Online shopping

When eBay challenged eight designers to make over a Manhattan townhouse in seven weeks, everyone realized the possibilities were endless. Thanks to the enormous reach of the Internet, these eight savvy designers were able to put their shopping expertise to use without leaving their computer. eBay.ca was the perfect online destination to snag super finds from all over the world. So how does online shopping simplify a designer's life and where exactly do they like to shop to bag a bargain? We checked in with some of the designers and here's what they had to say.

How has online shopping influenced you in your work?
When we accessorize a home, eBay is a great source for finding items that are unusual and can round out a client's collections or interests. Recently, a client bought an old dairy farm and we found antique steel milk containers to decorate the kitchen. Matthew Patrick Smyth

Shopping online is just a very convenient way of shopping. Being based in NY one has access to just about anything but one also runs out of time. Shopping at 2am for the vases you did not get to buy during the day is a plus. Isabelle Bosquet

Online shopping saves time! Most recently, I had a two-hour conference call and ordered furniture for my whole office. By nature I am a multitasker and a hunter and gatherer so I love being able to hunt through the troves of eBay while talking on the phone. Every store has a web site now so instead of trekking all over New York for a particular item, you can simply navigate through their store and see if they have what you are looking for. Lulu deKwiatkowski

Online shopping has been a great source for inspiration, ideas, and new resources. It enables an ease of shopping, allowing us to visit websites quickly, get detailed information on pieces of furniture and accessories, review entire lines, and for me, who does a lot of shopping during off-business hours, it's always open. Sheila Bridges