Involving your designer in the earliest stages of a project can be a real money saver. A professional can look at a floor plan for a yet-to-be constructed house or addition and spot potential problems involving traffic flow or furniture placement. Your eight-foot sofa may not fit in a room with a door in every wall, or you may discover too late that you can't close the door to the laundry room if the dryer is open.

Hiring a designer is the first step in avoiding costly decorating mistakes. Choosing the right professional and supplying her with as much information as possible are the keys to getting the most for your money.