Many people have a natural flair for décor, while others feel they need advice and assistance. If you decide to use the services of an interior decorator, you have two options: enquire at a décor store such as Biggie Best or Wetherlys, or make an appointment with an independent interior decorator.

Shops
Several shop groups offer a décor service but your choices of fabrics, accessories and furniture will then be limited to the stock of that particular shop.

Biggie Best
All Biggie Best shops have in-house décor consultants. Holger Schutt, National Retail Manager for Biggie Best, explains:
Service: Customers may either consult the décor consultant in the shop or in their own homes. Quotes for curtains and blinds can be done in the shop, provided the customer provides exact measurements.
Cost: Customers can expect to pay a fee of R150 if the consultant visits them at home but this charge falls away if an order is placed. A second consultation is generally free of charge.
Options: Curtains, blinds, upholstery and accessories such as scatter cushions can be made to order. The consultant will give advice on colour schemes and accessories such as lamps, rugs and scatter cushions.

@home Livingspace
The two branches (Willowbridge in Bellville, Cape Town, and Design Quarter in Fourways, Johannesburg) have in-house décor consultants. Brandon Stober of the Willowbridge branch explains:
Service: Décor consultants work only from the two branches.
Cost: None.
Options: Customers can select upholstery fabric for their choice of the shop's exclusive sofas, which are available in four styles. This also applies to ottomans, day beds and chairs available in five different scatter cushions are also for sale.

Woolworths
Home and Food Stores The two branches (Willowbridge in Bellville, Cape Town, and Design Quarter in Fourways, Johannesburg) have in-house décor consultants. The head office in Cape Town provides the following information:
Service: Décor consultants work only from the two branches.
Cost: None.
Options: The shops stock upholstery for Woolworths sofas and chairs. Curtains can be made to order but the customer must provide exact measurements.

Wetherlys and Osiers
These shops, which belong to the same group, offer a fairly comprehensive décor service. Steven Graham, Wetherlys branch manager, and Michelle Tinkler, Osiers consultant – both from The Palms Lifestyle Centre in Woodstock – explain:
Service: Clients can consult a décor consultant in-store or at home.
Cost: Home visits are free of charge.
Options: Customers can choose upholstery for all the sofas and chairs available in the shops. Other articles, such as curtains and scatter cushions, can be bought ready made. Unlike Wetherlys, Osiers also stocks bathroom accessories and bed linen.

Independent interior decorators
You can track down an independent interior decorator on the Internet or in your local newspaper, or ask the South African Guild of Interior Decorators (SAGID) to recommend one – read more on the website www.sagid.co.za, or phone 011 448 2380. The chairperson, Sharon Nicolaci, provides this information:

Service This can extend from advice about colour schemes and furniture placement to furniture design and the management of big projects.
Cost The tariff recommended by SAGID for initial consultations varies from R150 to R250 (excluding VAT) per hour for an interior decorator with one to three years' experience. Someone with more than 10 years' experience can ask for up to R730. The structure is comprehensive – discuss in advance so that you know where you stand.
Advantages SAGID sets standards and minimum qualifications for members and will handle complaints from clients. Members work according to a code of conduct and a contract is drawn up between client and decorator.
What should you do? One of the first questions a good interior decorator will ask is what your budget is. Decide on this before your appointment and play open cards with the decorator. This will play a big role in how he or she approaches the project. Sharon says each interior decorator has an individual approach to clients but it always helps if clients do some preparation before an appointment. 'It works well if you take along photographs from your favourite décor magazines – this will help the interior decorator to see exactly what your taste is. Clients are also sometimes confused about styles and can refer to Baroque when they really mean Tuscan. It's important for the decorator to have a clear idea about which style the client would like.'

This room features all the elements that a good interior decorator will consider: contrasting colours and various sources of light. The large plates with pink paisley detail (R12 each); matching side plates (R10 each); table runner with pink pattern (R50); pink wine glasses (R20 each); paper paisley serviettes (R15) and dishcloths (R70 for two) are all from Mr Price Home. Similar arched lamps are available at Loads of Living, @home and Woolworths.