You are NOT alone if you biggest Obstacle in Hiring a Professional Decorator to give you a beautiful home is: Your Spouse or Significant Other
Yep, I have heard this many times what the significant other is saying: "the House looks just fine the way it is. Why do we want to spend money when it just fine as it is?" Sound Familiar?
Most of these SKEPTICS end up being my top fans and anytime there significant other wants to do some decorating, they say: "Call Diane!!" Because they know I have EVERYONE'S best interest at hand plus very aware that money doesn't grow on trees!
STOP: Please don't call me until you know for sure your significan other is on-board. It will take the wind out of your sails after you get excited with what we can do! Nothing is worse that saying: "I need to check with my husband/wife/significant other."
Just so you know, many times after working with homeowners, the spouse (usually the husband) who was not there during a consultation asks their spouse to call me before starting to decorate their next room. Why? Because they know I am respectful of their budget and it helps them do it right, the first time. A painless decorating process that eliminates costly Interior Design mistakes. And when the spouse is happy, the whole family is happy.... with a happy life.
If you can't afford it, just be upfront and be honest. That's ok. I know money doesn't grow on trees, and everyone has a budget. Just like anything in life, set a goal to save the money over the next month or so. I did this several years ago with a single mother, and she was so happy about the results, that a few years later, she saved for a second room.
The warning of SPOUSAL Push back : (men reading this, please go to another page on this website- we don't want you to see this). So, many men don't understand about how important it is to you about being proud of your home. So if it has a grandpa recliner, many men don't care about what it looks like, as long as it is comfortable. I know, many men don't get it. Because they think the house is decorated just fine, they believe you should think like them. This is Venus and mars... from different planets. Here's a little ammunition to counter the "everything is" fine: Start dressing in something frumpy for a while....explain to him this is how you feel in your home: sad and unappealing. Or, also, "how much were those golf clubs?" "boys trip?" "new Boat? ... what was the new toy purchased? You get the picture.