We used a designer when we built our home and it was great.  We came to her with our ideas and she helped fine tune them by pointing out that there was too much pink in a certain carpet sample or the exterior colour wouldn't complement the interior colours.  In the end we had the final say, but her insight and knoweldge helped to make the building and design experience better.  I would totally recommend one.

Absolutely I would hire a decorator - if I could afford one.

YES! YES! YES!  In an instant if I could hire one to decorate my home I would.  I have great ideas of my own but it is always great to have a professional opinion and it always looks much better when done by a decorator.

I would hire Sara Richardson any time.  If I had the budget for it, I'd call her tomorrow.  I find that she consults with her clients and they seem very happy when the see the final results.  I would totally trust her.

I like to consider myself an artist is most ways, and decorating my place to accomodate my personality and needs is something I feel, only I can do.  My place is full of things I love, and I wouldnt want to change that due to a design trend.  I have been in many spaces that have beautiful design, and I respect them greatly, but many, not all, have a sterile feeling.   Having a space feel like a home requires personal effects and and a lived in quality.  I call my home my little "cottage". Its humble and mismatched, but is "home sweet home"

yes, I would need a designer to help me specially because I feel it is impossible to decorate a 821 sqft butterfly shaped condo with no living & dining space. I believe only a capable designer with a vision can solve my delemna.

No way Jose!

I would not hire one since I think I have specific taste in home decor and I think I have good taste also ... But I would like to do it for someone else ! I really like HGTV but I think I have better taste sometimes than some of those hosts ... I'm just missing the resources for some of the styles of home decor ...

I would love to hire a decorator, contractor, etc., etc., unfortunately the food, power and electricity bills like to be paid also so I comfort myself that I pay my cable and am fortunate enough to get HGTV and all of the examples that I think I do a pretty darn good job with limited resources to boot!

I've used a decorator several times in the past.  They've been very helpful.  And to me that's what they're meant to do.  I like to think that I have enough decorating style, but welcome another's input into what I'm aiming for.  They know what's new and can help keep things in budget-range.  Plus, they always add details that I hadn't thought of. But give them free reign over my house, hmmm... that I'm not too sure of......

Nope, no decorator for me, unless i'm paling around with Kelly Wearstler or Tom Dixon!

Martine!  Those are two of my faves too!

I most definitely would!! We are thinking of redoing our kitchen(taking out a wall etc) and their opinion would help us make the final decisions. However the main issue is finding the right decorator  for a reasonable price!!

I would hire one ONLY to generate ideas.  After that, I need to be able to express my own style and taste.  A friend of mine hired one to recommend a colour palate for her house and then fired her and used her ideas as a jumping point to decorate herself.  That's EXACTLY what I will do when I have the cash to do so.

I would hire a designer if I had the extra money and if they listened to what I had to say... although I would be open to suggestions. The biggest reason at this time is money.

Of course, I would if I could afford it.  Thanks to HGTV, in the meantime, design is accessible.  Watching your daily programs allows us to get great tips.

I for one would hire a designer to help me in decorating my home. They would give me their input on what looks good and what works, but not to tell me what I like. In my opinion, if a designer is telling you what to do with your home, then they are not a good designer. The good ones show you the way and put your taste mixed with current trends into a comfortable enviroment!

Absolutely! I have lots of ideas, but, I need help on some of the elements such as paint colour, fabric, textures, etc.....

If I could afford Sarah Richardson and Tommy - Absolutely!!!!

I have many ideas, but they would put the icing on the cake.

The interior designer who helped me with my place for "Home to Go" years back was invaluable. David Overholt in essence became my editor, my story producer. He had smart suggestions to help me implement my ideas and came up with innovative solutions that turned small negatives into huge positives. He helped edit my ideas to create a cohesive look, and saved me time AND money because he knew where I could get what I wanted without blowing my budget. When I have occasion to change things up, I'm calling David again. Or Sarah Richardson, if he's not available.

absolutely ... without hesitation I would hire designers Colin & Justin. They've proved that decorating can be done on any budget. What I've learned from them is that the smaller the budget the more creative and resourceful you need to be. These boys are brilliant and their recent book is an excellent tool for the DIY enthusiasts! I'd love to hire them for my personal mini home heist!  

No, I would not hire a decorator to "tell" me how to decorate. I would however hire one to help me bring my ideas and personal style out in my space while relying on them to guide me professionally.

I think hiring a designer is always a good idea. With the falling real estate market in Canada, it certainly couldn't hurt if you are considering protecting your homes value.

Every little bit could help if you are thinking...increased value!

I would hire Peter Fallico in a second. His designs are always cohesive and he doesn't try to throw in "unusal" elements for the sake of sticking out. He and his leading carpenter always have a very clean and simple style and although I love my own personal style, it would be nice to live in someone else's design for a change.

