November 19, 2024

HomeGoods Shopping Secrets: What Interior Designers Buy (and Why)

Stepping into a HomeGoods store can be a sensory overload. It’s a treasure trove of furniture, decor, and home goods at irresistible prices. But navigating the aisles can be a daunting task, especially if you’re looking for specific items or want to avoid common design pitfalls. This is where interior designers have the edge. Their trained eye and strategic shopping habits help them unearth hidden gems and score fantastic deals.

Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or just starting your design journey, understanding what interior designers look for at HomeGoods can transform your shopping experience. You’ll learn how to find unique pieces that elevate your home’s style, discover hidden design trends, and ultimately, become a more confident and savvy shopper.

Unveiling the Secrets of Interior Designers

Interior designers are masters of creating stylish and functional spaces. They know how to blend aesthetics with practicality, and their expertise extends to finding the best deals. Their HomeGoods shopping strategies can be broken down into several key areas:

1. Prioritizing Quality over Quantity

While HomeGoods is known for its affordability, interior designers focus on quality over quantity. They understand that investing in a few well-made pieces can elevate a room’s design more effectively than buying a multitude of cheap items.

Tip: Examine the materials and construction of items carefully. Look for durable fabrics, sturdy frames, and well-finished details.

2. Hunting for Unique Finds

HomeGoods’ inventory is constantly changing, offering a unique opportunity to discover rare and unusual pieces. Interior designers actively search for one-of-a-kind items that add personality and character to a space.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the typical aisles. Check out the clearance sections, seasonal displays, and even the home office and kitchen sections for unexpected treasures.

3. Exploring Beyond the Obvious

Interior designers don’t limit themselves to just furniture and decor. They understand that smaller accessories and functional items can significantly impact a room’s overall style.

Tip: Think beyond the typical. Look for decorative bowls, trays, throws, and even kitchenware that can add visual interest and functionality to your space.

4. Leveraging the Power of Color

Color plays a vital role in interior design, and designers often use HomeGoods to find bold accent pieces. They understand how colors can create mood, define spaces, and add visual drama.

Tip: Use a color palette for your home and select pieces that complement your chosen colors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold and bright hues for a statement piece.

5. Understanding the Art of Layering

Layering textures and patterns is an essential design technique, and HomeGoods offers a vast array of options. Designers often use the store to find unique throw pillows, rugs, and wall art that add depth and visual interest.

Tip: Consider the scale and pattern of your items. Choose a mix of textures and patterns, ensuring that the pieces work together to create a cohesive and visually appealing look.

Must-Have Categories for Designers

Here’s a breakdown of the categories interior designers frequently frequent at HomeGoods, along with their shopping strategies:

1. Furniture: From Statement Pieces to Accent Items

Interior designers look for furniture that’s well-made, stylish, and fits within their client’s budget. They often find:

  • Accent chairs: Unique shapes, colors, and patterns can instantly add personality to a room.
  • Coffee tables: Versatile options in different styles, materials, and sizes.
  • Side tables: Perfect for adding functional storage and style to any room.
  • Ottomans: Versatile and functional pieces that can be used for seating, storage, or as a footrest.

Tip: Consider the size and scale of furniture pieces. Measure your space before shopping to ensure that the items you choose will fit comfortably.

2. Decor: Adding Personality and Visual Interest

HomeGoods is a treasure trove of decorative items, allowing designers to add pops of personality and style to any space. They often find:

  • Throw pillows: A simple way to introduce color, pattern, and texture to a sofa or bed.
  • Wall art: From paintings to prints and sculptures, finding unique pieces that enhance a room’s style.
  • Mirrors: Can create the illusion of space, add light, and enhance a room’s overall design.
  • Vases and planters: Perfect for adding a touch of greenery and visual interest to any space.
  • Candles and diffusers: Create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere with their scents and ambiance.

Tip: Use decorative items to create focal points and add visual interest to your space. Consider your overall color palette and style when selecting decor.

3. Lighting: Setting the Mood and Enhancing Aesthetics

Lighting plays a crucial role in interior design, and designers often find unique and affordable lighting options at HomeGoods. They often look for:

  • Table lamps: Add warmth and visual interest to side tables and nightstands.
  • Floor lamps: Provide ambient lighting and create a cozy atmosphere in living rooms and bedrooms.
  • Chandeliers and pendant lights: Can be statement pieces that add drama and elegance to a space.
  • Sconces: Versatile lighting options that can add a touch of sophistication to any room.

