A Shopping Guide: What Are Designers Looking For?

Having a “designer’s eye” is one of those compliments that never gets old. But the truth is, it is less about instinct and more about intention. Creating a home that feels layered, thoughtful, and cohesive comes down to selecting the right pieces. And no, we are not gatekeeping!

When I am sourcing for a client, I am not just looking for what is beautiful. I am looking for what will last, what will anchor a space, and what will continue to feel good over time.

It always starts with one thing. Quality.

Materials matter more than most people realize. Solid wood, natural stone, and real metals are the elements that bring a sense of weight and authenticity into a space. You can see it, you can feel it, and it changes how a room lives.

Take a coffee table, for example. A solid wood piece instantly grounds a living room. There are plenty of options that mimic wood with printed finishes, and while they may be more budget friendly, they often fall flat visually. A space filled with imitation materials tends to feel disconnected, even if you cannot quite explain why.

The same mindset applies across the board.

When you are shopping for something like a bar stool or an accent chair, take a moment to look a little closer at the material makeup. Leather is a big one. Lower quality options are often blended with synthetic materials, which means over time, they can peel, crack, or flake.

A higher quality leather will age differently. It softens, develops character, and patinas beautifully. If you are unsure, there are a couple of simple ways to tell. Check the backing. If you see a fabric layer, it is likely faux. Try the push test. Real leather will gently wrinkle around your finger, while lower quality versions tend to dent sharply.

For softer elements, like curtains and pillows, the same philosophy applies.

Curtains with a linen blend bring a softness to a room that is hard to replicate. They filter light in a way that feels natural and relaxed, adding subtle movement to the space. With pillows, we tend to avoid synthetic fills and lean toward down or feather blends. Not only are they more comfortable, but they hold their shape and give that effortless, slightly lived in look that makes a space feel complete.

And finally, scale.

In design, scale is everything. More often than not, bigger really is better.

If you are debating between sizes, it is almost always worth sizing up. Whether it is an area rug, artwork, or even your pillows, undersized pieces can make a room feel disjointed. Larger elements create a sense of ease and quiet luxury.

At the end of the day, designing your home is not about filling it with more. It is about choosing better. 

Pieces that feel intentional. Materials that tell the truth. And a space that, over time, only gets better