It is to the client's advantage and also the architect's, to have a trained and experienced decorator with both technical knowledge and an understanding of interior architectural detail so as to be able to assemble intelligently the proper textures, colors, furniture and objects to make a consistent room. If all these things are taken into consideration in the original planning...a great many difficulties can be anticipated.
Eleanor McMillen Brown, Interior Architecture and Decoration
The recent increases in homeowner wealth and the growing popularity of home improvement television programs have increased demand for residential design services. Recently a new divorced home owner who remodeled a beach house in Santa Monica needed to update the general décor of the home and requested design help in creating year-round outdoor living spaces.
However, this client watched home improvement television programs and had the budget for discount furniture stores. I like HGTV, however it has spurred a trend in do-it-yourself design, which could hamper employment growth of designers. Nevertheless, some clients will still hire designers for initial consultations. Free Design advice get it on TV.