The Sourcing Struggle Is Real. Here’s How Interior Designers Are Solving It

As any experienced interior designer knows, design isn’t just about taste. It’s about logistics, timing, and being able to pivot gracefully when the bar stools you ordered in teak suddenly become backordered until the next solstice.

Here, we unpack the most common sourcing headaches designers face and the creative ways many are sidestepping them in today’s ever-evolving marketplace.

1. The Vanishing Act: When Stock Disappears Overnight

One day it’s “Add to Cart.” The next, it’s “No Longer Available.” Sound familiar?

As product demand and global supply chains shift, even reliable items can disappear. This is especially frustrating when you've pitched a piece to a client who now expects it in their entryway.

Solution?
Get strategic. Build relationships with your favorite suppliers and request early access to new collections or restocks. Many designers are now leaning into platforms that offer real-time stock updates or partner with brands offering made-to-order pieces—so nothing vanishes without warning.

And remember: having elegant alternates in your back pocket isn’t just smart—it’s part of being the design oracle your clients rely on.

2. The Information Black Hole

Dimensions listed in millimeters. No finish detail. No info on whether that velvet chair is, in fact, stain-resistant. When product listings lack transparency, you’re forced to make decisions based on guesswork. And we both know: guessing is a luxury you can’t afford.

Solution?
Stick to verified trade platforms that standardise listings. Look for suppliers that provide complete spec sheets, fabric swatches, and customisation guides. Some designers even use templates to ensure every product hits key checkboxes: materials, certifications, origin, lead times, and more. Think of it as your sourcing due diligence.

3. The International Shipping Drama

You found the perfect handmade light fixture. It’s everything. And it’s stuck in customs for three weeks while your client is already planning their housewarming party.

Solution?
Factor in lead times from day one. If you’re sourcing globally, always confirm duties, VAT, and incoterms (pro tip: DDP > DAP). Better yet, source through a platform that offers built-in logistics support or connects you with vetted shippers. In crunch time, keep a running list of domestic alternatives that deliver the same design story, minus the border delays.

4. Bespoke Doesn’t Have to Mean Risky

There’s something incredibly special about sourcing a custom piece directly from an artisan. But bespoke often comes with its own set of hurdles: unclear pricing, shifting timelines, and communication breakdowns that require a degree in diplomacy.

Solution?
Work with platforms that specialise in artisan-led design and prioritize transparency. Shameless plug incoming…Maison Source, for example, was created precisely to connect designers with vetted makers who understand trade expectations. Think: clear timelines, customisation options, and actual customer support. Bespoke should feel like a privilege, not a gamble.

5. The Supplier Juggle

Between emails, PDFs, sample requests, invoices, tracking numbers, and WhatsApp voice notes—it’s a wonder any project stays on track.

Solution?
Centralise your sourcing. Designers are increasingly turning to lightweight CRMs or project dashboards (hello, Notion and Airtable) to track orders, payment status, and delivery timelines. And if that sounds like a tech headache, look for platforms that consolidate everything—from discovery to order management—into a single space. Your future self will thank you.

Bonus Round: \

The New Tools Worth Knowing About If you haven’t updated your sourcing toolkit lately, you’re in for a treat. Here are a few standout tools that make sourcing smarter—not harder:

• Canva (for Interiors) – Yes, that Canva. Use it to create elevated concept boards and client presentations with integrated product links.
• Remodel AI – An intuitive platform for quickly rendering design concepts, perfect for showing options before final approval.

The Takeaway
Sourcing doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. When done right, it can be the most rewarding part of the design process, the place where your creativity meets craftsmanship and your vision comes to life. The key is to pair that creativity with process. \

Use smart tools. Choose partners that prioritize clarity and trade friendliness. And give yourself the space to do what you do best: design fearlessly.

Looking to source smarter? Explore Maison Source, the curated, trade-only platform bringing design-led products and real-time support to the design world.