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標題: Resonable Priced Furniture Store ?? [打印本頁]

作者: pkphilip 時間: 2013-2-18 00:34 標題: Resonable Priced Furniture Store ??

I am moving to a new place and need new furniture (bed, sofa, table etc). Other than Ikea, any other places you guys go to to buy?

I am looking for something reasonably priced and practical. I am not after the latest style and more for contemporary.

If you shop in US as alternative, where do you go?

Philip

作者: librazhy 時間: 2013-2-18 01:56

I slept on many different kind of mattress before, in my own opinion, this is the most comfortable

http://www.naturalform.com/sleep-systems/cumulus.php

作者: yuusaku 時間: 2013-2-18 11:21

i bought SULTAN HANSBO from ikea....firmness is a personal preference...

definitely don't like dealing with sales person at mattress store...i prefer ikea's fixed price.

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-18 11:56

Mattress可以好貴.... 我朋友啱啱買咗張８千幾。

同埋我真係覺得冇"reasonable"嘅家俬店。我覺得最平係買２手（或咁啱俾你遇到closing sale）。其實啲家俬真係唔知點解咁貴，我上年裝修都去咗好多間家俬舗，我發現啲價隔差好遠，一係就Ikea價，一係就去到天價（italian designer乜乜物）。冇咩中間俾你揀。你有時間，又唔介意shipping咪試吓落美國囉。老實講，我都算闊綽，但係２萬幾蚊嘅梳化我買唔落手。

作者: blue20ae 時間: 2013-2-18 12:28

回復 1# pkphilip

I won't consider buying furniture from US. It is too expensive if return is needed. Too risky.

作者: BiscottiGelato 時間: 2013-2-18 12:41

I am looking for light grey fabric sofa. Contemporary styled. Want something better than IKEA but not much more than IKEA pricing... Seems to be extremely difficult to find...

On the other hand, if you happened to be living in tighter spaces and don't mind to spend a little more on your furniture to maximize said spaces, you can try this place
http://www.resourcefurniture.com/

It was featured a while ago on a post on transformable apartment spaces. They have a showroom/office in downtown. I've visited and some of the pieces are very well built despite being tranformable. Very functional.

作者: tsawwassen 時間: 2013-2-18 12:43

I have something to sale, please take a look.
http://lam8011.shawwebspace.ca/photos/view/moving_sales/

Thanks.

作者: ACC-HE 時間: 2013-2-18 12:46

本帖最後由 ACC-HE 於 2013-2-18 12:47 編輯

http://www.inspirationfurniture.ca/
http://vivointeriors.com/
WALMART
CANADIAN TIRE

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2013-2-18 14:07

本帖最後由布小熊於 2013-2-18 14:11 編輯

I got my sofa at http://www.eq3.com/ca/en/ years ago.
It's not bad but if I knew that my future (thus now current) hubby is big and tall, I wouldn't have picked this sofa. It's good for me but too small for him.

another place I looked was urban barn. Sale price isn't too too crazy $$$.
http://www.urbanbarn.com/products/Sale/Sale-Furniture

作者: BiscottiGelato 時間: 2013-2-18 14:09

Innovation Furniture... Carries stuff like Natuzzi and Italsofa and stuff man....

And then EQ3...

I thought we were talking IKEA? LOL

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2013-2-18 14:12

Innovation Furniture... Carries stuff like Natuzzi and Italsofa and stuff man....

And then EQ3...

...
BiscottiGelato 發表於 2013-2-18 02:09 PM

yeah Natuzzi is expensive...
Inspiration is also $$$ unless you catch something on sale/clearance

作者: ACC-HE 時間: 2013-2-18 14:21

wait til boxing week, or if u know an interior designer, they can give u a discount too.

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-18 14:27

WALMART
CANADIAN TIRE
ACC-HE 發表於 2013-2-18 12:46

Inspiration貴到喊！就係幾皮嘢一張梳化，嚇到你冇肉。

另一邊箱，Walmart/ Can Tire嗰啲cheap到喊，啲料真係好膠而且快爛。如果你租屋，只係用一年半載，都或者可以（係或者，因爲可能幾個月貨仔）。

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-18 14:41

wait til boxing week, or if u know an interior designer, they can give u a discount too.
ACC-HE 發表於 2013-2-18 14:21

點等多１０個月boxing week？

而且boxing week真係未必買到心頭好。

有個小貼士，你上網（craigslist, facebook, etc)會搵到好多私人furniture maker，佢哋會通常賣幾張／幾款傢俬，例如dining table + coffee table。佢有啲可以做到少少customization，就算係現成，quality都會好過Walmart/ Can Tire/ Urban Brick/ IKEA，價錢又會平過有牌子傢俬，最緊要係獨一無二。

其實買２手都真係幾平，我自己有時啲舊傢俬唔想自己搬走都會免費上網＂賣＂，within幾個鐘就有人嚟pick up，而且乾手淨腳。好似我呢啲咁嘅人網上好多，如果唔係太picky的話隨時執到好嘢！（當然我唔encourage你買舊mattress或布梳化啦）

作者: ACC-HE 時間: 2013-2-18 14:49

本帖最後由 ACC-HE 於 2013-2-18 14:57 編輯

Costco online ok too, no need membership
http://www.costco.ca/furniture.html

作者: BiscottiGelato 時間: 2013-2-18 15:55

Actually i looked at EQ3 site. Prices isn't that bad. Okay looking fabric sofa starting around $600/$700. Love seat under $600. Reasonable.

