2.  The expertise to avoid costly mistakes
        " Most people decorate only once or twice in their lifetime," points out Karen Fisher of New York City's Design Previews, a decorating referral firm. "There are lots of things that are hard to know unless you've encountered them dozens of times before."

3.  Access to a much wider range of resources
        There's a world of fabrics and furnishing designs available just "to the trade".  Not only do designers have access, but they will instantly know who specializes in what you're looking for - thus saving valuable time.

4. A rolodex worth millions
        Any design is only as good as its execution and designers know the best workrooms, carpenters, and painters, so they have the connections - and the clout - to make sure the job will be top-knotch.

5. Guidance through the decision - making process
        Perhaps the toughest aspect of decorating is selecting from the multitude of choices available.  A decorator knows his or her sources well enough to edit down the options and offer seasoned advice to steer you through the process.

6.  Better quality and longer lasting style
        Look for a decorator who won't succumb to trends that you will tire of in no time but will create a timeless look you'll enjoy living with for years.  Instead of relying on off-the-rack items, designers will also add custom details and paint finishes that make you house an individual masterpiece.

7.  Help with setting priorities
        A designer will give you advise on how best to spend your money now - and plan for future phases of the decorating process.  If you're on a budget, (and who isn't) you need a decorator to help you allocate your dollars to get the biggest bang for your buck.

8.  Arbitration with your significant other
        " Sometimes my role is more marriage counselor than designer - but it's an expected part of the process", says Charles Gandy, FASID, of Gandy Peace in Atlanta.  " If there is disagreement about an approach, I can be the third party without vested interests."

9.  The power to advocate with trades people, showrooms, and manufacturers
        Designers set a high standard, and because they work with these resources regularly, they have more leverage to get things repaired or replaced.  Long-standing business relationships help resolve disputes in a professional manner.