By all means YES and I am with those that would choose Sarah and Peter as I feel a good Designer is in tune with their client.  They  listen and do not dictate.   Not saying that Colin or Justin are not talented; I love these guys, but they  drastically fall short on this issue.  With respect to Sam, as she is relatively new to the design circuit, "experience is always the best teacher".  She is a rising star.  

In a nutshell, hiring  or seeking the advice of an Interior Decorator may prevent costly mistakes when one is OUTFITTING their home....no different from 'what not to wear' when it comes to your body type.  :)

Absolutely!! If only we could afford it. The in-put from a professional can only help. Our home is such a mish mash of styles from items bought long ago and others inherited. We could really use the help to try to meld it all together.

Ooops, it shud have read:  ......"no different from 'what not to wear' when it comes to your body type and choosing a wardrobe".    :)   (Sorry!)

I would absolutely hire Sarah Richardson in a minute if I thought I could afford to.  Sarah seems to have a real knack for renovating and decorating with a budget in mind.  Somehow everything always looks so elegant but yet comfortable.  I love suggestions for incorporating old, much loved furniture into the look - and save money at the same time, even if the piece needs to be refurbished.  However, I do object to designers taking great antique pieces and painting them or otherwise ruining their value.  I've not seen Sarah's team commit this unpardonable offence.  Yes, I do have many antique pieces in my home, but that is not to say that I couldn't use some design help to create the best backdrop for them!  I guess I can only dream about hiring a top notch decorator these days and will have to be content with snagging all the advice possible from the better design shows on HGTV!  So, please keep up the good work and the good shows.

I would love to hire a decorator. They would have a hay day at my house, because I buy on impulse & my house looks like a store in itself. I like so many styles & colors, and "things" andI have no idea how to put anything together.

I would hire a decorator just to express my ideas. Home is very personal for me but  getting the opinion of professional would definitely work.

I would hire a designer if I could afford one, but I actually like decorating my own place.  I'm not tooting my own horn, but I've gotten lots of compliments about the work my husband and I have done around the house ourselves.  In the end, I think I would prefer their input, but I would rather do the work myself.  I have a great sense of accomplishment when I'm done and it looks good!

Id hire Colin and Justin every time for that unique mix of bold confidence and their sheer entertainment factor.  Brilliant but I'll need to win the lottery I suspect!

Colin and Justin would be the only dudes I'd hire.  Theyre real visionaries and seem to get into teh head of their clients. Oh and maybe Sarah R,Great x

Yes yes yes.  Oh please to have the money to hire a designer.  Sarah and Samantha for sure.  I'm not sure about Peter although he seems really nice.  But for style it's the two ladies.

I think a person could do it themselfs my problem is finding "stuff".

I live in a place with no choice's we have  Sears or Ashley furniture !!!!!

The big city's have much more to offer.

Definitely not - the same way that I would not buy a ready designed home. I enjoy creating my own "feel" and design. I certainly don't deny that I really enjoy watching your design shows (minus Colin and Justin) and picking up ideas and techniques - but that is as far as it goes.

I would like to use a decorator for a small project first to be sure that we are in sync. I have tried to find a decorator but I live in a very small town and have not been able to find one in the small city nearby who will take the time to travel here (30 miles) for a small project.  

If I could afford him, I would definitely hire Peter Fallico.  I have never seen one design of his that I didn't absolutely love.

If I'd have the money, I would take Peter Fallico and his team to ........ Romania to help me decorate my apartment. Unfortunately, it's far away and I suppose it would be quite expensive, even they are looking for inexpensive solutions and they are always keeping the things in the budget range! Maybe they should open a branch of the design company in Europe...I could represent/help them! :))

For my birthday, my son hired an interior decorator to help me out. It was a fantastic experience. Doug refined the colors we had picked for our bedroom and helped us finish the room. We have hired Doug to help us with our familyroom. John and I haven't had one disagreement since Doug came into our lives.

I would hire a decorator since I am one.   We are here to help and prevent others (unlike yourself who's talented in colour selections and furniture choices) who are not sure what they really need or want in decor to make financial sound choices.  I'm a reasonable priced certified interior decorator and offer my creative informative sources for those who need my help. Segue Interiors, Toronto,CDECA member

I would hire a decorator- Peter Fallico or Sarah Richardson, I love both of these people's ideas - it's just too bad - one can't reach them to at least get a consultation!!

I would definatley hire a decorator - Sarah Richardson - I love her work - or Peter Fallico.

I only wish that we were able to reach them for some sort of consultation.

If I had the money I'd bring in Colin and Justin and let them make me a stunning modern kitchen.  Their sense of colur is a refreshing change from all the beige out there

AH xxx

Id second that - bring in THe Home Heist team any day.  XX

For sure a designer is required at my house.I put in hours watching all the great shows on hgtv,and I try to put into action what I have learnt,but no it just doesn't come together. Love the shows and I can't stop watching!

Yes if I had the budget for it I wold have Sarah and Tommy any time.

Yes , I will use a designer on my next project.Even though I am one myself, I find it very beneficial to get someone elses input to help me complete the project.