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You may need a designer if...You sit in a room and realize that many of its original pieces are growing roots and that “weeds of décor” are taking over. Or you inherit a family heirloom from your spouse’s side, sparking animated conversation about where it should go. These are among many circumstances in which you may need an interior designer, if for nothing more than a fresh set of eyes and objectivity. But consider three situations in which hiring an interior design professional is nearly a must. You know you need an interior designer if….

You are building your dream home. Professional interior designers are skilled in aesthetic principles AND they are trained to read and understand blueprints, analyze flow patterns and space utilization, and specify finishes, fixtures and materials. When brought into the process early, a designer works well in collaboration with architects and builders – often producing stunning, cost-saving results. Designers know what is available in the market and maintain relationships with lighting, tile, floor covering, cabinetry, masonry and window-covering specialists to name a few. A reputable design professional knows where and how to get the best value for your needs. He or she will harmonize your new home to fit your personal style with the furniture and art you bring into it and new décor items you will add.

Your space doesn’t meet your present needs. Maybe it’s the birth of another child or the youngest has flown from the nest. Life changes necessitate modifications to your living space. Do you need to squeeze in a new bedroom or redesign one to accommodate siblings? Do you need efficient workspace for your new home-based business? Do you need a retreat area where you can relax in peace, read or listen to music? Do you yearn to simplify your life and have no idea what to do with all the “stuff” you’ve accumulated over time? The answer is a professional interior designer who understands the technical aspects of scale, balance, color, proportion, lighting and traffic patterns along with an appreciation for life and style considerations.

It’s your business. Is there anything that defines an enterprise’s brand more clearly than its physical plant? It is important that your building communicates a consistent brand message, especially if yours is a professional, retail or restaurant enterprise that relies on serving its customers on premise. For business to thrive, customers must feel comfortable, welcome and motivated to do business. Of equal importance is the need for employees to have workspace that is efficient, productive and capable of keeping them comfortable and engaged. A workplace that works for the business and its customers is simply too vital to leave to the do-it-yourselfer. It pays to hire a professional interior designer.

So whether you are a do-it-yourself decorator with skills and passion for home improvement (good for you!), you think an interior designer is unnecessary (ouch!) or too expensive (not true!), you may need to reconsider.