Has anyone used an interior designer? please share your experience

So I was looking into a specific furniture brand and the only place that carries it in NY is an interior design place.

The woman contacted me today and explained to me a little bit about how they work, they collect a $2500 retainer fee which ultimately goes towards merchandise but if you decide NOT to use them and just steal their ideas she said they keep it.

Now I am thinking that their stuff would probably be more $$ than the average say Raymour & Flanagan but maybe I am wrong.

Can anyone share their experience ? Do you end spending a lot more than you would if you furnished on your own?

Thanks

Message edited 4/1/2013 10:37:27 PM.

Has anyone used an interior designer? please share your experience

zero experience......but many here are great at finding similiar items! maybe post what you're looking and we can help find something similiar.

Re: Has anyone used an interior designer? please share your experience

Did you try searching the Carolina places for the brand you are looking for? I had great experience with Furnitureland South.

Has anyone used an interior designer? please share your experience

thanks girls....we are focusing on the living room and our bedroom first as we have dining room furniture and my sons furniture already.

What are good sofa brands? we want something comfy but also nice looking not a sectional, thinking we will do a blue color, possibly navy. Thanks again .

Re: Has anyone used an interior designer? please share your experience

Places like Ethan Allen and maybe Bassett have in house interior design people who come to your house and measure, then pull fabrics and pieces for you that they think will work in your space. These services are free and you are not obligated to purchase anything from them if you don't want to do so.

I would definitely try one of those places before I forked over $2,500.