Tip: Consider the type of lighting you need in each room. Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting for a well-lit and functional space.

4. Rugs: Grounding the Space and Defining Zones

Rugs are essential for defining spaces and adding warmth and texture to a room. Interior designers often find:

  • Area rugs: Define a specific area within a room, like a living room seating area or a dining room.
  • Runner rugs: Perfect for hallways, kitchens, and bedrooms, adding a touch of style and texture.
  • Outdoor rugs: Ideal for creating a welcoming and stylish outdoor living space.

Tip: Consider the size, shape, and color of the rug when selecting one for your space. Choose a rug that complements your existing furniture and decor.

5. Kitchenware and Linens: Everyday Essentials with Style

Interior designers understand that even everyday items can contribute to a home’s overall design. They often find:

  • Kitchen towels: Add a touch of color and pattern to a kitchen.
  • Dinnerware and glassware: Update a kitchen’s style with a new set of plates, bowls, and glasses.
  • Linens: Bedding, throws, and tablecloths can add softness, color, and texture to any room.

Tip: Look for items that complement your home’s existing style and add a touch of personality to your everyday essentials.

Beyond the Shopping List: The Interior Designer’s Mindset

Interior designers don’t just go shopping; they have a strategic approach that separates them from the average shopper. Here are some of their key mindset elements:

1. Vision and Inspiration:

Before entering a HomeGoods store, designers have a clear vision of the space they’re designing. They often come with mood boards, color palettes, and a list of specific needs. This helps them focus their shopping and avoid impulsive purchases.

2. Budget and Constraints:

Designers understand their clients’ budget and work within those constraints. They’re skilled at finding affordable options that meet both their design vision and the budget.

3. Functionality and Practicality:

Designers prioritize items that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They avoid buying pieces that are purely decorative and don’t serve a purpose in a room.

4. Adaptability and Flexibility:

Designers understand that styles evolve, and they’re open to finding pieces that can be easily adapted to different designs and trends.

5. The Art of Editing:

Designers are skilled at curating and editing their selections. They understand that less is often more and avoid overdecorating a space.

Tips for HomeGoods Shopping Success

Here are some additional tips for transforming your HomeGoods shopping experience into a successful design adventure:

  1. Plan your visit: Have a list of items you need and a general idea of the style you want to achieve. This helps you avoid getting overwhelmed.
  2. Check the clearance sections: These areas often contain hidden gems with significant price reductions.
  3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: HomeGoods staff members can provide assistance with finding specific items or navigating the store.
  4. Consider the return policy: HomeGoods has a generous return policy, so don’t hesitate to return an item if you don’t love it.
  5. Shop for the long haul: HomeGoods offers a wide selection of styles, so take your time and don’t feel pressured to buy everything in one visit.
  6. Don’t be afraid to mix and match: One of the joys of shopping at HomeGoods is the ability to create unique combinations of styles and pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to shop at HomeGoods?

The best time to shop at HomeGoods is typically during the week, early in the morning, or later in the evening, when the crowds are smaller. Weekends and holidays are usually busier, so you might find it challenging to navigate the aisles and find the perfect items.

What are the most common mistakes people make when shopping at HomeGoods?

One common mistake is buying too many items without a clear plan. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and buy things you don’t truly need. Another mistake is neglecting to check the condition of items, especially furniture. Look for signs of wear and tear, scratches, or missing parts before you buy.

How can I avoid buying items that clash with my existing décor?

Before you shop, create a color palette or a mood board for your home. This will help you stay on track and avoid purchasing items that don’t fit your overall style. Also, take swatches or photos of your existing furniture and decor to compare with potential purchases.

Are HomeGoods items always a good deal?

While HomeGoods offers many fantastic deals, it’s important to remember that the store’s inventory is often a mix of designer items, overstock, and clearance items. Some items might be priced competitively, while others might be more expensive than similar products at other retailers. It’s essential to compare prices and consider the quality of the items before you buy.

What are some tips for finding unique and unusual items at HomeGoods?

Explore the store’s lesser-visited sections, like the home office, kitchen, and seasonal displays. These areas often have hidden treasures that aren’t as popular as mainstream items. Also, don’t be afraid to dig through the clearance racks and bargain bins. You might be surprised by the unique finds you uncover.