6 Interior Design Elements You Should Try Before You Buy (+ Tips on How To Test Before You Invest!)
Joshua Allen Design Team
Oct 20, 2023
2 min read
Updated: Apr 18, 2024
Our interior design experts chat about the 5 easiest and best elements of interior design to try out and test before you purchase or invest.
We all want our homes to look beautiful and inviting, but it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to interior design. Instead of jumping straight into buying furniture and accessories that you might later regret, why not try out these "try-before-you-buy" interior design elements!?
Any designer worth their salt knows the easiest and most cost-effective way to transform a space is with a fresh coat of paint. Many hardware stores offer free paint swatches and small cans of paint for purchase. Take the time to experiment with a few different colors and finishes to find the perfect one for the room. You can even buy a few sample pots and test them out on a small area of wall before committing to a whole room.
A well-thought-out layout can make all the difference when it comes to interior design. Before you start buying furniture, take a few minutes to plan out how you want the space to look. Try drawing up a few different floor plans and see which one feels best.
Before ordering cabinetry hardware for your entire kitchen, bathroom, or built in storage, it is a good idea to order one of each knob or pull you are deciding on. That way, you can try it out and see how it fits with everything else in your space before committing.
Textiles add warmth and texture to a room, so it’s important to get the right ones. There are many stores that offer fabric samples of items they sell. Check online to see if you are able to receive a free sample of the fabric prior to purchasing your items. Whether it’s curtains, rugs, or cushions, make sure to try out a few different materials and colors before settling on one. This will help you create a space that feels inviting and comfortable.
Depending on the furniture's purpose, most furniture should be tested prior to your purchase. If possible, visiting the showroom or store you plan to purchase furniture from can help eliminate any doubts about comfort or durability.
We love using a touch of wallpaper to transform a space! Sometimes it's the perfect touch of texture and elegance to complete a room, but it can be hard to choose the right design. Many companies offer free samples of their wallpapers. Similar to paint, wallpaper colors can look different in your space under different lighting, and it is a good idea to see the paper in your room prior to ordering a large amount.
Joshua Allen Design provides professional interior design services across Massachusetts, offering residential and commercial solutions tailored to every client’s lifestyle and vision. Our team specializes in space planning, color consultation, furnishings, and full-service renovations. Whether you need a kitchen remodel in Boston, a luxurious bathroom redesign in Cape Cod, or a modern update to a suburban home in Worcester, we deliver transformative interiors that reflect your taste and add lasting value. As a leading interior designer in Massachusetts, Joshua Allen Design combines creativity, technical skill, and extensive experience to ensure each space is beautiful, functional, and timeless. From small-scale updates to full home makeovers, we bring ideas to life with meticulous attention to detail and an unparalleled commitment to client satisfaction.
Kitchen Renovation and Custom Kitchen Design
At Joshua Allen Design, we believe the kitchen is the heart of the home. Our kitchen renovation services are tailored to enhance functionality, efficiency, and style. From custom cabinetry and kitchen islands to luxury finishes and top-grade appliances, we design kitchens that work for how you live. Whether your goal is a rustic farmhouse kitchen, a sleek contemporary space, or a traditional chef’s kitchen, our expert design team brings a unique perspective that transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary culinary environments. We specialize in high-end kitchen remodels throughout Massachusetts, using top materials and trusted contractors. Clients love our seamless design-build process and personalized approach that ensures a stunning, one-of-a-kind result.
Luxury Bathroom Design and Remodeling
Joshua Allen Design offers elegant, spa-inspired bathroom renovations that maximize comfort and value. We specialize in luxury bathroom design services including walk-in showers, custom vanities, freestanding tubs, heated flooring, and high-end tile work. Whether you’re updating a powder room, adding a master ensuite, or renovating a full guest bath, our team will craft a custom solution that elevates your lifestyle. We work with clients to choose timeless finishes, modern fixtures, and smart layouts that enhance everyday function. With experience managing both new builds and older home renovations, we ensure plumbing, lighting, and materials align perfectly with your design goals.
