I am looking for an interior designer who can give me advice on
improving my house's interior for, say, under $200.  I live in
Fremont, CA 94555.  I don't want "full blown" interior design
services, just a couple of hours of an expert's time.  Please advise
how I can proceed (yellow pages is not good enough).  Thanks

Hello prgupta-ga!

Here is some information that I think will help you locate the type of
services you are looking for.

If you have any questions about the information in which I have 
provided, do feel free to request a clarification of my answer. 
And please be sure to allow me enough time to respond to your 
clarification request before rating the answer. 
  
Thanks so much! 
chellphill-ga 


http://www.interiorplacements.com/services.html
As a part of their services, Interior Placements offers
consultations of your home at the rate of $85.00 per hour.
Art of Interior Placement P.O. Box 10081 Napa, CA. 94581
(877)441-2844.

http://www.servicemagic.com/task.Interior-Decorator.40089.html;jsessionid=928100A825691D06459182CEA6FA371B.worker3
A service finder to locate Interior design consultants

http://www.annajacobyinteriors.com/designconsultations.html
Anna Jacoby Interiors
"Are you looking for design advice?
Consultations are available on an hourly basis. Some clients need just
one hour, while others call us back several times during a
redecorating project. Perhaps you already have ideas and are looking
for a professional opinion. Or maybe you are stumped and just don’t
know where to begin.
We can get you on the right track. Listed below are design topics that
can be addressed during your consultation. You will receive a summary
of the consultation for future reference"
"Consultations are $75 per hour. Call today to set up an appointment:
(510) 490-0379"

http://www.crackerjackcreations.com/index.html
By Sandy Wulf, is located in Santa Clara. Sandy offers
"a unique, affordable interior design service- right where you live."
The charge for her service is a flat fee of $625 however, you do get a
lot for your money, for example;
Recommendations for color schemes, room arrangement, walls window and
floor coverings, lighting, accessories and kitchen and bath. The in
home session lasts for 3 hrs, and will include a written plan for each
room, scaled floor plans and paint samples, and a list of discount
resources for shopping.
"Additionally, 3 hours will be spent in our office producing color
copies of specific design ideas/product information that will be
annotated with colors, sizes and discount information. This guide will
be forwarded to you by mail within 3 business days."
Sandy Wulf's business address, phone number, fax, and email can be
located at http://www.crackerjackcreations.com/html/contact.html

http://www.afreshlook.net/decorating_services.htm
Afreshlook decorating services, located in Cupertino offers,
"Room Makeovers and Design Advice"
"The Quick Fix. A two hour consultation to address any decorating
challenge or to give you a room-by-room design plan. Suggestions may
include furniture arrangement, placement of art and accessories,
clutter reduction and paint and carpet choices. Includes sources and
resource list."

"The Team Approach. A two to four hour consultation in which we work
together to beautify your home, rearranging furniture, repositioning
art and accessories and reducing clutter. Includes design advice and
resources."

"The Works. In two to eight hours, A Fresh Look gives your entire home
a makeover, using your existing furnishings. Further suggestions and
sources are included."

Other helpful links:
http://www.onlinespaceplanner.com/
Online space planner

http://www.outline3d.com/
 Outline3D is an online interior design application that enables users
to quickly customize a virtual environment specific to their real life
design needs.

http://www.interiors.org/page1.cfm
American Society for interior designers referral service


http://www.homestore.com/HomeGarden/Decorate/Features/HireAPro/Pay.asp?poe=homestore
Some tips on hiring a designer, and how designers bill

http://home.earthlink.net/~sstonge/
St. Onge Design
"Serving the San Francisco
Bay Area and beyond"

http://www.designwithmaloos.com/about/about.html
 Design with Maloos
"I created Design with Maloos so that individuals would have a place
to go for superior, yet affordable, residential design services. I
design for you, the client. Your needs, your tastes, your budget are
always uppermost in my mind. My goal is to make the most of your
situation. I’m easy to work with , and my fees are flexible. No job is
too large or too small. I can work within even the tightest budget. If
you just need help making over your existing circumstances, or if you
want to start from scratch, I can make your dream home come true."

http://www.fremont.ypcity.com/ypserver.dll?bk=1228&pg=240&s=0&gp=interior+decorating&f=&t=03n000000&go=
Interior Designers in Fremont.

http://www.ccidc.org/consumers-guide/faq.html
HOW CAN I FIND A CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNER FOR MY PROJECT?
" For a list of certified interior design professionals in  your area,
or for more detailed information on certification, E-mail us at
ccidc@ccidc.org"

http://www.cidinternational.org/FAQ.html
FAQ about Interior designers and decorators

You might also consider joining a forum such as "That Home Site!"
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/decor/
Where members can ask each other advice, post opinions ect.
I have seen a lot of good advice on these boards, especially when
a member is able to post pictures of their design dilemma.

Search Terms used:
Fremont Interior designers
Fremont Interior decorators
San Fransisco bay area interior designers

Thanks!  I'll try out your leads.