<p>Shopping for one’s home is a time-consuming, labour-inducing affair. No matter how prepared we are, we always end up forgetting an item or two and then, have to repeat the process all over again. After every shopping episode, we do have the same questions running through our mind – Did we shop right? Did we buy every item on our list? Did we make some profit on this deal? Did we get a discount? Of course, we all make checklists. But do we do anything beyond that, like exercise a procedure during our shopping sojourns? If you are a part of the majority that says ‘No’, then here are some pointers to help you out.<br /><br />The all-important list<br /><br /></p>.<p>First things first. List out all your requirements on a sheet. This exercise itself is a skill. Note the required and the least required items. For example, note “new sofa” as a requirement and “old sofa” as least required. This will help you categorise the items that can be exchanged and the items that are necessary for your space. Next, filter the list. Analyse every item you have written down. Do you really need all of them? List and categorise the one that are absolutely necessary and ones which you would like to own just because you saw them at your friend’s place. For example, a new sofa might be your necessity, but the antique centre table might be something that fascinated you long time ago. <br /><br />Another example might make this funda crystal clear. A wardrobe is a necessity, but fabric-wrapped standing lamps might add up into your “like” list. Shop for the things in the necessary list first. This is called as a fanatic shopping. You can also make a list according to the rooms in your home or according to the categories like furniture, artifacts, electronics and so on.<br /><br />Think of the concept<br />Define a concept for your home based on the latest trends, colours, personal choices and so on. Be very clear with the kind of ambience you want to live in. Lights, curtains, cushions, carpets, all these are the dressings for your home. Picking these up is very easy, but to pick them according to the concept might be time-consuming and effortful. If your concept is singular, then it’s easy to zero in on artifacts in just one location. If not, you have to make multiple trips to multiple locations.<br />Matters of money<br /><br />Always have a planned budget for your shopping list. To further customise this budget, set limits for every individual item. You might be having a rough idea of rates for artifacts, lights, fabrics and the like. So, it’s a good idea always to have a budget set on your list and items as well. While hunting for these items, have the minimum rate of these items set on your mind; you may increase its credits on percentage scale of the items according to its performance. Whilst enjoying your spree, try not to exceed your budget. Now that you have got the basic processes out of your way, it’s time for the real action – shopping. There are so many outlets in the market today, which present a plethora of options. Here are some options that can help you enjoy your home shopping sojourns:<br /><br />Mall mania <br />Nowadays, many malls acknowledge the importance and profit of setting up a furniture section in their respective outlets. These furniture fit outs have surprisingly low prices and the designs are astonishing. The targeted market is the quotidian customers, who keep in touch with the latest trends and fit outs. The furniture displayed is mostly made out of MDF or pre-laminated boards that ensure you get products on the lighter side. But for your daily-use furniture, don’t invest in MDF. The accessorising furniture like small stools, shoe cabinet and CD shelves are the best buys in case of MDF boards. <br /><br />Something old, something newMany consumers love exchanging their old furniture for the new. The idea that we buy brand-new furniture by exchanging our old fit out is quite thrilling and convenient. But when you go in for such schemes, inspect the furniture thoroughly before you buy them. The furniture should have proper joints and should be made out of a good quality wood and last but not least, it should be worth the price you pay. Do not overlook the fact that your are selling your old furniture, so bargain for a good price and also try other outlets to get the best price for your furniture. <br /><br />Crazy for discounts<br /><br />Every time we shop, we look forward to discounts and sales. We never bargain for things that are already in sale because they automatically seem worth the price. Try to buy big items like furniture, light fixtures and carpets when the sale season is on. It’s a misconception that the products in such sales have less variety and are of low quality. But make sure you look out for discount offers of a branded company. Discount offers are adapted by companies to sell out their off season materials and materials which they could not sell due to their high price. <br /><br />Magic of flea markets<br /><br />This is a divine world for bargainers. Located at the sidewalks or in nondescript spaces, these markets comprise reselling materials and custom-made items. Known for their beauty quotient and economical value, the items put up for sale in flea markets give an antique appeal. You can also get your desired antique item (furniture, lights, artifacts, and the like) customised within your budget. If you are a good bargainer, then this is your field to play and win. If you are planning to make a trip to the wholesale market, make sure that the trip is worth your shopping safari; the list should suffice the cost and effort of travelling.<br /><br />Exhibitions galore<br /><br />Every new product launched by certain brands as well as new emerging companies exhibit their products in interior expos, and home decor exhibitions. In these exhibitions, you will find new trends and designs for all your needs. If you are looking forward to a home that can sport the new trends and unique items, then head to such exhibitions right now, choose and pick your objects of desire. But for such a selection, you need to be very thorough with your concepts. Some exhibitions are conceptualised, so your effort here is zero, but at the usual exhibitions you really need to put your design skills to work. <br /><br />Remember, shopping is successful only when executed thoughtfully. So, next time you want to shop for your lovely abode, remember to make a plan , and stick to it.<br /><br /><em>(The author is an interior designer)</em></p>
