Okay, so let’s say this weekend, you’ve been inspired by thoughts of Spring (in most parts of the country arriving not a moment too soon), leafing through a catalog (Chiasso), seeing an actual in-home, turned on version of the Wave fireplace you saw in the Chiasso catalog (on a new episode of HGTV’s Divine Design), reading a contemporary style magazine (Dwell), or visiting a design store–or warehouse sale (Chiasso again).  Now how do you actually decide what to buy for your home?

Please feel free to chime in with comments at any time. Meanwhile, here are a few strategically creative suggestions:

1. Think about which things will make the most impact, and where. Is that new rug just what you’ve been looking for to unify your entire living room? Will that awesome pendant lamp take your dining area from zero-to-wow in 60 seconds?
2. Ask yourself if this one piece is transformative. Does that entry table “ground” the first place you see when you walk into your home, changing it from a pass-through to a whole new room? Would that bench or chaise you’ve been eyeing turn a sleepy master into a stunning suite?
3. Pick what will bring you the most joy. Intelligence has an emotional side, too. Is your object of desire in an unexpected color, or texture—like metal? Have you been looking for a classically retro shape to complete your modern mediaplex?

Sometimes a space comes together all at once, sometimes over time. But if you take the above into consideration, the effect may be more lasting on all levels.