Before becoming an accredited interior decorator, I used to think that decorators were hired for the same reason as any expert in their field -- plumber, dentist or accountant -- for their know-how. While that definitely holds true, there is another reason that people decide to hire an interior decorator: to minimize their stress.

Some homeowners admit that they have neither the time nor the expertise to decorate their homes so they hire a specialist in that field, a professional interior decorator. However, many homeowners believe that they should be able to do it themselves. After all, that's what all the big-box retailers and paint companies and do-it-yourself magazines tell them over and over again -- that they can do it themselves, effortlessly. So they start out, usually with choosing paint colours, and ending up confused, undecided, and stressed out.

Those that start with a project such as window treatments end up even more bewildered. With multiple estimates and designs and a multitude of fabric choices, they have no sense of how the room will look in the end, once carpet, furniture and accessories are added.

Add to this uncertainty the cost of a mistake.

As a result, nothing gets done. This causes even more stress, which worsens the confusion, which prolongs the inaction. It all becomes a vicious circle.

That brings us back to "why hire an interior decorator"? Professional interior decorators possess the knowledge and experience to help cut through the myriad of choices and provide focus. Through the design process, clients are able to make style decisions with confidence, resulting in beautiful rooms they'll love, within their budget and without the stress!