In recent weeks I have seen quite a few posts on social media about furniture quality, and needing damaged furniture to be replaced or fixed. Also, I know many people purchase furnishings around tax time. That made me realize that most are unclear about a service that interior designers offer and how this service can help clients drastically.

Sourcing is when a designer compiles products for clients to use in a design. Whether it be furnishings, lighting, accessories, pillows, rugs, cabinets, fixtures, the list goes on and on and on. To put it simply, sourcing is a type of “personal shopper” aspect of design. If a client hires a designer for a full service design, sourcing is just part of the process. But did you know, it is offered as a separate service? All it’s own? And it is more affordable than you may think.

Most designers don’t have a store front where products are displayed for customers to “test”, however, we have a breadth of resources that enable us to make informed decisions on what products will work best for each client based on their lifestyle needs and wants. Interior designers attend markets that showcase the latest and greatest products. We learn how manufacturers are working on new production practices to make products more affordable for the end consumer all the while being more sustainable for the environment. We pass on this knowledge to our clients.

I hear all the time from others how there is just no way they could afford the services of an interior designer. Let’s see if I can’t change your mind. 

Let’s get into how the sourcing process works for a client*….

The client can reach out through email, hello@jennbentleydesigns.com, to get detailed information and let the me know what they are on the hunt for. Depending on how much information needs to be obtained, we can determine which consultation would be best. 

A Design Discussion is conducted over the phone, Facetime, or Skype. It usually lasts about an hour and we discuss space, style, function, and any other concerns you may have. Measurements are done by the client and further communication is conducted through email, due to visual information being given. A Design Discussion is limited to the space being discussed and it costs $97. 

The other option, is an In Home Consultation. I come to the client’s home and I give an abundance of design advice along with taking measurements during a duration of two hours. If you chose an In Home Consultation, I also look at other spaces in the home to make sure everything is cohesive throughout the home and it costs $227. For more details on the in home consultation click here.

Consultations are filled with great design advice and some clients take the knowledge and advice given and they implement the things discussed all their own. And that is FANTASTIC! That means I am relaying enough advise and information that my client has the confidence to go it alone. On the other hand, most clients determine they want to utilize the designer’s resources and have the designer source the products on behalf of the client. Selecting products starts at $377 and the client receives options for “Good”, “Better”, and “Best”. Also included with the sourcing fees is overseeing the purchasing, shipping, and delivery of the products. 

The client can then take these options and buy each product on their own (through retail options) and use the products as we discussed or however they see would best suit their needs. If the client choses to order the products through the designer, we determine which option they like best and we develop a plan for purchasing, shipping, and delivery. I share my designer discount with my clients 50/50, if they chose to move forward with purchasing. And don’t forget, your designer is a business, so by purchasing through them you are helping to support a LOCAL small business! 

Below is an example of a Sofa sourced for a client….

Purchasing furniture is always an investment. So remember, the next time you are thinking of purchasing new furnishings or accessories, reach out to your designer and their expertise. 

*Prices and services are based on my own fees and services offered with Jenn Bentley Designs.