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. 😉
