Putting the fun back in furniture shopping!

Does furniture shopping fill you with unpleasant thoughts? If so, you aren’t alone. Many people, either through negative past experience or through tales of woe from friends or families, dread shopping for new furniture, mattresses and home décor. Maybe it’s a fear of pushy salespeople. Maybe it’s a worry about staying within your budget.

For others, the issue comes from the overwhelming feeling of finding the right items for their home. With the plethora of options available, from traditional furniture showrooms to online marketplaces, there’s more furniture and décor options available than ever before. The good news is that it’s possible to create a more personalized home that suits all of your functionality requirements—and shows off your unique style. However, it’s hard to narrow that style down, and curate a look that’s uniquely yours but also balanced and cohesive.

Whether you are purchasing all new furniture and décor for a new home, or simply looking for a new piece or two to refresh your space for a season, there are some steps you can take to set yourself up for success. If you are ready for new furniture, flooring, mattresses or home décor, follow these steps to put the “fun” back in furniture shopping, and ensure you are pleased with your final purchases.

1. Work with a designer! A good designer will provide many benefits throughout the planning and purchase process, but a main advantage of partnering with an experienced interior designer is that they’ll keep you organized. A designer can walk you through the design process, asking the right questions to determine your needs and your style, and truly listening to your answers and requests.

Think a designer is out of your budget or only necessary for major projects? At Gabberts, our experienced design team offers a full range of services, including selection of furniture, art and accessories. With the endless number of options in the marketplace, our designers can help you narrow down the options and show you product that is appropriate for your home, taste and budget. Plus, you won’t be limited to simply what you see in the showroom. Gabberts designers have access to thousands of furniture vendors, leathers, fabrics and finishes that will meet the overall design goal. For instance, they have options to customize a sofa size by the inch with a variety of cushion core options to achieve the perfect “sit”. A designer can help you envision, and find, unique pieces that can enhance your home and impress your family and friends.

2. Use a designer’s knowledge and experience. Unlike your well-intentioned but often fashionably-challenged friend or shopping partner, a good interior designer has a wealth of practical knowledge to share, and the experience to help narrow down your options into ones that will work for your lifestyle and in your home. Whether it’s selecting the right size dining table for your dining room and your frequent guest list, or choosing the ideal furniture fabric and scale for your new sofa, a good designer knows not only what will look good, but also what will be practical for your needs.

3. Set a budget. Furniture, mattresses, flooring and even home décor are likely some of the biggest investments that you’ll make for your home. You want to make sure that you get something that will look good and last. Our designers are respectful of your budget and will cater to your specific needs, making sure that you get the best pieces for your furniture investment—while enjoying the experience without feeling pressure.

4. Use a “wish list” option to stay organized. Not ready to purchase everything today? You can use a "wish list" option on the Gabberts website to stay organized until you are ready to make purchases. It’s easy to shop online by category to find exactly what you want. You can also shop by availability on Gabberts’ website. If you’re in a time crunch, perhaps to get a new piece before a big event or hosting guests in your home, we have lots of things in stock and ready to deliver.

5. Simplify the design and shopping process. When it comes to furniture shopping, fun equals simple. And what’s simpler than one-stop shopping. By choosing a furniture store and design studio in one, you can get all your home interior needs taken care of, without running around town, scouring the web or meeting with multiple people.

At Gabberts, we do it all! For instance, did you know we do kitchen and bath design as well? We can help with floor plans and work with architects and builders. If you need something that’s not sold at Gabberts, we can still help. Your designer can take you to a store that specializes in fixtures or run to another place to secure fabric samples for drapery and more. Our award-winning senior designers are some of the best and will go the extra mile for you.

In addition to furniture, art and accessory selection, here’s are some of the design services provided:

• New construction
• Remodel
• Architectural detail specification
• Commercial design
• Kitchen and bath design
• Space planning and furniture arrangement
• Lighting design and fixture selection
• Color consultation
• Blinds and window treatment design
• Reupholstery
• Custom bedding and pillows
• Turn-key solutions
• Hourly design consultation
• Project management

With a knowledgeable and friendly designer and tools such as a wish list to keep your organized and on-budget, your interior design project and furniture shopping can be less stressful and more fun! Whether you need help with furniture and décor selection, or have an in-depth project such as a new construction or remodel, there’s a design service that can simplify the process and help you end up with a home that you love living in.