Karen, I've seen it too many times...the second guessing, and then the desperate use of random looks in hope of "tying it all together".

it takes discipline, and the ability to distill the elements. That can only be done with training and /or years of experience.

@zen...just because someone knows what they like and have a good aesthetic doesn't mean they shouldn't hire a pro. As Julie mentioned, years of training and experience goes into it. Generally, what we've found, is that non-pros have a hard time editing.

@everyone. We just got a consultation with a woman who is switching from antiques to contemporary (found us on Thumbtack...not Houzz). Anyway, she sold all her antiques already and is moving into a bare condo, but she doesn't have to move just yet. Regardless, she already has bought end tables, art, lamps, etc. There is nothing wrong with that, but generally, I've found that it is better to just pick one piece that you are in love with and work from there. Usually, no-pros get it in their head that they "have to keep it" and then they won't edit it out.

My buddy knows every offense and defense in NFL football from almost every team, but I doubt he is going to get a head coaching job anytime soon.

To Julie: I agree about the unwillingness to edit. I have a client who is attempting a huge transition and in the beginning did not want to give up anything and yet she desperately wants an entirely new look. Rather than saying no, I attempt to work around what is, knowing full well as the project progresses, there will be this Ah ha moment. It creates problems for me, of course, but I try to keep most of it open ended with lots of options until we get down to the nitty gritty. It's a hell of a way to design a project but after so many years of coming into the picture after clients have spent so much money, I learned how to turn lemons into lemonade if need be. It always makes for a very interesting "look" and certainly never looks contribed. Ha, ha!

To nFORMAL: You cite a situation that I was mentioning. The purchases are made and then a designer is invited in to "pull it altogether". Of course, most of us will oblige but man, the work involved to have any of it make sense is sometimes daunting! I think there must be a "dark" side to many of us who actually look for the situations that are so bad that when we are finished, it looks as though we are geniuses. It's certainly good for our egos, I do have to say. Ha, ha!

I think it was me made the comment about it being fun. What I meant was that lots of us enjoy getting inspiration and improving our homes ourselves and we don't want to leave it to the designers. And with regard to there being nothing worse than an amateur, I don't get involved in other people's projects (other than on Houzz I guess).

I do think these threads have a way of alienating people if you're not careful. It's certainly not the case that you can only design a room if you're a designer. And it is definitely the case that lots of people feel that hiring a designer is out of their budget. Both my husband and I each earn six figure salaries but I would never dream that we are rich enough to use a designer to help with the interior of our house.

To shelleyuk: I understand what you are saying about budget and feeling you need to be rich...hence the entire purpose of this thread. It certainly is not meant to alienate anyone and I'm very sorry if that is what has come out of this discussion. Designers work in many different ways and their fees can definitely be geared to any budget or need. If I told you that it would cost you X number of dollars to accomplish X,Y, Z or perhaps only X, and you knew in advance exactly what would be charged, you could decide if hiring a pro would be worth the money you would spend. Some designers charge by the hour, others with a set fee, some with a smaller design fee, some who make a profit on your purchases, some who pass through their savings.

In fact, if you were to meet with a pro to discuss your needs, look at where you are and make suggestions and help set you on the right track, that is worth several hours consultation. You can always have a consult any time you want. I truly believe that there is a common misconception that a designer will take over and you will have very little say in what is chosen and you will have spent all sorts of money on the designer's look and not yours...and you will have spent tons of money...and for what? For the tens of thousands of really excellent designers out there this is NOT what happens.

My entire purpose of this discussion is to help in some way to eliminate the fear of the unknown and to help to achieve a better understanding of what is possible for any budget. I have to assume this is not what has happened. I was hoping to hear from Houzzers who could help us better understand what the perceived and real problems are. It wasn't meant to put anyone down. I was simply reacting to the number of Houzzers who have written about their design dilemmas, who have made purchases that ultimately end up being money that could have been spent to get some good advice and direction.

Oops think I just lost my post, sorry if it comes up twice.

Karen I wasn't offended just responding to another post.

I think the cost (real or perceived) is the biggest issue. Most of us probably think we can either use a designer or have a new sofa. And the other issue is that unless we are in the group of fortunate but relatively few in number who have thousands of dollars/pounds to spend at once most of us don't do whole rooms at once, we probably buy bits and pieces over time as and when we can afford them.

