- December 9, 2025
- Luxe Design
When it comes to creating a beautiful home, quality furniture is everything.
The right pieces don’t just look good—they feel good, last longer, and bring warmth and personality to every room.
As a luxury interior designer, we’re always helping our clients source one-of-a-kind, high-quality pieces that stand the test of time. Here are some of our top tips on how to source quality furnishings on Long Island.
Work with Local Artists
One of the most impactful ways to personalize a home is through custom artwork and finishes. We’re fortunate enough to collaborate with a Huntington-based artist who specializes in murals, Venetian plaster, limewash, hand-painted wallcoverings, and many other custom wall finishes.
Painted Pieces Art & Graphics is an incredible Long Island resource for quality artistry. Their work adds a depth and soul that store-bought decor can’t replicate. Whether it’s a moody plaster dining room or a whimsical mural in a playroom, these custom touches make all the difference.
Go Beyond Retail
Some of the most beautiful, well-crafted furniture never makes it to a retail showroom. Superior craftsmanship often lives within exclusive, trade-only vendors whose pieces are built with longevity and customization in mind.
Working with a designer opens the door to these options—from made-to-measure sectionals in performance fabrics you won’t find anywhere else to custom stone bathroom vanities. When you go beyond retail, you gain access to truly one-of-a-kind pieces that are built to last.
Look for Lasting Quality
Nowadays, furniture is often mass-produced with cheaper materials that simply aren’t built to last. Particleboard and MDF are major red flags—these engineered woods are made from resin and wood fibers and are commonly used in low-quality pieces that show wear quickly. Instead, look for solid hardwoods like maple, ash, or walnut, which age beautifully and stand up to daily use.
Construction matters just as much as material. Well-made furniture will feature dovetail, tongue-and-groove, or mortise-and-tenon joints—never flimsy staples or visible glue. Edges should meet in a tight, flush fit with no gaps or residue.
These are the signs of true craftsmanship and the kind of quality that ensures your furniture will last for decades, not just seasons.
Skip the Big-Box Stores and Shop Local
While stores like HomeGoods and Homesense can be tempting for quick décor finds, their accessories are often mass-produced, low-quality, and repeated in homes everywhere. If you’re aiming for a curated, elevated look, it’s worth skipping the big-box aisles and opting for local boutiques that offer pieces with more character and craftsmanship.
Long Island has incredible, family-owned shops filled with unique accessories that instantly make a home feel more thoughtful and refined. Some of our favorites include ACD Home, Level, and Heritage Farm & Garden.
Let Luxe Design Handle the Details
Sourcing high-end furniture can feel overwhelming. Our team manages every step—from sourcing and ordering to quality checks and installation—so you can simply enjoy the process and the finished result!
Ready to transform your Long Island home with beautifully made, custom pieces? Contact Luxe Design today to begin your design journey.
