In the old days my parents would look in a store window or a catalogue and buy the entire living room or bedroom set as they saw it; the mixing and matching was done for them and they were guaranteed a 'pulled together' and trend-setting room.

It surprises me that today, people buy only what they see in a showroom or online and don't bother asking about custom options. For about the same amount of money and just a few weeks wait, you can have the room of your dreams by customizing furniture, lamps, draperies and rugs to a style and colour that personally suits you.

The more you make something your own, the longer you will like it and the prouder you will be.

Here are a few questions to ask your furniture store when ordering furniture:

Can I change the fabric?

Most often the retailer has a huge array of fabrics to choose from; what you see on the furniture in their store is how they have ordered it. Don't be afraid to ask about changing a fabric choice to something more suited to your taste.

Are there wood stain options?

The most popular wood colour of the moment is a dark espresso stain. It's been around for 6-8 years and retailers often choose it for their showroom models. Trends are changing and lighter wood tones are coming back in style; in particular, medium walnut stains and driftwood-coloured wood.

Can the cushion fillings be changed?

Comfort in a sofa lies in its size and in the type of cushions. If a sofa is long enough to lie down on yet has hard-foam cushions it won't be very comfortable. A puffy-type cushion is usually a piece of foam wrapped in a layer of cotton baton or goose down feathers. This gives support when you sit, as well as the cushy feeling.

All products featured on the show are from furniture retailer Urban Barn. They have 40 stores across Canada and you can check them out at www.urbanbarn.com. Here is a list of products shown on the the show:

Winter/Darker/Conservative Look:

  • Custom Groove Chair, in Moonlight Black: $888.00
  • Custom Spencer Rug, in Slate (5' x 7'6"): $299.00
  • Custom Mirror (24" x 48"): $209.00
  • Post and Rail End Table, made from reclaimed pine timbers: $349.00
  • Sheraton Floor Lamp: $199.00
  • Mongolian Sheep Skin Toss Cushion in Brown: $59.00

Spring/Colourful/Trendy Look:

  • Custom Groove Chair, in Scroll Mulberry: $941.00
  • Custom Boise Rug, in Sage (5' x 8'): $399.00
  • Custom Mirror, (24" x 36"): $159.00
  • Cross Square Lamp Table: $99.00
  • Flower Shade Floor Lamp: $59.00
  • Tessa Pleated Pillow, in Green: $36.00
  • Crinkle Cushion, in Green: $39.00
  • Groove Chair customized in Scroll-Mulberry fabric, $941
  • Groove Chair customized in Moonlight Black fabric, $888

If you have a decorating question that you would like Karl to answer, email him at homedecor@ctv.ca. For great decorating tips you can now follow Karl on Twitter @karllohnesCTV