It might be different over here in England but most of my friends are in the same sort of income bracket as us (regarded as well off) and I don't know anyone outside of London who has used an interior designer. I'm sure many would love to be able to though!

My experience with designers is why I am gun-shy about hiring another professional as I decorate my new home.

First designer I hired many years ago just kept telling me what I couldn't do in each room. A client doesn't want to hear "you can't do that". What we want to hear is "oh, I see, if you like that style it could work if you change this or that". This designer added a percentage onto each piece I purchased through her shop. I finally gave up and finished the room without her assistance.

Second designer I hired charged a large consultation fee upfront and then by the hour when that fee was used up. She said that she would pass on discounts and I would save more than her consultation fee in the end. Ultimately what I found out (through both the painter and the carpet installer) was that she was tacking on an additional percentage to each of their charges. So instead of a carpet cost of $2500, it was $2750. Some "savings"...

I recently interviewed a designer for my new home and cannot get beyond my previous experiences. So now I sit in my partially finished rooms and search Houzz for inspiration hoping to find just the right design I can imitate with my space and budget.

I recently "fired" a client. It began as it normally would…they said they " knew nothing" about decorating and we agreed to move forward with all appropriate things worked out and contract signed.

All went along beautifully…tiles, floors, paint, wallpaper, baths, lighting, window treatments. Now it is time to furnish. Holy Cow! All of a sudden they developed knowledge and began to purchase on their own; no consulting at all.

What was to be a beautiful beach house has been finished off with out-sized, dark, heavy furniture. Then I was wanted back in the loop to fix it, but it was too late. (Selfishly, because of the finished product, I don't want my name attached to the project.) Thousands and thousands down the drain.

To Annie: Now we are getting somewhere! These are the experiences we all need to hear. Did your first designer explain how she worked? Did she charge you by the hour or did she simply mark up her furniture. Did you get to know each other or did you simply begin with finding something in her shop, she sold it to you and came out to visit before or after?

The second designer was greedy. They are certainly out there. When a designer charges you an upfront fee and "passes through" her discounts AND you catch her with fingers in the cookie jar, it is this type of scenario that makes me see red. Designers who do not charge enough for a project have no business serving the public because if they have to resort to kick backs from contractors, then we've got a real problem Houston.

Tell me about your third designer and the process you went through and why you decided to quit. Was there something you sensed or do you think it is entirely your gun shy issue?

To judyg: I'm very curious about the client you had to fire. Was there at any time talk about money or expense or did she just simply go out and make purchases without your knowledge because she really felt she could do it on her own?

When my installer handed me his invoice of $210.00 for an installation that lasted approximately 1 1/2 hours, I got to thinking; why is it that a home-owner seems to have no real issues with paying for labour? The painter, plumber, electrician, tile layer, carpenter, and so on.
But hiring the DESIGNER or COLOUR CONSULTANT–even if it's just for a 2 hour consultation–to pull it all together, to make it all beautiful and fabulous, seems to fall into the category of LUXURY? (A quote from Maria Kilam)

Karen, you are a design professional who certainly doesn't have to defend her talent and experience of designing/decorating other people's homes. Many homeowners can benefit by hiring a designer, but as I said in an earlier post many prefer to do it on their own and have had beautiful outcomes.

Just as design professionals shouldn't be mocked, homeowners with the talent and capability of decorating/designing their own homes shouldn't be either.

Zen: I don't disagree at all. Please understand that aspect of what I am saying. In my first entry I stated that I had noticed the ever increasing number of Houzzers who have made purchases and are now experiencing a design dilemma. To say that everyone may need the help of a pro would be foolish. There are any number of homeowners who have good taste and have taken the time to self educate. One homeowner I can think of right off the top of my head is Manon. I've even told her she should go to school and become certified because she has innate talent, a passion and has spent endless hours teaching herself so much. In fact, I'm willing to bet in her quest to do her own house, she has tested her skills many times over on these boards.

In fact, you are yet another Houzzer who has even thought of going back to school to become certified. Your passion and background in the fashion industry ties very mightily into home interiors. So, yes, there are many people who would have no need to hire a pro. The only reason you would as would I, is to get another person's (pro) viewpoint and to create an environment of good brain-storming and benefit from thinking outside the box. It takes more than one individual to bring forth that very creative third mind.

