During a recent closet purge – God knows I should do it more often – I was struck by two things. One – just how much un-wearable clothing a single person can amass in a short period of time and the feeling of pure gluttony that tends to come with it. And two – how generally classic, trend free pieces have a longer hanging and wearing life.
This brought me back to design, as my thoughts generally do, and how important thoughtful design is. How it never gets tired or boring or off message. How it is ok to spend on those pieces that you will live with for longer periods of time and how overwhelming those decisions can be for that very reason. But there are a couple of tried and true tests to whether or not you must have it:
Would you buy it at full price? We all love, love, love a deal but a deal does not a smart buy make. Having run retail, items are always on sale for a reason. Find out why and how long the piece has been on the floor. Check for obvious signs of shop wear and either negotiate a hefty discount if it is a must have or pass. On the flip, a custom order sale is yummy and worth investigating. It allows you to have what you want with the discount folded in.
How comfortable is it? This applies universally to all things except shoes. Spare me your judgment. Some pieces are stunning to look at and may even slide comfortably in as a part of the whole but if it can’t be used, it is a pass. Again, shoes excluded.
Will it work with what you already have? A foundation piece that will require a room overhaul better be smashingly, insanely fantastic to warrant a spend that will only lead to more spending. Consider all of the pieces of the whole – they have to fit and that doesn’t just include colour but extends to scale, shape, dimension. Always.
Style, Style, Style: I have just reaffirmed my belief in always going to the classics. It may seem like a piece of common sense but we can get distracted by pretty things that sparkle – like shoes! For the big spends (larger upholstered pieces, significant case goods like libraries and dining rooms), lean as far to the conservative as you can. Make your statement with occasional chairs, layered cushioning, window coverings and accents. I am going to throw rugs into this pile too although they can be on the pricey side because the right rug sets the tone and MAKES a room. In general, good classic pieces will carry you through your morphing tastes.
How to know WHAT to spend: For those foundation pieces you intend to keep and reupholster or refinish over time, spend as much as your budget will allow. There is a real price range in the mid-market furniture space. Comfort, construction, materials are all serious considerations so ask as many questions.