8 Tips to Help get the most from your Interior Designer
Ideal Home Magazine, June 2002

Here are a few tips as you begin working with an Interior Designer.

1. Always ask for a home visit.  If this is not possible, take or send as many photos as possible of your room.  If you have a camcorder, filming your room  would be helpful as well.

2. Explain what the room will be used for and whether you prefer a relaxed or more formal style.
   
3. Show the designer around other rooms in your home to give them an idea of your decorating taste.
   
4. Be clear about your budget (don’t forget to add on the of getting the work done – if you are not handy and could do it yourself).
   
5. Find out how you’ll be charged.  Some interior designers incorporate their fees into the furniture or fabric markup, other charge by the hour.  You can set a maximum at the onset.
   
6. Be open to new ideas – there’s no point in paying someone to come up with a plan if you only want the room painted magnolia.
   
7. Ask for a couple of different color options so you can have a choice.
   
8. Live with the new scheme for a few days before making a decision.  Try pining the design board up on the wall for a weekend to get a better fell for the design.