Ralph Lauren is a perfect example:  The company was one of the first designer names to enter the mass market for interior paints, lending Lauren’s name to a selection of great textured paints sold in big box stores.  Buying these paints made consumers happy because a) they were fashion-forward, b) they were good quality, and c) they had the Ralph Lauren brand cache. 

Buying a well-known brand gives us confidence, and it lets us experience the story the designer tells.  If you outfit a room in Ralph Lauren home goods, it will be obvious – each designer has a specific image and creates a particular mood with fabrics, textures, and shapes.  If you like the look, go for it.  But as with almost everything, my advice is to buy what you really, truly need and love.

Imagine taking the brand label off of the product – does item still speak to you?  Find the look that works with your lifestyle and suits your sensibilities.   If you’re making an investment in a large appliance, sofa, mattress, or any other important, expensive purchase, do your homework.  Check out the different brands and compare them.  Buy what meets your specific needs and wants – it may not be the celebrity-branded item.  And if you’re buying things like accessories and other home goods, choose them based on their visual appeal, the quality you observe in each specific piece, and where they fit in your budget.

Tell us:  How do you think designer-branded products compare?