<p>We are going to begin the process of freshening up two areas in our home…kitchen and family room. We are NOT interested in a gut job, just painting, window treatments, rugs, accessories. We would like some professional advice. I have an appt with a decorator in a couple of weeks for a consult. Would like some advice from people that have used decorators, or are decorators, as to what types of things I should discuss in this initial consult, aside from the usual budget, time frame issues. We are open to interviewing more than one decorator, as our experiences in the past with decorators have not always been too favorable. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I’m not a decorator, but have used a few. First off, see if you can view other projects the decorator has done, to see if their general style matches yours. It’s no use hiring someone who, for example, loves to do traditional interiors if you’re set on mid-century modern.</p>
<p>Then, find out about the money. Some charge by the hour, some pass part of their showroom discount on to you, etc. The final cost can vary quite a bit depending on those factors.</p>
<p>And lastly, see if you ‘click’. Some decorators will immediately get the look you’re going for and make good suggestions based on your budget. Others may start steering you to lovely things that you simply can’t afford. It can be worth paying someone for an hour or two of their time to see if you’re a good match.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips…this time around, we are planning to carefully interview. We realize that paying for a couple of hours time for a consult is very important. I know there are obvious things we should focus on…just wondered about other issues that people may have encountered. Thanks!</p>
<p>You might want a consultation then buy things at a discount on your own. I usually don’t like what “everyone” else does so years ago I was frustrated with the available fabrics available for window treatments. I also dislike adding too many extra touches- I cringe at most decorated places I see on TV. Remember to be assertive and don’t accept anything you don’t “love”. It doesn’t matter what is popular, trendy, up to date etc. It has to be what you choose to live with everyday.</p>
<p>Look at Kitchen forum on Gardenweb. There are threads that mention different things people are looking at, as well as a bunch of pictures. Will also help give you an idea of what to ask about…</p>
<p>We “freshened” the entire first floor of a home we bought about 18 months ago. I was helped immensely by inviting over a friend who is a designer. I didn’t pounce on her and ask for freebie help but I was receptive to her suggestions and then asked her to please recommend a good painter, a good carpenter, a good place for rugs, furniture, etc. She had terrific recommendations and she said “tell them I sent you to them.” That made a big difference.</p>
<p>We ended up staying with a very neutral palette. We have all hardwoods and splurged on some carpets. What a great investment and easy to shortchange. My decorator friend said it is better to put the big money into quality carpets on hardwood vs super expensive furniture. It’s true. The room will look expensive and striking if the carpet is strong and you can get away with a lower quality, neutral furniture line.</p>
<p>Have fun!</p>
<p>I love the Houzz website for searchable photos of rooms with specific styles and functions (modern laundry room, traditional baby bedroom). I think starting with specific photos of looks or items that you prefer gives direction to a designer and makes the most of their time.</p>