I am planning a remodel. When should I hire an interior designer?

Hire your interior designer early in the planning stages. From the beginning, your interior designer, architect and contractor should work with you as a team. Each is professionally trained in his or her own field and complement each other. The interior designer can help you determine if you have enough space and if your furniture will fit in the rooms as designed. She will also coordinate colors, surfaces, lighting design, furniture design and any other decisions related to the remodel.

How can I make sure that my color scheme won't be dated in a year or two?

Ask your designer about the Color Marketing Group. Every year an international group of furniture, automotive, appliance and clothing designers meet to choose the colors for the year. They predict which colors will be gaining in popularity and which will be declining. This is based on such diverse factors as the political situations, popular movies, the environment and exotic locations. They are not well known outside of the design world, but they do play an important part in the color choices that are available to you. (See Color)

I like to make my own furniture choices, but I am too busy to shop around and find unique things. Who will help me?

Ellen Cantor, CID likes to work as a partner with her clients. Every one of Ellen's designs reflects the lifestyle of the people that live there. Ellen listens to your design needs, helps you determine what you want and does the preliminary shopping for you. Then she takes you with her to select the items that will create the perfect space for your home.