How To Work With An Interior Decorator

At one time or another, we’ve all come face to face with decorating dilemmas. And that’s when an interior designer can come in handy. But don’t think that a professional will break the bank. You can get as much-or as little-advice as you need, depending on how much your decorating budget can withstand. There are several ways to work with an interior designer without enlisting him or her to “do” your entire home. You can, however, get professional advice about wall coverings, furniture arrangements, lighting, flooring - just about anything you can think of.

Same-Day Makeovers

When working with a service that does same-day makeovers, the designer will typically ask about your needs or concerns, make specific suggestions and sketch a new floor plan for you to follow. In some cases, he or she will even mail a list of suggestions, swatches and sources after the initial consultation.

Therefore, if your questions are straightforward, this can be an ideal way to go. Before making an appointment, however, there are several questions you should ask of the business:

• What do you charge? How much time does that charge cover? Is all of that time spent working with me in my home?
• How much is an extra hour or a follow-up visit, if I decide I want additional help?
• Can you refer me to upholsterers, carpenters or slipcover makers if I need to have work done?
• Will you mail me a write-up of your ideas or will I need to take notes?
• What advance preparation, if any, should I do before your visit?

Top-of-the-Line Consultations

A well-established designer may consider $50,000 a modest budget for a single room. But if you are stricken with the work of one of these star performers, perhaps you can afford a one-time consultation. Here’s how the process works: The major talent of your choice will give you concrete suggestions and you will carry them out yourself-or find someone else to do so. Keep in mind that prices will vary from location to location, but in a large city typical fees might range from $1,000 for two hours to $3,500 for a day.

Don’t be deterred, either, if your designer of choice turns you down. Ask if he or she has trained any young designers that would consider taking on the job.

Other Options

Simply by perusing magazines or asking friends for recommendations you may find a designer whose work you admire. If so, ask if he or she will meet with you for just a few hours, charging only an hourly rate. For somewhere between $50 and $250 per hour, you can engage a designer for however many hours you need. This arrangement differs from a consultation in that you decide when it’s over and because you can always call back for more advice. Or, you may opt for the “cost-plus” process in which designers don’t charge an hourly fee but, instead, make their profit by taking a percentage of the furnishings they sell you. And, on the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find designers in some retail stores who will offer design guidance at no charge (though the service often requires a minimum purchase).

To make a designer/client relationship a successful one, keep in mind these tips:

1. Know what you like. Spend some time gathering magazine photographs and sorting them into things you love - and things you don’t. These photos will offer instant clues to a designer as to your tastes.
2. Before you meet with a designer, ask what he or she charges. Be honest about what you can afford. If your budget only allows for five hours of consultation, ask if your needs can be met in that amount of time.
3. Have three or four specific questions ready before you meet with the designer, putting them in order of priority. That way, if you only get halfway through the list, you’ll get to the most important things first.
4. Decide in advance whether you’re hiring the designer just for advice or to help you shop for furnishings-or both.
5. Make sure that the first meeting will be held at your home, which the designer will need to see.
6. When you meet, ask where you should invest your “serious” money and where you can economize. A designer can help you set priorities and suggest a decorating timetable, if you need to spread out your expenditures.
7. If a designer suggests things you can’t afford - like built-in bookshelves - ask two questions:
• Can I save money by buying a ready-made piece at a furniture store, flea market or even a consignment shop?
• Can you list the key purchases in order of importance, so I can make them over time?
8. If your relationship is going to last longer than a few hours, ask for a contract or letter of agreement that spells out the job and the fee. As with any contract, be sure to read the fine print before you sign!