Here's the key questions a decorator will (or should) ask:

1. How many people live here? Are there children, elderly parents or others with special needs? What are their ages, relationships and abilities? Answers will determine number of bedrooms and bathrooms and their locations.

2. Do you like to cook? Do you want a professional-style kitchen? Do you need room for family and friends to hang out or do homework while you cook? Do you need a lot of storage space for food and cooking equipment?

3. Where do you eat? If you prefer informal family meals in the kitchen, a decorator might suggest you use the formal dining room for some other — or a dual — purpose.

4. Do you party at home? How many people do you generally host? How frequently? Is your style formal or casual? If you often find yourself inviting 14 people for cocktails and dinner, your floor plan should be able to accommodate everyone sitting together for drinks and sitting down at the table for dinner.

5. How many bathrooms? Does anyone with special needs require a walk-in shower? Are there special features or equipment you need? Who can share a bath and who needs his/her own?

6. Do you work at home? What electronic equipment will be needed? Where should these pieces be located? Will you need increased electrical sources or Internet access? Where in the home would you like the office located — near activity centers or far away?

Source: "Decorating Master Class," Elissa Cullman and Tracey Pruzan, Abrams, $45