Navigating the Coming Tariffs, Price Hikes, and Supply Chain Delays in Home Design
What every homeowner needs to know about rising costs—and how designers are adapting
If you’ve recently taken on a home project—or even just ordered a new sofa—you may have noticed something: prices are going up. Lead times are getting longer. And that “perfect piece” might not be quite as available as it once was.
This isn’t a trend—it’s a ripple effect. Tariffs, labor shortages, rising shipping costs, and global instability are quietly impacting every corner of the home industry. As a designer, I’m seeing this unfold in real time across every single vendor we work with. And while suppliers are doing everything they can to keep costs fair, the reality is: everyone along the chain—from manufacturers to freight companies to artisans—needs to make a living.
So what does that mean for you as a homeowner or design client?
And how are we, as your trusted designer, helping you navigate this landscape with clarity and confidence?
1. It’s Not Price Gouging—It’s the New Reality
We’re hearing it straight from our reps and vendors: materials are going to cost more. Shipping is going to skyrocket. Many vendors have held their pricing steady for as long as they could, but now, increases are unavoidable across the board—plumbing, stone, lighting, fabric, hardware, you name it.
What you’re seeing isn’t inflated pricing—it’s an industry adjusting to survive. And while it can feel frustrating, it’s also an opportunity to align your investment with long-lasting, quality-driven choices.
2. How We’re Advocating for Your Investment
Our job as designers is to be more than just style guides—we’re your trusted advisors and project stewards. Here’s how we’re protecting your investment behind the scenes:
Sourcing smarter: We seek out vendors who offer quality, transparency, and consistency—even if they’re not always the lowest price point.
Presenting alternatives when needed: If a key item spikes in price or availability changes, we will do our best to offer beautiful, intentional substitutes that still support the overall design vision. Be flexible!
Communicating clearly: You’ll never be left in the dark. We keep you informed throughout the process, so there are no surprises.
3. Why Designer Purchasing Still Adds Value
Even in a time of rising costs, purchasing through a designer offers real benefits. We’ve already vetted the vendors. We know which materials perform, what will fit, and how to avoid costly mistakes. We handle freight, damages, and timelines so you don’t have to.
And because we’re plugged into real-time vendor updates, we’re often able to place orders before major pricing shifts go into effect—something the average consumer can’t anticipate.
4. What You Can Expect From Your Design Experience
At Nested, we never present inflated or arbitrary costs. We build every proposal with thought, intention, and transparency. If a price increase occurs after our initial presentation, we communicate immediately and work with you to adjust if needed.
We also structure your budget to include shipping, tax, and warehousing—so you have a full picture of your investment upfront.
5. A Note to Fellow Designers: Protect Your Work
For my fellow designers: if you’re feeling the squeeze, you’re not alone. The best way to serve our clients and sustain our businesses is to speak honestly, charge fairly, and plan ahead.
This is a season that calls for:
Strong vendor relationships
Clear contract language
Thoughtful markups that reflect real costs and real value
Confidence in the service we bring to the table
Clients don’t need us to have all the answers—they need us to lead with transparency and solutions.
Final Thoughts: Resilient Design in a Changing World
Tariffs and cost shifts may be part of the current landscape, but great design will always find a way forward. With thoughtful planning, honest conversations, and a little flexibility, we can still create homes that feel layered, personal, and completely you.
Ready to design a home that reflects your lifestyle—even in a shifting market?
Let’s work together to create a space that feels both beautiful and smart.