Design lesson: Brush up on your design etiquette

4 Building trust: it's a two-way street Like any intimate relationship (yes, intimate -- we know your sleeping, travel, shopping and partying habits!), this partnership requires trust. The client requires assurance that all project details are well in hand and the designer intends to fulfill her promises. The designer requires the authority to manage the project, including trades and suppliers, as her experience deems wise. Open communication is critical to everyone's comfort, so speak up the moment you feel something is amiss. It's likely there's a simple explanation. On the other hand, if your concerns are not earnestly addressed, you should look for another designer. Trust is also fostered by drawing up a comprehensive contract, in which all project details -- from billing structure to trade policies, supplier guarantees to work ethics, design discounts to dispute resolution practices -- are spelled out. If you're not clear on any aspect of the contract, ask more questions and get clarification in writing.

5 designers are not marriage counsellors Here comes the disagreement: She wants wood floors, but he wants stone. Two pairs of eyes fix on you, daring you not to side with the other person. The successful completion of any design project calls for continued compromise. Try to cultivate collaboration right from the beginning by reaching some decisions with your spouse in advance of the design-build process. One way for couples to reach agreement is to compare inspiration photos -- images of rooms or ideas that each loves. Review the photos and determine common denominators. Perhaps you both like dark wood, pale colours and colour photography. Couples who ease through a renovation project are flexible, allowing a number of "wins" for each person.

6 Keep your perspective -- and your sense of humour Early in my career, some clients asked me to squat on the floor, peer through a magnifying glass and explain to them why the grout lines in the marble floor were not "perfect." I told them that stone is a natural product with subtle differences apparent on each tile, and the process of hand-laying stones often results in subtle variances along the grout line. When I suggested that most of my clients enjoy a marble floor from a standing position rather than squatting, the clients burst into laughter, and I knew we were back on track.

Read more in Decorating & Design and Design Lesson