6 things interior designers would never buy

Designing a space is only half the battle. In addition to planning the space, interior designers must also source the materials to turn their designs into reality. During this purchasing phase, where an imaginary space becomes a reality, designers have many things to keep in mind. Looks and function are key to striking a balance, but factors such as quality, size and character must not be overlooked either.

All in all, the trick to finding the perfect pieces to fill a room is not only knowing what you are looking for, but also what you not According to some of the South’s best interior designers, some furnishings are better left in home furnishing stores than coming into your home, so a list of things you don’t want to buy can be just as important as a shopping list.

Out of taste and reliability, as well as years of experience, these designers advise against buying these furnishings. While some of the rejected items are a matter of the designer’s personal taste or an indication of outdated styles, others are for quality control. The decision to buy them is entirely up to you, but don’t say these designers didn’t warn you.

Antique reproductions

In Southern households, heirlooms, antiques and vintage furniture are part of what makes a house a home. However, unless they’re passed down from grandmother, high-quality antiques can come with a hefty price tag. Still, interior designer Lindley Arthur says she would never buy—or recommend buying—a fake antique.

“As an antique dealer and designer, I could never buy a reproduction of an antique for a project – especially not a chest,” says Arthur. “You just can’t replicate the quality or beauty of the wood grain and original hardware.”

If you’re looking for an antique look without spending a ton on antiques, Arthur recommends a Louis Phillippe dresser. She says it’s “still beautiful, but a little easier to find and usually the cheapest.”

Matching furniture sets

Another no-go when buying furniture, according to interior designer Rayana Schmitz, is buying a matching set. While a uniform set for each room impresses with its simplicity and was once fashionable, she would never buy one today because it ends up looking too uniform, says the designer.

“We want to create unique, personalized and visually interesting spaces that reflect our customers’ individuality and that can never be achieved with a matching set,” says Schmitz. “We would instead suggest mixing styles by selecting furniture pieces from different design styles and eras. This creates an eclectic yet harmonious look.”

Instead of investing in a matching set, Schmitz also recommends investing in a few statement pieces and individual furniture that are unique and fit perfectly into the room.

Oversized lounge chairs

Although so many dads in the South are enjoying their LA-Z-BOY recliners in the living room corner right now, designer Casey Sanford says she would never purchase one for a client’s main living area.

“While I’m sure they’re comfortable, they’re not aesthetically pleasing and don’t integrate easily into the design of a room,” says Sanford. “We want the design of a room to flow naturally and for all the elements to work together harmoniously. These chairs are usually bulky, old-fashioned and difficult to combine with other upholstered furniture.”

Thankfully, there is an alternative, assures Sanford: “We love a masculine, comfortable leather look in a room and have met clients who don’t want to part with their comfortable leather chair, but there is a better way to achieve that. There are beautiful, comfortable and customizable options from suppliers like Wesley Hall where you can have the best of both worlds!”

Furniture made of chipboard

When buying furniture, designer Monika Nessbach values ​​quality and durability. For this reason, she avoids furniture made of chipboard like the plague. If you are looking for furniture that will last, Nessbach advises against buying chipboard because it is “poor quality,” “mass produced,” and “lacks uniqueness and character.” Instead, you should opt for furniture made of more solid wood and metal.

Too trendy furniture

In terms of longevity, Nessbach also recommends avoiding furniture that will go out of style sooner rather than later. Save trendy details for smaller details that can be replaced more easily and inexpensively once they lose their appeal.

“I tend to gravitate towards unique and handcrafted pieces that tell a story and add depth to a space,” says Nessbach. “Plus, classic pieces (which don’t necessarily have to be traditional) have a timeless charm and add longevity to a design.”

That doesn’t mean, however, that Nessbach condemns any unconventional furniture choice. While trends should be avoided, she still appreciates a good conversation piece “that can add extra pizzazz and personality.”

Quartz countertops

It’s not her first choice, but Schmitz admits to having used quartz for countertops in the past. However, she doesn’t recommend it for the future and is currently avoiding it. Too primitive and perfect, this artificial stone cannot be compared to the natural material, says Schmitz.

“Nothing compares to the work of Mother Nature and natural stone never goes out of style,” she explains. “Enjoy the beauty and accept the imperfections that come with natural stone.”