When you need to hire a pro

This group of design professionals had good intentions in trying to educate consumers about interior design, but the title of this downloadable, 16-page booklet is misleading. There really isn’t any information about how to design your space.

Instead, it’s all about how to hire a professional interior designer to do it for you. The booklet lists many good reasons to hire one -- it’s tricky enough to select the right color, fabric, furniture and art. But in new construction and complicated remodels, other factors also come into play: space planning, lighting, acoustics, fire safety and building codes. Whew!

One page is devoted to tips on how to practice good “clienthood.” Well!

There are, however, some pretty pictures that credit the designer and the photographer (no suppliers, though), an explanation of fees (fixed fee versus hourly or cost plus) as well as statements that empower the person paying the bills: “Don’t be pressured into working with someone you are not comfortable with, regardless of reputation or recommendation.”

An informative section on state licensing requirements is helpful as is one that suggests homeowners do their homework before interviewing interior designers. Although the booklet falls short on “how to” design space, for those curious about hiring a professional interior designer, it is a useful starting point -- and it’s free.

Janet Eastman