Working With A Design Professional

The home design process can be an exciting endeavor. Creating comfortable, stylish rooms that portray order, balance and your personal style, is a designer's goal. Some people have the gift to create that space for themselves, but most of us need help, from where/how to start, to organizing the tasks, to defining styles and accessorizing with pleasing results. Help is here! Hiring a design professional can bring forth expertise, invaluable guidance, resources and personal distinctiveness to your project, whether one room or an entire home.

Decorator vs. Designer

While these terms appear to represent the same profession, there is one distinct difference. Interior decorators are not required to have any formal education, but possess a "flair" for home decorating. Interior designers, however, must complete course work, take a nationally accredited exam and have proven, on-the-job experience. In fact, 23 states require interior designers to have licenses, making them accountable to a state licensing board, in the unlikely event legal recourse is needed. If your project does not require structural work, the talents of a decorator may be sufficient. Most importantly, find someone you like and can communicate with to find the ideal professional for you.

Designers Provide Experience

Creating your ideal environment requires extensive planning. While decorating a home may appear on the surface to involve simple color choices and fabric selections, there are many more concerns. Design professionals bring years of training and experience to your home. From constructing a plan to drafting a budget, designers offer assistance in every phase of your design project. In addition, they hone the subtle, but essential elements of proportion, lighting, color, style, comfort and balance that all combine to make a room stylish and livable.

Unlimited Resources

Design professionals have access to the best selection of choice products, including thousands of options of furniture, fabrics, flooring, lighting, artwork and accessories, like those available only at The Merchandise Mart. Designers use their extensive knowledge of materials and resources to help you select quality furnishings and accessories. They know where to find the perfect chair or lamp to lend the subtle finishing touch to a space —making it your personal space.

Create Beauty, Functionality and Uniqueness

Designers are well versed in determining an individual's needs, preferences and personal style. Pull together your favorite product ads and featured rooms from magazines and show house guides, as well as photos and magazine pages you don't like, and discuss them with your designer. An experienced designer can help you translate your taste and personal style into a space that compliments your budget and lifestyle. Your design dreams can then unfold as quickly or as leisurely as your time, budget and lifestyle allow.

Good luck and enjoy your experience!

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