RETAIL SAFARI: In search of...

One might think it fun to be an interior designer, especially of model homes. Actually, shopping for furnishings and other items for homes in a model tract can at times be stressful, even frustrating. After all, there are budget limitations and trends to consider, as well as time constraints.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors in Las Vegas, relishes such assignments, even though she knows that her forays for furnishings can turn into full-fledged disasters if a store lacks a specific number of items, or the items are not available in the shade that matches her chosen color scheme.

I recently accompanied Mayhugh on a shopping trip.

Armed with a bag full of lists, categorized first by model number and then by individual rooms; bundles of fabric swatches; and wearing comfortable shoes, she embarked on her shopping safari.

She strolled up and down each aisle in each store and studied the wares. There was no inkling that she had a deadline to meet, and nothing to distinguish her from the other shoppers -- except her many shopping lists.

That was when it became obvious that Mayhugh takes shopping seriously.

Although there were many items to be purchased, most of her shopping actually began long before she set foot in the first store. Upholstery, bedding and window treatments were custom-made. Art was custom-framed, and many accessories were ordered from firms that cater to interior designers.

"It saves a lot of time," Mayhugh said.

Whenever possible, she attaches pictures of those items on her lists so she can find the best possible matches. The same holds true for colors, which is why she always carries fabric swatches.

"Your color memory is 14 seconds or 36 inches away."

This particular afternoon, she was on a mission to find dishes and coordinating table linens.

As with each outing, Mayhugh started by making a complete trip through the store, or at least through the departments where she would be shopping. She surveyed what was available and took mental notes, picking up only items she was sure would fit her needs.

She eyed a rack of books and stopped. Buying books wasn't in the plan, but they were a good bargain. Mayhugh pulled books off the shelf, looking not at their titles, but at their girth. She needed books that were thin enough to fit into the holders she had already purchased. If they had beautiful pictures and fit the theme of the house she was decorating, that was a bonus.

Back to the quest for dishes.

She found a few mugs and a coffee set that fit in with her European chic theme for the largest of the three models she was decorating.

Then it was onto the second store, where she was more successful. Mayhugh found handpainted plates that matched the color schemes for the "modern country" and "Tommy Bahama" models. She purchased service for six for each house and later found place mats and napkins.

Her only disappointment was that the store didn't carry mid-sized plates in a coordinating color that would complete the place settings.

Back at the car, Mayhugh took a short breather before she headed off to the next store. She reorganized her list, and checked off the items she purchased. She never shops without a pen or a highlighter.

Even though she isn't technically spending her own money, Mayhugh is financially responsible during her shopping expeditions. Anything spent over budget will come out of her pocket.

Discounts allowed her to splurge on other items. And, Mayhugh was always on the lookout for bargains. She checked out clearance areas to see if something could be used or substituted for a more expensive item.

Mayhugh found nothing in the third store. It happens, she said. Sometimes her lists call for a specific item; other times there's a vague description: "kitchen counter accessory." Knowing what will fill the bill comes with experience.

Three hours later, Mayhugh entered a fourth store. She's getting tired, but fortunately, it's a repeat visit. After purchasing a set of dishes to serve four people, Mayhugh decided the table would look better if set for six guests.

When the cashier had trouble with her purchase, Mayhugh remained calm and pleasant. She knows her purchases can be complicated. As an interior designer, she has a resale license and some stores will waive sales tax or offer a professional discount.

By the end of the afternoon, Mayhugh hadn't found everything she needed, but was pleased with what she had accomplished.

Even with a list, the trip was mentally exhausting -- and she still had several more hours of work to do.

After unloading everything from her car, the items had to be inspected for damage, stripped of price tags, and packed in boxes that were labeled according to which room and model they belong.

It also gave Mayhugh a chance to recheck her list before heading out to the stores another day.

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