Hey there! Today, I want to take you on a little shopping adventure as we search for the perfect furniture and home decor. We’ll be visiting two consignment shops in Irvine, California, called Just Like The Model and Home Consignment Center. Julie Khuu, our expert guide, will share her tips on what to look for when sourcing big-ticket items like sofas and casegoods, as well as smaller accessories like lamps and artwork. Julie will also discuss her love for repurposing artwork, highlight some standout pieces she finds, and even give her opinion on the color gray for living rooms. So, if you’re in the mood for some interior design inspiration and want to avoid making mistakes while shopping, let’s join Julie on this exciting shopping trip!
Now, let’s head on over to Just Like The Model, a furniture warehouse that offers gently used furniture, often brand new or used for model home staging. Julie will show us her favorite finds and give us some great tips on redecorating our living spaces. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! We’ll also visit Home Consignment Center, where Julie will browse through the affordable luxury pieces and share her experiences furnishing a bachelor’s pad with consignment furniture. So, get ready to be inspired and don’t miss out on Julie’s pro designer tips as we embark on this fun shopping journey together.
Don’t Make These Mistakes When Shopping For Interior Design And Decor!
Introduction to the article topic
When it comes to shopping for interior design and decor, there are several mistakes that can easily be made. Whether you’re sourcing big-ticket items like furniture or smaller accessories like artwork and lamps, it’s important to be mindful of the challenges and pitfalls that can arise. In this article, we’ll explore some common mistakes to avoid and provide practical tips and advice to help you navigate the world of interior design and decor shopping.
Brief overview of the challenges when shopping for interior design and decor
Shopping for interior design and decor can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There are numerous options to choose from, and it can be difficult to know where to start. Additionally, there are various factors to consider, such as price, quality, style, and functionality. It’s important to strike a balance between finding pieces that fit your personal taste and budget while also ensuring they enhance your living space. With that said, let’s dive into some specific areas of interior design and decor shopping and explore common mistakes to avoid.
Shopping for Furniture and Home Decor
Julie Khuu’s shopping trip to consignment shops in Irvine, California
To provide some practical insight into interior design and decor shopping, let’s take a look at Julie Khuu’s shopping trip to consignment shops in Irvine, California. Julie Khuu is an experienced interior designer who shares her tips and advice on what to look for when sourcing furniture and home decor items.
Tips for sourcing big-ticket items
When it comes to sourcing big-ticket items like sofas and casegoods, Julie Khuu recommends paying attention to factors such as quality, durability, and comfort. She highlights a slipcovered sofa by Four Hands, a trade-only vendor, that offers a traditional and classy vibe. It’s important to consider the materials used, the construction of the piece, and how it will fit into your overall design scheme.
Tips for sourcing smaller accessories
In addition to big-ticket items, sourcing smaller accessories like lamps and artwork is another crucial aspect of interior design and decor shopping. Julie Khuu emphasizes the importance of complementing the existing aesthetic of your space while also adding your own personal touch. For example, she loves repurposing artwork by reusing frames or incorporating her own art or photography pieces. It’s all about finding pieces that resonate with your style and create a cohesive and visually appealing look.
Highlighting the first consignment shop: Just Like The Model
One of the consignment shops Julie Khuu visits is Just Like The Model, a furniture warehouse that offers gently used furniture, often brand new or used for model home staging. This shop provides an opportunity to find high-quality furniture at discounted prices. It’s a great place to source statement pieces or unique finds that can add character and style to your living space.
Gently used furniture and brand new items
Just Like The Model offers a mix of gently used furniture and brand new items. This means you can find pieces that are in excellent condition and have a lower price tag compared to buying new. It’s important to inspect the furniture thoroughly, checking for any signs of damage or wear. By doing so, you can ensure you’re getting a great deal without sacrificing quality.
