As a designer, I am here to advocate for you. I want you to have the best design experience possible, even during the pandemic. I have my clients’ best interests in mind, and I love nothing more than seeing their projects succeed. It’s so exciting to see a kitchen or living room go through the remodel process and come together at the end. That’s why I became an interior designer!

Hiring a designer for your home projects is a great decision, especially during the pandemic. A designer will not only save you time, headaches, and costly mistakes, but will also keep your project moving. We’re here to keep you informed and to stay on top of constant changes in the design world so that you don’t have to. Mistakes inevitably happen, and your designer has the knowledge and experience necessary to find the best solutions.

In March 2020, COVID-19 hit us pretty unexpectedly. It was a very sudden change for everybody. Many people were forced to work from home, including kids in schools. Home life quickly became much more stressful. Fortunately, most people have gone back to school and work now, but things are still far from normal. We’re all trying to make the best of our individual situations as we’re spending more time in our homes.

With the money saved from not being able to travel as much, many people have decided to update their homes. They want to make their spaces more functional and livable, which is great for the design industry.

I believe in educating my clients so that they know what to expect down the road. So, here is a brief summary of what’s happening in the design industry right now.

What to Expect When Working With a Designer During a Pandemic

LABOR SHORTAGES   Due to the pandemic, workers across the country have been getting sick and          quarantining. This has forced factories to either shut down or work at half capacity.

LONG LEAD TIMES   Demand is high right now for furniture and other materials. Due to labor shortages, manufacturers are having a hard time keeping up. The dining room chairs I ordered back in February are still on back order. They’re scheduled to ship in October—fingers crossed!

Remember the Texas ice storm last winter? Those factories that make foam for upholstery were greatly affected and are still catching up from that disaster.

MATERIAL COSTS   We recently had a backyard paver patio, fire pit, and under-deck roofing system installed. We’re very pleased with how the project turned out! Originally, we got a quote about a year and a half ago, but for various reasons, decided to postpone the project. When we gave the green light this past spring, we were shocked to learn that the cost had doubled. Crazy! Material costs are up as well, making it more expensive to make furniture and other pieces.

SHIPPING COSTS   With so much shipping overseas, ports are jammed and the cost of shipping containers   has gone through the roof. With that comes extra surcharges on freight.

Crazy, right? And FYI—if you think you can order a sofa and have it delivered for free in 2 days, you’re in for a surprise. Shipping isn’t free, and if it is, it’s built into the cost somewhere. I always educate my clients about this.

So what are my thoughts on all of this? It is what it is, and I choose not to stress about it. I educate my clients on what to expect when working with a designer, especially with all of the pandemic-related changes. When you’re prepared, it’s easier to deal with whatever challenges might come your way. As an interior designer, I’m here to help you through all of it, beginning to end.

The most important thing we can do is be patient. I know my vendors are doing their best to keep products in stock, and I’m doing my best to stay on top of it all. It’s a very fluid process.

In the end, great design takes time, and I know you’re going to love your space when it’s finished. Your designer is here for you!

Pin It!