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Domino magazine had a good article in this month's issue about working with a designer. If I lived in SF I think I would try to beg Victoria from SFGirlbyBay to navigate me through flea markets and help me decorate. I don't know if she even has time for that kind of thing, but you never know, and I'm not above begging. If you find any shops you like with reasonable prices, ask if they have design services. A lot of those kinds of stores are owned by professional interior decorators or people who should be.

Domino advice: http://www.dominomag.com/howtos/advice/2006/12/hire_decorator

becky

Just out of curiosity, is it important to you that this person be an "interior designer" or would you be fine with a decorator? The Domino article is about decorators.

I'm starting a decorating biz (in Chicago, unfortunately, or I'd be ecstatic to meet you) and just wondered what someone who has worked with designers would think.

I second that! We live in Napa - not exactly home of modern design and would love to find someone who has a modern aesthetic (decorator or interior designer) who is comfortable in IKEA & CB2 not just Ligne Roset. Any suggestions on where to find a decorator, who might might be less expensive, as oppposed to an interior designer?
Thanks!

Try calling Stuart Piontek at Stage Interiors in San Francisco, it's a staging company he owns, but I've seen many of his rooms over the years (in showhouses and magazines) and he does beautiful modern and eclectic settings. He appeared for a few years on a locally produced show, Sensible Chic, where they'd recreate a $50K plus room on a budget (sometimes using his own expensive design as the inspiration). While he may not be doing this type of work he may be able to refer you to someone who is (and he's now appearing regularly on an IKEA-sponsored segment and he's the Only one I know who can really make an IKEA setting look inviting).

Several friends have had nightmare experiences with decorators, and I honestly believe the problem was in the communication, so if you haven't determined how you want to live IN your home that's a great first step. Then, absolutely, do the tearsheets routine gathering images from magazines, catalogs, books, online, etc. Those combined will gain you the greatest chance of communicating clearly with whomever you select. And, when a friend used a designer and hated the results, she started over and I walked her through the same process. We did it in a limited time, one weekend to plan, a month or so to resource (online, catalog, shops with my digital camera), one weekend to shop, and three downstairs rooms were done in under 4 months (because she ordered furniture and had to wait for delivery). She was thrilled with the results and felt brave enough to try her other rooms. So, look around, for alternatives to decorators... see if you have a friend with a keen eye, or who is great at resourcing fabulous things, look outside the norm for someone in set design (stores, film, tv), or consider using the in-store design services available coupled with a home stager for arranging and fine tuning.

Decorating should be fun not torture!

SE,

The difference between using a decorator or a designer depends on the scope of your project. A designer is certified by the states in which they practice to not only design but make change to your interior built environment as well as provide interior decoration. Designers have a code of ethics which they would ideally adhere to as well. Decorators can be quite helpful in providing basic finish and decor changes. Decorating should most definately not be torture, and I apologize on behalf of my profession for you poor experiences. A budget should always be the designers first consideration and if they can not work within your budget they should let you know that up front. If you have photos and questions you are welcome to email me at trauthsideofthebox@gmail.com

And my apologies SE because, not being in the trade, I tend to use the terms designer and decorator interchanged but do understand they're not the same (old habits!).

SE, I'm a Home Design Consultant based in Burlingame. I've worked with every budget, every style, I particularly like modern, I'd love to talk to you... did I mention I'm affordable and very good at listening? My email is v_pentolino at yahoo . com.

Working with designers and decorators can be a challenge. They make their money on the products they select for you, not their fee. If you would like to work with an architect who just moved to the area and will work for cheap to put off getting a desk job for as long as possible, please email me at scott at toasterfactory dot net. I can send a link to photos of a renovation that I did for a very small Boston apartment on an impossibly small budget.

Not all designers charge that way, if you are good it is not about what you sell but how you improve upon a persons life. It is not ethical for a designer to charge hourly AND mark up their product. Report them if you find this happening.

If you can find a retail store that carries the style of furnishings you like, and you can envision 50% of your new furnishings coming from their selection, you might just find the right 'designer' on their staff. Ask friends and family for the best furniture shopping (especially special and custom orders) experience, and go there. Many stores advertise this service, boutique shops often actively seek out clients like yourself.

Many interiors retailers employee very qualified designers (whether by schooling or by accident) with years of experience designing rooms and entire homes on a range of budgets. The best will tell you honestly which furnishings they can supply, and when to look elsewhere--and even make recommendations to other retailers (for bedding, windows, etc if they don't offer those items). House visits, simple drawings and fabric/finish samples are all included in the process. Some shops charge a small fee for the service, others do not.

And don't worry about missing out on the 'designer discounts'--they are not always passed on to the end customer. Be frank with your sales person/in store designer about your budget and needs, and he/she will save you money by helping you make the best decisions (without the hourly fee!).

Best of luck,
Modkatie

SE,

I must say that there are some great ideas listed here in these comments. I think Rucy is correct in suggesting that you do your homework first. This will obviously get you thinking about what you want, but don't just stop there. When we work with clients we have them pull magazine/book/web images to show what they like AND what they don't like. If there is an image that you like the feel but don't necessarily like the furniture pull it as well, it opens a dialog for you and your designer. Think of budget as well. It's best to be completely upfront with your designer regarding budget. Don't underestimate your budget because you think your designer will exceed it. If you can't trust your designer to stay within the budget then you shouldn't hire them.

When you first interview a designer you should have as much information to share with them as possible: images, budget, timeframe for completion, how you want to live in your spaces, lifestyle, etc. This information may not always be necessary at your first meeting, but it does help speed up the process and start the communication. You should also think if you want to work in phases. This could be due to budget or time restraints. If you do work in phases I would recommend developing a master plan so you know what the end result will be from the start and keep everyone involved on track so you get the end result regardless of your time frame.

Regarding the designer/decorator discussion there are no clear rules for usage. You do not have to be certified in order to use the term designer. As a certified designer in the State of California I do find this frustrating, but my philosophy is that if my client is happy with my work and pays me I don't really care if they call me a decorator or designer. The design industry is not regulated like the architectural industry so you will find people calling themselves designer, decorators, even interior architects. It boils down to their experience, track record, and if you feel comfortable hiring them. It's a big decision to hire a designer as you know. Don't take this decision lightly.

There are as many ways to work with a designer as there are designers out there. Many designers' work on an hourly fee with a markup on goods sold. Some will work on a flat fee. If we are working with a client that only wants to buy retail, we work on a flat fee, which varies depending on the scope of work. The client gets a complete design package that lets them shop retail alone, on their own time, and at their own pace. This will of course limit your options, but many clients are happy with this especially if their budget only allows them to shop the retail stores.

One last thought on hiring a designer. If you consider what it cost to buy furniture is it worth doing it alone and possibly making an expensive mistake? For most smaller projects the cost of that mistake could have been spent on a designer to help you get it right the first time.

Regards,
George

I think this is great and very informative. Everyone shared important ideas and George hit the nail on the head.

I am an Interior Designer here in San Francisco and my company specializes in Residential and Commercial projects. We work with all size budgets and projects from simple re-designs to full custom, high end, new construction. Our perspective new clients are welcome to talk to past clients, even make personal visits to see our work.

Communication is very important. Remember, interior design is a part of the service industry. If a designer doesn't have customer service skills and doesn't know and love their business, then he or she shouldn't be practicing.