Discussion on repurposing artwork
Julie Khuu’s love for repurposing artwork is evident during her shopping trip. She looks for artwork with great frames or canvases that can be used for her own pieces. This approach allows her to create unique and personalized artwork while also saving money. It’s a great way to add your own touch to your living space and make it truly reflective of your style.
Showcasing a statement art piece with glossy finish concerns
During the shopping trip, Julie Khuu comes across a statement art piece for her home office. While she loves the moody colors and the ever-changing palette, she expresses concern about the glossy finish. This highlights the importance of considering the finish and texture of furniture and decor items. It’s essential to choose pieces that not only look great but also suit your personal preferences in terms of appearance and functionality.
Spotlight on a slipcovered sofa by Four Hands
Julie Khuu showcases a slipcovered sofa by Four Hands, a trade-only vendor known for their high-quality pieces. The sofa offers a blend of comfort, style, and practicality with its slipcovered design. This type of sofa allows for easy cleaning and maintenance while also offering a versatile and timeless look. When shopping for sofas, it’s important to consider factors such as fabric, comfort, durability, and how it will fit into your overall design concept.
Benefits of faux indoor plants
Indoor plants are a popular choice for adding greenery and life to living spaces. Julie Khuu discusses the benefits of using faux indoor plants. While real plants offer their own benefits, faux plants can provide a low-maintenance alternative that still offers the same aesthetic appeal. It’s important to choose faux plants that look realistic and almost identical to real plants to achieve the desired effect.
Opinions on using gray as a color for living rooms
When it comes to color choices for living rooms, Julie Khuu shares her opinion on using gray. While gray can be a versatile and neutral color, she cautions that using too much gray can make a space feel dreary and lack warmth. She recommends having a clear design direction when incorporating gray decor, such as pairing it with a bold and colorful rug to create contrast and balance.
Showcasing bold furniture pieces
Bold furniture pieces can make a significant impact on living spaces. Julie Khuu showcases a Chartreuse colored sectional, a velvet dining chair, and a variety of unique and eye-catching pieces. These bold statement pieces can serve as focal points and sources of visual interest in a room. It’s important to consider how these pieces will blend with the overall design concept and the other elements in the space.
Opinions on lamp with faux marble base
During her shopping trip, Julie Khuu comes across a lamp with a faux marble base. She shares her opinion on faux pieces, stating that she tends to stay away from them unless they are trees. It’s important to be mindful of the materials used in furniture and decor items to ensure their quality and durability. While faux marble can offer a similar aesthetic to real marble, it’s essential to consider your preferences and prioritize authenticity when it comes to certain materials.
Advice on shopping with a list and finding unexpected finds
Julie Khuu advises shopping with a list to stay focused and ensure you find the specific pieces you need. However, she also encourages keeping an open mind and being open to unexpected finds. Great deals and unique pieces can often be found when you least expect them. By balancing focused shopping with the flexibility to explore, you can make exciting discoveries and find items that truly enhance your living space.
Mention of a stunning etagere on sale
Julie Khuu mentions a stunning etagere she comes across, which is on sale for $400. This showcases the possibility of finding high-quality pieces at discounted prices. It’s important to keep an eye out for sales and promotions, as they can provide opportunities to get beautiful furniture and decor items at a fraction of their original cost.
Inspecting Furniture and Making Wise Choices
Admiration for distressed cabinet
One of the furniture pieces that Julie Khuu admires is a distressed cabinet. She loves the antique-looking design and the functionality it offers as both a sideboard and a media console. This highlights the importance of finding furniture pieces that not only look great but also serve a practical purpose in your living space.
Preference for gray distressed or white cabinet
When it comes to choosing between a gray distressed or a white cabinet, Julie Khuu asks for opinions. This shows that personal preferences and the existing color scheme play a significant role in decision-making. It’s essential to consider how different colors and finishes will work in your space and complement the overall design concept.
