Ordering Made Easy

Shopping online has become incredibly easy, but what value does a designer provide during the purchasing phase in this one-click world? The answer varies. If the design consists entirely of off-the-shelf items with no customization (e.g., Wayfair), the process is fairly straightforward. Even many "trade-only" items can now be found on third-party online marketplaces like Perigold or One Kings Lane. When purchasing through a designer, they handle the inspection of items and resolve issues related to incorrect, damaged, or broken products. If you’re working with a high-end designer, you’ll never even see a box. Seriously? Yes, I kid you not.

I had the fortunate experience of collaborating with a high-end designer in my previous career. I was successful in commercial real estate, my husband traveled constantly for his consulting job, we had a toddler at home and I was pregnant again. We had just moved into a new house with empty rooms. I was grateful to outsource the task to someone with the experience and talent to efficiently create and implement a beautiful design.

And I never saw a box. The designer would schedule deliveries and coordinate any necessary trades for installation. All I had to do was open the door or leave it unlocked. It felt like magic. Don’t underestimate the complexity of properly positioning a rug under existing

furniture, attaching a headboard, installing a light fixture, or hanging drapes. Not to mention, disposing of the packaging. Some retailers offer white-glove delivery (the answer is almost always yes, please). Unless you’re still in college shape and have a generous circle of friends to help with heavy lifting.

The quality of the design also depends on the quality of the execution. This is where procurement can become trickier, especially with custom-made pieces like case goods (i.e., furniture that is not upholstered) and upholstered items such as drapes and sofas (with COM - Customer’s Own Material, which is the fabric you select from thousands, with the help of your designer). These are items that don’t yet exist and need to be created just for you!

This is the essence of what a designer truly does during the procurement and installation phases: they bring the design to life! This means you won’t have that light fixture you ordered months ago sitting in a box on the dining room floor while you wait to schedule the electrician and then ponder how high to hang it when they arrive. A designer makes it happen!