By Design Furniture

09/07/08

Rude saleswoman and over-priced, sub-standard furniture

by abbj

I was a little puzzled when a saleswoman inside the store ran up, locked the door and ran away as I approached the entrance ten minutes before the official 12 noon store opening. When I returned an hour later, asking her why she couldn't be just a tad bit more interested in welcoming a potential customer, she got rude and nasty. As long as she's there, I won't be.

The furniture itself looks stylish but many of the pieces are poorly made, which was more acceptable a few years ago when they more cheaply priced to match (I had a bed that literally fell to pieces after just a year), but not at the high prices they now seek (most of the items you can find online for MUCH less). Looking for inexpensive furniture? Goodbye, By Design. Hello, IKEA.

• Pros: Stylish looking contemporary furniture
• Cons: Extremely poor service, poorly-made yet overpriced furniture

08/03/04

The place in Atlanta for mid-priced contemporary furniture.

by Contributor

The Scene
Sample bedrooms, offices and living rooms dot this spacious Midtown store, offering ideas for a modern home. The look is sleek and minimalist, making By Design practical for those who live in smaller spaces.

The Goods
The focus here is on furniture, not accessories. Keeping the young loft-dweller in mind, the store sells modular pieces and low-rise European-style beds and tables. Also popular are contemporary reproductions that are much more affordable than the real deal. The majority of furniture is middle-of-the-road in price and quality, so it's a great place to shop if you're furnishing your first apartment or hunting for trendy pieces you don't expect to keep forever.