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/how-to-find-a-good-decorator-1020507.html
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/home-decor-gallery/
http://www.professorshouse.com/your-home/decorating-design/hiring-an-interior-decrator.aspx