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-18 16:08

Actually i looked at EQ3 site. Prices isn't that bad. Okay looking fabric sofa starting around $600/ ...
BiscottiGelato 發表於 2013-2-18 15:55

EQ3啲價錢OK㗎，而且你去到其實有好多布俾你揀，不過唔係張張梳化都坐得舒服。

作者: ACC-HE 時間: 2013-2-18 16:38

EQ3's sofa... very soft.

作者: BiscottiGelato 時間: 2013-2-18 16:40

oh really? EQ3 sofa IKEA like then? i guess not really that good then.

A friend of mine is telling me to Moes. But closes 6pm everyday but Saturday. Argh. They really dun want people that actually have to work to shop at their place do they?

作者: ACC-HE 時間: 2013-2-18 16:54

seahorse has sofa, firm, but quite old fashion

作者: reyes 時間: 2013-2-18 16:59

i recommend to take a look at garage sale inc near Ikea
their sofa and table are ok

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-18 17:42

oh really? EQ3 sofa IKEA like then? i guess not really that good then.

A friend of mine is telling ...
BiscottiGelato 發表於 2013-2-18 16:40

Moe's係OK㗎，不過都要準備多少少budget，因爲唔平囉。

作者: BiscottiGelato 時間: 2013-2-18 17:51

Moe's係OK㗎，不過都要準備多少少budget，因爲唔平囉。
大C姐發表於 2013-2-18 17:42

Will go try take a look and report back if there's still any steam to this thread.

作者: B2L2 時間: 2013-2-18 18:07

本帖最後由 B2L2 於 2013-2-18 18:11 編輯

EQ3 quality is not too good, better than IKEA a bit.  Moe's, Urban Barn have okay selection but their mark up is a bit arrr.

There are also few asian running stores at Richmond and united blv.  More modern pieces with cheaper price.  Same old stories of copied styles in discounted price and discounted quality.

My wife once posted the Style in Form sales info here before, you could check that too.

True that interior designer / interior decorator may able to help you find interesting piece in better price.  I know because my wife is an interior decorator.

Custom pieces, unique for sure but they aren't much cheaper I could tell you. In the price range of Moe's. Our dinning table is a custom wood work and my wife shopped around for a long time. Having it made from our own design still worth it.

作者: pkphilip 時間: 2013-2-18 20:15

本帖最後由 pkphilip 於 2013-2-18 20:17 編輯

I will look into the places you guys says.

Costco is all hard wood, super expensive

I will try Home Delight, Urban Brick, The Brick and a few other of yours suggestions and report back. There is also Urban Outfitter, their apartment furniture selection is awesome.

Ikea is really cheap if you compare to other places.

Mattress, we decided to stick with Seahorse Diamond mattress, something I used to sleep on for years..

Philip

作者: reyes 時間: 2013-2-18 20:48

回復 25# pkphilip

Home Delight都幾貴下, 拍得住ulferts

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-18 21:15

I will look into the places you guys says.

Costco is all hard wood, super expensive

I will try Ho ...
pkphilip 發表於 2013-2-18 20:15

Urban Brick其實真係可以唔洗去，啲假皮梳化假過楊怡個鼻，而且重要好老土啲款。

如果你好彩的話，去CB2買到半價嘢可以去睇睇，不過選擇唔多，勝在size夠細！

作者: KittyLeung74 時間: 2013-2-19 09:49

www.moblerfurniture.com
依家仲有sale !!!

作者: BiscottiGelato 時間: 2013-2-20 15:08

EQ3 quality is not too good, better than IKEA a bit. Moe's, Urban Barn have okay selection but thei ...
B2L2 發表於 2013-2-18 18:07

Are you talking about this place?
http://www.styleinform.com/

What are the prices like? Is it more like a warehouse? Can individual cusomters like us just roam in, browse and purchase?

Don't see them carry sofa tho.

作者: B2L2 時間: 2013-2-20 15:44

That's the correct website for Style in form. They have a showroom at Burnaby. I believe anyone could purchase there. Each year they have discount sale available for their industrial customers, which was what my wife posted before. Their regular price is better than Moe's or UB. Their yearly sales price has pretty good deals.

My wife said that they don't carry sofa. If you want to custom order sofa, visit Stylus Sofas which is close to the Style in form showroom. I think Stylus has better options that "Sofa So Good".

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2013-2-20 16:00

That's the correct website for Style in form. They have a showroom at Burnaby. I believe anyone co ...
B2L2 發表於 2013-2-20 03:44 PM

I almost bought mine from "Sofa So Good" back then.

I will keep the list from you

I think I will need new bed frame and new sofa hopefully in the near future.

作者: pkphilip 時間: 2013-2-20 21:41

CB2?

Philip

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2013-2-20 23:06

CB2?

Philip
pkphilip 發表於 2013-2-20 09:41 PM

I like their style! But do u know if their build quality is good?

作者: zuesel 時間: 2013-2-21 00:50

本帖最後由 zuesel 於 2013-2-21 01:15 編輯

I hope the following info will be helpful to you furniture shoppers. Feel free to ask any questions.

