Vicky Early says in Indiana, there's no license required for interior designers. She says homeowners should make sure the designer they plan on hiring carries liability insurance.

What are some common problems people have with their home's interior design?

"One frequent problem is that the client will look at every element in a room independently.

For example, in a kitchen, the client will look at the flooring, the granite and the counters as independent of each other. They'll go out and buy items that make them say, 'I love this.' But what really matters is what the room looks like when all of those elements are put together.

It can be very expensive to find out you made a mistake with your choice once the flooring is installed and the cabinets have arrived. Some features of a room need to have that 'wow' factor and some things need to recede from focus — it's about bringing all of the elements together in the right way.

Our job is to find that common denominator."

How do you determine what colors and designs are the right ones for a space?

"Ultimately, the client makes the final decision. It's almost like building a puzzle.

We start by discussing one item or feature in a room that makes an impact on the client, and then we move to another and another. Often people have no idea what their preferred palette is, so we look for colors that illuminate the client and their space. When we have their personal palette isolated, we can build on that.

The popular colors we're seeing right now are anything with metallic in it - copper tones are absolutely gorgeous. Clients hire us to edit what they think they want. We'll help edit down their preferences and combine them into a package that takes their breath away.

It has to be above and beyond what they thought they wanted. Our goal is taking the space and turning it into a perfect haven."

What are some good ways to update your home if you're planning to put it on the market?

"If it's an older home, I would update all the lighting and plumbing fixtures. These items say volumes about the house, especially the dining room and the entryway fixtures.

It's about making the right first impression about your house when the buyer first walks in. If the fixtures are older or haven't been updated, most buyers will assume the house hasn't been kept up-to-date."