Hmm-- well, being wowed by what someone says is OK if that is what you ultimately will be getting . . .a speech! But, when it is something visual, I think you need to stick to what you SEE.

I have seen many, many designs which are not my style but I can appreciate. Everything looks "right," flows, etc. even if isn't something I would ever want. You are saying her work doesn't even look professional? I would probably keep looking . . .

I was once hired by a client whose friend recommended me. I had worked on the friend's home. I didn't find out until a month into the project that she didn't like her friend's home or the work I did for her. I could never show her anything she liked. Frankly, I could never decipher what she liked as a visual style. I had to walk away from the project because I couldn't get her to acknowledge that we weren't a good fit.

All the decisions you're going to make will be visual statements. Work with someone whose work you like and save both of you lots of headaches.

Good advice beverly27, also keep in mind that she might have had a small budget to work with. I know you can get some great second hand stuff but it makes a difference if you have a nice bank account to work with.

It's rare that designer has a free hand to create with a blank canvas and no constraints from the likes and dislikes of the client. Many times, if you don't like something, perhaps it's due to the major input from the client rather than the designer. However, even if you don't like the work on the grounds of personal taste, it still should work objectively as a designed space. Tone on tone orange, if pulled off successfully, is a great example of a well designed space, even if you don't like orange. If it doesn't work from a design perspective, then I'd want to know why she uses those pieces of work to represent her abilities. We all have those projects that we aren't really happy with because too many compromises had to be made as to what we suggested vs. what the client was comfortable with, but that the client IS happy with overall. But, those don't generally go into the portfolio.

I think it's quite possible that she was designing with the clients' taste in mind (which is what she should be doing) and perhaps you just don't have the same taste as those clients. Why not ask her for a couple of references so you can call previous clients and ask if they were happy with her work? That may be helpful.

Designers sometimes work on projects that are compromised by different factors, but typically a designer will not use pics of one of those projects to illustrate their work to a prospective client.

Design is a business but the work is performed by "artists". It's good to select a designer whose style you like. It makes the project easier.

If it looks like something you could "put together" why would you even consider paying for her services? I would move on and look for someone who can show you a portfolio that impresses you with her/his abilities.