I had a client ask me the other day how I ever made decisions when it came to decorating. She had finally chosen a paint colour after fussing with the decision for eight months and I think the whole process left her drained.

She was so worried about making a mistake that it paralyzed her and kept her from making a decision. So why does it seem easier for designers?

I will start by saying that it is always easier for me to design a client’s home than my own!

I take far longer and second guess myself frequently when choosing for my own home. We are doing far more than decorating, we are creating life spaces and comfort for our family and friends.

Taking all that into account can be an emotionally daunting task for anyone, even a seasoned designer.

Designers have several things working for us, tricks up our sleeves if you will.

The first thing we utilize is our training and education which give us the basic ‘rules’ to follow in almost any design situation.

I use the word ‘rules’ very casually as most rules are made to be broken and must be tailored to each individual.

When choosing colors and products for a client I am taking everything into account that I know about them and using that to create the ideal space for each person.

Once I am familiar with the client and their space it is easier to assist them in their decorating project.

Experience is a vast advantage for designers as we have seen many different scenarios both good and not so good!

If you are considering a certain paint colour and I have used it in a client’s home I am able to help you envision how it will look in a larger space.

Understanding the basic principles of colour helps as well in choosing paint/carpet/tile/fabric and will help keep all your elements coordinated even when you are choosing multiple items.

Most designers (including myself) visualize extremely well which helps us choose products and colours with confidence.

When I see one of my finished designs it is rarely a surprise to me, I have visualized the finished room from the start of the project.

It is a skill set that most likely led many of us into the field of interior design, a skill we are always happy to share with our clients.

Designers also bring knowledge of how certain materials work and which materials will work better than others in certain situations.

Will a fabric drape correctly for the desired curtain style or will a selected hardwood stand up to a clients hectic lifestyle?

I am often ruthless with the truth with my clients because I want them to have the ultimate satisfaction in their chosen products and to never regret a decision.

Decorating or building a home is a great deal of pressure and I understand the pressure behind not wanting to make a single mistake.

Trust in my experience and knowledge, you are in good care when you work with a designer you can truly trust.

The satisfaction of a well designed home will soothe any stress you may have incurred along the way.

Kim Lewis is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre.