I think Pottery Barn stuff is designed very well -- its furniture tends to have clean lines and a simple but classic feel. People go for that. I agree that its not top quality stuff and is over-priced, but a lot of people like convenience and brand names. I think you are overly negative on PB, to be honest.

...ducking down. I think PB makes decorating easy for some. I haven't yet decided if it's geared for the decorating challenged, or those who want to buy a look quick. Sadly I think it takes some of the fun out of creating an original look for your home. As far as quality, obviously you witnessed the great name being sold. Quality doesn't always equal popularity.

Maybe I'm too left-brained. "Design" to me signifies both aesthetic style and engineering.

Style would be colors, patterns, texture, shapes, proportions, and size.

Engineering includes material selection, construction details, durability, repairability, and ergonomics.

Having one without the other is not of much use. Simply putting a brand name, designer name, sports star name, supermodel name, or domestic diva name does not do much for me but put lipstick on the pig.

I see a lot of furniture that I predict won't last more than 5-7 years (and I'm starting to see that fulfill itself). If you are what I call a 'serial designer' that may suit your needs. If you expect a lifetime product, then not.

IKEA is starting to look better and better to me. At least I know what quality expectation I have with a $59 chair.

I hear you! There is some terrific "pottery" looking pieces with the quality to last forever sitting gathering dust in many a second hand shop! Quality furniture that may need a sprucing up and a little elbow grease.

Over on the decorating forum where I mostly visit, one woman was apalled to have her home compared to a pottery barn catalog, She couldn't decide if it was a compliment or a slam. She had collected fine vintage pieces over the years along with some very unique decorative accessories and was having a hard time coming to terms with the compliment. :)

We have a home dated 1850 and I am forever amazed by the quality of my woodwork and the craftmanship it took to build it, especially with no technology! The very wood was different, old growth, uncomparable by today's standards. Same with furniture, which is probably one of the reasons a lot of the trusted names in furniture manufacturing are no longer so dependable, cheap materials and labor.

I was one of those trucks "loading up!" :) I lived in Collierville, TN where I had easy access to the outlet...I went monthly to find good deals...several times I've hit upon "misprinted" pricing...they have so much volume that sometimes they make mistakes...2 chairs that retailed for $375 a piece were marked down to $175 but they had put for the "pair"...so I got two chairs for under $90 a piece instead of $375..I also got two brand new not damaged dressers for under $250..they retailed for over $1299...they had dove tailed drawers no staple fronts and the painted finishes last...I've had a dresser for 8 years with no problems...when you compare the quality to a Haverty's brand or anything that sells furniture in those price ranges..you just come out better...I got a butter painted bookshelf for under $100...there is just much more value there for the buck, you just have to look...being able to get a 100% cotton quilt for under $30 when it retails for over $150...well, it's worth it! :) I would love to have the time to spend searching for end tables and occasional pieces at antique stores...but when you have a family with children and you're always on the go, it's nice to go into a store and buy a solid wood kitchen table for under $200 and have it last...no peeling veneers etc. Now, would I ever pay full price for any of their items? NO WAY! But when I can get it for 80% off...it's a deal....

Tara

As with anything, knowing what you are looking for,and being aware of the quality that you are paying for is being a savvy consumer. PB does have some nicely made things and their outlet prices are certainly a steal compared to their catalog! It also depends on the purchaser, any of us with young children inevitably know that we want something that can tide us over til the kids get older, hold up fairly well, and look nice at the same time. Sometimes it's choice between Grandma's "never-gonna-die" Drexel Heritage and a PB outlet table, and sigh...it is no contest, Move over Grandma- an olive pecan table, with caned chairs? Forget it!!! :) I'm off to the outlet!

LOL, Never_ending.