Showroom vs Online Shopping: Pros, Cons, and What’s Right for You
- Kitchens By Design
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Whether you just bought your new fixer upper and are ready to spruce up your kitchen, or you are tired of looking at the weird tile in your bathroom after 15 years, planning a remodel is no small feat. In a world of online storefronts where convenience and a wide array of low cost options are touted as the most desirable way to shop, it is important to be very intentional when planning your kitchen or bath remodel. While you may be able to find what appears to be the exact products you are envisioning online, choosing to purchase from the internet versus in person carries a variety of risks.
You will have a more personal, in depth design & product selection experience.
The primary advantage of working with our local showroom is that you will have direct access to our designers. Relying on people who can actively collaborate with you in real life - not only at the showroom but by visiting your home to measure and coordinate with your other in person vendors - will ultimately make your project much easier to manage. When you choose to work with a brick and mortar storefront like Kitchens By Design, you will have access to people with the knowledge you need (like us!) who are focused solely on your project. Not only will we be able to help bring your vision to life but also walk you through the different materials that are available to you. One of the things that holds people back from fully committing to the remodel process is being overwhelmed at the potential options, both materially and in terms of design. Our designers will talk with you to hone in on your preferred use of your space - such as whether you cook for a large family or want more efficient storage options - and create potential designs that fit within your vision. Getting to know someone creates a service that is more personalized to your needs, which is crucial when making such a large investment in your home.
You will be able to see and feel the materials you will be working with in person.

Material selection is a key part of the remodel process, and shopping online can provide a gateway to a deep dive of inspiration. Research is where your online product browsing should end. By visiting our showroom you can compare materials in person. You can see how the color of paint changes under different lighting situations or feel the difference between a polished and honed tile. Looks can be deceiving, especially when viewing products on a screen. Small things such as texture can get overlooked when browsing online, which is ultimately pivotal once everything is installed. Our staff can walk you through the pros and cons of different materials, as well as explain certain finishes and how they will impact your space. Additionally, you will be able to see the functionality of certain products, such as cabinets. Do you like the color of this cabinet but hate the sound the drawer makes when it closes? There is no way to know when you look at products online! When you choose to visit a showroom, you will have access to someone who can problem solve and redirect you towards products that not only fit your personal aesthetic, but also your little quirks.
Plan your visit to Kitchens By Design's showroom in Johnston, RI!
While shopping online has its benefits, when planning a re-design of your kitchen or bath the perks of visiting showrooms far outweigh the cons. The internet is a vast, seemingly endless place full of intriguing things to look at. If you are not careful you can become overstimulated and lose the spark that pushed you towards an update in the first place. If you are ready to skip the doom-scrolling research, head into our showroom! Talking to someone in real life takes the middleman - AKA the thousands of search results - out of the equation. You will develop a more concise, targeted approach to your design and product selection process. Plan your visit to our showroom today! Located off of Hartford Avenue in Johnston, RI, we have a variety of products to fuel your project inspiration and the industry knowledge to help point you in the right direction. If you're lucky, you might get to meet one of our resident furry friends!
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