One thing that has prevented me from approaching a designer is the potentially incorrect assumption that I would feel obligated or expected to make all my purchases through that person and suddenly be spending a fortune on furniture that maybe I could find similar myself for less. I enjoy shopping and bargain hunting but would love to pay someone by the hour to come to my house and say you need "x" here. Is this more of a consulting service? Does that exist?
My husband and I have discussed setting aside a budget and hiring a designer but then my fear is if I give someone a budget isn't it in their interest to max it out, whereas I could shop around and end up with $ leftover? My friend had a $100k budget for a new kitchen which she was open about, of course the estimate (not
broken down) came in right at $100k. So should people be saying my budget is "x" knowing you'll spend more?

I'm sure, sadly , that there are some people who do take advantage - but I think it's worth pointing out that a lot of designers and other professionals give their time and help for free on this site - and that in itself speaks volumes about the type of good people they are !!!!

Absolutely - and it's much appreciated. I don't even mean maxing out a budget in a dishonest or taking advantage way. I just mean that there's no personal stake in saving money. Which can be fine and I understand the inherent value of the convenience of handing the reins to someone else. But to me that's when it's really a luxury that people may feel they cannot justify or afford. Which is why I am curious if you can hire someone to just come to your house discuss your style with you tell you what you should buy and places to buy it and that's the extent of their service. So you have the ultimate control over the items that are purchased.

I used to work like that - and am still happy to do that - some designers, like me, work remotely now too - ( thats the bulk of my work now ) so that is even one more step away from your cash!!
I think if you approached a designer saying that it's an innovation and inspiration design visit you are after and that you were happy to source product yourself they would respect that !

When I said I used to work like that - I meant designing only not supplying - NOT spending every last penny of a clients budget !!! Just needed to make that clear !!!

To Sam: Absolutely yes to your question. I mentioned earlier there are designers/specifiers who are willing to work by the hour for you. You can have a plan drawn up and everything specified which will give you measurements, colors, fabrics, frames, etc. Then you can shop on your own or you can use them as your buying service. That's why it is so important to understand how a designer works and what suits you best. I have clients for whom I specify only and others who will buy some things from me and other items on their own. That's why it is so important for designers to charge what they need to make either on an hourly or fees basis. Once the large pieces are in place you can then bring your designer back to help with the most important part of the job...the finishing touches. Well, that's assuming everything else is the way it was specified. If you have questions along the way, just remember to run it past the designer for his/her blessing. It's a win-win situation when the designer is earning a living, when you can avail yourself of his/her services AND save money in the process. It is done every day.

Designers have had to change the way they do business because there is so much discounting out there. Was a time when much of what a client would want could only be had through a designer. That situation has changed dramatically. Now there are fewer and fewer manufacturers who do not allow a homeowner to shop without a designer. I for one, actually see this as a good thing. I enjoy the designing aspect but it's pretty difficult to make money when you have to schlep around and charge for your time and then the client buys elsewhere at a discount. That's why designers must charge at least as much per hour as the plumber, for goodness sake. Not only does the plumber get his hourly charge but he/she also marks up the materials required.

I think it's really a matter of understanding that working with a designer is no different than working with an accountant, an electrician or a plumber. They all have a certain expertise and without them, even if you do have a bit of a handy ability, your project will always come out better with their help. Also it is not a matter of just handing over the leash to someone. It's extremely important for the client to be fully involved, at least for me it is. How else can I determine that we are getting exactly what the client would love. Often times, however, we have to go through a discovery process because there are so many people who think they know what they want, when in fact, it isn't at all what would make them happiest. Everyone has their own bag of rocks and history from childhood and adulthood that really impact the way we think about design and what we actually want. It takes a professional to help you discover what it is even you don't know about your tastes. It's only with the discussions and back and forth do we achieve the perfect solution.

I'm reminded from time to time of the English designer who worked with couples. It was through patience and dedication and his ability to see beyond what his clients thought they wanted, that he was able to produce solutions that would answer specific needs and bring together that third look that appeals to both partners. He was a truly excellent designer. I believe his name is Michael?

In fairness to the designer in the situation where they spent exactly the budget , if you tell them your budget is X, but you don't want them spend X?, why don't you tell them that your budget really is Y and be honest?? and expect that that is what the bill will come to.

If someone is given a number to work with I can see them making choices based on that number.

Karen, the first designer told me she got a percentage of the sale as her payment. I found her when I was shopping for furniture. She never misrepresenter herself, just kept making me feel my style aesthetic was not up to her standards. I purchased several lovely items from her and moved on to make the room mine.

