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Page32 Spring Home Living How not to be taken to the cleaners by interior decorators By Janet Gordon Copley News Service How do you go about finding an in­ terior designer? Can you afford it? Will your home have a "decorated'* look that reveals nothing about you or your lifestyle? Do you really need a designer? These are some of the questions that worry people who consider using an interior designer to help furnish their home. Before choosing a designer, you should look at the work of several designers. Ask friends for referrals. Ask good retail stores. Look at the credits in magazines. Ask the opinion of manufacturers of fine furniture. Professional societies like the Interior Design Society of Interior Designers can offer recommendations. "Before you start with a new designer," savs interior designer Peggy Dracoules, "go through the home decorating magazines and cut out pictures you like. Although a designer won't reproduce those rooms exactly, he'll detect a running thread of your taste in the subtle similarities of the rooms you admire." Harley F. Shuford Jr., president of Century Furniture Co. of Hickory, N.C., says: "We have always believed in consumers using professional designers. But consumers should "interview the designer and see if his thinking is parallel to their own." The initial consultation with a designer you are considering is probably the most important part of the process. "If you have specific ideas, is the designer open to them?" Shuford asks. "Do you find him in­ teresting? Do you feel free to discuss any problems?" "Ask to see hisportfolio and spend an hour with him. This interview may be without cost or may involve a fee. It's a worthwhile investment." Do you like the designer's per­ sonality? Is he sensitive to your needs? Does he ask enough quesi your preferences and lifestyle? samples, floor coverings, paint colors the designer require an and pictures of furniture he considers appropriate. for everything. Ask how the billing is Does tl 'A good designer shouldn't tell you to throw everything away," says Dracoules. A good designer wants the finished job to suit the client, even if it means working around old favorite objects and furniture. "Remember," Dracoules says, "good design is what you like." In this first consultation, you should bring up finances immediately. The designer must know your total budget from the outset so that he knows what ion to allot to each category of the >r. A good designer often can save you money in the long run. He makes fewer expensive mistakes than you might and knows what's available in the market for every budget. "You can spend $2,500 or $25,000 to furnish a room," says Gregory S. Harris, executive director of the In­ terior Design Society, "but a designer often can stretch your money further. Designers know sources and tricks that you aon't." Find out the basis of the designer's fees. Some charge an hourly rate, some have a set retainer and some have no fee but charge you retail prices done advance? After this initial consultation, the designer usually will send you a con­ tract outlining both his and your responsibilities. It will cover the proposed fees, the extent of the job and will describe what other expenses will be your responsibility. Once you nave selected the designer who seems right for you and the con­ tract has been signed, the designer will show you various room layouts, fabric This is the time to express your reactions to his proposals. Some designers want you to be involved every step of the way. Others prefer to be well into the job before consulting you. If you would rather go along to the showrooms and help in the original selections, tell him so. You both must be happy with the way the work is progressing. Boone Tree Service Inc. 1-547-5076 •Tree Trimming •Tree Removal •Stump Removal •Backhoe Service •Trenching •55' Boom For Rent •Brush Removal SCHEDULE YOUR SPRING CLEANING NOW! TWO AVERAGE ROOMS p> ANDHALL *K> SPECIAL on Carpet Guard Vi Price USING THE BEST CLEANING SYSTEM AVAILABLE AT THE LOWEST PRICE IN THE AREA! RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL Available Anytime • Satisfaction Guaranteed * References Available SCHMIDT CARPET CLEANING CALL BOB SCHMIDT -- 815-544-6789 THRU MAY 1985 RING SPECIAL 30 X 40 UTIUTY/HORSEBARN Included: • 1 - 10' Sliding End Door (All Metal Frame) • 1 - No. 3068 Metal Walk-In Door • of 30" Eavelites • Color Steel Roof & Sidewalls • Complete Erection SPECIAL *4,974.00 ELLIS CONSTRUCTION R.R. 5. Delavan, Wl S3115 - 414/728-5888 Evenings SPECIAL GOOD UNTIL 5/31/85 HOME DESIGN MFG. Et. 1 Box 638 275-2200 Fontana 53125 Specializing in/ Sunrooms, All Types of Windows & Doors, Vinyl Siding \ SUNROOM SPECIAL CBSMoraiaa News qaQt/ Off -Suroo-I* provide 0U70 installation provide the gre •test enjoy­ ment & resale value (with this ad thru 5/85) NOTICE TO: QUALIFIED BUILDERS Call us for Wholesale Prices on Insulated Wood Windows, Cedar Solariums & Screen Rooms