Never hire a decorator ...

[DemoTex]

Never. We hired one for the G'Ville condo. We gave her a cash budget, and she went 146% over, in the blink of an eye.

[Liberty Belle]

1. Didn't you get a proposal to approve first?

It's probably too late now, but you should've asked for a proposal in writing and paid only a deposit up front. Also, you should be able to pre-approve any major purchases in advance.

I write about interior design and have interviewed hundreds of designers. Most are honest people. The rule of thumb on any design or remodeling project is to budget at least 10% extra for cost overruns, but 50% is excessive. You should insist on an explanation and ask her to suggest a solution. Perhaps some costly items could be returned and less expensive materials substituted.

[DemoTex]

3. Liberty Belle, we are not stupid (although we feel it).

We have returned costly items, that were put into the condo "on approval", We are now told that those items will be credited to a "store account." I protested again today, saying that all the returns represent a closing of the margin back down to the original budget. It is egregious! They are $35,000 over for God's sake! Thirty-five mother-fuckers over! Want their name? Here it is:

POSTCARD-FROM-PARIS ... Linda McDougal. Greenville, SC. Bayitch!

[Lone_Star_Dem]

8. Holy ***t

That is only about 10k short of what I am spending on my daughters college.

[whalerider55]

2. never hire a dictator, either

and don't try to elect one.
cos they don't count votes, just dollars...
whalerider55

[Floogeldy]

4. I knew that

Decorating is silly and a waste of money. Its a diversion and a status thing. It sucks and it serves no purpose.

[The empressof all]

5. I disagree

Interior design is a talent that if you have the money, can provide you will an environment that is conducive to your mental health.

I do not have the ability to visualize things well, nor am I artistic. I would love to be able to have the discretionary income to afford design help in making my home more attractive.

A good designer will spend time with you to learn about your taste and help you to create a personalized environment.

I guess you would think Art was wasteful!

[Floogeldy]

6. I'm not saying interior decorating cannot be artistic

I'm just saying that it is useless and serves no purpose. The psychology is all related to external factors, rather than those from within. That's why I say it is a distraction. Why should one have to rely on their environment to control their mental health?

[The empressof all]

7. To each his/her own

I'm of the opinion that a life style entrenched in utilitarian functions only is without soul. The arts may not be necessary to human existence but I would rather choose to have a life full of music, color, texture and joy....Thank you very much.