The first question to ask yourself is: Do I really want a professionally designed interior? Am I shopping around, looking, thinking, exploring, questioning, et cetera? Have I made that firm decision?
If you are not fully and firmly convinced that you want a professionally designed residential interior and proceed accordingly, you are setting yourself up for a disastrous journey. If you are merely thinking of and only want a shopping experience, stop immediately. Go no further. You do not want a professionally designed residential interior.
Do I want to move up from where I am to a higher level of the aesthetic experience in my home space or do I like and am comfortable where I am and want to stay there?
Am I willing to adjust to a new life style?
If you say yes to the change questions, be prepared for the changes that will take place. New colors and patterns, new lighting, new furnishings, new backgrounds, new art, new traffic patterns, et cetera. Get ready for a whole new array of domestic experiences.
Do I have the patience and fortitude and a life in balance to put up with the construction, workmen, noise, dust and dirt, disruptions, ordering, receiving, selecting, problems that arise, et cetera to carry through to a complete finished end?
If you can meet this condition, you are showing your self in a very healthy psychological and emotional position to proceed. There will be delays, problems, conflicts, changes, et cetera that come up in in building, manufacturing, installation, transportation, and designing projects. It is some what normal for the course. Life does not always go according to our planned schedules. Accept it and proceed accordingly.
What is my financial commitment to this project? What do I expect to receive in return? What are the long term results for this project? Will the results be financial benefits or the pleasure and enjoyment of a beautiful, comfortable, and functional daily use interior environment or both? What is more important to me and how do I expect to use it?
What roles do my intellect and emotions play in the overall scheme of this project, how do they affect decisions, and which is most important?
When you have successfully answered these questions, you are ready to proceed to the next step in your residential interior design journey.
Food for thought.