- As an interior decorator/designer, we do get discount prices. Depending on individual stores, anywhere from 10-50% off of retail prices. It's up to the individual designer how to make a profit. I usually will split the discount with the customer. eg: A piece cost $200 retail - 20% disc. = $180. The customer pays $190, I make $10. The designers have to apply for an account at the store using business licence. I have accounts from Inspiration to small Richmond furniture stores.

Many of the wholesale and custom-made furniture stores sell only to businesses and designers, therefore, don't' have retail pricings. The mark up from retails who buy goods from them usually have at least a 100% markup and up. I usually have a $30% or less mark-up depending on if it's a part of a client's home decor project or just a simple purchase. Designer discounts can also include wallpaper, window treatments (blinds/drapes), accessories, building materials, etc. They also have other resources that are not known to the general public.
- Style In Form has a showroom and warehouse in Burnaby. (open to public) They have clearance sale here and there but only retailers and designers will be notified and know their prices.

- Vangoah and Stylus are example of custom made sofa makers. They have a showroom (a designer has to accompany the customer to go in). You'd be surprised that they are great quality sofa at a reasonable cost compare to most of the retailers who mark up at least $100%

My opinion:

Very high-end stores carry not only great quality but a designer label or imported from Europe. This contributes to the high cost.

Mid-end stores prices and quality varies. Sometimes, you are paying the price for the design but not the quality or vice versa. They are more reasonably priced.

Low-end stores are great to search out for quality or breakage isn't a concern. Maybe a good source for very lightly used pieces.

- Ikea is great for items that quality isn't too much of a concern Eg: decorative products. And has great ideas!
- It's not my first choice for cabinets and sofas because most are made from compressed wood which is very heavy yet, not durable. eg: their book cases and TV unit curve after a short while. It's funny that my mover commented a piece they were moving that it must me from Ikea coz their furniture are so heavy! LOL
- Also having furniture that everyone recognize and able to name where you got it from and cost instead of admiring it isn't very fun.
- They are so popular they lack personality thus, not reflective of your own unique style and specialness.
- The DIY pieces don't fit properly. And hard to rebuild after taken apart.
- They aren't necessarily less expensive if you put everything together that they sell separately. (Really do your math and compare the final cost and quality vs other retailers similar products) and you don't have to DIY!

Advantage of custom made furniture:
-Price reflect quality which can work with your budget
-Uniquely yours and reflective of your lifestyle and personality
-Can be made to the right size with materials and color you feel most comfortable with. Eg: Ever come across a sofa you love the comfort but hate the color? A chair that's perfect in every way but not the right size?

Many people relate high cost to custom made, non-ikea brand. They're afraid that everything nice=$$$$$. In my opinion as a designer, a few quality or high end pieces maybe all you need. Other elements in your home can cost as little as nothing yet enhances the not-so-great areas. Or think of creative ways to multi-task a piece. Eg: a chest that doubles as a storage and coffee table. So in the end, it could balance out the cost or even better! Think creatively and outside of the box!

The best way to go about furniture shopping is to set a budget. It will lead you towards better understand of what and where you can get out of your set budget. You can then, reallocate if necessarily or adjust your budget.

*** A top salesman once reminded me: 平, 靚, 正 you could only choose 2 ***
You want 平 & 靚 - can't be 正; 靚 & 正 cannot be 平; 平 & 正 cannot be 靚

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-21 10:54

I hope the following info will be helpful to you furniture shoppers. Feel free to ask any questions. ...
zuesel 發表於 2013-2-21 00:50

我都某程度上同意，當然你有啲廣告feel啦。

我覺得日日用嘅嘢（mattress, sofa, cabinets）真係買貴少少都唔拘。當然如果你成日搬的話，就可能唔好買太大件嘅家俬，又或者係啲可以拆件嘅梳化等等。因爲我有啲朋友貪平去No.3 Rd附近嗰啲furniture warehouse，中國製都唔係問題，不過梳化唔夠一年就已經甩螺絲，個底啲木已經開始拗。真心講一千幾百嘅梳化話貴唔貴但係話平又唔係好平。你俾double（千幾）可能會買到一張梳化last到好幾倍時間，其實係貴買平用。

但係傢俬都係消耗品，我某程度唔太認同zuesel係，你覺得呢張檯好speical好unique，但係兩年後已經覺得冇咩特別，５年後你唔搬的話都可能想再裝修。所以我又唔覺得要買到好貴or好special，反而越＂特色＂嘅家俬越唔襟睇。

我嘅style係會傾向買啲simple/ classic款再自己DIY，因爲間中會改少少design，唔同season又加加減減啲decorations令自己保持新鮮感。

作者: zuesel 時間: 2013-2-21 12:47

本帖最後由 zuesel 於 2013-2-21 12:49 編輯

Everyone has their own preference and needs which is determined by their budget, space, and practicality. That's why a good designer will interview and work closely with you to make the right choices incorporating all of the above. Personally, I do agree with spending more on heavily used furniture ie: sofa, mattresses, entertainment unit, etc.