Basement Finishing and Creative Lower-Level Design
Unlock the hidden potential of your home with Joshua Allen Design’s basement finishing and design services. We transform underutilized spaces into cozy living rooms, home offices, media centers, fitness studios, guest suites, and more. Our interior designers are skilled at optimizing low-light areas with smart layouts, lighting plans, and material choices that create inviting, comfortable environments. Whether you want a family-friendly basement or a high-end entertainment space, we deliver designs that blend functionality and beauty. Our basement remodels focus on adding square footage, increasing home value, and creating personalized areas that support your lifestyle.
Whole Home Renovations and Space Planning
Joshua Allen Design is your trusted partner for whole-home renovations and strategic space planning. We assess how each room connects, ensuring flow, function, and beauty throughout your home. Our team manages everything from floor plan redesigns and structural updates to furnishings, paint palettes, and custom millwork. We excel at transforming outdated layouts into open-concept living areas with cohesive, elevated aesthetics. Whether you’re restoring a historic New England home or customizing a newly built property, we bring experience and inspiration to every step of the process. Our mission is to make the most of every square foot, creating luxurious, livable spaces tailored to you.
Decorating Services and Seasonal Styling
Joshua Allen Design offers full-service decorating and seasonal home styling that reflects your taste and enhances your space year-round. From furniture selection and art placement to window treatments, color coordination, and accessorizing, our decorating services elevate your home’s style. We offer seasonal décor installations—holiday-ready entries, spring refreshes, cozy fall interiors, and festive winter arrangements—perfect for entertaining or celebrating at home. Whether you're styling a new property, staging for resale, or simply craving a design refresh, our expert eye ensures your space always looks stunning. We source from trusted vendors and incorporate heirloom pieces or custom accents to give your home a unique, lived-in elegance.
Closet Design and Custom Storage Solutions
Our team designs custom closet systems and storage solutions that are both beautiful and functional. From walk-in closets and pantries to mudrooms and laundry spaces, Joshua Allen Design helps maximize storage without sacrificing style. We assess your space, needs, and personal aesthetic to create built-in cabinetry, open shelving, and organizational systems that streamline daily routines. Whether you prefer minimalist design or boutique-style elegance, we design custom closets using high-quality materials and smart planning. Our solutions are ideal for modern families, busy professionals, and anyone craving an organized, stylish home.
Virtual Interior Design and E-Design Services
Joshua Allen Design proudly offers virtual interior design services to clients across the U.S. Through our e-design process, we provide concept boards, digital layouts, product recommendations, and custom plans tailored to your space and budget. Our remote services are perfect for DIY homeowners, second homes, or clients outside our local service area. Even without in-person meetings, we deliver the same level of creativity, detail, and personalized care. Whether you're furnishing a single room or renovating an entire property, our online design packages offer flexible, affordable options guided by expert designers.
Our Design Philosophy – “We See Space Differently”
At Joshua Allen Design, we approach every project with a singular philosophy: we see space differently. Our design process begins with listening—to your needs, your habits, and your dreams for the space. Then we layer in creativity, color theory, technical skill, and years of industry experience. Our unique ability to reimagine interiors helps clients uncover potential they never knew existed. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Each project is a bespoke collaboration resulting in a space that is both functional and extraordinary. Whether it’s a single-room refresh or a full-scale remodel, we create interiors that are authentic, timeless, and deeply personal.
Why Choose Joshua Allen Design?
Choosing Joshua Allen Design means partnering with a trusted team that’s passionate about design and committed to excellence. We’ve built our reputation on integrity, communication, and a client-first mindset. Our full-service interior design firm handles every detail—from concept to installation—ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience. With years of experience in residential design, renovation, and construction coordination, we have the skills and network to execute projects of any size or complexity. Our clients appreciate our refined aesthetic, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to bring vision to life. Whether your style is modern, traditional, transitional, or eclectic, we are here to design a home that reflects your identity and inspires joy every day.
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