Expenses will vary depending on the size of the room or house, quality of the furnishings and décor used, and the time the project takes. If a client is nervous about costs, Sultana suggests they ask for a "not to exceed" design fee based on an estimate for the time needed to complete the project.

Develop Trust

"Most people want to be in charge but some will say, 'Yep, I like that idea, do that,'" says Hind. But often, he adds, when clients call a designer, "there's a problem somewhere."

He does have a solution for the mish-mash of furniture that results from a marriage with a combined household or someone who's inherited Aunt Hettie's cherished lamp. "If there's an ugly piece of furniture that doesn't go but means something to the client we will just say, 'It's an exquisite piece but let's give it a rest for now.' Then they don't feel bad about it."

Stay Flexible

Sultana is adamant that "the designer must be flexible and not have an ego that insists something be done their way. Ultimately it's the client's happiness."

Alternatively, clients have to realize that the designer can't control some aspects of a project. Products aren't always available, contractors have a scheduling problem, or custom work takes longer than planned. Sometimes delays are unavoidable. Clients can help by not trying to do too much too fast or plan a party, as one couple did, for six o'clock the evening that the bathroom remodeling was scheduled to be finished. The workers were still trotting through the house with equipment as the hostess panicked.

"When something is delayed, we tell the client so there are no false expectations," says Tidmore.

Avoid the Big Mistakes

"The biggest mistake people make is when somebody has gone to retail stores and picked sporadically," says Sultana. The Asian might not go with the Floridian, which doesn't go with the modern pieces. To solve the problem, Sultana and most designers do a design book that incorporates all the fabrics, finishes, and furniture for the project, putting it together cohesively to show the client.

Hind is an interior design liaison to the Ringling School of Art and Design. He's seen students graduate, go into business for themselves, and fail. "When a designer blew it, generally it's because he or she didn't realize that the client is really asking for assistance. You don't just walk in with paper and pencil and tell someone what they want."

The process, he says, should be enjoyable. "I tell people when I'm doing their house that 'it's a great project, thanks for getting me involved. We'll have fun here.' And they start having fun, too."

And more than anything, that's what distinguishes a design match made in heaven.