The Chron redeemed itself this week with Wednesday's House and Garden section. For once, they actually critically examined the world of interior design -- the flossy world of professional interior design to be exact.

Our very own MGR is quoted in an article cribbed from the NYT whose headline says it all: "Traditional interior design trade in trouble as democracy arrives." (Hmm, why does this read like old news to us?)

Other highlights:

• At home with Lisa Quinn: An East Bay designer hopes to become the next TV Martha by specializing in budget design. Good underlying ethos, which is that a home is not a museum.

• HOT STUFF, WEST BAY: Love the colors at the surf-inspired decor shop. The rest of Laura Thomas's picks are a little fussy.

• Hiring a designer: The interior design world theme continues with this piece on how and why to hire a professional ...and also on why you no longer really need to.

• How did your interior designer charge for their work?: Here's what you really want to know. Just how much does it cost (anecdotally) to hire an interior desiger anyway?

• Home furnishing stores do image makeovers to lift profits: Big chains like Restoration Hardware are trying to own that niche (and price point) right above PB and C&B but just below hiring a decorator.