Why Timing and Sourcing Matter
We recently worked with a client who had held off for weeks on a full-room design.
It wasn’t the design they questioned—it was the moment. Every choice felt right, but committing to a major investment in your home can stir up nerves, even when your heart already knows it’s the right direction.
When they finally reached out to say they were ready to move forward, only a few of the pieces we had sourced, specifically those produced overseas, had been impacted by new tariff-related price increases. The good news? Because the majority of their selections were domestically sourced, including window treatments, accessories and upholstery, those prices remained unchanged. Luckily, the few pieces we sourced overseas only saw about a 5% increase – minimal compared to the steep numbers making headlines lately.
Environments designed with predictability, control, and reduced stress lead to better client experiences.
That’s not just common sense—it’s backed by research. So how do we create an experience that reflects that from start to finish?
From the manufacturers we source to how we manage timelines, our decisions are intentional. When we work with U.S.-based manufacturers and artisans with which we have long standing relationships, we’re able to avoid many of the delays that can derail a design…and a client’s peace of mind.
We’ve been ahead of this curve for years. In fact, most of our vendors are already US based – not as a reaction to tariffs, but because it makes better sense for our clients and for the quality we promise.
That’s not to say we don’t love a beautifully crafted piece from overseas (see “Rare Finds in the next section) – many of our favorite accents and artisan details come from abroad. But when it comes to core pieces such as upholstery, window treatments, or anything that affects the timeline, we tend to source domestically. It comes down to choosing what supports a smoother process, a more reliable outcome, and ultimately, a better experience for our clients.
Shorter Lead Times, Lower Shipping Costs
Working with domestic manufacturers means shorter production and delivery windows. No trans-ocean shipping delays. No customs hold-ups. Fewer surprises. In a world where timelines matter, this gives our clients a distinct advantage—and often keeps projects running smoothly.
Hands-On Oversight and Personal Connections
Many of the artisans and manufacturers we work with aren’t just vendors—they’re partners. One of our custom upholstery lines, for example, is based out of North Carolina by a family-owned business whose factory we’ve personally toured and they even know us on a first name basis. That kind of relationship translates into consistent quality, accountability, and trust.
Customization and Collaboration
When we work with U.S.-based manufacturers, customization is not only possible—it’s part of the process. We’ve brought clients to our New Jersey based upholsterer to ensure, for example, that the depth of their custom sofa is absolutely perfect. A specialty finish? A custom fabric? Domestic partners can often accommodate unique requests quickly and with minimal hassle. And that means our clients get something even better than beautiful: they get something truly unique.
Vintage: Beautiful, Sustainable—and Tariff-Free
Another piece of the puzzle? Vintage. We love incorporating one-of-a-kind vintage items into our projects. Vintage pieces add a uniqueness that’s difficult to find. They also offer instant gratification and sidestep tariffs altogether.
The Bottom Line?
Tariffs may be a hot topic, but they haven’t shaken our sourcing strategy because we’ve long believed in building relationships that support both our client’s and our firm’s peace of mind.
Ta da! This issue’s “Rare/Uncommon Find” is a video
We recently had 400 of these handcrafted clay sculptures made – each one slightly different. Together, they’ll cover a 14-foot wall to form a custom art installation that feels more like a living, breathing moment rather than a static piece. Stay tuned!
Design is personal, and the right choices make all the difference. Want to learn more? It all starts with a conversation. Reach out, and let’s explore what’s possible together.