Design Centers are typically large buildings full of showrooms or stalls for home design product vendors to display their goods. Wallcoverings, fabric, custom furniture — almost everything you need to decorate your home can be found at a Design Center. Access to these specialized shopping centers has traditionally been exclusive “to-the-trade”. However, more Design Centers are welcoming the public.

This is due in part to the changes brought about by the internet and expanding access to information formerly held by professionals. In addition, consumers now expect to find just about anything (both information and products) online. Buyers who are educating themselves online are demanding access to previously guarded trade secrets, and to showrooms where they can see products first-hand. However, a smart consumer also knows when hiring an expert is the best choice.

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