has anyone used an interior designer service?

[LadyWithLapdog]

I was wondering whether to use Laura Ashley or similar for interior design ideas for a couple of rooms. It would need to work around big items of furniture we already have, i just need ideas for colours, accents etc. Is this sort of thing worth it or will I end up with something pretty 'standard'?

I want it to be personal and everything but I've spent a few good hours on the computer these past few days looking for inspiration and I'm getting a bit bored. Life's too short to waste over the perfect knob choice, should I leave it to the experts?

How much is it likely to cost? It says £100 for 2 rooms with L.A and I wouldn't want to spend more than that. Do other shops do it too?

I've been wondering the same, but in terms of independent designers. £100 for two rooms seems pretty cheap - but then they're almost guaranteed your business so I guess they can afford to discount it! The independents I've looked at seem to be around £200 per room. I've decided against for now :)

I think it was houzz.com which had lists of designers in all areas.

Thanks for the tip about Houzz. That's a good website though I feel overwhelmed by possibilities rather than just inspired! I had a nosey at local designers too but I worry that my 'project' isn't grand or expensive enough.

I've been wondering too Lady. I'm worried that they'll charge my £500 to advise where to put the sofa and talk me into silk curtains.
A friend of mine had a LA consultant, the rooms (sitting room & bedroom) look lovely but of course it's all Laura Ashley so very matchy.

I've been planning to use John Lewis's service. My friend was very please with this. She paid £200 and this was off-set a giants anything she spent.

Against

I didn't know about JL, I'll look into that.

I'm a closet LA fan and have a few things (rugs etc) but I don't think I'd go for a full look.

I've just had a look on the JL website. They do free at-home design for fitted bedrooms and also in-store free design consultations. Now to do the maths of driving 10 mi, hanging around in store for a slot, buying stuff I hadn't intended just because I'm there, my time, kids needing entertaining. Yes, I still think it's worth the saving...