Professional help

You've fallen in love with French Country style. Or with flea-market finds artfully displayed in a Paris apartment. But then there's that mod London flat that caught your eye...and the Thai teak bedstead that's so romantic. You've got a stack of design magazines by your bed - every month there's a new look you want to try. It should be fun, a dream come true, giving your home the look you desire, but somehow it's a lot of work - and a source of friction with your otherwise perfect spouse or partner! How can you realize your aspirations?

Perhaps it's time for some professional help. Fortunately, there are a wide range of professional design and decorating services available; one to fit nearly any budget.

Interior Designer

To earn the distinction of "Interior Designer", one must be certified by way of an examination known as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification or the NCIDQ. Interior designers require a specific skill set, defined by NCIDQ "to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public." Interior designers are able to analyze a client's needs, create working illustrations or specifications, work closely with other licensed professionals such as mechanics, electricians, contractors and architects, and comply with building and fire codes. A professional interior designer is also knowledgeable when it comes to selections of furniture, paint colours, window coverings and decorating in general.

Decorator

A professional decorator aims to improve a space aesthetically; making it more pleasing and comfortable for the client. Though many decorators have had formal training, it's not necessary. A decorator requires experience in space-planning, color schemes, furniture, paint, wallpaper, window coverings, fabrics, flooring, carpeting, lighting and art.

Interiors by Decorating Den

Described as the "colorful store that comes to your door", Interiors by Decorating Den (1-800-263-0242) provides personalized service for their clients. Their professional decorators work with clients to select custom window treatments, upholstery, bedding, case goods, area rugs, wall coverings, lighting and accessories, and what makes them unique is the fact that they do not charge an hourly fee for this service. Prices vary greatly from one independent decorator to another, says Marisa Lupo of Decorating Den. "Sofas may run from $2,500 to about $4,000 and a 5' x 7' window treatment can cost between $2,000 and $5,000."

Retail stores providing decorating advice

Retailers offer another resource for decorating advice. If a particular store has the look and style desired for your home, it's worth asking if they have a design department whose services might be offered. One such firm, Artella Interiors (416-484-0055) provides personal design and consultation services. Partners Evelyn Eshun and Alexandra Naranjo operate a retail store which doubles as a store-front showroom for their design clients. Fees for a basic general consultation (1.5 hours) start at $275.00, with added travel expenses outside of the Greater Toronto Area. Eshun says that they strive to design within a client's budget. For $120 per hour they will provide floors plans with suggestions for paint, stain colours and window treatments as well. "It works out to approximately $500 per room," explains Eshun.

Consultations

Keep in mind that many design, décor and retail firms offer personal consultations. This usually consists of a fixed amount of time, say two hours, where the professional provides onsite recommendations. Prices vary widely but start at approximately $50.00 per hour and can go as high as $400.00 per hour. This may be an investment worth considering if you are keen to tackle a decorating project yourself and wish to avoid costly errors.