Many people shy away from hiring an interior decorator, concerned that the process will be too costly or the results not quite in tune with their personal style. But whether your house needs new curtains or a whole new look, a decorator can help. In fact, having a designer at your side can actually save you money, since she or he will steer you away from making expensive mistakes.
A good decorator can also fine-tune and expand upon your ideas while keeping them in line with your sensibilities. Finally, a professional will have resources and contacts that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to use.
How should you go about working with a decorator? Here are some handy guidelines.
Define your style
First, assess how you live your life: Do you cook a lot? Do your kids need a place to play? Are you very neat? Your answers to these questions will help a professional create spaces that are not only beautiful but also practical.
Then think about what kind of styles you like. Try to be as specific as possible, and be aware that decorating terms mean different things to different people. For instance, say you prefer a contemporary style. Does that mean spare, white decor to you – or bright fabrics with mod florals? To make it easier for your decorator to interpret what you have in mind, put together a folder of visual examples: Compile color chips and fabric swatches that convey the mood you’d like a space to have. Tear out or photocopy pages from decorating magazines and books that inspire you.
Make a budget
Think about what kinds of furniture and fixtures (sofas? faucets?) you’ll probably be purchasing. If you’re not sure how much various items cost, look online to get a general feel for prices. Determine what you can realistically spend; decorators understand budgetary constraints and can help you spend your money wisely.
Search for a designer
The least expensive route is to consult with an in-store designer. Most don’t charge a fee, in the hopes that you’ll purchase goods from the store, of course. So it’s important to choose a store that sells a wide range of items that are likely to match your taste.
Furniture, home and department stores often have design consultants on staff.
Alternatively, if you’d like to hire an independent decorator, begin by asking around. If your friends and colleagues had a great experience with someone, it’s likely that you will, too. Other sources for recommendations include upholstery or furniture shops whose style is in tune with yours, or local newspapers and magazines.
When you begin interviewing prospects, take into account not only their styles and how they approach the consulting but also how you interact with them. It’s important to hire someone with whom you feel comfortable.
Figure out costs
Decorators have varying ways of charging for their services. Many charge by what is known as “cost plus,” which refers to the cost of items bought, whether retail or wholesale, plus up to 30 percent; this additional percentage is the decorator’s fee for the work that he or she has provided.
Other designers charge by the hour; expect the rates to start at about $100 an hour. In addition, some professionals will request a retainer to be applied against future expenses, while others will charge a flat fee. Of course, the more well-known and experienced a designer, the higher the cost.
It is important to ask questions and make sure you have all the details of the contract hammered out before you proceed. Be sure to ask for references – and always check them.
Working with a decorator
As you begin to redecorate, you and your designer will assemble swatches and samples to establish the feel of a room. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – and to say no. You shouldn’t feel pressured into choosing a color you don’t really adore or a piece of furniture that’s not quite what you want.
Consider working section by section in a house so that you won’t feel overwhelmed by the process. Start with the room that’s most important to you, such as the kitchen or the living room. As you consult with a designer, you’ll discover how delightful it is to see the spaces in your house become places that are wonderful and appealing.
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