interior designers...

if you use a decorator here in NYC be prepared to have your pockets picked--- discounts are rarely passed on to the client, as various freight and delivery fees are levied, oh and dont forget their commisions--- Be WARY!

Okay - first off, interior designers in most case work on a percentage of the job (meaning if your job is going to cost $100,000 (for the sake of argument), then the designer's fee will probably be %15 of that, or $15,000. In addition, designers ARE certainly able to get discounts on furniture (anywhere from 15% - 25%) but they CHARGE you (usually) a 25% fee on all purchases of that kind, so in the end result, it usually becomes a net/net even proposition.

Before you start the job, you must be crystal clear about what you're willing to spend ALL IN, and tell that to the designer. Only then can they tell you if what you imagine in your head is possible for what you're willing to spend. Some decorators, like some people in any other business, will pick you pockets. On the other hand, some are really terrific, very intelligent, and provide a great service.

My suggestion is to interview a number of designers in their office who's work appeals to you. It's important so that they have an understanding of what you want to achieve, and you want to feel like there's a 'connection' there with whatever designer you evetually choose. Before you commit, ask the designer to do a (brief) onsite visit of your new home. I would also ask to do one on-site visit of a Manhattan home/apartment job that the designer has RECENTLY finished. It's important for you to not only look at pictures, but to actually see in person the workmanship of their design - remember, they're not only designing, but usually recommending and overseeing contractors, and you need to know that the contractor's work is of a good quality also. At that point, you'll know whther you're ready to press forward with a specific designer or not.

I am not a designer but I have worked with a few. Also, I have gotten to know how they charge. Some will really rip you off. However, there are some good ones. You can most likely end up getting things for about the same or a little more than they will charge. I think that good ones add do a couple of things for you..

They help you avoid costly mistakes.
They do have access to things that you do not.
They can help oversee the project. Anyone who has ever dealt with a lot of furtiture stores or any sort of renovation knows how much of a pain this is.

I liked GRAYDON Design. They actually didn't try to force their style on me. Also, they were straightforward about what their charge were. They told me their cost and what they would charge me.