To Share or Not to Share
To Share or Not to Share
A controversial topic in the design community has always been whether or not to share sources. On the one hand, a client is paying you for your design selections, so is it really fair to share them on social media for free? For many designers, the answer is no. And if that is your choice, I completely support your decision. It is especially difficult for larger firms with substantial social media followings who often feel entitled to know where every item is purchased (when often times it’s not even something that the public can buy- whether it be a trade-only source or a custom item).
Maybe because I am still new (well, 10 years in the industry isn’t exactly new, but my company is young), that I am more than willing to share my sources. Want to know why I deviate from what some feel so passionately about?
1. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
If you want to know my sources or replicate a design detail, that is a huge compliment! I would love to see your take on the same item. Chances are, you’re using it in a completely different way.
2. Every home (and client) is entirely unique
Even if you were to use all of the same materials that I used in a bathroom remodel (which I hope you wouldn’t, but if that’s what you want to do then go right ahead- see point #1). So, let’s pretend for a minute that you do take all the specifications that I willingly shared with you and use them in your bathroom remodel. I guarantee the end result will still be very different. Every home has a million nuanced details that add up to be very unique in the way materials are installed (the only case where this might be different is in master-planned communities). And even after the materials are confirmed and ordered, I spend HOURS on-site with trades and installers discussing details like exact locations for plumbing, hardware, niches, mirrors, lighting, and transitions. Details like: What pattern is the tile set? Does it run to the ceiling? Wrap into the windowsill? Are we adding crown molding? How is the wall tile finished? What color is the grout?
These details can make or break the design and are completely individual to each application. So, while I’m open to sharing the materials I use, there’s still a lot that goes into executing the design.
Want my specifications for this bathroom? You can find every item in this article!
3. I am all about collaboration over competition
I am very fortunate to be a part of an industry that is thriving. I sincerely believe that if I run my design business properly, there is more than enough work out there for everyone. Several incredible designers have helped me throughout my career- from sharing trade and vendor sources to design and business advice- and I am more than happy to do the same. Interior Design is a relatively young industry and, in many ways, very misunderstood (literally hundreds of hours go into those beautiful photos you see posted on Instagram, despite HGTV condensing it down into 30 minutes, with a single issue that is resolved easily and pricing that is completely unrealistic if you are remodeling in California). I sincerely believe the more we thrive individually as Interior Designers, the better understood our industry will become.
Interior Design is much more than just picking the right tile or furniture piece for a house. It’s about creating a personalized design for your clients that will change the way they live within their homes. If done properly, it’s life-changing. What works for one family is very different than what works for another. It is a process and it is very individualized. Want to know what tile or chair I used? I will be happy to share it with you (as long as you ask nicely and give me some time to reply- luckily, I have more to do in my day than hanging out on IG). And if in the future I decide to change my mind and keep my sources to myself, well then that’s my prerogative as well.