Importance of inspecting drawers and cabinets for damage
Julie Khuu emphasizes the importance of inspecting drawers and cabinets for any signs of damage before making a purchase. This includes checking for loose hinges, damaged handles, or any structural issues. By thoroughly inspecting furniture pieces, you can ensure their quality and durability, minimizing the chances of encountering issues down the line.
Appreciation for designer piece with genuine leather handles
During her shopping trip, Julie Khuu expresses admiration for a designer piece with genuine leather handles. This highlights the value of craftsmanship and quality materials in furniture pieces. It’s important to consider the materials used and the overall construction of the piece to ensure longevity and durability.
Praise for stone footed pedestal table
Julie Khuu praises a stone footed pedestal table that she comes across. The natural stone material and discounted price make it an attractive option for adding a touch of elegance to any space. This showcases the diversity of materials available for furniture pieces and the importance of choosing options that fit your personal style and budget.
Caution against faux pieces
While discussing furniture options, Julie Khuu cautions against faux pieces, such as a laminate table made to look like marble. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and choosing high-quality materials. When shopping for furniture, it’s crucial to consider the longevity and durability of the materials used to ensure that your pieces will withstand the test of time.
Preferential choices for natural materials
Julie Khuu expresses a preference for furniture made with natural materials. She appreciates the beauty and authenticity that comes with using materials like wood and stone. When shopping for furniture, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of the materials used and choose options that align with your values and preferences.
The impact of statement pieces on living spaces
Julie Khuu emphasizes the impact that statement pieces can have on living spaces. These bold and eye-catching pieces can make a significant difference in the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of a room. By choosing statement pieces that resonate with your personal style and design vision, you can create a unique and visually appealing space.
Appreciation for the selection of table lamps
During her shopping trip, Julie Khuu takes note of the selection of table lamps available. Table lamps not only provide functional lighting but also add visual interest and complement the overall design of a space. It’s important to choose lamps that not only match your aesthetic but also provide the right amount of lighting for your needs.
Suggestion to use lamp shades with existing bases
To add versatility to your lighting options, Julie Khuu suggests using lamp shades with existing lamp bases. This allows you to change the look and feel of a lamp without having to purchase an entirely new piece. It’s a cost-effective way of refreshing your space and experimenting with different styles and designs.
Variety of outdoor furniture and accessories
During her shopping trip, Julie Khuu highlights the variety of outdoor furniture and accessories available. Outdoor spaces are an extension of your living area, and it’s essential to choose furniture and accessories that are not only stylish but also durable and weather-resistant. This ensures that your outdoor spaces can be enjoyed and utilized throughout the year.
Observation of a Sanufu African stool replica
While browsing the consignment shop, Julie Khuu notices a Sanufu African stool replica. While aesthetically pleasing, she mentions that there are cracks in the stool, suggesting potential issues with the construction. This highlights the importance of considering the quality and durability of furniture pieces, even if they are replicas or decorative items.
Significance of a full warehouse in indicating market recovery and consumer activity
Julie Khuu mentions that the consignment shop’s full warehouse is an indicator of a recovering market and increased consumer activity. A full warehouse suggests that people are actively engaging in buying and selling furniture, which can be a positive sign for the overall economy. It’s an encouraging observation for both shoppers and sellers in the interior design and decor industry.
Luxury Consignment Center and Finding Gems
Transition to a luxury consignment center
Julie Khuu transitions to a luxury consignment center, offering a different shopping experience compared to the previous consignment shop. This showcases the diversity of options available when it comes to interior design and decor shopping. Luxury consignment centers often offer higher-end and designer pieces, making them an excellent choice for those looking for unique and high-quality items.
Excitement for the treasure hunt experience
Julie Khuu expresses excitement for the treasure hunt experience that comes with shopping at a luxury consignment center. The thrill of finding hidden gems and unique pieces adds an element of adventure to the shopping process. It’s important to approach interior design and decor shopping with an open mind and a sense of curiosity to fully appreciate and enjoy the experience.