Second designer came highly recommended by several of my colleagues. Her work was impeccable which caused me to be very sad. Her hourly charges already seemed high at $90 per hour, but I was willing to pay the amount. I didn't understand why she would need to pad the total, or at least be upfront about the amounts. Yes, I was paying for her drive time and drafting/planning time, etc.

The third designer was a consultant in a furniture shop that charges by the hour. I purchased several times that I love from the shop and paid him to come help me pull together the look. His only input was I needed to buy furnishings for my other rooms and pick up the finishing details on my own as I "traveled here and there". No color choice help, no window covering suggestions, no art ideas, nothing. I need to finish the main living areas before moving on to less used areas of my home.

To Annie: Well with the first designer the first time she made you feel as though your design aesthetic was not up to her standards you should have given her the boot...and quickly! Always be true to yourself. We are wired (as I mentioned previously) with a good dose of intuition. If your gut is giving you a fit, you need to listen to it, heed it's warning and get out of Dodge city. The second designer was the culprit in that she did not charge what she needed per hour to make a good living. So, she most likely felt no harm was done by doing a little "padding". When you say she charged an hourly fee of $90.00 and that felt high, and yet the trades charge similar rates, does it make sense that all that education can be supported by such an hourly "wage"? I have to tell you, it is time to take a very hard look at any designer who charges less than $100.00 per hour. When I came out to California in 1999 I left Washington, D.C. and was charging $150.00 an hour. I haven't changed my rates. When I state that I save clients thousands of dollars with every project, I mean just that. There are absolutely no bargains when it comes to hiring a professional, unless it is someone who has great talent, is recently a graduate of design school and has very little experience. In that instance, the lower fee is justified AND you can get yourself a real bargain.

You can know upfront how much you will be paying a designer and what you will receive in return. It's no different than paying for labor for whatever it is. If you want to shop for parts for your car for instance, then you can save money and supply it to the mechanic because he will have already told you specifically what you need. He's happy because he's charged the "going" rate and whatever he would have made with markup on your parts would not significantly change his profit margin. Do you understand what I am saying?

As for the third designer, and I have said this before, they are not in a position to give you the best possible solutions. They are in that shop/store to make money by selling the store's merchandise. No one makes money or has the time to go outside the store environment unless they also act as an independent consultant on the side. Even that doesn't work well because they are locked into a price point that does not change from one store client to another. Of course he was of little help with color choices (walls?) or window coverings or art because that would require schlepping on his part, having to charge you a fee for his time and most likely had no accounts with outside vendors who could give either one of you a break on price. I can only recommend independent designers who earn a living by charging for their time and expertise.

A couple of comments...First sam0705...you speak of your friend whose budget was advertised at $100K...and that is what the bid came in at....who's to say the designer/contractor didn't lower the price to make the budget number work? Second...Karen...My crew bills out at $50 per hour, so an hour and half job with materials and mark-up is most likely less than $210. Heck, I bill out at $65 per hour. Perhaps it is just North Bay...but I had heard it is cheaper for construction labor in SoCal. I don't find it to be true that folks willingly pay for carpenters and construction. We are constantly asked to lower our mark-up or drop our price to get a job..or worse, work without permits because the homeowner wants to save that money. I can lose my license, be fined up to $30K by local government and be sued to boot...oh..and my insurance company laughs at me when I make a claim and there is no permit. There is another analogy I find more compelling...most people will pay whatever their mechanic tells them with barely a whimper...because they admit they know almost nothing about auto mechanics....yet these same people will absolutely ruin the most expensive, the largest single investment they will make in their entire lives...because the carpenters are so expensive. My mechanic charges $125 per hour...more if I watch!

Ironwood and Julie - totally legitimate points about my friend. I won't get into her whole story but there was more to why she felt taken advantage of. It may have been a bad analogy but my point was only that some may feel they do not have the luxury of giving a budget but not having the ability (or care) to save here and there. And I'm not talking about begrudging an hourly rate - just tangible items.

I have found when a budget is given it creates an advantage to know the level of work expected and what the limit is. It's impossible to fly blind. Personally, I will move mountains to stay within budget and to get the look that is expected. So as Ironwood pointed out, that the $100,000 was met most likely comes from the honing and rehoning to not go over budget. To me personally, there is no difference between $10,000 and $100,000 for a budget. Everything revolves around what is considered affordable by the client and it is up to the professional to educate the consumer about what a certain dollar amount will give them. Also, it is to the pro's credit to stay within budget and to give the client the most for their money. That particular news travels fast among friends and neighbors.

