Now that you’ve decluttered your small space – you might be thinking of adding some new additions to your space. Think carefully. Furniture purchases can be costly – especially those ‘impulse’ or ‘trendy’ buys. I know that gigantic black vinyl massage chair seemed like a great idea after hour 5 at the PNE. But when it was delivered, the only room it fit into was….well, the garage. AND, it can’t be returned! What a waste of hard earned money!

Here are some tips to help you avoid any more impulse buys:

• Visit your new “piece” in the store, a few times before making a decision.
• Photos are a great option as well. Ask the retailer for a catalogue photo of the piece or take a photo of it yourself. Once you have the photo home, make sure that it complements your existing furniture in style, colour and texture.
• Measure the overall size of the item and when you get home tape out it’s ”footprint’ in the room you’re thinking of making the addition. Walk around the outline.  If it’s a couch, try sitting on a cushion and imagining it there,
  if it’s a coffee table, put things you’d normally put on the table to see if it’s size and location makes sense for you.
• And don’t forget the fabric.  It’s amazing how fabrics, paint and stain colours can change in feel and appearance in that short distance from the retail store to your home.  Focus on how the furniture looks in your home, in ALL lighting conditions.  Ask the retailer for a fabric swatch, a cushion or some element of the actual piece that you are considering for purchase.  Take it home and look at it in the room it is intended for……in natural day light and in the evening with lamps turned on.  Even the colour of your walls can affect the ‘at home’ appearance of your piece.  If you’re still unsure whether the ‘piece’ is right for you, feel free to contact us for our expert opinion.

Whether you just need an objective, expert eye to validate your selection or more hands-on assistance in the selection and purchase of furniture and accessories best suited to you, your lifestyle and your space, Accentuate can help.

My best advice – take your time. Ensure that your choice is meant to come home for good. Say good bye to the impulse buy.