Admiration for leather club chairs with rattan cane detailing
One of the pieces that catches Julie Khuu’s attention at the luxury consignment center is a pair of leather club chairs with rattan cane detailing. This showcases the combination of materials and styles in furniture design. It’s important to consider how different materials and textures can work together to create visually appealing and cohesive spaces.
Dislike for polished brass
While discussing the furniture options at the luxury consignment center, Julie Khuu mentions her dislike for polished brass. This highlights the importance of personal preferences when it comes to interior design and decor. It’s crucial to choose pieces that resonate with your style and create a space that feels truly reflective of your personality and taste.
Affordable luxury pieces in good condition
Luxury consignment centers often offer affordable luxury pieces that are in good condition. This provides an opportunity to find high-quality and premium items at more accessible price points. It’s important to take advantage of these options and explore different consignment shops to discover hidden treasures and unique pieces for your home.
Sharing past experiences with consignment furniture
Julie Khuu shares her past experiences with furnishing a bachelor’s pad using consignment furniture. This showcases the versatility and potential of consignment pieces in transforming and enhancing living spaces. Consignment furniture can often offer unique and unconventional options that add character and style to any room.
Interest in chartreuse velvet ottoman, tall bookshelves, and teak media console
During her shopping trip, Julie Khuu expresses interest in various pieces, including a chartreuse velvet ottoman, tall bookshelves, and a teak media console. This showcases her appreciation for different styles and her ability to envision how these pieces can work within a space. It’s important to explore different options and consider how various pieces can complement and enhance your overall design concept.
Discussion on matchy-matchy furniture sets
When it comes to furniture sets, Julie Khuu discusses the concept of matchy-matchy. While matching furniture sets can provide a coordinated and cohesive look, they can also lack personality and originality. It’s important to strike a balance between matching pieces and incorporating unique and individual elements to create a space that feels authentic and personal.
The importance of coffee table height matching with the sofa
Julie Khuu emphasizes the importance of choosing a coffee table that matches the height of the sofa. This ensures a comfortable and visually pleasing arrangement in your living space. When shopping for coffee tables, it’s essential to consider the dimensions and proportions of your sofa to create a balanced and cohesive look.
Mixed opinions on pop art
During her shopping trip, Julie Khuu encounters pop art pieces and expresses mixed opinions. Pop art can be a bold and vibrant addition to any space but may not be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s important to consider your personal preferences and the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve when incorporating pop art into your interior design and decor.
Appreciation for a cute side table and coffee table with round corners
Julie Khuu highlights a cute side table and coffee table with round corners during her shopping trip. She mentions that the round corners are beneficial for good feng shui. This showcases the attention to detail and the consideration of various elements, such as shape and form, in creating a harmonious and balanced living space.
Attention to a cute swivel chair
A cute swivel chair catches Julie Khuu’s attention during her shopping trip. Swivel chairs can add functionality and versatility to a space, allowing for easy movement and adjustment. It’s important to consider the practicality of furniture pieces in addition to their aesthetic appeal to ensure they meet your specific needs and requirements.
Encouragement for reupholstering to give new life to furniture
Julie Khuu encourages viewers to consider reupholstering furniture as a way to give new life to older pieces. Reupholstering allows you to update the look and feel of a piece without having to replace it entirely. It’s a cost-effective and sustainable option that can drastically transform the appearance and functionality of your furniture.
Conclusion highlighting the importance of inspiration and sourcing second-hand furniture at discounted prices
In conclusion, Julie Khuu highlights the importance of finding inspiration and being open to sourcing second-hand furniture at discounted prices. Interior design and decor shopping can be a fun and creative process, and by exploring different options and thinking outside the box, you can create unique and personalized spaces that truly reflect your style and personality. It’s all about finding the perfect balance between quality, aesthetics, and affordability in order to create a space that you love and enjoy.
