How to Shop Like an Interior Designer (And Avoid Regrets!)
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You find a gorgeous accent chair online at midnight, your heart races, you click “Add to Cart”… and then three days later, it arrives and you’re wondering: Why does this look like a toddler’s throne in my living room?
Shopping for your home can feel exciting, but without a designer’s eye (or plan), it can also lead to buyer’s remorse, cluttered rooms, and pieces that never quite “go.” The good news? You can shop like a designer, and I’m sharing how.
Whether you’re refreshing a room or investing in furniture for your dream home, here’s how to avoid those “what was I thinking?” moments and buy with confidence, style, and intention.
1. Have a Game Plan (Not Just a Vibe)
Designers don’t just shop based on vibes. Before any purchases happen, we think through:
Function (What does this piece need to do?)
Size (Does it actually fit the space?)
Style (Does it match the overall design direction?)
Color/materials (Will it complement the palette and textures?)
Create a simple design board or Pinterest mood board for your room. Seeing everything together helps avoid mismatched finishes and impulse buys that don’t belong.
2. Know Your Measurements (And Then Double-Check Them)
I say this with love: eyeballing is not a measurement system.
Tape out furniture dimensions with painter’s tape on your floor, especially for big pieces like sofas, dining tables, or beds. You’ll be amazed at how different “70 inches wide” feels in real life compared to online photos.
Bonus: don’t forget to measure hallways, staircases, and doorways. Yes, your dreamy new dresser needs to fit through the door.
3. Don’t Shop All in One Place
Designers pull from a mix of sources to create a layered, curated look. Shopping exclusively from one store can make your space feel like a showroom (and not in a good way). Mix high and low, vintage and new, textural and sleek.
That quirky side table from a flea market? Paired with a sleek modern sofa? Designer magic.
4. Sample When You Can
Most retailers offer fabric, rug, and paint samples, use them! That “greige” sofa may look beige online, but might show up lilac in your natural light. Trust me, your lighting, wall color, and surrounding décor all affect how materials read.
Samples are your friend. Regret-proof your purchases with them.
5. Think About Longevity
It’s easy to fall in love with a trend (hello, boucle-everything), but ask:
Will I love this next year?
Is it versatile enough to move with me?
Can it be styled multiple ways?
Interior designers think beyond the moment. A great piece earns its keep for years.
6. Sleep on Big Purchases
Yes, even the most beautiful dining table deserves a pause. Give yourself a 24-hour window to double-check measurements, assess your budget, and make sure it aligns with the overall design. Excitement is good, but excitement with intention is chef’s kiss.
7. Hire a Designer (Even Just for a Little Bit!)
Not to toot my own horn (toot toot), but working with an interior designer, whether through a full-service package or a one-time consultation, can save you time, money, and future frustration.
Sometimes one well-placed suggestion or layout tweak is all it takes to bring clarity to the chaos.
Final Thoughts
Design isn’t just about what looks good, it’s about what feels right for your lifestyle. Shopping like a designer doesn’t mean overthinking everything. It means slowing down, trusting the process, and investing in pieces that support how you live.
You deserve a home that feels like you, intentional, stylish, and regret-free.