Ready To Purchase Your First Designer Piece

Ready to purchase your first designer piece, but not sure where to start? Here’s what to note before making that investment.

- Melody Bay

LIKE FASHION, INTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNITURE HAVE DESIGNER LABELS, TOO. SOME PIECES ARE SO ICONIC, THEY HAVE ATTAINED CULT STATUS AND ARE IMMEDIATELY RECOGNISABLE.

For the houseproud, owning an item by Philippe Starck or Verner Panton is the equivalent of a coveted designer bag or pair of shoes for the fashionista. Whether you love dramatic conversation starters or more understated homeware, there’s no denying that a good designer piece is worth investing in – even if only for the bragging rights.

For those thinking of making a purchase, here’s what you need to know while navigating the uncharted terrain of designer furniture for the first time.

THE LOOK

Love the look of a certain chair or lamp? While it may look good on its own, it may appear different in the surroundings of your home – just as a designer bag that’s perfect on the shelf may not be proportionate to your body when held against it.

Do your research by looking for images of the same item in different settings on Pinterest. Louis Poulsen’s iconic PH 5 lamp, for example, lends a decadent touch to a large contemporary bedroom and makes a dramatic focal point in the small doorway of a minimalist home as well.

These days, augmented reality apps like Amazon’s AR View even let you visualise how the furniture will look in your home. Don’t forget to check the exact dimensions of the item in proportion to the space you have allocated for it.

THE MATTER OF BRAND NAMES