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Design Dude
Jon Fortuna
Over the past several months we've discussed how to begin the process of furnishing a room. This month is where the fun begins! We will be able to finally leave the house with our design folders, measurements, and color schemes. The question is, where do you want to go? This article is going to talk about the different types of retail available to you as a consumer, and will establish some of the pros and cons of each type. I will also mention some of my personal favorites in each category.
 | | John Fortuna, the Design Dude |
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Designer showrooms
The Gulf Coast is fortunate to have several Decorator/ Designer showrooms to choose from. The benefits of working with a designer or decorator are that you have a person to help you with the decision making, and a nearly limitless availability of product from around the world. These professionals are usually well trained and have clear artistic visions when it comes to helping you create a beautiful home. The downside of working through a designer showroom is that sometimes you receive that designer's vision which may or may not reflect your lifestyle. If you decide to work with a designer, make sure that you clearly express your preferences and needs to them, and don't be afraid to ask for changes to a scheme if it doesn't truly reflect your needs. Designer showrooms also usually charge for the services of the designer, whether on an hourly basis or through a retainer fee, which may or may not be rebated back to you through your purchases. Some of my favorites are McAlpin- Woodcock Galleries, and Taylor & Company Interiors, both of Pensacola, and Lovelace Interiors in Destin.
Chain Stores
Chains stores, such as Rooms to Go, Ethan Allen, Norwalk, and Haverty's are great to use because they offer a fairly large product range and most have things available for quick delivery. These stores are wonderful to use if you have a strong idea of what you need, are looking for special financing, etc. The downside of using a mass market store is that they purchase for the whole country, so that regional style differences are sometimes not fully accounted for, and the in some stores the floor personnel are salespeople with little training in decorating or design. If you are looking for assistance in carrying out your schemes, talk to the person you are working with to make sure that they have received at least an in store training on room layout, etc.
Regional furniture stores/ Specialty stores
Regional furniture stores, such as J. Miller's Furniture in Gulf Breeze, and specialty stores, such as Duh and Poor Richard's Antiques in Pensacola offer some of the advantages of both chain stores and designer showrooms. Often, they have a good stock of individually selected pieces which make it easy to give your home a one of a kind look. They also are usually happy to search out pieces for you, to suit your individual needs. For example, J. Miller's offers a full design center which can assist you with custom purchases and window treatments at no charge with purchase. With stores of this type you do have options and special savings opportunities. The down side is that because these stores offer specialized merchandise, if you are not ready to purchase immediately, the piece or pieces may not be available a few months down the road.
Now that you are armed with information, and know where to begin your search, it's time to get started! As always, remember to look at, love, and live with great design!
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