Sounds, smells, colors bring back memories and intangible sensations which cannot be easily quantified. Access to showrooms and manufacturers Manufacturers have this screwy idea that if furniture is locked up in huge buildings that are only open to a tiny percentage of the world who carry decorator's credentials then we'll sell more furniture. Whether it is the Mart in Chicago or Atlanta or San Francisco, or a discount store in North Carolina, there are literally millions of ideas and products that you will never see unless you get into one of the design centers. Your decorator has a pass, ask them to take you there. Help getting the job done.
Experience counts for a lot.
A good decorator can see the big picture from empty room to finished showcase. They know the strings to pull, the pitfalls to avoid, they can cut through the choices and suggest the winners. Find a good one and stick with them.