Boston Design Center

very pretentious… I just wanted to get some basic design ideas and they couldn’t be more unwelcoming. Of course, since I’m not a designer I’m not suppose to be able to browse the inner sanctum. They couldn’t be more obvious about not being a place for the «general public» to visit — this is only for design professionals and not mere mortals. I still walked around and looked to get ideas to just piss them off. It’s a free world. So if you are one of the commoners going here, be prepared for lots of attitude as you aren’t one of the chosen few enlighted ones called designers.

Another snooty biz run by the entitled. When you have money to burn on soul less overly priced chachkis. Head to boston design center for latest items, no doubt hand crafted cheaply by tiny children who moonlight in iphone factories. For those in in the know, be caucasian for the best service. BDC/​Martin group is very discerning/​discriminating. It only hires the best and will trace lineage to the Mayflower. Tragically, all of the bad press bostonians have for being rigid, racist, and elitist, are embodied in the Martin group business practice and hiring template. Shop with a clear conscience anywhere else

I found the Design Center to be disappointing overall, especially if you’re expecting fresh, contemporary design.
The companies represented there mostly embody upper middle class soccer mom aesthetic. My dream Design Center would have companies like Ligne Roset and Scavolini, and branch out into Scandinavian and Japanese brands as well. Sadly, not the reality. Of course, there are a few gems if you have the patience to stroll every floor. There are a few lovely kitchen, countertop, and tile companies.
Even as a designer I’ve had mixed experiences with reps at the BDC. Some are snots, some are wonderfully helpful. This is unfortunately true across the design industry, so my advice is to find a fantastic rep and cling to them for dear life.
For those that complain about the «steep» parking cost, $ 6 for 3 hours is a blessing in Boston! Clearly they’ve never tried to park near any museum or sport facility.

Design Centers like the BDC are to the trade only. If you get past the front desk don’t expect a warm welcome if you feel you must come in and shop with out a designer or shop and purchase on your own. It is not retail and they don’t care about your pillow problems or what color your walls are. Spare them the iphone pictures! They sell wholesale to designers and architects who purchase often and mark up the cost or charge an hourly rate or both. You’re really not allowed to come in on your own without your designer. Otherwise they would be out of business. If you need design knowledge and want access, get a job at a design firm, or get a degree!

At the risk of sounding pretentious, I would like to offer some comments about visiting design centers. They are not your local, «five years free financing, 40% off on everything this week only» store. Generally you do not have an option to purchase off the floor. This is a custom order made just for you. There is a lead time required. Pretty much everything is ala carte. Not necessarily more expensive because most designers will be fair in their overall pricing.
Design showrooms are just that: «Showrooms». You can see selected samples of various products for your home. For the most part, the items you view will not be found in typical home interiors stores.
How do you get meaningful service and attention in such a showroom? Here are a few suggestions: Do your research before you enter the facility. Look in stores that have items in all price ranges. Spend hours online creatively looking for the things you need.
Ask your friends about their furniture and lighting purchases .Read the top quality interior design magazines. Know what you want. (Or have a pretty well narrowed-​down series of ideas.)
When you visit, look and dress appropriately. Torn jeans will not generate the attention you might think you should receive. Smart casual or suits will convey a better impression. Fair? Who can say. The idea frequently works in top restaurants when you do not have a reservation. Look like you belong in the showroom.
Be upfront with the staff. Use their time efficiently. Most designers come in with clients who are ready to make a purchasing decision. They are not just browsing. By the way, browsing is ok… just tell them you are in for a quick look.
Most showrooms have a specific style that is evident when you look in their windows. If the style does not appeal to you, do not go in.
If you visit a showroom and find something you really like, ask the manager to suggest a local interior designer. Have the designer visit your home, make suggestions… and, if you like the designer’s ideas, make the purchase from that person. By the way, the designer may suggest something from another showroom instead of the one you just visited. That is the value of a designer: they know what is available to fit your needs.
You may not be ready to purchase today, but you can make some important contacts. Be sincere. Thank the staff for their time and expertise. Design Showrooms can be a great learning experience in the world of top quality furnishings.

I love being a hater when it comes to pretentious places like this. lol
Ok. some places in here welcomed you with open arms others could care less if you farted in their face.
I am just not good enough to roam the halls of this place.
The security at the front desk is… well, at least they are there.
The baker furniture showroom is full of themselves and their company and furnishings appear to have dropped in stature in the last 20 years.
Oh some amazing outdoor furniture places there, cool Ralph Lauren location and Ann Saks is great (and helpful people there) too. Venegas is gorgeous and people there are extremely helpful there too. Those places are 5 star in a 1 star BDC.

Why do they have a doorman WHO DOESN’T OPEN THE DOOR?! Even during «rush hours» 9 and 5. Blasphemy!

Design Centers are for professional Interior Designers, such as myself, not the public. BDC is probably the most open to consumers, which I don’t agree with at all. It is what it is. I think the Plush program is kind of silly, but many consumers don’t know they can hire a designer for the same price or less (I am less) who will get to know the consumers needs and preferences and guide rather than push.
I found some of the staff to be very friendly and my business generally goes into those showrooms. My personal favorites are Kravet, Robert Allen, Ralph Lauren, and Baker. It is a treat to see so many items under one roof.
YES parking is expensive, which seems to be the norm in Boston. You can use public transporation… unless you leave with arms full of samples. Then it is worth having a car outside.
The cafeteria is quite yummy, and has wifi. I highly recommend!

The Boston Design Center is a wonderful place to find unique fabrics, furniture, and accessories. Just like every Design Center in the country it’s focused on Interior Designers and any one else who specifies furniture. In response to Maria the Design Center is open those hours because that’s when the designers work. This is not a mall nor is it Ikea. It’s a building filled with resources for design professionals. It’s true some of the sales reps there will ignore you if you’re not a designer but not the good ones! I’ve got some wonderful friends who work here and they’ve always treated me very well! I highly recommend the Boston Design Center!

Fantastic connection for all Design Resources. Easy access to the location, great cafeteria for a quick lunch meeting… and fantastic professionalism throughout.

if you love looking at sparkly beautiful things, the Boston Design Center is a must. With over 7 floors, this place if filled with the most amazing home furnishings you’ll ever find. Whether you are looking for modern, classic, post modern, shaby chic or anything else you will find a showroom that is beautifully put together. I love wandering this place for ideas, inspiration, and to see pieces that are featured in Elle Décor and other home magazines. The quality of most makers (Baker, Stark etc.) are fantastic, but don’t come here looking for a bargain or easy shopping.
The process begins at check-​in where the security guard and conceirge sends you over to a computer terminal to «register». You’ll be given a big GUEST sticker that must be present on your clothes (this signals to every showroom that you are not a decorator so feel free to dismiss you as a shopper!). You then get a great book with all the showrooms. If you are not familiar with the design houses it will take you a while to walk through and figure out which ones match your style.
So here’s why I give this place so few stars: bad service in each showroom when they realize that you are not a designer (but they’ll take your money no problem should you want to purchase anything), plush program (you get 1 hour of an «on-​call designer for free and for $ 275 you get 4 hours) is a rip off because they assign a hussler designer to you to take you around and push you to buy things, and you have to sign up for each showroom’s email list to learn about exclusive sales or specials (as a big design center they should help announce sales so you don’t have to go in and essentially beg the showroom sales rep to give you more info about their sales and items). Parking is also pricey and hours are 9am-​5pm Monday through Friday so unless you don’t work you can’t really check this place out.
In a world filled with options and easy access to beautiful items, design should be just as accessible but this place is all about unaccessability. It is a disappointment.