| All of us want our homes to be places of comfort | | | | details that are in the wrong places, you need |
| and beauty. Some of us enjoy decorating and | | | | professional help. |
| furnishing our homes and some of us don't. How do | | | | 2. You have ideas, but don't know how to implement |
| we decide if we need an interior designer or not? | | | | them or don't know where to start changing things. |
| Not everyone needs a designer. If you enjoy | | | | 3. You just don't have the time, energy, or the desire |
| creating your own home and you are confident in | | | | to do designing. |
| what your are doing, it is possible that what you | | | | 4. You need a major make-over, but you are on a |
| really need is a professional shopper. You know what | | | | budget. I know this sounds contradictory, but |
| you want, you just don't have the time or the | | | | decorating mistakes are expensive, and a good |
| expertise to find it. This is where the personal | | | | designer will make sure they don't happen. |
| shopper comes in-to help you find a specific item or | | | | 5. You have major work to be done, but it needs to |
| list of items. They know where the stores are and | | | | be done in stages due to budget considerations or a |
| where the bargains are-and don't we all love a | | | | growing family. A designer can set you up with a list |
| bargain? These hardworking folks can find you just | | | | of things to do and buy which is prioritized, and on a |
| the right table or those elusive accessories that give | | | | time-line. |
| your home an individual look while you're at work | | | | 6. You think you know what you want, but are |
| earning money to pay for all of this style and | | | | insecure about whether or not your ideas will work. |
| elegance. | | | | 7. You want to update a room without throwing |
| If you enjoy the shopping experience and just need | | | | everything out and starting over. This is a challenge , |
| an item or two (a new sofa, a club chair, or a table | | | | but it can be done. It generally requires quite a high |
| to put beside your recliner), you can find the help | | | | level of skill. If you don't have a talent for this, get |
| you need right at the furniture store. Better furniture | | | | someone who does. |
| stores usually have trained staff on hand to help you | | | | 8. You have a piece or pieces of furniture, paintings, |
| choose a style and a fabric. Take along pictures, | | | | and accessories which don't seem to fit your rooms |
| fabric samples, anything you need to match the new | | | | or style, but which you can't eliminate because they |
| piece. Above all, don't forget measurements. At the | | | | are family heirlooms or simply because you can't |
| furniture store find a salesperson who is attuned to | | | | afford to replace them. After all, you may not want |
| the look you are trying to achieve and with whom | | | | to get rid of great-grandpa's desk even if it is |
| you feel comfortable. Don't hesitate to ask for a | | | | Victorian and you like contemporary. |
| different salesperson if you feel that you are being | | | | 9. You are trying to achieve a specific style or period |
| pushed to buy something just because that is the | | | | such as French Country, Scandinavian,18th century, |
| flavor of the week. A good salesperson will work to | | | | 50's Retro, etc. |
| help you find the exact look you are aiming for and | | | | 10. You are unsure about color combinations, |
| you will be quite happy with your purchase. | | | | proportions, mixing patterns, composition and styles. |
| However, a word of warning-if you are putty in the | | | | If you fall into any of these categories, or if you |
| hands of an expert salesperson, or undecided what | | | | simply want a professional touch, an interior designer |
| you want, or unsure of yourself, don't go this route. | | | | is probably the solution to your decorating problems. |
| You will end up with a room that is never quite what | | | | Your home is too important to your happiness and |
| you wanted. | | | | lifestyle not to have the comfort you desire. If you |
| So when do you absolutely need a design team? | | | | don't love decorating or you have a decorating |
| Here are 10 reasons to hire a professional: | | | | challenge, then hire an expert and use your time and |
| 1. You have a difficult room. If the room is oddly | | | | energy for things you really enjoy. |
| shaped, has too many focal points, or architectural | | | | |