1. WHY SHOULD I SEEK THE SERVICE OF AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
2. WHEN SHOULD I USE A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL?
3. WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE CONTACTING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER? (OR HOW TO WORK WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER!)
4. WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET?
5. WHAT SHOULD I ASK AT THE FIRST MEETING?
6. HOW DO INTERIOR DESIGNERS CHARGE?
7. WHAT IS TRADITIONAL STYLE?
8. WHAT IS COUNTRY STYLE?
9. WHAT IS CONTEMPORARY STYLE?
10. WHAT IS ECLECTIC STYLE?
11. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF "TO THE TRADE"?

Interior designers can save you money, time, and effort, ...

because their knowledge, expertise, and guidance can help prevent costly mistakes;
because they know how to work with architects and contractors ...
     they have established contact with skilled trades people, and ...
     they supervise your project to completion, smoothly and on time;
because a professional, will save you countless hours of shopping, after all ...
     they have access to a wide range of domestic and foreign resources;
because they can help you define and enhance your own distinctive style;
because interior designers can make the most of what you have and do the
     required research to find what you need;
because they are trained to make the most of available spaces and do create the
     traffic patterns and furniture arrangements that make daily living functional, safe,
     comfortable and easy;

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When you are contemplating buying or building a new house ...
When you plan a major addition to your home ...
When you consider restoring an old manor...
When you want to renovate or remodel your living space ...

» Whenever you need to relate interior design considerations 
to an existing or as yet to be formulated architectural plan.

When your lifestyle is about to change, such as working from your home ...
When your residence will be used for occasional social functions ...
When your expanding family needs to "reorganize" space allocations ...

» Whenever you need full project coordination.

When you like a variety of styles but are not sure how to group them together ...
When your current furniture arrangement requires an infusion of inspiration ...
When you feel the collectibles you own and love require more attention ...
When your rooms needs new drapes, floor coverings, furniture and accessories ...

» Whenever you feel that you need professional guidance.

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Collect clippings from magazines and photos of items and decors that appeal to you.
Know what colors, style and effects you like.
Know what you want to accomplish, what the room or house should do for you when finished.
Should it be formal or casual, traditional or contemporary. 
Know your objective and lifestyle needs.
Establish a time frame in which you would like the work to be accomplished.
Is there a specific deadline that must be met?

» Share all of the above information with the interior designer.

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For a new (empty) house or condominium you should calculate about 25% of its total purchase price.
For an existing space consult with the interior designer what would be a fair budget estimate.

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Ask to see the interior designer's portfolio, but remember that the illustrations reflect
     other people's tastes ­ not the designer's, and probably not your own.
Ask what size projects the interior designer has worked on, where, and what 
     was the budget range.
Ask how the established budget will be handled, and the kind of payment schedules
     the designer requires.
Ask about the types of services the designer can provide.
Ask for a list of references.

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Flat Design Fee: Client pays a flat fee for interior design services based on the design plan, time required, and scope of services?

Hourly Rate: Interior designer bills a negotiated rate per hour.

Cost Plus Method: Interior designers charge a set percentage on all merchandise purchased and tradesmen¹s services rendered.

Mixed Method: Client pays both a set percentage on purchases and a base design fee for hourly rate.

Per square foot: This method is used especially in new construction.

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Traditional or Classic design is considered to be timeless. 
Quality craftsmanship is one of the key elements of traditional styling.
Period furniture, luxurious fabrics and rich colors coalesce, creating 
an elegant and formal ambience that never goes out of style.

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Country style can range from American country, English country to French country.  They all combine the components of a relaxed rustic environment, a feeling of tranquility.

Vintage antiques and charming accessories combined with perennial favorites like old quilts and stenciling in soft muted hues, all transforming a house to a warm, cozy, and comfortable home.

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Contemporary or Modern design is considered to be the Zeitgeist of style. 
It¹s sleek, stark, and spacious with angular and geometric lines. 
Modernists create a cool, clean, sculpted look. 
Contemporary style is simple and refined using color schemes for their effect 
rather than their coordination.

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Eclectic style is self-defining, because it enriches itself from varied sources.
Eclectic mixes and integrates old and new, creating a vibrant, layered look that varies from room to room.
Eclectic is an orchestra of color, textures, patterns, fabrics, all incorporated into one unique and individualistic style.

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The phrase "To the Trade" means that Design Centers or Show Rooms distribute their products exclusively through the services of interior design professionals, rather than selling directly to the public.

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Email ambiance@worldpath.net

888-999-5191

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