The Art of Buying for Interiors
Emily Hedges is FF&E Buyer at Milc Interiors. Here, she shares some advice on sourcing for interior design projects.
Buying for interior design projects covers sourcing, negotiating pricing and purchasing FF&E (furniture, fixtures & equipment). A buyer’s ultimate goal is to procure a product that meets the design brief agreed by the interior designer and the client, at the right price, and that can be delivered within the desired timeframe. There is a triangular relationship between budget, lead time and design, and inevitably any product you select will see a compromise on one of these elements. Below I’m sharing a few of the key factors that ensure a successful purchasing journey.
A buyer’s relationship with suppliers and manufacturers is paramount. At Milc, we have been working with several of our suppliers for over a decade. This is not only thanks to their innovative designs and the high quality of their work, but also their reliability and attention to detail all the way from initial conversations through to installing products on-site. Forming a strong connection with a supplier opens doors such as the opportunity to customise designs and develop bespoke pieces. This is true of small-scale makers you might discover on Etsy, through to global manufacturers.
One of the best ways to meet suppliers is to visit trade shows. Milc designers and buyers attend a wide range of industry events, both to meet new suppliers as well as to visit our existing partners. We also aim to visit our UK suppliers at their showrooms and workshops on a regular basis to ensure we are up to speed on their latest collections, production capabilities and price points. We recommend making the time for these trips if possible so that you can see the production process and try the product before purchasing. It will also allow you to compare different brands and products on a deeper level than just the ‘look’.
Sourcing is my favourite aspect of the buying role, but it also presents many challenges. The internet has undoubtedly made sourcing easier, particularly with the rise of platforms such as Pinterest, which present an infinite source of inspiration. However, the downside is that every other buyer, not to mention your client, has access to this same information. This forces us to go the extra mile and seek out lesser-known brands or commission bespoke designs to make our projects unique.
At Milc, one of the ways we inject personality into projects is through artwork and accessories. We work with incredible artwork partners who can bring even our wildest ideas to life. This can range from off-the-shelf prints to bespoke murals. Over the last few years, several art platforms have appeared such as Partnership Editions, which make buying artwork accessible and allow you to discover emerging talent. Look out for graduate shows, too, where you’ll get to meet young artists and designers who are looking to get started in their careers.
When it comes to sourcing internationally, global events over the past two years have caused significant problems across supply chains. Products that we purchase from abroad are taking longer to reach us and costs have increased. To mitigate these changes, we have found ourselves looking inwards to our UK partners for creative solutions. Sourcing antiques is one of the best ways to procure products on a short timescale. There are a number of events throughout the year such as the Ardingly Antiques Fair and Sunbury Antiques Market where you can meet the dealers, purchase items and sign up for their newsletters to be alerted when new stock arrives. With many of us thinking more about where our furniture comes from and how it was made, buying antique rather than new is a more sustainable way to purchase.
Furthermore, an increasing number of our clients are keen to know about the sustainability credentials of their interiors, so it is also important to pay attention to how our suppliers operate and where they source their materials from. There are many factors at play here, but it is worth asking the brand about any certifications they hold, which raw materials they use and where the components come from. This will help you to build up a picture of the product’s journey and its environmental impact.
Milc work with clients to develop designs that exceed their expectations and deliver a seamless service. If you have an upcoming project that you are seeking design advice for, please visit info@milcstyle.co.uk or call us on +44 (0) 20 7700 1523.