First off, congrats on the new money you deserve. Incidently I love New Orleans, one of my favorite towns, the homes are to die for IMO.

I have a lot of interior decorator's for friends and I don't know how you would go about finding a good one. Word of mouth is the very best way as with anything else. Ask at an upscale antique shop. Ya'll have great ones on Royal Street, no? And a good decorator would know how to do all styles of decorating, not just in antiques. I would never ask at a furniture store, they would be selling the store's furniture and they're probably not all that good, they'll do the same old same old stuff, nothing special.

I would have them give me a quote on the room or else they could drag their feet.

Problem with decorator's (am quilty too) is they want to do what they want, rather than what you want. They feel they know better, make sure they work with YOU or else your going to be unhappy.

....Jane

I am a decorator who works a little differently than some (maybe even most), because my business is geared toward saving people money! I can tell you that I work on an hourly rate basis and I will work on any job, if my time permits, no matter how small. So, I have worked on everything from picking out paint colors for 3 rooms, to re-doing an entire house (on a low budget). I understand that not all decorators work like I do -- many have convoluted contracts and minimums and all that -- but I'm sure there must be others like me out there! Your best bet is to ask around for recommendations. Every one of my clients has come via word of mouth, not from advertising.

I have to respectfully disagree with Jane's last comment. A good decorator will do what YOU want. Yes, we "know better" because we have education and training that you probably do not have (otherwise you wouldn't be hiring a decorator). But when I work with any client, I am using my expertise and experience to guide him/her in creating a space that reflects his/her wants and needs -- not mine!

Here's another pov, a good designer will listen to you that's for sure but if their taste is better or different than yours, they might guide you towards something fabulous you could have overlooked. I would not want a designer to only execute my ideas, I want things proposed to me, from sources that are different than what I have access to.

Be open and receptive to creative ideas that might be going in a direction you never knew you'd be open to.

I had a bad experience hiring a decorator. I was so frustrated with my backsplash that I thought I could use professional help. The deal was a backsplash, fabric for a window treatment and seat cushions for my kitchen chairs. She charged 150.00 an hour. As it turned out, I disliked all her ideas. Not even the fabric looked good to me! My advise would be to ask around and maybe see completed jobs of the decorator. You can get some sense of her style.

I think that whole environment (decorator/designer) has changed in the last few years.

Seems like you have a couple choices - find and hire a designer who has developed and advertises the heck out of their 'signature style'. Or.

Find and hire a designer who has an 'authentic home' mantra and philosophy of design. Meaning, they pride themselves on being able to 'get into your head' and bringing what you envision for your space into reality.

There's the group that says they can work both ways and then some too...

In your case, JW, I'd definitely opt for an interior designer with degree(s) and certifications. If you're looking at updating, there could be structural changes necessary and that is beyond the scope of an interior decorator.

For your current house, again, you need an interior designer not decorator due to the lighting issues. The other option is to hire a decorator who subs a lighting designer for you.

You just need to get some names and start talkin' to people. Decide on your budget numbers 'cuz that's the first thing they'll want to know.

I am not an interior designer but I work with many highly talented and notable ones in the NY/CT area. And word of mouth is definately the norm here.
If you have a friend or neighbor (whose interior you like) that may be a start. And go to their websites, if they have one, to get a sense of their style, learn thir credentials.
For most, they offer a free initial consultation, sometimes for the first hour, sometimes they treat it like an interview and don't time the meeting. Here is where you will find out ther pay structures, like do they charge by the hour, or whatever. How will they work out a budget for you, Ask about their sub-contractors; painters, upholsterers, etc...
Google "decorators" in your area and check out those websites or call them and see how they work. A Showhouse or House Tour are also good ways to see their work and actually meet them.
There is no right or wrong way to find an interior designer (diff. from an interior decorator). I think sometimes it's just a gut feeling. In my business it's almost all word-of-mouth, so if there is a good designer in your area and you ask around, you'll probably find them.
And finally, do not mention the inheritance...

There is a lot of great advice her. The designer I use came from word of mouth. He gets my style and we work great together as a team. He helps me look at things in a different way and I love the results. You definitely have to be open-minded.

My designer has owned my home since he walked in the door. He still likes to see what I am doing even if he is not involved.