Interior design services now accessible for all

For many people, the idea of decorating their home with an interior designer strikes fear into their hearts.

However, gone are the days of interior design services being limited to the rich. Working with an interior designer is accessible to many.

A good designer can be a good financial investment.

The designer can save you from making costly mistakes, and can help with room arrangement to improve a home's function.

Interior designers know how to use color, pattern and texture to create a special living space just for you.

There are several ways to find an interior designer.

The American Society of Interior Designers, or ASID, is a national organization that can refer you to local designers who belong to the organization.

ASID can be contacted at 312-467-1950. There is also a local design organization, the Springfield Design Association, or SDA.

Another local resource is the Springfield Symphony's Designer Showcase home, and word of mouth is a good method for finding an interior designer.

For the experience of working with an interior designer to be successful, you need to set up a realistic budget and determine your decorating style.

If your budget is small, many designers will be happy to work with you on a consultation basis, charging an hourly rate or a flat fee.

You can also ask a designer to develop ideas and drawings and pay the designer an hourly fee.

It is important to feel comfortable with the designer you work with. The relationship between a designer and a client is a very intimate, professional relationship, so it is critical that you get along with one another.

Remember, good designers design for their clients, not for themselves.

(Laura Urban is president of the Springfield Design Association-allied ASID, and owner of Urban Design Interiors.)