Also, another little known fact is that often times the designer will not charge all the hours spent for any number of reasons. We get very involved in what we do so if we feel something took longer than it should have, we will reduce the hours billed. I also believe there are moments when we take way too long with a project because it is so enjoyable, and again we cannot bill for the actual time spent. This is why, as a designer, I prefer a set fee and then it becomes my problem if I spend too much time that is costing me money.

A point about budget. A homeowner can mean 2 different things with a $100k budget figure:

* "I'd like to spend around $100k because that's the amount that makes sense financially, personally, and with respect to project goals"
* "I'm willing to go up to $100k if I have to, but would much rather keep it as low as possible, preferably no more than $80-85k, and am eager to discuss areas where we can save money while still meeting project goals"

Homeowners typically mean the latter while professionals often hear the former. And yet they both believe they grasp the meaning of $100k budget.

Dang! You'd think talking and listening would be like...easy!

@Ironwood...I guess I meant that when it comes to remodeling, etc., people are more apt to forgo a designer before they forgo a builder. We all have had this conversation before. People untrained in design can "decide" that they are designers. As a simple example, someone with no training might decide he/she wants a vaulted ceiling and a change in windows in a room. More people will make the choices to do it than they will actually do the labor. If you read the posts, many people think that the trades are learned skills and that designing is just like an artist...an innate talent. This is where most people are ill informed.

@karen...THANK YOU. You made the point that I've made many, many times on Houzz. First, a designer is a skilled professional with training and experience. That's why an interior decorator can't legally call themselves an interior designer.

@shellyuk, zenhome...first, as I mentioned above, there is a huge difference between a decorator, designer and architect. Some people don't know that in big firms, many architects don't like doing design and prefer the technical aspects of the profession (closer to engineering). Good designer-type architects have a flair for thinking the entire picture and then working in interiors to the grand scheme. Some interior designers are good with exterior design as well, but they lack the training and experience to figure out how it is made. (Ironwood, I'm leaving out GCs/Builders because of the design discussion...but you all have your own skill sets...many which bridge gaps.) In my mind there are quite a few homeowners with decorating flair, but I would not say they are good at design. That is an entirely differenct beast. As karen pointed out, there are many homeowners that are handy, but they aren't doing their own complex plumbing. Now, let's talk fees.

The idea of budget in most designers mind is that "X" is the max, with a 10%-20% contingency depending on the designer. Ironwood made a helluva point. Many designers/architects I know actually make the budget work even though the project should be more. I'm sure it happens all the time in building, too. Heck, some of our first projects were terrible as far as profit. We did a roof-deck bar for a residential project, and the thing is built like a custom piece of high-end furniture (unlike many outdoor kitchens witch are built like houses). Our profit was "sh*t", but mostly because we knew the guy (good friend) and wanted the exposure for our portfolio. That client paid almost the same as 1/3 of our profit to have a natural gas line plumbed in from his utility closet to the roof deck for the grill. A plumber worked 4 hours and put in some black pipe and got paid 1/3 of what it took us weeks to do. I actually had to change the valve on the end for the grill because the "trained" plumber put the wrong one in. I also said, "If I wasn't in Chicago, I'd do it myself." I digress.

This same client had us design/build some custom furniture for his old place, and then he bought a new condo (was renting before). He has excellent taste. However, because he had some furniture already, and he DOES have good taste, he decided to "decorate" on his own. The place is "okay". Since we are friends, we are over there all the time, and I constantly hear people comment on how amazing our furniture is, but I have yet to hear anyone say, "This place is awesome...you did a great job." He didn't do a GREAT job...he did an "okay" job. And, that is why in my earlier post I wrote that non-pros will do the work and then convince themselves it's good...and many times say "not to bad for an 'amateur'". The funny thing about that is that we could have redesigned his entire living room/kitchen/dining area for the same price or a little more than a plumber charged to put in that gas line.

I've said it time and time again...having a hobby and a little aptitude for something doesn't replace education, training and experience. I have a 1963 Ford Pickup that I built the engine in, rewired the entire truck, and have done a ton of work on. However, I wouldn't call myself a mechanic, and I know that if most of the work was done by a really well-trained mechanic, it would be better. Point is that I know a little about cars, but I'm not a mechanic. People may know a little about decorating, but they aren't designers.

