As an interior designer, shopping for furniture and decor is second nature. While it takes years to learn how to properly design a room, there are certain tips to shopping for a home that can be quickly mastered. To begin, do some research online and then, the next time you are out shopping, follow the steps below. These secrets of the trade will make shopping for furniture and home decor a snap!
Setting a Budget
Before adding anything to your cart, it’s important to set a budget for your home project. A good interior designer knows what to save on and what to splurge on, and why you need a bit of wiggle room built in. To create your budget, write down all the major furniture pieces you’ll need for each room and write down a range for how much these things might cost. Wait for sales and discounts, and don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better price if you are at a furniture market.
Look for Statement Furniture
With your budget outlined, the next step is to prioritize the statement pieces in each room in your home. Your furniture should be both functional and beautiful, so you’ll need to consider size, usage, and durability to match your space and lifestyle needs. Your sofa, bed, and tables are generally the pieces that you should be spending the most money on while accessories and smaller pieces of furniture can be added later. If you are renovating, try to choose materials and styles that coordinate with what you already own.
Invest in Cozy Bedding
When it comes to bedding, now is not the time to cut corners. A good night’s sleep is priceless and the softer your bedding is, the better the chances are that you’re going to sleep well. High-quality cotton sheets will last longer and feel more luxurious than cheaper materials like polyester. 100% Egyptian is the top of the line, but Pima or Supima cotton and linen are less expensive alternatives that still feel soft and provide a bit more durability. When it comes to your duvet or comforter, opt for what coordinates the best with your existing color palette. Our fluffy reversible Carter Duvet is a cozy choice that can be used year round.
Ground Your Spaces with Rugs
A really good rug can anchor a room and tie all the elements together while also providing a soft space to land. When shopping for a rug, think about the size and shape of your space. Large area rugs can open up a room and make it feel expansive while smaller rugs can delineate a seating area and create cozy nooks in an open plan setting. Consider the material and texture, as well as the color and pattern. A neutral, natural fiber rug like our Kali Woven Jute Rug is versatile and contemporary, while a bold patterned Persian rug can make a more traditional statement. We’re able to cut any of our rugs to a custom size at our furniture stores, so size is never a worry.
Add Accessories
Accessories are the jewelry of the home, providing a dash of flavor and making everything feel complete. Interior designers know that some of the best home accessories are found slowly, and that you should always prioritize quality over quantity. For example, artwork that has been sourced in the places you love to visit can have a meaningful effect in your home design. Don’t rush your accessories as these are the bits and bobs that make a space feel like home.
For More Interior Design Tips, Stop By Our Home Stores
Don’t stress too much about getting everything right – take some time to think about what you are trying to achieve and outline how you’re going to get there. We recommend purchasing your larger items one at a time so that you can see how they look in your space before adding more. Creating your dream home isn’t done overnight, but it’s very rewarding when you finally get there. If you need any more suggestions on how to make your home vision come true, contact us today!
Shop the Look
Carter Duvet
With broad stripes on one side and thinner stripes on the other, the Carter collection is reversible and offers versatility with its neutral colors.
Kali Woven Jute Rug
A large ivory latticework pattern emerges from the relaxed natural jute kilim weave foundation with a punctuating charcoal dot at the interstices.
Briana Round Mirror
Solid mahogany spheres line the outer edge of this wood frame, sealed to preserve its natural raw finish, then washed in a subtle gray glaze.
