Picking a decorator is like picking a spouse — you want someone who shares your vision, someone you have rapport with and someone who is strong in places where you may be weak. Decorating is a personal business. You want to find someone who will compliment your lifestyle and bring out the best in you. So I thought I would use this blog to discuss the best way to find and interview your own decorator.

First, there’s finding a decorator. Websites like Houzz and Google are good places to start if you don’t know of any decorators, but often referrals can be the best way to find what you’re looking for. Realtors, builders and contractors often work with decorators, so don’t be afraid to ask for their opinions and suggestions. Designers also often have websites, so once you find or hear of someone you might be interested in, search for them online and you’ll most likely be able to find their professional information and portfolio.  Looking through a decorator’s portfolio is an easy way to tell if your style will match their designs.  

Friends have also asked me what credentials they should look for when hiring a decorator. How many letters should decorators have behind their name, and which are the most important letters to have? Decorators and designers can have several different certifications, such as ASID (American Society of Interior Design), IDA (Interior Design Accreditation), CID (Certified Interior Decorators), and DSA (Designer Society of America). These are jus a few of the many designations a designer may have. My best advice is that while credentials are important, a strong rapport with your decorator is more valuable than the letters behind their name. Design is personal (I know I keep saying that, but it’s important to remember!), so while credentials can give you assurances that a designer is qualified, don’t let credentials be the deciding factor.

While you’re interviewing your decorator, there are things you have to remember to ask. It’s important to ask how much a decorator charges, and if that charge is an hourly or flat rate. You’ll need to know who will make the purchases, and how they will be paid for. Decide on a budget and tell it to   your decorator. Make it clear how much you’re willing to spend so you and your decorator can make a realistic plan for your house. The main idea is to keep an open communication with your decorator. Let them know what you think of their ideas, and don’t be afraid to disagree with their plans. If you feel like your decorator's feelings will get hurt if you tell them you don't like some aspect of their design, move on. It’s your project, and you have to be comfortable voicing disagreements as well as praise. That said, be open to new ideas and going a little outside of your comfort zone.  Give the decorator room to be creative.

Finding a good decorator can create a relationship that lasts for years. Whether you’re designing in stages, or doing one massive renovation, design is personal (am I making my point?) and your decorator will be very much in your personal business. It’s important to trust him or her with your plans. This is a creative business, so make sure you’ve picked a decorator that’s the right partner for you.  Do your homework and you won't end up divorcing your decorator!

A LITTLE FLUFF. . . 

I have started a new project that I will be sharing with you, step by step.  After finishing college and finding a job, my daughter's next step toward independence was renting a house.  Lucky for me, a small house across the street was recently converted to a rental property.  This used to be, by far, the worst house in the neighborhood.  A 1950's house with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, its charm was masked by overgrown shrubbery and peeling paint. The inside was even worse.  Recently, a neighbor purchased the house and spent considerable time and effort to make the house habitable and to uncover its classic 50's appeal.  The stars aligned and the house became available just as my daughter was looking to spread her wings.  She found a college friend who had also recently found a job in the area to be her roommate so she signed a lease and moved in.  I will be sharing with you the process that we are undertaking to make this little house a home on a limited budget.  Admittedly, having a decorator for a mother is an advantage that most new home owners/renters don't have but I think there are things that all of you can learn from this process.

The Exterior Receiving New Paint