De-stressing Design Decisions

Decorating your living space is supposed to be fun. If high prices, high-pressure sales tactics and clueless consultants have you stressing over your design decisions, it may be time to simplify the process.

Here are a handful of common design decision headaches and a few ideas for curing them:

Too many options

Before you confront a dizzying array of options in a big box store or a design showroom, narrow your choices by deciding what style you like. Settling on an overall style that will be carried throughout your design can help you eliminate design options right off the bat.

High-pressure sales tactics

Buying design elements at a specialty store has advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, you’re more likely to find a knowledgeable salesperson. On the other, you may face high-pressure sales tactics. Shopping online at specialty sites like Blinds.com is a great solution.

You can find plenty of advice and high-quality options, minus the pressure of dealing face-to-face with a pushy salesperson in your home.

Clueless customer service

Clueless customer service is another major design decision stress-causer. Sometimes you need guidance and to talk to someone who knows enough about what you’re buying to be able to interpret your description of what you’re looking for when you don’t really know what it’s called.

Your chances of finding that level of expertise are much better with a specialty store or online seller.

High prices and questionable quality

Comparison shopping is the best way to avoid overpaying or purchasing poor quality goods. And the Internet is the easiest way to comparison shop. You can Google what you’re shopping for, or try price comparison websites like PriceGrabber.com or Nextag.com.

Taking the stress out of design decisions doesn’t have to be difficult. Refining your choices and using online resources can renew your enjoyment of the design process.