Media >Cleveland.com
Inside & Out - Ask Pamela
5/28/08
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Interior designer Pamela Bayer offers free advice
by Susan Love/Homes Editor
Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 2:02 PM
Afraid of using an interior designer? Don't be, said Hudson designer Pamela Bayer.
"It's not about budget," said Bayer. "In fact, sometimes the tighter your budget, the more a designer can help. Hourly fees can be recovered many times over when the designer passes on manufacturers' discounts."
Bayer is willing to help -- for free! -- cleveland.com readers with all their design questions each week on this page (of cleveland.com). All they have to do is submit questions (more information below).
"Done right," said Bayer, "an interior designer can save you time and money, and produce results superior to the DIY approach."
If you decide to go with a designer, rather than the DIY route, here's what to look for when doing the hiring, said Bayer.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 2:02 PM
"It's not about budget," said Bayer. "In fact, sometimes the tighter your budget, the more a designer can help. Hourly fees can be recovered many times over when the designer passes on manufacturers' discounts."
Bayer is willing to help -- for free! -- cleveland.com readers with all their design questions each week on this page (of cleveland.com). All they have to do is submit questions (more information below).
"Done right," said Bayer, "an interior designer can save you time and money, and produce results superior to the DIY approach."
If you decide to go with a designer, rather than the DIY route, here's what to look for when doing the hiring, said Bayer.
1. Look for a designer who doesn't patronize and gives guidance, not orders.
2. Honest dialog is key. Good designers listen and are approachable.
3. Good clients don't hold back information and opinions.
4. Be selective and deliberate when choosing a designer. Then be willing to let your decorator do the job. That means seriously considering advice on everything from materials to subcontractors.
5. Working with a designer involves give and take.
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