The strategy behind bargain hunting for furniture

Do you appreciate a bargain? One of the challenges of designing model homes is finding furniture selections that are attractive, unique and affordable. It may not seem like it, but bargain hunting requires a smart strategy! Are you surprised? If you follow my blog posts, you know that I’m a planner.

First off, we start with a furniture plan. This when we decide what furniture we need along with our guidelines of sizes. If we are working on more than one model, we usually do one at a time to stay focused. You too may want to start with one room at a time, if bargain shopping for your home.

We begin by sourcing online to narrow down the choices. A list of furniture is created with the items that are of interest, with the related store locations. I usually make a point of seeing every piece in person. Sure, it takes extra time and effort to go to the store and see it but it is worth the time. Each piece that goes into the models must have my stamp of approval. Bargain hunting and home decor selections should not be rushed.

Items found online are sometimes dismissed once I see the actual colour or quality in person. And the bonus of visiting the stores is that some items, especially those on sale, are not always on websites. Cutting back on quality to save money is sometimes acceptable if you are working on a room that is seldom used. For rooms that are used daily, you should definitely hold out until you find high quality pieces.

Another favourite choice for great bargain hunting is HomeSense. You need to go often as product changes quickly. If you see a great piece, snap it up right away as it likely won’t be there when you go back! In fact, if I see a great furniture piece at HomeSense while I am shopping, I will find a sales rep right away to claim it. I also like to visit antique and country stores for bargains and unique items.

In scouring the city for products to use in our ongoing and upcoming model home projects, we found some exceptional values. We are excited to share with you our top 5 furniture picks that demonstrate both style and value.

1) Batik Aqua Side Chair

Elte Market: Batik Aqua Side Chair: $175.00. We found it on sale for $99.00

The unique patterns and tie-dyed colours on this chair make it versatile and fun.

2) Flynn Ottoman

Urban Barn, Flynn Ottoman: $369.00-$399.00

These jewel-like ottomans add a pop of colour! They also provide the flexibility of acting as seating or tables. 

3) Regissor Glass Door Cabinet

IKEA, Regissor Glass Door Cabinet: $299.00

The Regissor series can be used in transitional or traditional settings. This piece adds warmth and character while providing function for storage or display. As with many collections that IKEA retails, the Regissor series is customizable to fit your home’s needs. This glass door cabinet has adjustable shelves as well as adjustable feet and can be purchased with a drawered base instead of the full bookcase look. Use this cabinet as a bookcase or a stand-alone display case.

4) Seattle Dining Table

Structube, Seattle Dining Table: $549.00

The Seattle Dining Table from Structube has a French, rustic appearance. It is made from acacia wood which is durable, water resistant, and also naturally antibacterial; a very practical piece for where food will be served. And it’s great look and value are hard to beat!

5) Kubu Dining Chair

Pier 1, Kubu Dining Chair: $159.95

This trend-forward and affordable chair can be combined with other chairs or as the main event. Use this piece to achieve the new trend of bringing the outdoors in/indoors out. The chair has durable rattan weaving and can be featured in both rustic and contemporary rooms.

Look for these and other great bargain show stoppers in our upcoming model homes for Mason Homes Parklands’ site located in Peterborough, due to open this spring!

Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts Inc. The award winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new home buyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new home buyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.