So I think we have all made the point about why, how and how much regarding hiring designers. Now here's the rub. Let's say I'm really interested in hiring someone but my dilemma is I just don't trust myself to pick the right pro, or I am afraid the pro will take over and I'll have no say, or the pro is good but actually I find I know more about good design than many of the pros I've seen or read about. I know the good, fair and honest ones are out there, but how on earth do I find such a person. Moreover, how will I even know I have the "one" until it's too late. Can you answer these questions for me? There must be a process that will work because other people hire someone with great success. Others have terrible stories about their experience. Please help me!

As per nformal comment above directed to myself, no where in my posts did I confuse a decorator, designer and architect. There is a HUGE difference amongst these professionals not only in what they do, but in their education as well.

NFORMAL design, you sure you aren't an educator because you give quite a lecture, lol! Obviously, this discussion hit a nerve with you.

Thank you for this thread Karen, giving your time and valuable input!

I'm not sure you will respond as the last entry was over a year ago so I won't spend time going into detail success/horror stories - I've had many of each!

I am at the point of the last question you posted - would like to hire a professional but not sure which kind and once I decide which kind how to find the one best suited for my style/needs - having had mixed experiences with past hires I am gun shy and spinning my wheels at present as my husband thinks we do just fine on our own designing and then just hiring a contractor to build. Wish he would read this entire thread but know that's not going to happen :-(

I need help designing a laundry/mudroom project, help choosing flooring for not only that project but the entire downstairs where it is located along with a guest bedroom, bath and family room and help with a miscellaneous punch list of things that need to be done prior to putting our house on the market which may not be for a few more years.

So interior designer or a design-build firm? And your best short concise argument to convince my husband that we will be much happier with the end product and hopefully make more money when we sell - not asking too much :-)

Thanks for your help!

This thead is 15 months old if anyone is interested.......

susers, I would recommend having your husband read the entire thread so the two of you can be on the same page. With regard to your projects and then selling the house in several years, I have to ask the question...Why do you want to dump so much money into a home that you plan to place on the market in such a short time frame? If you want to enjoy your home while you are there, perhaps you can get enough help here on Houzz. I would be happy to lend a hand. It's tough knowing what to do to make your home more marketable this far away from the time you intend to sell. Tastes are changing very rapidly and we seem to be in a state of transition as to what people are requiring of their homes they intend to buy. I can always recommend hiring a designer or a design/build firm if you are planning to remain in your home for at least another 5 years, and preferably longer. It's entirely possible to spend money you will never get back because so much depends on the market demand at any given time. I don't know if this helps or hinders? Feel free to ask questions about specifics. It is important, however, to thoroughly enjoy your home for whatever remaining time you may have and it is possible to make enough changes that will make a considerable difference without breaking the bank. Let me know if I can help in some manner. Thanks for writing.

Karen - thanks for answering so quickly!

Your response is helpful in that it gives me something to do rather than sit in the quagmire I've been stuck in for months - first order of business is to get my husband to read the entire thread and then have a discussion with him which may help get us unstuck on a number of fronts.

We're struggling with what to do when he retires in a couple of years - sell and move but where to? Rent this house and travel trying different potential retirement locales out allowing the possibility that we find nothing that hits our hot button and yet still have a home to move back to? So you can see our conundrum - we may be here two or three more years or ten....even if just three we would like to enjoy it and yet don't want to overspend. So back and forth we go never moving forward - how much to spend and who to hire?

We're in Alexandria, VA In a great location close to DC - an older home in a good neighborhood. We've already put a fair amount of money into the home with a fairly high end kitchen remodel with flagstone patio and lots of stonework overlooking a secluded backyard which is an advantage having a sanctuary so close to the city. Whether we stay, rent or sell we need to spiff up our downstairs so that it's in keeping with the rest of the house - so back to the quagmire, how much to spend and who to hire? If we go low end and decide to stay will we regret not having done more? If we find a great home someplace else and sell in a couple of years will we kick ourselves for even spending the low ball amount when we probably could have sold doing nothing and now have less money to fix up the new digs? Maybe we need a shrink more than anything haha!

Hopefully we will have the discussion soon and I'll get back to you with some specifics. Oh by the way, I see you're in Newport Beach - California is on our list of potential retirement places. We met in San Diego and lived there for a number of years as well as in Laguna Hills and Monterey. Any input you are willing to give regarding the state of the union there would be greatly appreciated :-)

Thanks again for your help!!!

