Gather samples that answer a decision
Start with the major materials and the combinations that are hardest to judge: flooring beside cabinetry, upholstery beside a rug, or a wall finish beside stone. Ask suppliers what sample represents the product you would receive. Natural materials, patterned products and batch variation can make a small sample only part of the story. Request additional views or larger samples when the decision depends on scale or variation.
Review materials together in the intended setting
Place samples beside retained finishes and look at them in daylight and under the room’s existing or proposed lighting. Examine them from the angle in which they will be used: a vertical wall finish and a horizontal work surface can read differently. Take notes about the relationship rather than judging every piece in isolation. Photographs are useful for discussion, but they may change how colour appears.
Read the practical information
Ask the manufacturer or supplier about the intended use, cleaning, maintenance, installation and any restrictions relevant to the room. A material suitable for one location may not be appropriate for another. For wet areas, commercial uses or assemblies with technical requirements, have the responsible professional confirm suitability. Avoid treating a design recommendation as a substitute for the product’s current specifications.
Record the exact selection
Keep the manufacturer, product name, colour, finish, size and supplier details together. Photograph the sample label as well as its face. Record whether the choice is approved, provisional or still under review. For remote design, use a shared selection record so the person ordering and the person reviewing refer to the same product. Reconfirm the specification before an order is placed.
- Manufacturer and product reference
- Colour, sheen, size and finish
- Supplier and sample date
- Approval status and open checks
Plan substitutions before they become urgent
Products can become unavailable or differ from the sample originally reviewed. Ask who will assess a substitution and what qualities must remain consistent. Check it against the whole palette, dimensions and practical requirements. Keep a new approval record when a selection changes. This is especially useful when several suppliers or stakeholders are involved.
- Which visual qualities must stay consistent?
- Which dimensions or installation details are fixed?
- What maintenance expectations matter?
- Who approves an alternative before purchase?
Common questions
Can I approve a finish from a rendering alone?
A rendering is useful for understanding a design direction, but its appearance depends on lighting, image settings and your screen. Review physical samples and current product specifications before committing to a finish when colour, texture or technical suitability matters.
What should I send a remote designer when I receive samples?
Send clear photographs of the samples together in the room, photographs of their labels, and notes about what you see in different lighting. Keep the product references and any supplier questions with the selection record.
This guide supports project planning. Confirm the scope, site conditions and applicable requirements with the professionals responsible for your project.