Since this month's issue is all about retailing success, we asked our designers to share a little of their own experience as shoppers: “The last time you shopped for home decor item(s) for your home, what did you buy? Where did you buy it? And what attracted you to that particular shop?” — Susan Dickenson

Charlotte Moss's Townhouse in New York's Upper East Side is one of my recent favorites. Walking into an impeccably done, five-floor residence-now-retail-venue, is quite an experience. Each floor caters to different elements of the home and fine gifts. I was particularly intrigued by her collection of antique and vintage interior design and fashion books and purchased Billy Baldwin Remembers, a retrospective of his interior work. Not only is the book a treat but the staff was equally as fresh and helpful, wrapping the book with such care and truly representing the store from a shopkeeper's perspective with good conversation and hospitality. Retail should always be an experience of sight, sound, smell and service. Charlotte Moss is a master of her trade. — BB

My most recent retail purchase felt more like a scavenger hunt, as it literally occurred days before the April High Point Market. The space I designed for the launch of my new furniture collections for Revco was all tonalities of gray with only two contrasting pop colors: ultra- pure white and yellow. My struggle for accessories, props and fluff lay in the color yellow, which I could not find anywhere. Three days before market, I went to West Elm, where a week earlier a store manager advised me to check back after a weekend inventory change. I returned to find a store that had transformed overnight. It was everywhere — not just the color yellow, but also the very Euro-savvy combination of yellow and gray, just what I needed. I give West Elm a 10 for staying on top of the trend pulse. — GO

Whenever I take the leap and make retail purchases, it usually happens when I'm doing a trunk show at one of my retailers. The last time I made an impulse purchase, I bought some decorative fish at Gift Gourmet & Interiors in Knoxville, Tenn. No one actually needs decorative fish, but these were fun and made me smile. Proximity was obviously a key factor in the purchase, but more so was the fact that I love shopping in stores with a particular point of view, and that are strongly edited. I like feeling that someone has taken the time to select what they are showing me. It's respectful of my time, and speaks of a certain confidence. If they have chosen this out of all of the options that are out there, I will also most likely be quite content with it. — DW

The last time I shopped for a home decor item I bought a product called Aroma Cones which are actual pine cones dipped in a fragranced wax formula. The cones serve as decorative accents and fragrance your home as well. The color assortment and different sizes make it easy for one to fit them into any decor. I bought them at an independent retail shop called Aesthetica in Kansas City, Mo. The store owner's highly creative store displays attracted me to this shop as well as his reputation for bringing in unique and creative decorative accessories. — BG

During a recent trip to Paris I visited my favorite Marché aux Puces flea market and fell in love with a gold and coral handled flatware set that I decided to add to my collection of antique flatware and serving pieces. Another recent memorable shopping experience was in Helsinki when I was strolling along the Esplanade and came across the Arabia factory shop. I've had the opportunity to work with several of their famous designers, and purchased several of their wonderful glass birds and glass vases. Both purchases resulted not only in beautiful pieces for my home, but beautiful, memorable experiences that I will carry with me forever. — RW

I love dishes and have several sets in various colors and styles that I mix and match. But my favorite is a simple blue ceramic set I found walking around in Provence, France. I also enjoy trying out new sheets and bedding before recommending them to clients. My new duvet and shams are being custom hand-embroidered in India by Flying Fig, and I can't wait to get them. Blackman Cruz and Fat Chance in Los Angeles are among my favorite stops for found objects. — SE

I've been doing some remodeling, adding a bedroom and a new bathroom, and I shopped at Home Depot Design Center for tub, sinks, mirrors and shower fixtures. Everything else came from small specialty stores. I believe this is the time for small specialty stores if they can survive this rough period. You have to give shoppers great service and quality products 24/7. Otherwise they can get it anywhere. — RO

A couple of great places I've found: (1) Regeneration Furniture — they have a Web site and two stores, one in Tribeca, and one in ABC Carpet & Home — has wonderful furniture and accessories, mixed in with present-day product. The first piece I ever saw in their window was a sofa that reminded me of a James Bond movie, and I was HOOKED! (2) Ragoarts.com — Rachel Simon from Lights Up! sent me this site, and I still can't decide if I love her madly for doing so or if I should never speak to her again. There's an area of wonderful, affordable items, but then there are two other areas that make me weep: the “sold” section (from which I never could have purchased), and the upcoming auction items. My heart starts beating quickly at this part of the site as I start planning bank robberies. — BH

Barclay Butera

Greg O'Neal

Dorian Webb

Bense Garza

Raymond Waites

Sandra Espinet

Randy Ouzts

Babette Holland