Choosing A Home Decorator

You just bought your first home. The task now is to find a home decorator that will do justice to your new abode. How do you choose one? You can start by asking your friends who have used one, how they liked who they chose and if they liked the work when it was done? If possible, see if you can have a look at their work in your friends' homes to see if their decorator has the style you want reflected in your home. You want a decorator for your home that will work well with you, finish the job in a reasonable time, and bring it all in for a reasonable price.

Budget: Budget is a huge consideration. Know your budget up front. You must know what you have to work with before finding a home decorator.

Style: What is your style? What style do you want to reflect in your home? Don't really have a clue? Try checking out some home decorator magazines. See what you are drawn to. This will help give you an idea of your style. Keep the magazines you found that have ideas that you like. They can help you and the decorator pick the colors and fabrics you might want to use. Color(s): Know what you like. Of course, keep in mind what the rest of your home's occupants like as well. Their opinion counts! List the colors you are interested in using, and in which room(s) you would like them. Give this list to your chosen home decorator.

Furniture: Know what furniture and pieces you plan on keeping, and in which rooms. Be sure to consider your newly acquired knowledge of personal style now. Does the furniture you want to keep reflect it? Also consider your budget. Are you keeping enough to stay within your budget? Make a list, and give it to your decorator. Be prepared to discuss why and where with them. Room(s): You will need to let your decorator know which room or rooms you want them to help you decorate. Consider your budget!

Pets: Do you have pets? If you do, you need to let your decorator know this. It may affect the fabric choices and flooring he chooses. DIY: "Do It Yourself" - Know yourself. Do you have the time, the desire, and the talent to decorate yourself? Be sure of these answers. Be certain you know how much a decorator can help you. Yes, you can save and do it yourself, but do you want to? Do you need to?

Choose the right home decorator for you. Your decorator should listen to your ideas. Start with a walk-through of the room(s) you want decorated. A good decorator will come to your home for a walk-through and discuss estimates in person, not over the telephone. He needs to be able to make judgments and choices for the room based on what you and he discussed regarding all of the above. Maybe the room is problematic (an odd shape, low ceiling, etc.), you will need the input and experience of the home decorator to pull it all together. He should be able to help you decide what the color and design scheme will be by showing fabric samples, paint chips, floor solutions, etc.

Remember, this is your home. The experience of your home decorator is essential, but make it known that the style in the room will reflect yours. Set your ground rules, sign the contract and work can begin.

Home Decorator