How to check a consultant's eye before you hire

The biggest trap is hiring based on a portfolio alone. A consultant's images look stunning on Instagram, so you assume they'll deliver the same magic in your space—but you've no way to know if they listen, if they show up on time, or if the colours they've matched actually hold up under your home's light. A gorgeous photograph tells you nothing about their reliability or whether they'll respect your budget and preferences.

Before you book, dig into verifiable facts. Start by asking for their professional registration or qualifications. Colour consultation isn't a heavily regulated field in South Africa, but legitimate practitioners often hold qualifications in interior design, colour theory, or related disciplines. Ask them directly: "What training have you completed, and who accredited it?" A professional will answer without evasion. You're not being rude—you're doing due diligence.

Check their track record through direct contact

Don't rely on testimonials posted on their website; request client references you can phone or WhatsApp. A solid consultant will have three to five past clients happy to vouch for them. When you reach out, skip the pleasantries and ask concrete questions: Did the consultant show up when promised? Did the colour scheme work in the actual space, or did it look different once the paint went up? How did they handle changes mid-project? Did they stay within the budget they quoted? Listen for hesitation or vague answers—that's a red flag.

Also ask references whether the consultant explained their reasoning. Colour choices aren't magic; they're grounded in light direction, wall texture, existing furnishings and the client's daily routine. If a reference says the consultant just told them what to do without discussion, that's not someone who adapts to your home.

Proof to request before signing anything

Before you commit, ask the consultant to show you:

• A detailed written quote that breaks down the scope (how many rooms, site visits, number of colour options they'll present, any follow-up consultations)
• Examples of colour schemes they've created for homes similar to yours—different light, different furniture styles
• Proof they can mix or source paint colours if you need custom shades (some consultants partner with specific paint brands; others work independently)
• Clarity on what happens if you're unhappy with the scheme once it's applied—do they do a revision visit, and is that included or charged separately?

You're also entitled to ask how they'll assess your space. A competent consultant will visit your home, check the direction windows face, observe how light changes through the day, and ask about your lifestyle. Anyone who quotes you a colour scheme over the phone or from photos alone hasn't done the groundwork.

Verify they can actually deliver colour advice in writing. Some consultants provide mood boards, paint swatches pinned to your walls, or digital renderings showing how colours will appear in your rooms. Others work more intuitively. Find out their method upfront so you know what to expect and can judge whether it suits how you make decisions.

If they're part of a design firm, check the firm's reputation as well. Search their business name on the CIPC register to confirm they're operating legitimately. Ask if they carry professional indemnity insurance—it signals they take their work seriously and protects you if something goes wrong.

Finally, trust your gut in conversation. A consultant should listen more than they talk, ask questions about how you live in the space, and explain why they're steering you toward certain palettes. If they're defensive when you push back or dismissive of your concerns, move on.

Once you've verified credentials, talked to past clients and received a clear proposal, you're in a strong position. Strove lets you search verified interior design and decorating providers in your area, read reviews from other homeowners and compare quotes—it's another layer of confidence before you hand over your space to someone new.