STEP BY STEP: Furniture Procurement
Step by Step is the blog of Kate Kerin Interiors. In addition to following some of my clients’ projects, I examine some of the latest issues of interest in the world of interior design.
Spring seems to be a trigger for clients seeking advice and assistance in procuring furniture. I’ve had a rush of enquiries from people who are keen to have new furniture in their homes for the Christmas holiday period – and they’re smart for considering this now! Lots of items have lead times of up to 12 weeks (sometimes longer), and anything custom made is going to take substantial time. But even if you haven’t quite got your ducks in a row before Christmas, it’s worth the wait to get the perfect pieces for your home.
This month’s blog focuses on the process, not on the people. Next month I hope to introduce you to some of my lovely new clients and take you with them on their design journeys. For those who are new to this blog, you can look back at older posts to learn about some of my satisfied clients and their North Shore and Inner West projects.
Turn your back on “fast furniture”
Furniture should be an investment, and like fashion and food, “fast furniture” is rarely a good idea. Sure, flatpack items from large global retailers can be fun and usually look fantastic for a while. But they simply don’t last. And if you’re remotely interested in sustainability, these mass-produced items aren’t going to tick the important boxes. If you don’t have the DIY gene you’re probably not going to want to spend the time (and deal with the frustration) of putting them together.
Well made furniture can be a thing of beauty, bringing you pleasure every time you use or even look at it. Solid timber items, quality fabric that sings, pieces that are customised to your needs and your spaces will beat off-the-shelf every time. And that’s where an interior designer can help you.
Aesthetic vision
One of the key advantages of collaborating with an interior designer is the ability to see the big picture. It's easy to fall in love with individual pieces of furniture or accessories, but they need to work together harmoniously in your new space. An interior designer will help you make choices that complement each other and create a cohesive look that enhances your home’s overall aesthetic. Plus, they’ll ensure that the process is both smoother and more enjoyable! A designer will guide you through the process to avoid common pitfalls and get you the very best value for your hard-earned money.
The art of furniture selection
Choosing furniture for a smaller space requires a different approach than for a larger home. I love working with clients at both ends of that spectrum! In a downsized setting, every piece of furniture needs to earn its place. It's not just about how it looks, but also about its functionality and how it fits within the space. I will help you identify pieces that serve multiple purposes, such as a stylish sofa bed that can accommodate guests, or a dining table that doubles as a workspace. Hard-working storage options are also paramount to ensuring your smaller home functions to the highest level and looks glorious.
I focus on helping clients make smart choices that align with their personal style and the practicalities of their new living environment. I work by your side to create a curated selection of furniture that balances elegance with functionality, ensuring that your new home feels just as luxurious and inviting as your previous one, albeit in a more compact form.
Artwork and accessories: The finishing touches
Furniture provides the foundation of a room, but it's the artwork and accessories that bring it to life. These elements add personality and warmth, making your space feel like home. However, selecting the right artwork and accessories can be daunting, especially when trying to fit them into a downsized space.
This is another area where the expertise of an interior designer shines. At Kate Kerin Interiors, I assist clients in choosing artwork and accessories that complement their furniture and enhance the overall design scheme. I take into account the scale, colour palette, and style of your space, ensuring that each piece contributes to the overall harmony of the room. And I’m passionate about commissioning new, unique works from Australian artists – see some of my other blog posts for further inspiration in commissioning art. It doesn’t have to be super expensive!
The procurement process: Making it easy for you
One of the most significant advantages of working with an interior designer is access to trade-only wholesalers, allowing you to purchase uncommon or unique pieces of high-quality furniture and accessories at a competitive price. While I keep the specifics of my trade deals confidential, I do share my trade discounts with clients. This benefit alone can represent significant savings (sometimes as much as my design fee!), as well as a much more elevated home aesthetic, especially if you are furnishing a new home.
In addition, the procurement process itself is streamlined when you work with an interior designer. Designers manage everything from sourcing the perfect pieces to coordinating delivery and installation, so you don't have to worry about the logistics. This full-service approach is particularly beneficial when downsizing, as it allows you to focus on settling into your new home rather than dealing with the stress of furniture shopping.
Why teaming ip with an Interior Designer is worth it
You might wonder if hiring an interior designer is worth the investment, especially when you're already investing in new furniture and accessories. However, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Here’s why:
1. Expertise and Vision: An interior designer brings a level of expertise and vision that is difficult to achieve on your own. They can see possibilities and solutions that you might not consider, ensuring that your space is used to its fullest potential.
2. Personalisation: At Kate Kerin Interiors, I take the time to understand your tastes, lifestyle, and needs. This personalised approach means that the final design is not just beautiful but also deeply reflective of who you are.
3. Time Savings: Sourcing furniture, artwork and accessories can be time-consuming, especially when you're downsizing. An interior designer streamlines the process, doing the legwork for you and saving you countless hours of research and shopping.
4. Avoiding Costly Mistakes: It's easy to make mistakes when selecting furniture, especially when downsizing. An interior designer helps you avoid costly errors such as purchasing pieces that don't fit your new space, that clash with your overall design scheme or don’t match the special pieces you want to bring with you to your new home.
5. Long-Term Satisfaction: By working with a professional, you're more likely to be satisfied with the final result. An interior designer ensures that your new space is not only stylish but also comfortable and functional, making it a place where you truly enjoy spending time.
If you’re keen on a new look before Christmas (whether in just one room or your whole home), contact me for a free discovery call today. You may not have everything in situ by Christmas Day, but you’ll be well on your way and the hard work will all be done so you can sit back with a cocktail and enjoy the sunshine!
Kate Kerin Interiors specialises in working with residential clients in Sydney, particularly people who are considering downsizing or other major milestone moves. Contact Kate for an initial consultation to talk about your project.
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