I liked what David Flando of Habitat said in the March 2009 CHPA Newsletter about “Keeping up with the Joneses.” Basically, what he said was that our efforts to one-up each other in high-end design and technology reduces the bottom line of our industry. For example, according to the Highland Group, over one third of all units currently have flat panel television screens installed in them, and that number is expected to increases by the end of 2009. Let’s face it: it’s a fun place to work, but at the end of the day we’re in this to make money.
Here are a few ideas for investing in good electronic equipment and high end design without breaking the bank:
- eBay. Technology quickly becomes outdated, gets refurbished and put on eBay. I buy almost all of my personal electronic equipment here and I’ve never been ripped off.
- Craig’s List. I’ve found everything from Eames folding screens to Moroccan mosaic tables on Craig’s List, all at hugely discounted rates.
- Shop like a designer. Interior designers are always shopping flea markets and second hand stores in their free time, in addition to hitting up the higher end design stores. If you or someone on your staff is handy, you can easily refurbish a piece of furniture and include it in your design scheme.
Standing out from the crowd requires hard work and creativity. One way to combat the “Keeping up with the Joneses” mentality is to be unique.