I would probably look for someone else, because you will have an ongoing relationship with a designer during the project and it sounds like the fit is not good.

IMO, she's not listening to you, or you're making suggestions she's thought of, but now can't divulge cause she'll come off as not having heard you. It's a shame you didn't tell her up front you've seen some of her ideas and like her work~it may have broken the ice that seems to have formed over your relationship.

If I were the ID, my first question would have been 'what are your expectations and hope to accomplish'? With that, she would know your style, colors, furnishings needed to purchase, window treatments, accessories, etc.

I think you need a fresh start with someone new, sorry.

My own experience with an interior designer is probably extreme so I won't bore you with the details. All I can say is that I wish that I had listened to my gut which was telling me--after my designer's first presentation--that it was not going to be a good relationship. If you can't tell her now about your concerns, then I'd move on.

Tell her you're going to try to do it yourself and we will help you here!
Doesn't sound as though she was listening to you.
Sue

If you want to work on line with someone, I can recommend a GA gal who does wonderful work. Here's her blog, which is a public website. I think she's amazing!!

http://southernhospitalityblog.com/

Quick answer, it sounds like a bad fit.

Slow answer, for the next person, it sounds like you need to be sure what you want and to be sure they understand what you want from them. I'm working on this now actually...I need to hire a designer for some consult work but the key to it working is for me to know what I want of him. The poor guy could work his arse off and not even be focused on what I want from him if I can't define that myself. I share that with you because it's important to the relationship with a designer that you both know what you're looking for :) that can evolve by the way. I worked with a great gal years ago first for a basic purchase that was only available through her, then on a consulting basis to help me with some of my crazier ideas :) I moved it up because I really liked how we worked on that basic piece initially...it was obvious that she could listen, and wasn't afraid to tell me I was wrong :) (cuz sometimes I am heh heh).

I'd interview a few on your own...look at credentials by the way, there is a difference beetween a designer and a decorator (anyone can hang their shingle out and call themselves an interior decorator in most parts if not all of the country). After an interview, just a chat about expectations, mull it over and decide which one feels good...if none, try someone else, then elevate the relationship to an actual project.

I'm still working on my defination of what I want...it isn't always easy :) but really I think it's the key to it working well on both sides!

I know that we threw a lot at her during her first visit.But I think we were clear with where to start, and I think she understood that. I think we have a friendly relationship-no ice at all. I just felt like I had to "pull" anything out of her by making suggestions, and asking what about this or that. I guess I thought that was her part, to present her ideas to us, not the other way around!