Why Now’s the Time to Start Your Home Project (Even With Tariffs Looming)

Yes, prices are going up. But your stress doesn’t have to.

If you’ve been thinking about a home renovation or design refresh but keep hearing the word “tariffs” tossed around, I’m here to help you sort through the noise (with a side of style, of course).

Let’s break it down.

What’s the Deal With Tariffs?

The U.S. has recently proposed or enacted tariffs on a wide range of imported goods—including home furnishings, building materials, décor, (and sadly my favorite imported wines). Translation? Prices on a lot of the things you thought you needed for your project might be going up, even with the “pause” President Trump announced today for tariffs on over 75 countries…except China.

Quick Stat: China’s exports to the U.S. last year are said to have been around $3.2 billion, capturing about 26% of the furnishings and home decor market. That’s A LOT of sofas and vases my friends. So even with a pause from goods coming from other countries, fact is, we get a lot of from China.

Even if you're not doing a full-blown renovation, the ripple effect from rising material and shipping costs can impact everything from your sofa to your sconce.

But before you panic-buy that dining table from a random overseas site, let’s talk about the good news...

Why Working With an Interior Designer (Hey, That’s Us!) Actually Saves You Time & Money

At Lennox Road Interiors, we source from some of the best U.S.-based brands—many of which you can’t access as a consumer. These trade-only vendors offer exclusive pricing, high quality, and custom capabilities that go way beyond what you’ll find scrolling online at midnight with a glass of wine (we’ve all been there).

Here’s what you get when you work with us:

• Avoid import price hikes by sourcing from U.S.-based furniture, lighting, and décor companies

• Access to trade-only pieces that aren’t available to the general public

• Faster lead times (bye-bye, 16-week shipping delays)

• Better quality and craftsmanship, often handmade or small-batch

• A curated design plan, so you’re not aimlessly ordering and hoping it all “comes together”

And don’t forget: I’ve done the homework so you don’t have to. You get the benefits of beautifully sourced American-made goods without the panic of rising prices or endless searching.

The Construction Industry Is Feeling It Too

Tariffs don’t just affect sofas and light fixtures—they’re driving up the cost of materials for homebuilders and contractors too. Lumber, steel, tile, cabinetry components... it’s all getting more expensive. Which means delays, backorders, and budget blowouts are becoming more common.

But here’s the silver lining if you’re looking to do renovations: designers like us are becoming key players in helping you navigate around that.

Again, we can help you:

✅ Strategically plan your projects with the current market in mind
✅ Source local or U.S.-made materials that are less vulnerable to price hikes
✅ Streamline timelines with pre-vetted vendors and partners
✅ Design smart from the start—so you don’t waste money fixing avoidable mistakes later

Our Secret Sauce? U.S. Sourcing.

Let me share a sneak peek of some of the U.S.-based brands I love (and trust with my clients' homes):

Living Room – Thos. Moser, Rowe Furniture, Rejuvenation
Bedroom – Vermont Woods Studios, Nest
Dining Room – Haand Ceramics, Apparatus Studio
Kitchen – Woodchuck USA, Emtek Hardware
Decor – Lostine, Schoolhouse, Antique Dealers (new isn’t always better!)

Want the full list tailored to your next project? I’ve got a beautifully designed sourcing guide for that (and yes, it’s pretty enough to keep on your desktop). Make sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter, WAYPOINTS.

So, Why Now?

Because prices aren’t going down anytime soon. And with my help, you can work around rising costs instead of being blindsided by them.

Whether you’re thinking about a new kitchen layout, need help finding the perfect light fixture, or want your living room to feel like an actual sanctuary instead of “the room where Amazon boxes go to die”… I’ve got you.

Ready to Make Your Home Work For You?

Let’s chat. I offer free 20-minute discovery calls so we can talk about your ideas, your needs, and how to get your space feeling like you—without breaking the bank.

Complete our ONLINE INQUIRY FORM here.

P.S. Keep an eye on your inbox and my Instagram for the downloadable sourcing guide drop! You’ll love it. And if nothing else, you’ll finally know where designers get their gorgeous, made-in-the-USA magic. 😉

A Fresh Start at Home:

Small Changes That Make a Big Impact

Last month, we talked about truly living (and loving) in the space you call home—embracing it as the backdrop for life’s best moments. Well, my home has had some new moments lately—like chasing a very energetic foster puppy while hobbling around in an aircast boot (not my best look!). It’s reminded me how much our spaces have to work for us, adapting to whatever, and I mean whatever, life throws our way. Especially when chaos hits (which it always does), because it’s home we should be able to find some corner of solace in. Our spaces need to be multifunctional whether that involves some quick home hacks, easy updates, or a full on renovation of a space. 

