Q. What is the difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer?

A. The difference usually is a matter of educational background. Interior designers will typically have completed a program that includes courses in construction and building code, and will be trained in the area of commercial design. Interior decorators, on the other hand, will usually have completed their studies in residential design and be knowledgeable in the materials that make a comfortable home. There is considerable overlap between the two professions, however, and you may not require the more specialized services of an interior designer for your project.

For residential projects involving furnishings and cosmetic enhancements, an interior decorator will be well-qualified to assist you. For construction and renovation projects, you should confirm that your decorator has the necessary background and/or the support of experts if building code or structural issues are involved.

If "design" is defined as creating something new that didn't exist before, then decorators are designers as well. At Just The Thing, we design window treatments, kitchens, custom cabinetry and furniture -- unique creations that express your style. While we do get involved in renovations and construction, it is with the aim of acting as your advocate, ensuring that your home will suit your needs and lifestyle, and in the interest of smoothing your way through the process. Our CDECA designation assures you that you are hiring an accredited interior decorator, and our 20+ years in the field promises you an experienced one!

Q. What style do you decorate in?

A. We have created rooms that are traditional, contemporary, country, eclectic, masculine, feminine, whimsical, and serious. We interpret your style. You will be presented with a selection of items to choose from that will work with your taste and budget, and we pull it all together with good design principles of scale, emphasis, balance, rhythm, and harmony. The result is a room that will speak beautifully of you, and not a decorator.

Q. Are you going to make me throw everything out?

A. Not unless you want to. You should identify the pieces you love and want to keep. If they don't work with the vision you have for the space, then we can often use them in another room. Or if you don't quite have a vision yet, those pieces might become an inspiration for a new design scheme. In fact, we have had occasions when the homeowners were thinking of re-decorating, but suggestions for a simple re-arrangement of their existing furnishings and some fresh paint did the trick.

Q. Is there anything I should do to prepare for a consultation?

A. To help prepare for your consultation, we recommend you download our Check List [ HERE ] in PDF format, print it out, and complete it as well as you can. That way we will both have a clear idea what you would like to achieve.

If you don't already have it, please download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader [ HERE ].