Set up an initial consultation. The consultant will probably want to visit your home for a walk-through. He or she will make notes on details such as furniture placement, floor plan, architecture and other elements that influence color options, in addition to talking with you about your goals and desires. Because natural sunlight will have a significant impact on the way your colors read, consider scheduling the consultation for a time of day when the light is at its best.After the meeting, the consultant will put together a proposed palette, with ideas about placement, finishes and other factors. She or he will suggest specific paint colors — even some to be custom mixed — and options for other surfaces.Budget ample time and money. To budget costs for the job, ask the consultant for an estimate of the hours needed for your project, then give yourself a cushion of 10 to 15 percent more in case complications arise. Rates vary widely according to location and other factors, but in general, color consultants earn anywhere from $75 to $200 per hour. Some also work on a flat-fee basis.Be open to suggestion. Your consultation will go more smoothly if you place your trust in the pro you've hired. Convinced that bright tangerine won't work in your guest bathroom? Not so fast. If the consultant encourages you to try a specific hue, follow the advice, even if you're on the fence. Odds are you'll end up loving it (and if you don't, paint colors are a snap to change). At the same time, if the consultant is enthusiastic about a shade you really can't abide, feel free to stand your ground and find a compromise. After all, you're the one who has to live with it.More:17 Things Color Consultants Want You to KnowHow to Work With a Professional OrganizerHow to Work With a Kitchen DesignerHow to Work With a Landscape Pro