Special and unique DOES NOT equal to big $$$$$. There are lots of alternatives such as you can DIY, buy used furniture eg: I bought a live edge (a handmade coffee table from a cross section of a cedar tree), spray painted the legs. Total cost was $69. Bought a large framed mirror $45 fr. Walmart, spray painted the black frame to silver, etc. Use wallpaper for a small wall section to add interest. Buy a plain canvas for a few $ and paint whatever you like for hanging. Buy some cushions to spice up instead of throwing away your boring old sofa.....OMG! THE Possibility is endless! Of course not everything could be DIY but if you are on a budget, these are just examples of things you can do after spending a big chunk on things you can't avoid, ie: good mattress.
What I also mean by unique is "not" get from a catalog or IKEA that everyone owns or have already seen. (Not bashing IKEA, like I said, it has good decor ideas and accessories). It is about thinking outside of box, alternatives, seeing a furniture functioning other than its intent...

你覺得呢張檯好speical好unique，但係兩年後已經覺得冇咩特別，５年後你唔搬的話都可能想再裝修。所以我又唔覺得要買到好貴or好special...

With regards to that, it is one of the challenges designers have...to get people to understand it isn't always true. Just because you may change your location every few years, it doesn't mean you have to settle with the plain and ordinary forever. Either way, if your plan is to change your furniture every few years, why not enjoy something you really like in the meantime? Besides, if it's something nice, it has a resell market of which you can use the $ towards new furniture.
The choice is yours:
A. Get something nice, enjoy for a few years, move, get something nice, enjoy, move....
B. Get something you don't care for (afraid you will move), use for few years, get more you don't care for stuff (afraid you will move), use for a few yrs....

And as with everything else, after looking at everyday for 2 yrs, will you still have the same excitement as the first day you got it?

反而越＂特色＂嘅家俬越唔襟睇
I agree and disagree.
Actually, people are relating＂特色＂to something very outrageous or very modern. If you look around, many designs can be very appealing yet lasting in its style too. BTW, little do people know that modern designs we see today were actually replications of designs from the 40's-70's. Furniture styles cycle is just like fashion cycle.
。
Note again, nice, unique DOESN'T have to be expensive.
you may feel that I'm doing commercial here because I mentioned a lot about custom-make and how the wholesale vs retail works. I want to let people understand these are facts. Besides an opportunity to introduce myself, in this thread, I'm more interested in answering some questions, clearing some misconceptions and genuinely sharing my interests. A designer who needs to make a living will not promote DIY. *wink *wink

If you are on a budget, before buying, you might want to weight out:
-Design (how long can it last before being considered as outdated style)
-Purpose and How often it will be used
-Size/Color/material/Comfort
-Cost (within your budget?)
-Value (is the price tag a result of its design or quality?)
-Quality of material
-Resell value (if you intend to sell in the future and use the $ to reinvest in new furniture)

Hope this helps!

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-21 14:01

咁我有嘢請教你，你話re-sale value，我真心唔知有咩最有効方法去賣自己家俬。

Personally，我自己經驗係，你要賣家俬係非常難。一，你賣家俬通常（９成）係因爲搬，你唔會有超過幾個月時間去賣你啲家俬。而且你係有deadline，假設你４月尾要交吉，你１月開始賣，２月有人出低價買，你賣唔賣？你又驚到３月尾都冇人買，分分鐘仲要俾錢人般走。

所以我自己經驗係買消耗品唔會諗re-sale value，你一皮嘢買梳化，你搬嘅時候賣到幾舊水已經好巴閉。

同埋訂造家俬都係好頭痛，香港瀨唔少嘢。首先，你心諗嘅款係咪轉達到俾個師父呢？同埋有啲"designer"好有性格，佢又會加自己嘅諗法，唔理你鍾唔鍾意。所以到最後貨不對版，遲交貨，唔啱measurement，呢啲都屢見不鮮。所以買現成有買現成好處。

作者: zuesel 時間: 2013-2-21 17:32

本帖最後由 zuesel 於 2013-2-21 17:54 編輯

Don't say 請教. I'm just sharing my ideas based on my work and own experience.

When i say resell value as a consideration, it is for those with a budget concern. it should not be used as a major consideration when buying furniture. Comfort, quality, suitability should be first considerations. Resell value is used for if you REALLY want a piece but is having a hard time 說服 yourself.

所以買現成有買現成好處。
If you can find a ready made piece than ABSOLUTELY get it! You don't want the wait time! Custom made is for ppl who can't find what they want or the right size to fit.

Personally，我自己經驗係，你要賣家俬係非常難。一，你賣家俬通常（９成）係因爲搬，你唔會有超過幾個月時間去賣你啲家俬。而且你係有deadline，假設你４月尾要交吉，你１月開始賣，２月有人出低價買，你賣唔賣？你又驚到３月尾都冇人買，分分鐘仲要俾錢人般走
Selling isn't easy at all. Lots to think about. I totally agree with you on your example. That's why planning is essential. If you are in need for the money, 及早賣 in order to recuperate funds maybe a priority. Having to sit on the floor for a little while may not be a huge concern vs getting rid of what you don't want anymore. (you could consider on your posting to add: "Available in Sept...".

