A Note from Erin

Thank you so much for your interest in our ‘One Perfect Piece’ guide. The fact that you’re here tells me you believe what I believe: that a home should be a thoughtful collection of stories, not just a room full of stuff.

For years, I’ve seen people feel pressured to furnish an entire room at once, leading to choices that are “good enough” but not truly great. This guide is the antidote to that pressure. It’s a simple framework to help you make one intentional, high-impact choice that can completely transform a space and bring you joy for years to come.

Let’s find your perfect piece, together.

The Power of One

Why focus on just one piece? Because a single, well-chosen item can:

• Anchor an entire room, giving it a clear focal point.

• Solve a persistent problem, whether it’s a lack of storage, seating, or light.

• Inject your personality into a space that feels generic.

• Elevate everything else around it.

This is about making a strategic choice, not just an impulsive purchase. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Identify the Room’s True Need

Before you start looking, take a moment to stand in your room and ask yourself: What is the one thing that would make this space feel or function better?

Ask Yourself:

• Functionally, what is missing?

• “I have nowhere to put my drink when I’m on the sofa.” (You need a side table.)

• “This room feels cluttered and I have nowhere to hide the mess.” (You need a beautiful credenza or storage cabinet.)

• “There’s no comfortable place to sit and read.” (You need the perfect armchair.)

• Emotionally, what is missing?

• “The room feels cold and impersonal.” (You might need a piece with warmth and character, like a vintage rug or a wooden bench.)

• “It feels bland and lacks a focal point.” (You might need a stunning piece of art or a uniquely shaped lamp.)

• “It doesn’t feel like ‘me’.” (You need a piece that reflects your unique personality, whatever that may be!)

Your answer will give your search a clear purpose.

Step 2: Listen for the “Heartbeat”

This is the intuitive part. When you’re browsing, pay attention to the pieces that make you feel something. It’s a quiet little pull, a feeling that a piece has a certain “heartbeat.” It might not be the most practical or logical choice, but it’s the one you can’t stop thinking about.

Don’t worry if it doesn’t “match” everything perfectly. The most soulful rooms are built on a collection of loves, not a set of rules. If you feel a connection to a piece, there’s a reason.

Step 3: The 30-Second Quality Check

Once a piece has captured your heart, take a moment to vet its quality. As a curator, this is second nature to me, but anyone can learn to spot the basics. A well-made piece will last a lifetime.

• The Wiggle Test: Does it feel sturdy and stable? Gently push on it.

• The Material Check: Is it solid wood? (It will feel heavy and substantial). Or is it particleboard with a thin veneer?

• The Drawer Test: If it has drawers, pull one out. Do they slide smoothly? Look for dovetail joints (interlocking notches) as a sign of superior craftsmanship.

Step 4: The Transformation Test

Finally, close your eyes and visualize the piece in your room. How does it change the space?

• Does it solve the problem you identified in Step 1?

• Does it make you feel the way you want to feel in that room?

• Does it elevate the other pieces around it?

If the answer is a resounding yes, you’ve likely found your one perfect piece.

A Final Thought

This process is meant to be joyful, not stressful. It’s about trusting your own taste and having the confidence to choose with intention. My hope is that this guide empowers you on your journey.

If you ever want a second opinion or a partner in your search, that’s what we’re here for. Bring your photos, your ideas, and your questions to our store in Anchorage. We’d be honored to help you find the piece that’s waiting to tell its next story with you.

With warmth,

Erin Downey