<p>Shopping for one’s home is a time-consuming, labour-inducing affair. No matter how prepared we are, we always end up forgetting an item or two and then, have to repeat the process all over again. After every shopping episode, we do have the same questions running through our mind – Did we shop right? Did we buy every item on our list? Did we make some profit on this deal? Did we get a discount? Of course, we all make checklists. But do we do anything beyond that, like exercise a procedure during our shopping sojourns? If you are a part of the majority that says ‘No’, then here are some pointers to help you out.<br /><br />The all-important list<br /><br /></p>.<p>First things first. List out all your requirements on a sheet. This exercise itself is a skill. Note the required and the least required items. For example, note “new sofa” as a requirement and “old sofa” as least required. This will help you categorise the items that can be exchanged and the items that are necessary for your space. Next, filter the list. Analyse every item you have written down. Do you really need all of them? List and categorise the one that are absolutely necessary and ones which you would like to own just because you saw them at your friend’s place. For example, a new sofa might be your necessity, but the antique centre table might be something that fascinated you long time ago. <br /><br />Another example might make this funda crystal clear. A wardrobe is a necessity, but fabric-wrapped standing lamps might add up into your “like” list. Shop for the things in the necessary list first. This is called as a fanatic shopping. You can also make a list according to the rooms in your home or according to the categories like furniture, artifacts, electronics and so on.<br /><br />Think of the concept<br />Define a concept for your home based on the latest trends, colours, personal choices and so on. Be very clear with the kind of ambience you want to live in. Lights, curtains, cushions, carpets, all these are the dressings for your home. Picking these up is very easy, but to pick them according to the concept might be time-consuming and effortful. If your concept is singular, then it’s easy to zero in on artifacts in just one location. If not, you have to make multiple trips to multiple locations.<br />Matters of money<br /><br />Always have a planned budget for your shopping list. To further customise this budget, set limits for every individual item. You might be having a rough idea of rates for artifacts, lights, fabrics and the like. So, it’s a good idea always to have a budget set on your list and items as well. While hunting for these items, have the minimum rate of these items set on your mind; you may increase its credits on percentage scale of the items according to its performance. Whilst enjoying your spree, try not to exceed your budget. Now that you have got the basic processes out of your way, it’s time for the real action – shopping. There are so many outlets in the market today, which present a plethora of options. Here are some options that can help you enjoy your home shopping sojourns:<br /><br />Mall mania <br />Nowadays, many malls acknowledge the importance and profit of setting up a furniture section in their respective outlets. These furniture fit outs have surprisingly low prices and the designs are astonishing. The targeted market is the quotidian customers, who keep in touch with the latest trends and fit outs. The furniture displayed is mostly made out of MDF or pre-laminated boards that ensure you get products on the lighter side. But for your daily-use furniture, don’t invest in MDF. The accessorising furniture like small stools, shoe cabinet and CD shelves are the best buys in case of MDF boards. <br /><br />Something old, something newMany consumers love exchanging their old furniture for the new. The idea that we buy brand-new furniture by exchanging our old fit out is quite thrilling and convenient. But when you go in for such schemes, inspect the furniture thoroughly before you buy them. The furniture should have proper joints and should be made out of a good quality wood and last but not least, it should be worth the price you pay. Do not overlook the fact that your are selling your old furniture, so bargain for a good price and also try other outlets to get the best price for your furniture. <br /><br />Crazy for discounts<br /><br />Every time we shop, we look forward to discounts and sales. We never bargain for things that are already in sale because they automatically seem worth the price. Try to buy big items like furniture, light fixtures and carpets when the sale season is on. It’s a misconception that the products in such sales have less variety and are of low quality. But make sure you look out for discount offers of a branded company. Discount offers are adapted by companies to sell out their off season materials and materials which they could not sell due to their high price. <br /><br />Magic of flea markets<br /><br />This is a divine world for bargainers. Located at the sidewalks or in nondescript spaces, these markets comprise reselling materials and custom-made items. Known for their beauty quotient and economical value, the items put up for sale in flea markets give an antique appeal. You can also get your desired antique item (furniture, lights, artifacts, and the like) customised within your budget. If you are a good bargainer, then this is your field to play and win. If you are planning to make a trip to the wholesale market, make sure that the trip is worth your shopping safari; the list should suffice the cost and effort of travelling.<br /><br />Exhibitions galore<br /><br />Every new product launched by certain brands as well as new emerging companies exhibit their products in interior expos, and home decor exhibitions. In these exhibitions, you will find new trends and designs for all your needs. If you are looking forward to a home that can sport the new trends and unique items, then head to such exhibitions right now, choose and pick your objects of desire. But for such a selection, you need to be very thorough with your concepts. Some exhibitions are conceptualised, so your effort here is zero, but at the usual exhibitions you really need to put your design skills to work. <br /><br />Remember, shopping is successful only when executed thoughtfully. So, next time you want to shop for your lovely abode, remember to make a plan , and stick to it.<br /><br /><em>(The author is an interior designer)</em></p>