Few things to consider when selling used furniture:
Price reasonably:
-search for other similar item for what ppl are selling for and current retail cost
-the current condition
-how fast you want to get rid of it
-your location for ease of viewing/pickup
-how outdated is your piece
-what is your bottom line of acceptance

selling point:
-highlight the positive Eg: great for small spaces, had lots of compliments, gently used, selling for 50% less than retail, clean, comfortable, blah blah blah...

photo:
-use natural lighting and well lighted (a tripod is useful)
-take at an angle that show its best and about 40 inches fr. ground up if it's a sofa (depending on what you are selling).
-clear away mess on and on the background of the furniture
-choose a back ground that can bring out the best of the piece. EG: a sofa sitting in a garage doesn't make ppl want to buy
- take pictures ahead of time in case the furniture ended in storage of which you can't take pics anymore when you want to post again if the first time doesn't sell
-Post anywhere and everywhere!
-You'll never know.

Give an example of my past experience:
I sold my sofa I bought about 5 yrs ago 2nd hand. The sofa was worth over $6000. I bought it for $1,300. Used it for a few years. I wrote a nice description and took some great pictures. I asked for $1,900 coz i know I kept it nice and clean and would easily worth that much (given I know buyer will haggle alot! So i was prepared to sell it for $900 if needed). But I know that the color would be a challenge for selling, so I decided to post months ahead. I had lots of request. However, got turned down due to the huge size. Then a dentist offered $950 for it to put in his new office. He paid a mover $150 to move it. The same night, someone offered for $1300! @_@! Well, too late!

. Anyway, in total, I paid $400 for a great sofa to use for 5 yrs! Not to mention endless compliments throughout the years!
So, you'll never know! But if you have the patience and an eye for something nice, get it by all means.

同埋訂造家俬都係好頭痛，香港瀨唔少嘢。首先，你心諗嘅款係咪轉達到俾個師父呢？同埋有啲"designer"好有性格，佢又會加自己嘅諗法，唔理你鍾唔鍾意。所以到最後貨不對版，遲交貨，唔啱measurement...
Sorry for your bad experience. 有時都好激氣. It's the bad business ppl that affect the good honest ones. Hard to gain trust from customers again. Luckily, in Canada, we don't have to accept 貨不對版 (unless you're dealing with Chinese who operates the Chinese way and cash transaction). If you have a designer, he/she will do the measurement and design for you. If you are doing it yourself, just make sure you measure correctly and find pics of what you want your piece to look like to the best of your ability.

作者: zuesel 時間: 2013-2-21 17:51

本帖最後由 zuesel 於 2013-2-21 18:01 編輯

About Designers:

With regards to designers. Everyone, including photographers, artist, hairdressers all have some kind of 藝術家脾氣 and their own style which makes them popular in their own way. Some will pay $$$$$$$$$ to hire a designer for their branding. Eg: I had a client that hired Sxx (name withheld) before hiring me who charges $2000/hr for her assistant to do a consultation (not even herself)! But my client didn't like the ideas given nor the customer service. He said there was NO service! No questions were asked. The assistant just came in and dictate what goes where! But you know what? Sxx is very famous in the world of interior design. Some designers choose to operate with the philosophy of "my way or no way!" and people buy that! I don't agree or disagree with their business practice and fully respect them.
(not advertising, just explaining)
I however believe that a professional interior designer should understand a customer's needs, life style, hobby, likes/dislikes. He should constantly ask questions and follow up with the customer. Understand and work within their budget. Give options and let the client aware of the pros and cons of each option.
Designers have their challenges too! Husband and wife can't agree, client changes mind half way, want the service for free, want things done their way, not cooperative, don't pay, no replies ......the list goes on! And unfortunately, Asians is one of the hardest to get business and do business with. I've experienced most of it. LOL
-I had a client who didn't listen to my suggestion and painted her room which I said will be too bright. She ended up had to repaint it.
-Another one insisted on hiring contractors from china who had no experience but were cheap! She got exactly what she paid for. They took the money and left holes in cabinets and half completed jobs.
-My current client had a floor installer that ran off with the money, no where to be found.
-I was hired to design a restaurant in Calgary, but the husband and wife didn't agree on the ANYTHING! that prolonged the process and made it very difficult! And I only had 1 week to do it!

Sorry, just some of the examples I had to share!

作者: pkphilip 時間: 2013-2-21 20:48

Wow, lots of info here.

Philip

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-22 10:37

我個心舒服啲啦依家，連interior designer都唔係好知點賣家俬最化算，都係靠運氣我覺得冇咁蠢同蝕抵。

講到未，都係要自己去行家俬舗，真係搵唔到啱嘅（又或者你間屋真係三尖八角）先去搵designer。

好似zuesel識啲product knowledge嘅人唔多。一般里民連咩木打咩木都分唔清，問佢想要咩檯，好多人其實唔係好識形容，淨係見到一張檯覺得靚先講得出點解會鍾意。所以你搵designer之前都係要自己搵到啲鍾意嘅design再問designer造唔造到。

淨係用口講，諗住designer會幫到你，係唔會有人做到你心意。我實在試過太多＂有性格＂嘅師父，叫佢哋造傢俬佢哋第一句會係，＂冇人咁做㗎喎，小姐，我就做唔到，你教我吖。＂

作者: BiscottiGelato 時間: 2013-2-22 11:22

zussel: 2 things
1. I agree with 大C姐 on resale value. Furniture have next to none given it's new. Your sofa for a regular Joe bought new off retail would've costed them $6k. You bought for $1.3k. That means unless you buy 2nd hand, furnitures' resale value is almost useless for considerations.
2. How much do a typical interior designer (you) charge for service? Does that include furniture shopping on behalf of the customer? I know some tells you what to do but you have to buy your own furniture according to their recommendation.... which IMO is completely useless.....

