Design Guide Online Editorial

Stacy Naquin, designer and friend of Denise McGaha of Denise McGaha Interiors, wrote a blog on McGaha's site praising her new service, Design on a Deadline. Below are her insights on how to get the most of your designer, budget and time. 

With the rise of internet and technological advances, our expectations on time frames get shorter and shorter, which makes this service so appealing to many. Also understanding this need for quick service, I realized there was an entire market being underserved and not everyone could afford full service design which is why I launched Design in a Day.

If you're having a designer in your home for one day, there are a few things you can do to make the most use of your time:

1. Do your homework. The more work you put in on the front end, the more successful your project will be. Tear pages out of magazines, pin your favorite rooms from Pinterest, and look at websites like Houzz.com for ideas. You'll need at least 20 images, but more is better. Make notes of what you like such as the wall color, artwork, or overall feel of the space, etc.

2. Set a realistic budget. It's a good idea to have already discussed with your spouse what you're willing to spend on your project. If you just have no clue, your designer can help you determine a good, better, best budget.

3. Make a list of what you would like to accomplish for each room. This will save time and keep the focus on the priorities for the space.

4. Gather all samples you've collected. If you'll be shopping with your designer, it's important to have fabric swatches, pillows, flooring, countertops, paint samples & any other finishes in one place.

5. Hold off on any new purchases. Although it may be tempting to go shopping before your designer comes, it's important that you first have a plan. I'm sure you've heard the old saying: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!

• Rachel Duke's blog

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by: Rachel Duke