I recently had a client tell me “I cannot afford to get this wrong” when referring to the furniture for her living room. She literally meant it. This is so relatable. There is nothing worse than buyer’s remorse. Sure, if you buy an uncomfortable pair of shoes you may be out a couple hundred dollars. But if you bring home an uncomfortable or low quality sofa, you could be out thousands — and then even more — to purchase something else. I am often asked how I source pieces for clients and my own home. Believe it or not, home decor shopping is a skill that can be honed. A smart shopper will save both time AND money.
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Let’s get into my top tips and tricks to save you time, money and frustration while shopping for your home.
Visit the right stores
I love the discount home accessory stores to help fill out a room. Find the Target, HomeGoods or Tuesday Morning type stores in your area that are maybe a bit more off the beaten path. These stores will be less picked over and likely the merchandise will be more pristine. Ask a worker what days their shipments arrive and show up early on those days for the best selection.
Thrift
One-of-a-kind pieces are what really make a space special. Have you ever seen the FRIENDS episode where Rachel keeps buying items from the Pottery Barn catalog only to find that Ross has the exact same coffee table? There is nothing wrong with popular brands and I love Pottery Barn, but it is important to mix and match mass-produced items with pieces that have a bit more character to create a unique space for yourself. Seek out the best vintage, antique or thrift stores in your area. There are certain thrift stores that seem to have all the good scores. There is a catch though. Stores like this require patience and persistence. You need to pop in often to get the best finds. I also use similar principles for Facebook Marketplace if I am searching for something specific. *I would like to note always meet up with a Facebook seller in a very public place and with a buddy for safety. Never pay for something until you have it in hand.
Choose less expensive options for trendy, fun pieces.
I would avoid buying your lamps, trinkets and accessories from the large furniture stores. The markups are quite high and you can typically find these pieces at places like HomeGoods. This is an opportunity to embrace new styles or trends you are not quite sure of while affording you the financial ability to pivot your decor in a year or 2.
Invest in classic, timeless staples
These are pieces you use daily like your bed, kitchen table, bar stools and sofa. These are what should ground your room. They should be neutral enough that your trendy decor can change around it seamlessly. Do a little research on furniture construction, materials and know a little bit before going into the store. I suggest real wood frames and foam core cushions wrapped in down for your sofas. It is important to actually sit on these pieces and really test them out so local stores are best for investment pieces. Make sure you have accurately measured your space to be sure your new investment piece will fit comfortably.
Sign up for the deals
Find a few brands that speak to you-no matter their price point. Sign up for their texts, email list and follow them on social media. Even the most expensive brands will offer exclusive sales and discounts to their followers. Sometimes, it is better to save up and wait for one amazing piece than to buy lots of mediocre little items over time.
Here is the fun part — time to shop! Shop with visual reminders.
This is my biggest trick. I bring along client approved mood boards with me into the store and only shop for one room at a time. You don’t have to create a professional mood board however, just take a print out of a few inspirational images you love into the store with you along with your lists. Actually print them out. This will help you remain grounded and allow you to decide if what you are wanting to purchase aligns with your end goals. Do just one room at a time and put your blinders on to avoid any distractions. Don’t stray and be intentional. Your budget and cohesive room will thank you.
Trend alert: Here are my favorite stores and brands to watch in 2022.
The Magnolia and Threshold lines at Target tend to keep on top of the latest trends, offer a nice quality and go with a variety of styles.
Anthropologie has some really pretty unique antique-looking pieces for those who like the aesthetic of antiques without having to search for them. If you do enjoy antiquing, use this store for inspiration.
World Market has a similar vibe as Anthropologie but a much lighter price tag.
I love The Inside because they offer a variety of chairs, ottomans, and bar stools in tons of fun and funky fabrics.
Wayfair is my go-to for affordable options for my clients. They have great customer service and free shipping. Always look at the reviews and real life pictures of what you are purchasing and this will help you to avoid any lemons.
Part of achieving a more peaceful life is investing your energy into what you enjoy. If shopping for your home stresses you out, hire it out. Let me be your personal shopper, and help to take this off your shoulders, and provide you with the love-filled, peaceful home you have always envisioned.
JENNIFER ROSE
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Design, Virginia Tech
HSR Certified Home Stager & Stylist
I help clients curate beautiful, functional, and aspirational spaces in their homes. I love giving them the confidence and peace of mind to relax or entertain at the drop of a hat. I can’t get enough. I eat, sleep and breathe home design. At night, you’ll often find me with a glass of bubbly in hand perusing and studying homes on Zillow and Realtor or binging design shows on Netflix. I’m fascinated by the real estate market and the psychology behind what makes someone fall in love with home.
I grew up not only designing and rearranging my own room but also my friends’ rooms. I remember late-night sleepovers pushing furniture around their rooms and raiding their attics for fun art. Looking back, I can only imagine what their parents thought. My creative aspirations led me to Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture & Design where I was awarded my Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Design with a minor in Art History. After school, I worked in graphic design and, being the child of 2 strong entrepreneurs, opened my own firm where I was on track to becoming one of the top graphic designers for the wedding industry in Hampton Roads, VA. It was then that I met my husband who took me into the exciting world of military moves. I put my professional design career on hold to raise my 3 beautiful daughters while flexing my creative muscles completely remodeling and redesigning our own 5 homes. I am so happy being back in my element and absolutely love helping my clients love their spaces.
When not designing, you’ll find me swimming, crafting or dreaming up my next home.
One Response
Great article 💗