大C姐: Did you use the term 'designer' meaning 'furniture designer', vs 'interior designer'? Last post was quite confusing.

What I think is. Ideally an interior designer can put a few designs on paper and let the customer choose. Might require some help with maybe 3D interior design program to help show the customer what the designs look like? If that's possible and the interior designer will then proceed to hunt and buy all the furnitures there after, given it's a place I'll live there for more than 5 years, I don't mind to pay ~ $1/$2 per sq.ft or maybe $50 per piece of furniture to such a designer for his/her service.

Personally, I think shopping for furniture is time consuming and a PITA. I have similar stance on shopping for clothes. Give me a few good selections and I'll just choose between the few selections. Having to go out and choose among the thousands of items and hundreds of stores drives me crazy.

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-22 11:40

zussel: 2 things
1. I agree with 大C姐 on resale value. Furniture have next to none given it's new. ...
BiscottiGelato 發表於 2013-2-22 11:22

兩種designer都係。

我覺得咁嘅，如果你係對interior design冇咩特別要求，只係想方便／得體又唔想徙時間自己shopping的話，去搵interior decorator係無可厚非。

但係一般人，老實講你只係買一兩件家俬唔係成個屋企大裝，用不著搵interior designer/ decorator。不過，之前都俾我搵到個業餘嘅furniture maker/ designer，佢整嘅檯全部都係用reclaimed wood，好靚好unique好有texture，而且俾咗個好優惠價我，佢當興趣做所以唔會造好多賣好多錢。

我對interior design有多少眼光，自己都會做少少裝修，當然做唔到會搵人嚟做，但係decorating就信自己，因爲解釋到俾人哋聽，人哋都未必搵到你想要嘅嘢。不如自己慢慢睇慢慢揀。

作者: BiscottiGelato 時間: 2013-2-22 12:38

Oh and zussel,

Does this mean I should not bother with going to Stylus Sofa since they don't sell directly to retail customers? I was thinking of visiting them tomorrow. They are a little out of the way compared to all the other furniture shops mentioned... If it's going to be useless for me then I can save myself some time. Thanks!

作者: zuesel 時間: 2013-2-22 12:43

本帖最後由 zuesel 於 2013-2-22 12:53 編輯

我個心舒服啲啦依家，連interior designer都唔係好知點賣家俬最化算，都係靠運氣我覺得冇咁蠢同蝕抵。

I think you misunderstand an interior decorator/designer's 工作職責。我們並不是專業二手賣家。我從來沒有任何client要求 and I won't do it. So when you said 請教， I said I'm only sharing. The experience and points I stated about selling 2nd hand furniture were purely personal. If you want to feel better, you should compare yourself to someone who specialize in selling used furniture. Why should an interior designer/decorator know how to sell 2nd hand furniture? 雖然同樣是水果，但是賣橙不一定需要識怎樣挑選蘋果。

一般里民連咩木打咩木都分唔清，問佢想要咩檯，好多人其實唔係好識形容，淨係見到一張檯覺得靚先講得出點解會鍾意。所以你搵designer之前都係要自己搵到啲鍾意嘅design再問designer造唔造到。

In the eyes of an interior decorator/designer, the general public are not expected to have knowledge about wood or anything relative in the field of design. That's one of the reasons they are being hired. 如果你自己乜都識便不需要雇用 interior decorator/designer/furniture maker.

There's a huge difference between interior decorator, interior designer, furniture designer, furniture maker.
If you have to find your own design, know about what type of wood, etc, you would seek a furniture maker. He/She doesn't need to know or care if it matches your home decor, how heavily it gets used and for what. He only cares if it's do-able.

There are people who might take on more than one rule. Eg: Interior designer doubles as a furniture maker. In that case, you can expect this individual to be knowledgeable in both aspects.

作者: zuesel 時間: 2013-2-22 14:39

本帖最後由 zuesel 於 2013-2-22 15:04 編輯

zussel: 2 things
1. I agree with 大C姐 on resale value. Furniture have next to none given it's new. ...
BiscottiGelato 發表於 2013-2-22 11:22

Sorry for the confusion Biscotti. Lots of people 一知半解 then pass on a judgement. It's a good thing to ask questions. I try to as much as I could based on my knowledge and experience. Hope will clear up some misconceptions for people.

Resell value:
DO NOT buy furniture based on its resell value. It's merely a very minor factor, like I mentioned, it should be just a way to 說服 or 安慰 yourself if you are having a hard time deciding. eg: 我好想買但係又唔捨得，我老公會說：買啦！或者第時賣反出去囉。質量唔錯，應該賣到嘅。. Personally, if I really like someone bad enough and have the funds I won't consider its resell value or try to predict if I'll have the need to sell it later.

Stylus:
http://www.stylussofas.com/faq.php
I just called them and yes! They are allowing customers to go in now. The above link gives you answers to other questions you may have. Although they can''t give you pricing but it's good to go check their fabric selection, quality, etc. If you find something you like, take note of the model and the fabric number. You can then search for a dealer/designer to order it. Please check around for prices. The mark up is different everywhere!

Another good place to look is Vangogh:
http://www.vangoghdesigns.com/
They also have a showroom available to public
I find their style and fabric choice a bit more modern or "younger" if you will.

