Realty.com » Resources and Services

Login • Register

Resources and Services

Consumer Guides

Working with Interior Decorators

Why use a professional interior decorator? Use this guide to find out.

Expertise

Interior decorators help you put your creative stamp in your home by dealing with decorating, furnishing, and space issues, often in unique ways. Choose an interior decorator whose projects are not only appealing, but have proven practical to build and live in as well.

Interior decorating is not just “having an eye” for color or recognizing quality furniture. It is an extensive discipline that encompasses many specialized areas of expertise, including:

* Colors and how they relate to one another.
* Patterns and how they relate to one another.
* Human perception of space, depth, and texture.
* Compatibility of furniture styles.
* Effective space utilization.
* Specialized painting and stenciling techniques.
* Wide variety of possible window treatments and much more.

Sources

The professional decorator has already dug up the best sources for everything from upholstery services to marble pedestals.

Savings

Depending on the scope of your project, you may be able to get some or all of their services for free. See “How they charge” below.

How They Charge

While it varies from decorator to decorator, and job to job, decorators usually get most of their compensation through commissions or discounts they negotiate with vendors of products and services. In other words, most of their compensation comes from suppliers, not from you. In many cases, it is also necessary for the decorator to charge a consulting fee. This is usually assessed on an hourly basis or as a flat fee. Always ask about charges and payments before hiring a decorator.

Pick the Right Professional:

* Whose past projects look good to you.
* Who listens well and designs around your wishes rather than their personal sense of style.
* Who has done jobs that are similar in scale and budget to yours.
* Who has experience working with any specialized materials or treatments you are considering for your project.

More Popular Entries

Additions & Remodels

Soundproofing Techniques
Small Kitchen Projects Can Make a Big Difference
Easy Financing Options for Remodeling

Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors

Home Inspections
The Final Walk Through
Townhouses

Appliances

Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Repair Dishwasher and Water Damage

Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers

Critiquing a Floor Plan
When to Expect a Free Bid
Residential Designer

Carpentry & Cabinets

Tip: Dealing with Dryrot
Cabinet Options
Tip: Repair Laminate Countertops

Cleaning Services

Tip: How to Clean Your Windows Thoroughly
Making Furniture New Again
Cleaning Asphalt Shingle Roof

Concrete, Brick & Stone

Taking Care of Your Chimney and Fireplace
Wunderbar Rebar!
Repair Cinderblock Foundation

Consumer Guides

Time for a New Roof?
Preparing a House for Sale
Upgrading Your Electrical System

Design Ideas

Drywall Textures and Styles
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Wood Flooring
Asphalt Shingles: The Wood and Tile Alternative

Electrical, Telephone & Data

Whole House Fans
Tip: Repair Home Entertainment Equipment
Convenient Electrical Fixtures

Expert Advice

Cost of Siding
Workout Room
Pouring Concrete Driveway or Walkway

Flooring

Hardwood Inlay
Cleaning Hardwood Floor Inlay
Steam Cleaning Grout

Handyman Services

Avoiding Home Repair Rip-offs
Some Assembly Required
The Benefits of Weatherstripping

Heating & Cooling

Tip: Programmable Thermostats Can Save Money
Environmentally Friendly Solar Heat
Checklist: Cleaning the Air in Your Home

Home Construction

More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Tip: Panelized Homes
Do Homework Before Building a New Home

Landscape, Decks & Fences

Asphalt Paving
The Attention Your Landscape Needs
Preparing Your Yard for Winter

Moving & Storage

Some Assembly Required
Preparing a House for Sale
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It

Other Services

Information About Pools
Home Maintenance Contracts
Practical Guide to Home Security

Painting & Staining

Tip: Roller Marks - Interior Paint
The Right Tools for Interior Painting
The Basics of Interior Painting

Plumbing

Safe Drinking Water
The Importance of Clean Water
Find a Water Treatment Service

Quick Tips

Tip: Cleaning Fireplace Burns
Tip: Repair or Maintain Sprinkler Systems
Checklist: Basic Lawn & Landscape Care

Roofing, Siding & Gutters

Clean Gutters
Wood Shingle Siding
Helpful Roofing Terms

SP Feature Article

The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services

Walls & Ceilings

“Upgrade Batt, Rolled or Poured Insulation “
Tip: Insulation Basics
Nicotine Stains on Walls and Ceilings

Windows & Doors

Thermal Replacement Windows
Choosing Between Blinds or Shades
Know the Kind of Custom Window You Want

copyright 2008 Realty.com