1.) Asses the scope of your job – What do you want done?  One room, a spruce up, or a whole-house makeover?  There are decorators out there who take on small, one hit projects, but not all do.  Are you willing to part with what you already have or do you want to incorporate it into the new décor?  Will your designer be willing to work around your needs?

2.) Calculate your budget – Hiring a decorator and moving forward with a plan is a big financial commitment.  Many individuals have great ideas of what they would like to accomplish without realizing the price.  How much does your budget allow for?

3.) Arrange a consultation – Consider this all-important appointment a first date – a chance to really scope out what the decorator is about.  If you don’t have compatible sensibilities, there is no point in going forward, so be candid about what you can pay and what you’re looking for, having your vision come to life is the most important aspect of the arrangement.  And take note:  If your phone calls aren’t getting returned now, they certainly won’t be later.

4.) Get an estimate – When you feel confident, ask the decorator to present a vision, budget included.  This is usually a free estimate, not the official design plan (the comprehensive rendering he or she will create once you’ve signed on).  If you and your home are high-maintenance projects, you probably want to put your decorator on a retainer (see up-front design fee) that covers the whole job and can be paid in installments (monthly).  If you don’t need a lot of hand-holding, want to do a bit of your own shopping and/or are focusing on just a room or two, an hourly rate might be better.

5.) The Deal – Congratulations! You’ve found the one.  Set up another meeting to discuss the design plan (often there’s an additional charge, but the plan is yours to keep), and the two of you are on your way.