Interior Definers

The expertise of a certified interior designer extends far beyond aesthetics. In addition to space planning, lighting design, color coordination and the selection of materials, furnishings, fixtures and finishes, interior designers have a working knowledge of interior construction, fire and building codes, and safety, energy and environmental issues. Choosing an interior designer may take a little time and effort, but finding the right professional is well worth the trouble. Following are a few helpful hints.

When seeking an interior designer, you may want to consider working with a professional who has membership in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). This organization represents the highest level of interior design professionalism, and its membership requirements are demanding. An applicant must fulfill educational and/or practical experience requirements, be engaged in professional practice, and have completed the National Council for Interior Design qualifications exam. The ASID offers a toll-free nationwide referral service (800-775-ASID) as a valuable starting point. Request from all potential designers a list of three to four previous clients, and ask the clients about their satisfaction with the designer's work and working style. You should schedule a meeting with the designer to review a portfolio of past work and to discuss expectations. Inquire about the designer's education, training, experience, professional affiliations and other credentials. He or she will explain the design process and how design services are charged. Ask about available services, cost estimates and what the designer can do to maximize your budget.

Next, homeowners should ask how long the project will take and make sure the designer is available to handle the project within the desired timetable. Be very explicit about the completion date and the budget. Establish parameters for updates and ongoing communication between you and the designer. It's important that both parties feel comfortable with the working relationship. As with any professional service, a clearly written contract is essential. The agreement should outline what both parties expect to receive from the arrangement, the work that is to be accomplished and the fees required for the job.

Whether you decide to consult a professional or follow your own intuition, good planning and a realistic idea of what you want to accomplish will help your interior design project immensely. Decorating or redecorating your home can be a relatively painless and even enjoyable experience if you organize your efforts and determine exactly what you want to accomplish with your project. ASID literature recommends doing plenty of preparation before you act on your ideas or spend any money. The organization offers several guidelines to help simplify the process, and help you generate creative ideas and avoid false starts on your new home or remodeling project.

Identify your likes and dislikes. A knowledge of your own tastes is essential to creating an interior you love. Go through your home and identify the items that do and don't work for you. Note pieces of furniture, antiques, special objects and anything you want to keep, so you and your interior designer can incorporate these objects into the new design. Then, peruse how-to books and your favorite magazines for ideas on design style and technique. Visit furniture stores, department stores and model homes for additional ideas and inspiration. Take pictures of what you like. Finally, make sure family members agree on the plan before you start spending money on furnishings or interior design fees. Develop realistic goals for your project, and a budget to achieve them.

Take a step-by-step approach to your design project. First, decide how and by whom the space will be used. Matching your design to the way you live is essential. Whether a room is to be used for relaxation, entertaining or work, its use will determine its design and the elements that go into it. Remember to be realistic about the size and scope of the space you're considering, and choose a design that reflects the mood you want to create while meeting your functional needs.

Examine the special features and the possible shortcomings of the room in question. Is the ceiling too low or the room drab? Do you need more storage space or a special computer or hobby area? After you've answered a few basic questions and critically assessed your needs, you'll have a specific idea of what needs to be done. According to the American Homeowners Association (AHA), you'll want to find a focus for each room -- a cornerstone upon which to build the design and decor of the rest of the room. If the room doesn't have something that naturally draws the eye, such as a picture window with a great view, you can substitute a striking piece of furniture or a group of smaller elements, such as flower arrangements, for an effective focal point.

Finally, decide what you really want and what you can live without. Go to stores and price the design elements. Develop a list of priorities that addresses your monetary and time limits. Also keep in mind size limits for furnishings. Make a grid on a sheet of graph paper of the room you're working on; one square on the paper should correspond to a square foot of floor space. Sketch in doors, windows, heating and cooling outlets, electrical outlets, and any other features of the space that determine where you can place furniture. Then, take both your floor plan and a tape measure with you when shopping. A couch that looks just the right size in a spacious showroom can overwhelm a modest-sized room.

Asking lots of questions and doing your homework will help you decorate on your own, as well as provide valuable tools with which a certified interior designer can help you build the interior of your dreams.

Sources: The American Homeowners Association (AHA); American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); The Master Plan for Professional Home Remodeling, by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)

Photography by Mark Englund/HomeStyles

The photographed homes may have been modified by the homeowners.