Custom or Ready made?
I don't condone either/or. There's no right or wrong. It's just what Suits you! If you found something perfect (price, color, size, material...) all the better! Get it!!!!! However, if you can't find something suitable or eg: love the style but don't like the material, then consider custom-made (if you can wait). Other reasons for custom made could be the cost (could be the same as ready-made), uniqueness, to match/enhance what you already have at home, don't trust the quality of imported furniture, or simple feel the word "custom-made" 夠好聽，型！

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-22 15:33

我個心舒服啲啦依家，連interior designer都唔係好知點賣家俬最化算，都係靠運氣我覺得冇咁蠢同蝕抵。

...
zuesel 發表於 2013-2-22 12:43

我諗我好清楚你嘅工作職責唔包賣家俬，不過我覺得你有啲過份謙虛（其實有點虛偽）。首先，re-sale value係你提出，我只係順便請教意見（其實我當然心裡有數）。我亦唔祈望你會幫到我賣家俬，但如果你係專業interior decorator/ designer (你講到兩樣嘢好唔同，好似律師同醫生分得咁專業，我唔知你prefer邊個title），你一年見咁多個client，大部份都係因爲搬屋或者裝修先搵你，咁我覺得你知道點樣賣舊家俬都唔出奇。即係我諗一個專業嘅interior designer，都可以suggest一兩間搬屋公司啩？Eventhough我知你唔會落手落腳去搬。我諗我嘅assumption唔係太過份。

老實講，如果你唔係分享你寶貴意見，講開靚家俬有二手市場，我根本唔會請教你。

作者: zuesel 時間: 2013-2-22 15:41

本帖最後由 zuesel 於 2013-2-22 15:52 編輯

回復 42# BiscottiGelato

So-far-so-good does their own custom-made as well as retail, you might want to check them out.
You can find other stores (including some usa) sell furniture from Stylus and Vanghoh. They have very small selection of fabric choices though but will at least give you the retail prices.

I'm not ignoring you, I'll try to give regards to your other questions later when I'm done work at hand.

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2013-2-22 15:49

本帖最後由布小熊於 2013-2-22 16:16 編輯

但如果你係專業interior decorator/ designer (你講到兩樣嘢好唔同，好似律師同醫生分得咁專業，我唔知你prefer邊個title）
大C姐發表於 2013-2-22 03:33 PM

I hope I am not off topic.
BUT interior decorator and interior designer is very different.
I don't think their titles are interchangeable.
If you want to know the detail, search online. It's very common topic/question.

作者: zuesel 時間: 2013-2-22 16:05

本帖最後由 zuesel 於 2013-2-22 16:21 編輯

回復 49# 布小熊

Thanks Bear!

I'll make a quick reply here:

I am a decorator. Sometimes ppl call me designer b/c to them, they are the same. Rather than giving a lecture about the diff, I just let it pass like most of us do. There's no by-law about it. Like a hairdresser vs hair designer. To a customer, they don't really care to know the details. They just want pricing and what to expect as end result.I think the confusion comes from some designers doubles as decorator. Technically, decorators focus on working with an already built premise. I prefer to be called a decorator or interior specialist coz I choose to work with colors, furniture, paints, etc. but don't love the technical stuff. Designer have to work on architectural, fire codes, but they don't receive training on colors, staging, re-design. Some designers are actually decorators but they too, don't bother to explain the differences since most people don't know the difference anyway.

作者: BiscottiGelato 時間: 2013-2-22 16:30

If can't buy from Stylus, no pt going la. Probably will skip. Same w/ Van Gogh. Thx for the heads up on that. Will stick with the few around DT area.

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-22 17:01

本帖最後由大C姐於 2013-2-22 17:26 編輯

I hope I am not off topic.
BUT interior decorator and interior designer is very different.
I don' ...
布小熊發表於 2013-2-22 15:49

學吓read between the lines啦。

我當然知化妝師同整容醫生嘅分別，分得出Dentist同hygienist嘅工作範圍啦。

作者: Look4chrisng 時間: 2013-2-25 11:09

I would look for used furniture. Say typed in Mid-century, or Danish in the furniture section. You will find items has last for 50 yr and will last for another 50 because they are made with good design and good solid wood.

No, nothing with sofa. Why? Bed Bugs!

For design ideas, check out Apartment Therapy.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com

作者: pkphilip 時間: 2013-2-26 01:12

My gf is a bit 迷信, she doesn't like used furniture because of anything could happened with that furniture thus bring her bad things (watch too much horror movies I think!) :-)

Philip

作者: BiscottiGelato 時間: 2013-2-27 19:43

I was going to buy this table top from IKEA for my den yesterday. But they say in BC it's all out of stock, and it's being discontinued so they won't restock... Seattle and Alberta has it, but it's Seattle and Alberta and they won't source from those stores....

http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/10193753/

Any non-IKEA alternatives at ~$100 price range?

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-28 10:12

I was going to buy this table top from IKEA for my den yesterday. But they say in BC it's all out of ...
BiscottiGelato 發表於 2013-2-27 19:43

呢啲可以買二手啦，尤其你要嘅款咁普通，又唔想花費太多。其實去craigslist都搵到。

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/fuo/3603203243.html

又或者有interior decorator撲出嚟叫你幫襯買張好unique嘅desk and earn years of compliments~

作者: B2L2 時間: 2013-2-28 11:20

大C姐, 你近排好鍾意玩單打, 超幼稚.

