Joan's Six Schemes for Savvy Shopping

1.    Shop Creatively.  The best way to spark exciting new design ideas is to explore every showroom with an open mind.  Traditionalists may discover a perfect accent piece in a contemporary setting; and modernists looking to make a personal statement can assure success by mixing clean, contemporary lines with distinctive contrasts such as vintage collectables, ornamental period designs, or exotic import.

2.    Shop Contextually. Because all the elements of an interior design must work together, it is essential to visualize new pieces in relationship to your existing architecture and interior décor.  Be rigorously specific as you layer your room with new ideas. When shopping for new pieces, carefully evaluate their palette of colors and textures.  New elements should either blend harmoniously or add a clear and refreshing contrast to your room. Designs can become monotonous or muddied when contrasts are too weak.

3.    Shop for Surprises.  Using objects in unexpected new ways adds excitement to design, so think up inventive ways to reinvent furnishings, accessories and art objects.  For example, you might add fresh flair to your home by featuring a vintage lamp on a kitchen island or accenting the master bath with an antique mahogany bookcase for rolled towels and magazines.

4.    Shop for Stars and Supporting Players.  For a well-balanced design, remember that every room needs a focal point as well as complementary pieces.  As important as it is for some pieces to dazzle the eye, it is just as important that others do their job with appropriate understatement.  Balance is always the key to great design.  One of my favorite shopping mantras: Beware of the danger of too many good ideas!

5.    Shop With Your Body.  Use your whole body when making design decisions.  Take off your shoes and get in the tub to test its contours.  Feel the surface textures of tabletops and the give of cushions.  Sit in every chair to measure its proportions against your own body type.  Good design should fit both your sense of style and your sense of touch.

6.    Splurge and Save.  Special design finds -  the kind of treasure that you've always wanted and will probably never forget if it slips through your fingers - should not be ignored.  To balance your budget and your design, remember that you can satisfy your design cravings and still get the total look you're after - on budget - by off-setting the expense of luxury items with more modestly priced, complementary pieces that demand less attention.   

Do you have any ideas for me? Please share on the Contact Joan page.