What is it really like to work with an Interior Designer?

At some point, you may want expert guidance - maybe when you put five test swatches of grey paint on the wall and you can't choose between them, or when your great room seems stuffy no matter where you put the sofa. If that time comes, there are several ways, all fairly affordable, to pick the brains of an interior designer.

You can get professional advice about paint and wallpaper, furniture arrangement, lighting, whether to buy a new sofa or reupholster the old one, or where to squeeze in a home office. Just about any specific question you can think of!

Photo: Studio McGee

FIVE WAYS TO TALK TO AN INTERIOR DESIGNER

1. Know what you like and what you dislike. Gather photos online and put them into LOVE and HATE files. They're like shorthand to a designer - an instant handle on your taste. 

2. Before you meet, ask what the designer charges, and be upfront about what you want to spend. You might say, I can afford five hours of your time at this stage, and I have questions about color and furniture. Find out what you can get done in that amount of time.

Photo: Em Habitat

3. Have three or four specific questions ready before you meet with the designer, and write them down in order of priority. That way, if you only get through half the list, it will be the important half. 

4. Assume that the first meeting will be held at your home, which the designer needs to see. You're not likely to be asked to meet her at their office.

5. 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 fees. As with any contract, read before you sign. 

Photo: Patterson  Custom Homes

Design is a creative field, so no two designers will solve a problem the same way. In fact, it's amazing how much they can differ.

Ultimately, expert advice, whether you listen to it or not, tends to be a pretty good investment.

~Michelle