Many people are fascinatead with do-it-yourself design shows on television and may consider attempting their own decorating or renovation job. However, it’s not always as simple as it looks on TV, and often the people on those shows have guidance from consultants off-screen. We’ve met more than one client who came to us after they gave up on a frustrating renovation or decorating project because things simply weren’t coming together as planned. A good designer will do the following: Identify and design the right sizing for furniture or built-ins and create the ideal room layout Provide guidance on stores or other places to shop that you might not know about Offer time management strategies to keep the project on track Facilitate effective communication with your contractors and avoid confusion Take your vision and make it a reality Use their experience and knowledge to recommend trades, companies, and suppliers Offer a calming perspective when things get stressful Advocate for you onsite, ensuring everything is done to your satisfaction as much as possible Notice issues contractors may have overlooked