Authenticity Or Mediocrity

I'm constantly being asked by friends for recommendations on what to get for their homes since they think I'm quite good at buying stuff here and there. While the recent holiday season shows that everyone practically goes googoo-gaga over sales, my advice for friends and whoever that's interested to get that something special for the home to NOT GIVE IN to the urge to buy cheap stuff.

Yes, you heard me right. The market's flooded with a lot of cheap imitation stuff and wanabes. You wouldn't want your house to look like a cheap place with mediocre home decor or furniture that will only last a year or 2 before they start falling apart. My advice is also NOT to go for the top of the range unless the tree or bushes outside your house or apartment is sprouting dollars instead of leaves.

Go for the mid-range type of furniture. It doesn't have to be down right boring. Think about a nice consistent theme that you would want your home to have. Then plan your budget and start saving up some moolah. I recently came across some really beautiful quality Moroccan furniture which will definitely add loads of character to any room.

Also, before you jump on the bandwagon to buy any, please verify that it's authentic and not some cheap hand made stuff that's pretending to be authentic or original. Bottom line, you want to enjoy what you get and make sure that it also serves some practical justification for getting it. So, might as well get some culture and artistic handiwork to enjoy as well.

It's also an excellent way to support some of the local communities and encourage a continuation of traditional craftsmanship to be passed on if there's a demand for authentic local products from some of these countries.

On the lighter side, some friends ended up buying really beautiful items only to discover to their horror that it won't fit properly in their limited space apartment. So please put on your thinking cap and have the area where you want to put your new furniture or home decor measured to ensure that it will fit. Otherwise, the delivery company folks may end up with a good laugh when they send over your amazing furniture.