Do you need to hire a designer for your project?

That depends... on you, on your available free time, patience, creativity or lack thereof, list of resources, interest, and much more.

Here are some guidelines to help you decide if you should hire a professional.

You have little or no free time to coordinate and shop for home decor items.

You feel completely overwhelmed by the number of choices available.

You need help with space planning, lighting design, kitchen layouts, or bathroom renovations.

You want someone else to deal with the hassles of ordering, shipping, coordinating, and installing.

You want to have quality work done but don't have your own list of reliable workmen, installers, and resources.

You've tried to decorate your home and have purchased a few nice items, but really need help pulling it all together.

You want a cohesive color scheme and design that can be carried throughout your home.

You think you have pretty good taste, but would like to move up a few notches in style.

You've torn out photos of rooms you like, but are unsure of how to coordinate some of the elements.

You and your partner can't seem to agree on anything for your home.

You've found a gorgeous sofa in a decorating magazine, but it's available "to the trade" only.

You want some custom designed furniture, cabinetry, fireplaces, built-ins, murals, faux finishes, etc.

You don't know what new products, fabrics, or appliances are available that might be used for your project.

Your bonus finally came through and you want something new, something different, something fabulous.

You have a new job and now need to upgrade your home for corporate entertaining.

Your home is from a particular period, has a specific style, or has an unusual design and you need assistance in selecting appropriate furnishings.

You're tired of buying things here and there without an overall plan.

You're very creative but don't know where to start with your current decorating project.

You'd like more choices in fabrics, flooring, and furniture than are available in local stores.

You've never seen a source for the look you really want for your home.

You're planning to build a new home and are wondering if any interior specifications should be changed before work begins.

You've seen the "perfect" room in a decorator showhouse and would like to hire that designer to help you.