All the famous designers have these rules, like “Seven Rules of Good Design.” I only have two, which is why I’m not on TV. But I’m just getting started. Anyway, my first rule is Choose the Paint Last. The second one I invented today and it’s Never Buy A Sofa That Looks Like This.

It doesn’t matter what this specific sofa is. It’s an example of something you see everywhere. My suggestion is that if you’re in the furniture emporium and you find yourself thinking, “Gee, that sure is a good price!” step away - fast.

The problem with these is that they’re ugly and puffy. Moreover, they’re inexpensive for a reason. They’re manufactured from the cheapest of materials and fabrics. Within a year they’ll have turned to lived-in shiny lumps.

There are far better choices that will stand the test of time. I’ll focus on those in tomorrow’s Design Dilemma.