Interior Design Blog

Navigating the ever changing landscape of tariffs can seem a little like Wack-a-Mole these days! 

It feels like just when we have a handle on what might be coming next, there is a new twist that can make even a seasoned pro throw up her hands! 

We hear you and we are here to help. Believe or not, you can take charge of that renovation or refresh with confidence, even when times can be uncertain. 

Here are some essential tips to help you feel more confident about your decisions, and maybe even have a little creative fun along the way!

 1. We Are Your Proactive Educator

• Setting Expectations Early: At the start of every project, we explain how tariffs, inflation, and global supply chain issues may affect pricing and availability.
  
  
• We Will Share Market Insights: Rest assured that, as interior designers, we are staying informed about pricing trends and industry news. It’s our job to explain these changes in simple, relevant terms.
  
  
• We Can Demystify Material Choices: No matter what the industry is doing, it’s always important for us to clarify how different materials or brands may be affected by tariffs. Understanding where your materials are coming from can help you to navigate  which ones are more stable or locally sourced.

• Trusted Professionals: For over 20 years, we have always sourced from the inside out. This means we start with the talent in our own backyard and then branch out into the world as we need to. We always want to celebrate our local resources first!

 2. Emphasizing Transparent Communication

• Breaking Down the Budget Clearly: We can help to clarify  where costs are most vulnerable to fluctuation (e.g., imported tile, hardware, or cabinetry).
  
  
• Offering Pricing Scenarios: We always offer  good-better-best options with notes on risk levels (ex:  “this vendor’s price is firm for 30 days,” “this item is subject to change”). We stay up to date on what our vendors are experiencing and how that changes their pricing structure.
  
  
• Documenting Our Pricing: We always include expiration dates on all quotes. Additionally, we can tell you what vendors are more likely to hold their pricing stable and those that are not. We know who has healthy stocks (less likely to fluctuate in pricing) and who is just barely staying ahead of the game.
  
  

3. Offer Flexible Design Solutions

• We Prioritize Key Design Elements: As part of our exploration we always help our clients identify non-negotiables early and allocate budget accordingly. Now more than ever, it’s important to get our wish list figured out and stick to it!
  
  
• We Have Back-Up Options Ready: In the event that a vendor has sold out of an item, or no longer feels they can guarantee pricing or availability, we are ready to source alternative products or vendors in advance, so you’re prepared if prices spike or items become unavailable.
  
  
• We Can Value Engineer Without Compromising the Vision: We can suggest design tweaks that maintain the aesthetic while using more cost-stable materials.
  
  

 4. Lock in Costs Where Possible

• We encourage Early Purchasing: When the design is finalized, we suggest ordering materials or furnishings early—even if installation is scheduled later. We always have the ability to store items, and our contractors love when everything is ready when they are!
  
  
• Use Warehousing if Needed: We always partner with receiving warehouses to store goods and reduce the risk of price or stock changes.
  
  
• We Negotiate with Vendors: Where possible, we always secure trade discounts or longer price guarantees. This is where an interior designer is worth her/his weight in goal. Knowing that you have the benefit of sometimes decades-long relationships can be the difference between on time and on budget, to overages and a stressful experience.
  
  

5. Advise on Phasing or Project Timing

• Phasing the Project: We will always advise you if we feel it will be beneficial to break the project into stages based on budget flexibility and material pricing trends.
  
  
• Being Strategic about Delays or Advances: If prices are high or volatile, it might be smart to postpone certain elements or switch timelines for different tasks. If we can take advantage of sales or rebates, that flexibility is to everyone’s advantage.
  
  

 6. We are Your Strategic Partner, Not Just a Stylist

• As Your  Procurement Advisor: We help you weigh the pros and cons of timing, pricing, and sourcing decisions.
  
  
• Cultivate Strong Vendor Relationships: As we mentioned earlier, having an interior designer on your side with reliable vendors makes it  more likely we can offer pricing stability and priority access.
  
  
• We Have Your Back! Our clients can rely on our composure— This isn’t our first rodeo! Rest assured that we will offer reassurance, solutions, and practical next steps.
  
  

We know that a renovation, or even a refresh, can be stressful at the best of times. Knowing that you have an advocate on your side to help you navigate your dream into a reality, can give you the piece of mind you need, and deserve. 

We are in this together, and we are ready to confidently and compassionately  make your house your forever home. 

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~In good design,
Renee

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“Interior designers are not just creatives—we are guides. By offering transparency, flexibility, and informed strategies, we help our clients feel secure and empowered, even in uncertain economic conditions.”