But to help you decide how

to achieve the look that will best express the feeling

you want your rooms to project, it's best to get some

expert help.

Charles Gandy, FASID,

president of Gandy/Peace Inc., in Atlanta says,

"Do-it-yourselfers who want to change the look of

their homes can avoid numerous dangers by turning to a

professional interior designer for design consulting and

professional project management. Interior designers offer

suggestions to help do-it-yourselfers avoid design

pitfalls and succeed with their design projects."

Melinda Sechrist, ASID,

owner of Sechrist Design Associates in Seattle, says,

"Do-it-yourselfers often fail to create a sense of

style when they change the look of their homes. Due to

lack of planning or lack of knowledge, do-it-yourselfers

make mistakes in many different areas."

"A sense of

continuity, or central theme, is essential," says

Mari Lyn Bushnell of Kirsch, manufacturers and

distributors of drapery hardware and custom window

coverings. "Successfully blending design elements

and avoiding a piecemeal look is often an area for

experts. A professional designer can have the most

important impact on your project,"

Bushnell adds,

"ensuring that materials are combined in a way that

will harmonize in style, texture and color-lending an

overall feeling of balance and proportion to the

room."

How can you find the right

designer? Be sure to choose a designer who is a member of

the American Society of Interior Designers.

ASID is the oldest and

largest professional association for interior designers.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., ASID provides ongoing

support, education and resources for its 30,000-plus

members. You can be sure that you will find the right

residential interior designer near you by calling ASID's

Worldwide Referral Service at 1-800-775-ASID, or by

visiting the Web site www.interiors.org. News USA

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