3 Ways the Pandemic has Unexpectedly Shifted the Interior Design Industry

It's no secret that 2020 was a doozy of a year on all fronts, and many of us are still trying to figure out how to move forward. But, on the bright side, the home industry has never been busier (at least, not to our recollection!).

Spending more time at home, you may have realized that your house isn't serving you well. Maybe you need an official home office because the kitchen island isn’t the best place for your virtual meeting. Maybe you need a completely new home with more space and a better layout or an updated home renovated to your standards.

1. Rise in Demand 

People appreciate their home’s environment more than ever and are interested in improving their quality of life through interior design. That’s a big win!

However, this booming market also means the waiting lists will get longer. Therefore, you will need to be proactive as early as possible to get your project on the books. 

Right now, many vendors are booked months in advance. Home stagers are slammed as they turn around listing after listing, many that sell in mere days for over the asking price. However, professional organizers are working hard, making even the "forgotten" spaces in your home beautiful and functional again.

2. Supply Availability is Shrinking

Before Covid, average lead times on upholstery, such as sofas and chairs, were 8-12 weeks. Currently, lead times on upholstered items are now up to six months! And it isn’t just furniture that has a supply shortage! Appliances take months to arrive, and sourcing materials for your renovation project may mean having a backup option if your top choice goes out of stock or is no longer in production.  

Supply chain issues are real, and vendors have problems securing materials like lumbar, foam, cabinet hinges, and drapery hardware. In addition, factory shutdowns due to the pandemic and severe weather storms continue to push back supply availability.

3. Extended Wait Times & Stretched Timelines

As I mentioned before, vendors, contractors, and trades are booked out months in advance. Combine this with freight shipping delays, material shortages, and rising costs (read more about that here). As a result, you will need to adjust your expectations, especially if you want a quick turnaround. 

So when is the best time to start planning your project? Now — or yesterday — is the best time to schedule your project.

I’m Here to Help!

From our very first introduction call, we aim to set these ever-changing expectations with clients regarding timelines. We have recently implemented a lead time meeting at the time of furnishing purchasing to go over projected install time frames to ensure you have the correct information to make informed choices for their project. Communication is critical throughout the process! 

Having an interior designer on your team to help you navigate this process will save you tons of headaches, time, and money because we know how to work around these new realities.  

Have a question about your project? Or how we can help? Reach out to us here.

Cheers,

Mimi