There are many great reasons people choose to work with a professional designer, including their keen eye for style, their knowledge of suppliers and trades, and their hands-on experience. As you ask yourself questions like “How do I start the project?” “Who do use to complete the work?” and “Will I love the result?” you can rest easy knowing that your designer already has the answers. If you’re considering working with a designer like myself, I encourage you to follow my tips to make the most of your designer-client partnership.

Read the fine print. Before work begins, the designer will share a letter of agreement detailing their fee structure. Let’s be honest, when it comes to contracts, most people just skip to the last page and sign on the dotted line without reading through. Read the contract completely, and ensure you understand what is and isn’t included in the price. All designers work differently and there’s no “standard” paperwork. Being clear on your expectations and the designer’s deliverables from the onset minimizes future misunderstandings.

Be prepared for the consultation meeting. While not being prepared is certainly an annoyance to the designer, it’s really to your own detriment. You’ll likely pay a consultation fee, so make the most of this time by coming prepared with a list of goals, question and ideas.  Think ahead about your style preferences. Also consider your functional requirements. What’s not working for you currently?

Share images of spaces that evoke a feeling look you admire to help convey further what you are looking for.

Trust your designer’s instincts. Don’t second-guess your designer’s instincts and be open-minded. Each selection has been carefully made to complement the overall design. Perhaps it may seem difficult to envision the final result, but trust us. We know it will all come together beautifully. Changing your mind on something half-way through the process has a ripple effect, and often results in delays and added costs due to design revisions.

Leave the project to the pro. Let your designer do what you’ve hired him or her to do. While you may have good intentions by picking up items to use “in lieu of,” in reality, this can be counter-productive. Your designer has meticulously planned and purchased pieces for your space, and as effortless as these selections may seem, a lot of thought goes into the process. Unplanned additions and changes can be a serious set-back.

Working with a designer can be a game-changer, keeping the team on task, the design on trend, and the project on schedule. Trust in his or her experience and expertise, and remember that this is a partnership. Your input, at the right point in the process, is key. Decorating your home can be tough, largely because it is such a personal thing. A little unbiased professional design input does a long way to having the well-styled and functional home that you desire. Happy decorating!