Working With Interior Decorators
Written by Elizabeth Wood
Editor In Chief, United Home Improvement

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed when it comes to shopping for home décor items? Maybe you have a good idea of what you would like to buy, but have very little free time to coordinate. Sometimes it boils down to just not having a good eye for space planning, lighting, and design layouts. For many homeowners, it saves them time and energy to hire an interior decorator to handle the busy details of transforming their home into a style that suits their personal taste.

Interior designers know the quickest and cheapest ways to redefine a room. They are responsible for coordinating all aspects of decorating a room so that it looks good, is easy to use, and functions well with the existing architecture. Areas of expertise include furniture compatibility, color schemes, decorative patterns, effective spacing, painting walls and other surfaces, and adding light fixtures, sculptures and paintings to suit your style.

It is important to keep in mind that an interior decorator has an unlimited amount of resources to offer you the appropriate professional edge on design. Part of their job is to make personal contacts with a wide range of vendors of products and services. Not only will this help with the design of your home, but it will also help you save money on furnishings and other design treatments.

Generally, interior decorators bill you at either an hourly rate or a flat fee. However, sometimes they will also charge a “cost plus” fee which enables them to buy fabrics, furniture and accessories at a ‘trade” discount. Also, an additional commission fee on what they buy for you is often part of the deal.

It is important to go over your budget with an interior decorator and have them explain to you exactly how they charge customers. It is also recommended to keep a running track of costs throughout the project.

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