Hiring an interior designer seems to be for the wealthy. If only I had money....

perhaps. but i like designing myself... maybe to get a 2nd opinion

No. My sister is an interior designer so she has helped me in the past, for free. Now I feel confident enough to make all my own decorating choices.

No, but maybe someday

No. I can't say that I ever would. I have so many ideas of my own and I'm not sure that my house could support all of the creative energy.

No way, I can design for myself.

My mother is a designer in a small town. I feel like I have been blessed with some good design genes but I haven't had any formal training. I hear from so many people, especially young professionals (25-35) that they wish they could update their style and furnishings from Dorm days but they think a designer is out of their financial league. I have toyed with the idea of starting a company that assists people in developing their own style (shop with them at savvy cost-conscious places, like consignment stores, Goodwill, Target, Cost Plus) for a flat fee (like $100). Comments?

That's a great idea fanster!

Thanks Twinkle. I would love to actually start putting into motion...my friends are always so surprised when they complement something in my home and I tell them I bought it at Goodwill. I love taking people to these "secret" places and watch them discover their own potential.

I would not hire and interior decorator. I found out when I moved out, I am good with mixing styles, color, and accessories--I inherited most of my furniture, so I had to work with what I had buying affordable things as I was able...

Now when people come over to visit, they love my place! They say it looks really good, they would have never thought to put that color chair with that sofa (although I do have a picture on the wall, ends of the curtain rod, and accent pillows to help smooth everything together) and that it makes them feel relaxed, at home, and reminds them of me.

I even have had two family members ask me to help them decorate their homes. How fun! I love it!

Oh, and IKEA is awesome! haha

I would only hire one if I was stuck in a room... which has not yet been the case.

I wouldn't do it. I prefer trying to come up with ideas and touches on my own.

No i don't really need to.I have always made my own decorating choices....

No, and I wouldn't. I'm a graphic designer and have had classes like Color Theory so I know how to work with color and I've learned a ton about designing in a more dimensional way from shows so I think I do alright on my own!

I have a friend who calls herself a design consultant and I run ideas by her from time to time. I am a floral designer, so we swap favors. It works out well, but I am usually pretty independent with my interior design.

No i wont because i want to be the interior desgner!

No, I am one.

I'd kind of like to, but I'd hate to hear her initial criticisms. It's hard to hear a critique of such a personal thing as your home.

A neighbor and I shared an interior designer many years ago, and he suggested almost the same items and ideas for both of our homes--not the best experience.

No, it's what I love to do.

I love to decorate my home, but I might hire one for spacial planning. Especially for something like a bathroom or kitchen.

No, and I don't see myself ever doing it.

I just get ideas from HGTV for free! but if I had the money, it's something I'd like to do.

Well my husband is an architect - so he's basically our designer - although I do get the power of veto.

My boyfriend and I are both designers- we know what to do. Our house couldn't support another opinion!

No, i am one. i love picking out stuff and shopping around. i got out of the business because i couldn't bring myself to recommend leather sofas and non eco-friendly stuff, but if my friend ever goes into green architecture we might go into business together.

fanster - this is a good idea. i know a few interior designers who do this! sometimes people just need a hand picking stuff out at IKEA even (this is what one of the designers do!). sounds like fun also!