How to Navigate Design Showrooms
Jardan - Paddington
How to Navigate Design Showrooms Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Walking into a design showroom can feel intimidating—especially when you're faced with endless choices, unfamiliar terms, and perfectly styled vignettes that seem out of reach. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start.
But showrooms don’t have to be daunting. With a little preparation, you can turn them into a source of inspiration and confidence. The secret? A well-prepped mood board, paired with a bit of research ahead of time. Let me walk you through how to use these tools effectively.
1. Prep Your Mood Board Before You Go
Think of your mood board as your personal design guide. It’s a small, portable collection of your style, vision, and needs.
Here’s how to create one:
Include Your Essentials: Fabric swatches, paint chips, and printed inspiration images are a must.
Add Practical Details: Bring room dimensions, existing furniture measurements, and photos of your space. These details ensure your choices will fit—not just in style, but also in scale.
Keep It Compact: Make your board small enough to carry in your bag or portfolio for easy reference.
2. Do Some Research Beforehand
Knowledge is power, and doing a little homework before heading out can make a big difference.
Browse Online: Visit showroom websites or search online for items you’re interested in. This gives you an idea of pricing and availability.
Know What to Expect: Familiarise yourself with the types of items each showroom offers—this can help you prioritise where to go and what to look for.
Set a Budget: Understanding general price ranges will give you extra confidence when making decisions.
3. Use Your Mood Board to Stay Focused
Once you’re in the showroom, your mood board becomes your compass.
Here’s how to use it:
Match It to Displays: Hold your mood board up to showroom vignettes to see if the pieces align with your style. This instantly narrows down your options.
Test Materials: Place samples—like fabric or tile—directly on your board. Viewing in natural light is ideal, as showroom lights tend to distort colour. This helps you visualise how they’ll look in your space.
Avoid Distractions: If an item doesn’t match your board, it’s not the right fit. Staying focused will save you time and stress.
4. Explore Paddington’s Best Design Showrooms
Ready to put this method to the test? I’ve created a Paddington Design Tour Guide to help you navigate some of Sydney’s best showrooms with ease.
Here’s what’s inside:
An interactive PDF featuring showroom highlights, tips, and what to expect.
A Google Maps link to help you plan your route and make the most of your visit.
Whether you’re redecorating your home or simply gathering inspiration, this guide is your ultimate companion for a stress-free showroom experience.
How to Get Your Guide
Want to start your Paddington design adventure? Visit my shop to learn more and download the guide.
MCM House - Paddington
The Raconteur - Paddington
© Donna Vercoe. All rights reserved. Images, including CAD drawings, Nikon DSLR, and iPhone photographs, are the property of Donna Vercoe.