I contracted cabinet magic who used kitchen designer and loved, loved the outcome -including their tradespeople
The designer assembled the crew who came at one specific time to evaluate their part of the job, and to quote. This involved carpenters (certified), electrician, and plumber. I chose kitchen craft cupboards and never looked back, silestone counter

It was an amazing experience, o mistakes, lots of recommendations, no regrets and everyone on time, cleaning up after each day. I felt pampered vs stressed

I would highly recommend working with a designer
And it cost similar to ikea quotation and or big box store
No surprise, except that of complete satisfaction
Newmarket, Ontario, canada

judy, so glad you had a great experience. Also, I'm glad you mentioned how the cost was not more than Ikea or big box stores. That's why it's so important to research many different sources. I have found so often that local companies do a great job and are happy to have the business. The trades can make or break a job, so that your designer had her ducks in a row just shows how water can and does seek its own level.

Yes Karen, and it was a young male designer who had three young kids. Before finding him I had began working with the big box store but the designer there kept cancelling appointments or shifts had changed, etc., etc., until finally I gave up. And the other item which we noticed, didn't know their products completely or just weren't sure, ie I'll let you know.

I think part of the success of any venture is the first interview.
Either you get on to the same page or you don't
Our contractor took his time with us, was thorough, examples of previous jobs etc, and had a design kitchen in the storefront
I brought my ideas, he gave his, budgets presented, etc

And, they were honest. That was the best part!
Integrity 101

So sorry about the assumption he was a female. You know after I posted that I thought to myself, "Bet the designer was a he.".

In today's market store personnel (designers and salespeople) have not been afforded the opportunity to visit factories, to have ongoing seminars about their product and have no one to go to for straight answers. It costs money to do so much ongoing training and these stores do not have it in their budgets to spend beyond the cost of product. It's so unfortunate because now we have the partially blind leading the totally blind. I started out my career with a showroom who was all about information and giving their designers an in-depth, on-going education on a regular basis. So I was fortunate to learn about every aspect of construction and anything else we would require to be both an exceptional interior designer and salesperson of their products. I don't even think this opportunity exists today. What you learn in school has very little to do with the real world so I count myself exceptionally blessed to be in the right place at the right time. As a designer, once you understand it's all about information and a good grasp of history, you never stop researching and remaining informed.

Ha ha
He got a lot of friendly ribbing from the gang too
We had a lot of fun overall. Nice people!

And allow me to add Karen that designers have a Rolodex of tradespeople that they work with, who DO know all the technicalities of their product, as they have years of experience.

They have invested in their businesses by going to seminars and trade shows to keep abreast of the latest developments within their trade. They are more than happy to share their knowledge and expertise with their clients (the designer), in exchange for the business that the designers bring them.

Julie, you are so correct in your assessment of many people in the Trade who have wonderful expertise. Judy experienced that with both her designer and his contractor and his/her (won't make that mistake again) trades people. It's really all about networking and beginning with someone you absolutely know is top notch. Everything else falls into place most (not all) of the time.

We are artisan quality finishers whose business is mainly designer driven. Their vision and staying the course until the project is finished will save money and prevent disappoint at the end of a project.

Hello!
Can I hire a designer online?

Design isn't a commodity like the latest music download online or a pound of bananas from the grocery store. It's personal ideas. In person. In the home under discussion.

I live in Afghanistan, here we do not have any expert at interior design. I meant can a designer give ideas looking at picture if I send. its 2 bedroom flat with a balcony. 69 square meters.

There's quite a few online design services that I've come across when looking through the find a pro section - or reading some of the advice on the dilemma threads - if you start a dilemma saying 'looking for an online interior designer ' in the opening line I'm sure you will get responses !! Good luck with making you home beautiful ! You are off to a good start on Houzz !!
;-)

The reason I'm hesitant to hire a designer is that I'm not sure how to describe my style and I haven't found anything resembling it on Pinterest, only bits and pieces that I like in each photo. I'm nervous that if I describe it wrong, the designer will keep having to go back to the drawing board which will eat into my budget and frustrate both of us, or I'll have to just love with it so as not to eat into my budget. My husband and I are very particular people. I'm also worried that my budget is more Craigslist or Ashley Furniture than One King's Lane or Serena and Lily.

Pros can't be paid thousands of dollars unless you hire them!