這裡只有我太太一個是 interior decorator, 提供個人意見給人, 你不喜歡, 可以不聽. 你公開說我太太虛偽, 我不明白是什麼讓你這麼認為, 我想知道, 如果你認為我太太在這裡找生意, 你可以報告 admin. 請自重.

My wife doesn't visit LYK regularly, I'm the one who ask her to post reply on this particular thread thinking that she may able to help someone.

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-28 13:30

虛偽係直接講，唔係單打，我覺得佢某啲言論係虛偽，你可以唔同意。

兜生意亦無可厚非，願者上釣。

至於呢度係咪得一個interior decorator我唔知，我都周不時幫人買床單cushion, 我都可以叫我自己係decorator...

作者: ricrick 時間: 2013-2-28 14:16

認真你就輸鳥

作者: B2L2 時間: 2013-2-28 15:57

明眼人也知道你是在說誰, 小學生說話, 說了然後話"說的不是你", 這"單打"的講話是幼稚的行為.

公眾論壇, 當然, 你可以表達你的意見, 但是這句話不是一切, 評論人然後不給理由, 只有變成對人不對事, 請自重.

(Sorry for populating this thread. I aren't going to reply on this thread anymore unless I need to, and I will convince my wife not to post on this thread as well. People could go on with your normal furniture discussion.)

作者: 大C姐 時間: 2013-2-28 17:50

回復 60# B2L2

我諗你搞錯咗少少，我絕對有解釋點解我覺得某位過份謙虛同虛偽。如果你覺得要為你太太出頭去而PM我，甚至回覆去解釋，我會好接受，亦會尊重你。但係我見到嘅係因爲我話你太太虛偽，你就話返我幼稚，咁究竟邊個係小學生呢？

同埋我想搞清一點，＂單打＂嘅意思係一個人冇直接confront或指名道姓批評另一個人，只係間接＂語帶相關＂咁去批評人，例子包括：

＂Sorry for the confusion Biscotti. Lots of people 一知半解 then pass on a judgement.＂

既然兩公婆都咁defensive，我亦都唔想糾纏落去。送你哋一收歌...

[youtube]EfLNHQ9BoBI[/youtube]

作者: zuesel 時間: 2013-2-28 18:15

I don't want to flood this thread anymore. I've opened up another one to address some questions of concern.
http://www.loyaukee.com/forum/vi ... mp;extra=#pid297674

作者: chocolatebean 時間: 2013-3-6 10:23

回復 1# pkphilip

i personally like moes and Urban barn..Urban barn's sofas are very comfortable, but most of them are custom made, but if you can catch their sales, you might be able to find some good deals

作者: pkphilip 時間: 2013-3-7 19:23

Great idea.

Philip

作者: ACC-HE 時間: 2013-3-11 17:05

本帖最後由 ACC-HE 於 2013-3-11 17:12 編輯

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/cate ... niture-meubles.aspx
http://www.jysk.ca/furniture.html

作者: pkphilip 時間: 2013-3-17 00:09

本帖最後由 pkphilip 於 2013-3-17 00:10 編輯

I've looked a few different furniture places and surprisingly, I found Moe's, Urban Barn and Mobler have stuff I wanted.

The decision is mostly is choosing between a hardwood dining table or glass one. Price is about $800... sigh...

I like about the hardwood as it is FSC certified with reclaimed wood and very sturdy. I like the glass because it is extensible and use a hydraulic system to raise the middle section.

Lastly, I am not sure if can I haggle prices in the places I mentioned?

Philip

作者: zuesel 時間: 2013-3-17 12:19

I've looked a few different furniture places and surprisingly, I found Moe's, Urban Barn and Mobler ...
pkphilip 發表於 2013-3-17 00:09

More to help make decision:
Glass - Great for small spaces, must clean often, scratches easily and visible
wood - Durable, heavy, good for bigger space

Consider how long you want it to last and matching style with the rest of your room/furniture

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2013-3-17 12:34

FSC certified with reclaimed wood
pkphilip 發表於 2013-3-17 12:09 AM

That sounds nice!

作者: pkphilip 時間: 2013-3-17 13:30

I think I will most likely keep it as long as I can. I do think the more moving parts on the glass, the shorter the life it will be.

I understand I can buy new furniture when I like, but it is wasting money and not environmental friendly. Why don't I just buy a good piece to begin with?

My new apartment is very big, I definitely can throw in a 74" long table.
http://www.urbanbarn.com/product ... t-dining-table/2505

Philip

作者: zuesel 時間: 2013-3-18 00:39

If you want to keep it for a long time and you said you've got the space, then get the wooden table la.

作者: Look4chrisng 時間: 2013-3-18 13:28

本帖最後由 Look4chrisng 於 2013-3-18 13:34 編輯

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/fuo/3684338901.html

How about this one.

作者: BiscottiGelato 時間: 2013-3-21 17:15

Looking for nice but cheap folding chairs. Hoping for white or grey, more rectangular looking rather than round. Budget about $30 each max? Any suggestions?

作者: jennychick 時間: 2013-3-22 13:02

回復 72# BiscottiGelato

costco only 29.99 very strong

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