If the idea of creating a new look for your home, whether a complete renovation or just a single room, seems a bit daunting, then consider calling on the skills of a professional interior designer. An interior designer will guide you through the many choices available in the world of furniture, fabrics, accessories, kitchens, baths,lighting, flooring and more, while offering you creative solutions for your specific design needs.
Because a design project can represent a considerable investment of your time and money, you want to get it right from the start. A designer will help in every phase of your project — from forming initial goals and helping to choose quality furnishings and accessories, to overseeing and troubleshooting the work of contractors and craftspeople. Working with a professional interior designer is one of the best investments you can make, saving valuable time and avoiding costly mistakes.

You’ll Create A Comfortable Environment
An appealing and inviting space requires proper planning and lots of creative inspiration. The design of your home or office should not only complement your personal aesthetic vision but also satisfy your family’s daily needs. A professional designer offers years of experience and can present innovative and clever ideas to help you create a welcoming and relaxing home filled with your individual style.

You’ll Benefit From A Designer’s Experience
Professional interior designers can help you clarify your design and renovation goals and give you an overview of the best ways to achieve them. They provide expertise in space planning, informed opinions on furniture selection and experience in the use of color, texture and pattern. Designers offer a practiced understanding of the subtle,yet essential, elements that make a home warm and inviting. Proportion, color, style,balance and comfort are the fundamental concepts of design that, when properly
executed, make all the difference. Good design is more than a question of style and appearance; experienced designers also help you make your home or office functional and efficient.

You’ll Develop A Plan
Every interior design project is a personal statement, planned by both client and designer to reflect the client’s specific needs and desires. An interior designer can help you establish your goals, formulate your budget and create the basic structure from which your design will be realized. Whether you want a project completed immediately or are looking for a plan that achieves your design goals gradually over time, designers are happy to work with you on an approach that accommodates your priorities and budgetary needs. A designer will develop an appropriate program that ensures your job is done well, on time, and within your budget.

You’ll Avoid Costly Mistakes
An experienced designer will offer you informed recommendations for the best products and materials for your particular project and the way you live. Acting as a budget manager, the designer will help you optimize your design funds, whether it’s integrating your existing furniture into new design schemes or offering several design solutions for a particular interior.

You’ll Gain Access To A Whole New World
Through your designer, you will gain access to their unparalleled selection of home and office furnishings, accessories, kitchen and bath design sources including access to the top showrooms within the Merchandise Mart.

Organize Your Creative Ideas
Is there a particular style you especially like? Are you the classic type or more cutting edge? You might consider starting a design file or style notebook with clippings from your favorite design magazines, fabric swatches, color and texture preferences and inspirations from your imagination. Organizing your preferences will help you introduce yourself and your style to your designer.

Evaluate Your Needs
Before you meet with your designer, you should have a clear understanding of what you need from a design project.

Meet The Designer
An interview is your opportunity to present your project, listen to the designer’s observations and insights and examine the designer’s work. Discuss your needs,present your ideas and review their portfolio. Be frank and honest with any designer you may interview. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out about the designer’s education and previous experience. Request names of former clients you can contact for references. Determine whether you are compatible and can work together as a team. An interview is also the appropriate time to ask the designer how they will be compensated. As in any business transaction, it is critical that all your agreements are documented. Expect and request a contract from your chosen designer in the earliest stages of the design process.

Work Together as a Team
A successful interior is one that truly reflects the personalities and tastes of its occupants. Your designer will integrate your style with their expertise to create a custom look that reflects your design objectives and creative vision. The designer you choose will be your partner in helping to realize your decorating ideas. By setting clear parameters, preferences and budget, you clarify the process so that the designer can best offer workable solutions to create your ideal environment. Working with an interior designer is about more than beautifying your home or workplace. It’s about improving the quality of your life by enhancing the spaces that surround you.
Under the guidance of a design professional, your attitudes, experiences and personalities can be translated to the rooms where you spend so much time. What better investment could you make for tranquil day-to-day living? It’s a lifestyle decision that simply makes sense.