The pottery barn groan refers to the pissed off scoff/groan that someone lets loose after checking the price on something they wanted to buy from the catalog. Also applies in pottery barn stores, but more toned down due to salespeople that might be listening.
Jenna: OMG, that vintage apothecary table would look PERFECT in the living room!
Sarah: Wow, it is beautiful. Lemme check the price.
*Pottery Barn groan*
Sarah: Awww man.
Jenna: What?
Sarah: It's more than our rent, Jen.
Sarah: Wow, it is beautiful. Lemme check the price.
*Pottery Barn groan*
Sarah: Awww man.
Jenna: What?
Sarah: It's more than our rent, Jen.
by SarahsAir March 2, 2010