How to Choose an Interior Designer

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

An interior designer can make your house a home. Choose a designer who understands your style and needs. EXPLAIN DEFINITION AND LICENSING OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS ADD STEPS RE. HOW TO LOCATE AND SELECT DESIGNERS

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

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Step1
If you like someone's home, ask for the name of their designer.
Step2
Compare your personality to that of a prospective designer. Is s/he witty, conservative, avant garde. Are you?
Step3
Ask prospective designers to bring their sample books, or simply have them come and look and talk about your home, office and/or personal taste. Make sure your ideas and their ideas match.
Step4
Take your time, be confident and learn to say no.
Step5
Start small - a front hall, a fireplace area - and if all is well, on to bigger and better things.
Step6
Ask about fees up front. Do your own research in the library and on the Web to find out typical costs.
Step7
Agree on what will be done. Choose the general theme and overall colors, then buy paint and the furniture. Purchase at the agreed-upon percentage markup. Some decorators will buy pieces for you if you give them carte blanch.
Step8
Get it all in writing.

Tips & Warnings

  • Do a great deal of interviewing over the phone. This will save you both a lot of time and effort. Write up a few questions if it will help.
  • Remember that you will be working with your designer for some period of time and in a situation that may be stressful.

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eHow Article:  How to Choose an Interior Designer

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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