Before starting the project be sure you clearly understand the payment schedule and who is paying for which items. Often the designer or decorator will request that the client purchase items, but others will simply include the purchases in the final bill. Usually designers will ask for some of the cost before starting the project and the balance upon completion.

Stay in communication with your decorator or designer and ask questions when you are not sure why changes are being made. It is much less costly to change issues as soon as they are noted rather than when the project is completed. Plan to see the room or home several times during the process.

Many people have specific items that must be included in the final design. If you have a favorite picture, chair or piece of furniture that you want left just like it is be sure to communicate this to the designer, as well as the fact that you definitely want it in the final product. Don't be afraid to talk to the designer about these things when you do the initial interview.