If your home isn’t quite working for you, here are five easy refreshes that bring new energy without a full-blown renovation:

1. Lighten Up Your Space – It’s March and Spring light is rolling in, so let’s make the most of it! Winter calls for thick, cozy drapes, but as spring rolls in, it’s time to let the light in. Sheer curtains allow sunlight to filter through while still offering some privacy. Go for light colors like soft whites, linen tones, or pale grays to reflect the daylight rather than absorbing it. Use mirrors to bounce light around, and declutter windowsills and doorways. 

2. Color That Shifts Your Mood – Swap winter’s heaviness for colors that energize and uplift. A fresh coat of paint, bold accessories (think florals, greenery, or a new colorful piece of art), or even a new rug can do wonders. Looking for help on selecting a new paint palette, because after all…there are like a zillion different white’s to choose from…? Lennox Road Interiors offers help with this, so reach out to us for more details. 

3. Multi-Use Magic – Whether it's a reading nook that doubles as a Zoom corner or a kitchen island pulling triple duty, every space should earn its keep. It’s all about being multifunctional these days, and there are hacks we can help clients with if you’re looking for design assistance.

4. Textures That Invite You In – Soft throws, layered bedding, and touchable fabrics make home feel like a retreat (especially when you’re forced to sit still more than you’d like… looking at you, boot). We like cozy bedding from Parachute Home, and surprisingly for those on a budget, H&M Home has some good options as well. 

5. The Power of a Personalized Touch – From vintage finds to meaningful art, little details tell your story. Your home isn’t just a place—it’s a reflection of you. Try personalizing your home with updated family photos, ones from a favorite vacation spot, or for more professional art that’s also affordable…try out one of our faves Juniper Print Shop. 

Still feel like you need help bringing fresh energy into your home? Let’s make your space work for you! Submit and inquiry and book a free 20-minute consultation here. 

—-Also make sure you’re signed up below for our newsletter where you can find even more sources for home decor, tips, tricks, and behind the scenes from us here at Lennox Road Interiors!

Yours truly,

Love Where You Live: Crafting a Home That Tells Your Story

Road To Home | FEBRUARY 2025

Welcome to the Lennox Road Interiors blog, Road To Home! If you’re here, you probably love the idea of a home that truly feels like you—or maybe your space is missing that just right feeling. Either way, we’re so glad you found us!

Since this is our first post on Road To Home (cue the champagne popping! 🥂), let’s talk about something at the heart of what we do—helping you love where you live. And with February being the month of love, I’ve been thinking a lot about love in all its forms. Not just the romantic kind, but the love we have for our homes, the memories we make in them, and the people, pets—or even houseplants—we share them with. Because at the end of the day, your home isn’t just a collection of walls; it’s where your story unfolds.

Every Home Has a Story—What’s Yours?

Think about the spaces where life happens:
✨ The kitchen where your morning coffee ritual sets the tone for the day
✨ The cozy corner where your pup naps while you binge your favorite show
✨ The dining table that’s seen late-night laughs, birthday candles, and deep conversations

Homes aren’t just places to live—they hold our moments, our memories, our stories. And at Lennox Road Interiors, we’re in the business of crafting stories, one room at a time.

A Home That Loves You Back

If your home doesn’t feel like you—or worse, if it stresses you out instead of bringing you peace—it’s time for a change. Maybe your space feels chaotic, outdated, or just… not quite right. The good news? Thoughtful design can fix that. An Interior Designer, can fix that.

A well-designed home should:
✔ Work for your life (because function matters just as much as aesthetics)
✔ Reflect your style and personality (not just whatever is trending on Instagram at the moment)
✔ Make everyday moments feel special—whether you’re entertaining guests or having a solo night in with a glass of champagne (clink!)

And if you’re not sure where to start? That’s where we come in. Whether you need a full refresh or just a few intentional tweaks like help picking paint colors, shelf styling, or furniture selections, we help people, not just in the Greater Twin Cities or southern suburbs of Minnesota, but nationwide (that’s right…we can help anywhere), create homes that feel like a reflection of who they are.

Let’s Make Magic Happen

Designing a home you love doesn’t have to be overwhelming—and we’d love to help. As a little gift to get you started, we’ve put together a free checklist: 5 Easy Design Refreshes for Your Home—quick wins that make a big difference.

📩 Click here to grab yours and start creating a space you love!

Because your home should be more than just where you live—it should be the backdrop for your best moments. 🤍

Road to Home…Coming Feb. 10!

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new blog, Road to Home, coming this Monday!

At Lennox Road Interiors, we believe that every room tells a story and that home is a personal journey. On Road to Home, we’ll share inspiring stories, design tips, expert advice, and more to help you create a space that truly reflects who you are.

Are you ready to join us on this journey? Come back Monday, February 10th—we can’t wait to walk this road with you!