Have you ever wondered where an interior designer sources furnishings?

The furnishing world is one wild place. If you have ever worked with an interior designer or purchased furniture for yourself, you’ve likely landed in a comfort zone. Hopefully, it is a comfort zone you are thrilled with, but if you are yearning for some fresh finds, this post is for you.

Interior designers’ go-to retailers are vetted to the Nth degree. We have rapid-fire furniture needs, often for multiple projects at once. This means we have more opportunities than the typical homeowner to determine what furnishing vendors are worth working with consistently.

Interior designers’ go-to vendors aren’t always retailers who are open to the public. Closed-trade vendors are incredible for a multitude of reasons, but that’s a topic for another day. Right now, I am focused on how to get your eyes on some fresh finds that will be well worth stretching outside of your comfort zone for.

It has taken me years to fully grasp the ins and outs of the home furnishing scene and I’m positive that I still have a lot more to learn. I’ve luckily had some incredible vendors take the time to guide me through everything they know and love about the biz. So, here we go…

WHERE DO YOU FIND THE ITEMS YOU REALLY LOVE FOR YOUR HOME?

There are go-to retailers that every design enthusiast will check out when on the hunt (West Elm, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Serena & Lily, etc.). We know them well, and they usually have great solutions for your furnishing needs. If you know what you love and the fit is right for a piece or two, go with the retail mainstays.

While it’s okay to stick to the everyday go-to’s for a few pieces you really love, the goal is to spread your wings and let your design eye live a little! The key to spreading your wings and creating a collected aesthetic and established home is to switch up your sources… and your hunt.

There is not a designer in the world who is sourcing an entire room from one retailer or manufacturer. Expanding your hunt will organically give you a collected, established, personality-filled aesthetic in your home.

Making any home feel complete takes money. It’s no secret that layers of furnishings add cost to your budget, and it’s the layers that bring any thoughtfully designed space together. Seeking out new vendors (some that may actually be intimidating to you) does not necessarily mean you will spend more money than you would have in one place. You just have to be strategic as you start the process, and dive right into sources that may stretch outside of your comfort zone. Get to know great vendors. Let them help you find your home’s story.

NEVER FEEL INTIMIDATED BY A RETAILER

You know a retailer is a good fit when you step inside their storefront and feel welcomed immediately. You know you are coming back when you feel right at home as you walk in the door. There are plenty of vendors that I have purchased furnishings from in the past and know I will be back. There are also plenty of retailers that I know to avoid.

When you’re ramping up your surroundings, you have so much to think about. The last thing you need is to feel intimidated by a retailer! I know the vibe of the “over-seller” or the “not enough time in a day” retailer. Check those merchants off your list and continue on your hunt for the right fit. There are so many incredible vendors that are passionate about helping you find the perfect fit. Use them! Build relationships with them. Trust their expertise when you know the vibe is right.

My Favorites In The Biz

If you are still here for the real goods, I’m thrilled to share my absolute favorites in the retail biz. They are examples of what to look for in a great furnishing source. I’ll start by saying these sources happen to have locations in Chicagoland [local to me]. If they don’t have a location near you, they can source to you nationally [some globally!] OR represent a similar brick-and-mortar shop near you.

• Room & Board has an over-arching mid-century aesthetic, although they have an incredible line of quality furnishings that actually range dramatically in aesthetic for any home. Their back-of-store outlets are a must visit for post-season deals that cannot be beat for the quality. Our Room & Board sofa is going on 12 years old and has worn like iron.

• DuPage Framing Center (DFC) is our local frame shop that we love to collaborate with on design projects. DFC or your local frame shop is a great resource to add to your repertoire. They will get creative with you and make sure your artwork at any value is displayed at its greatest potential.

• South Loop Loft is an incredible vintage one-of-a-kind source, local to Chicago but accessible globally online. They are expanding by the day with fresh containers being sourced from all over the world. They always take the time to walk through curated options with me, no matter what the project.

• Kenneth Ludwig is a go-to multi-line vendor for designers and homeowners alike. They have a brick and mortar open to the public in Chicago. Ken and his team have been easy to work with since day one to source a slew of furnishing and finish items for my clients. Ken was the first person to give me the full lay of the land of this furnishing industry. So good.

• Arhaus is a national retailer you’ve likely heard of too that has evolved over the years with a varying aesthetic options and growing lines. I have always appreciated the commitment their team puts into coordinating and troubleshooting with me and my clients. They are helpful without being pushy, and the store itself has a comfortable vibe.

• Book Stores of all kinds are an incredible source of solace and styling goods! I love seeing book stacks as I purchase them. Don’t get me wrong, I source books online when I know exactly what I’m looking for, but taking in fresh book titles and covers in person can’t be beat.

NEED A KICK-START TO YOUR HOME DESIGN PROJECTS? 

If you are feeling inspired to get YOUR home design underway, be sure to check out our design guides. We currently have 3 freebie offers to meet you where you’re at. When you sign up for our freebies you will also be added to our weekly newsletter! I’m dishing all of my home design tips and tricks directly to your inbox to brighten up your week and inspire your home design journey.

xo,

If you‘re looking for more tips for your home design projects, check out these posts:

An Interior Designer’s Process to Furnish a Room

What Are The Key Factors To Consider When Buying Furniture?

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