- What is the project? Do you want one room decorated, is it a downsizing project, do you need help choosing furniture for a room(s), etc? Pinpoint the project you need accomplished and work with your designer to come up with specific goals.
- Gather inspirational material: Pictures are worth 1,000 words, so try to find different inspirational images from magazines, websites such as Houzz or Pinterest, TV shows, etc. This will help you to communicate the style you desire.
- Communicate limitations: Do you desire to live green? Do you need to work within a specific budget? Does the design need to be children or pet friendly? A good designer will respect your limitations and work within your lifestyle and budget.
- Be open: Before hiring an interior designer, interview them and get to know them. After establishing a foundation, put your trust in them and allow them to use their expertise to lead you in new directions and towards new ideas, materials, etc.
- Say no: If you don’t really love a design element, say so. Remember, you will be the one living in the newly designed space so if you don’t absolutely love something, don’t allow it in your home.