Will Tariffs Impact Your Interior Design Needs?

Navigating Tariffs & Rising Costs in Interior Design

At TEW Design Studio, we’ve always believed that great design is more than just beautiful – it’s smart, intentional problem-solving. One of the biggest challenges we’re currently navigating in the design and construction world is the rising impact of tariffs and materials costs.

Over the past several months, we’ve noticed price fluctuations in building materials and imported furnishings, with increases typically ranging between 5% and 10%. While these changes are outside of our control, they directly affect how we plan, budget, and source for each project.

The Challenges We’re Seeing

• Rapid Price Changes Costs are shifting daily. Given today’s political and economic climate, we often receive little to no notice ahead of a price increase.
• Hidden Impacts While many of our products are made locally, some rely on imported parts–meaning even “domestic” items can be affected by tariffs and freight hikes.
• Budget Adjustments Rising costs may require reworking project budgets or reallocating funds to keep your vision intact without sacrificing quality.

What’s Working in Your Favor

• We’ve Been Here Before In 2019, we experienced a major tariff increase that reshaped how we approach sourcing. Now, with that experience behind us, we’re more informed and prepared than ever to respond strategically.
• Local & Domestic Focus Since then, we’ve prioritized sourcing from U.S.-based vendors and local makers. This helps reduce lead times, supports small businesses, and shields us from many international disruptions.
• Creative, Flexible Design Our team is skilled at adjusting selections to maintain both budget and design integrity. Open, honest communication with our clients has always been at the heart of how we work.

A Smart Solution: TEWlines

In response to these industry shifts, we developed TEWlines, our in-house furniture collection. Designed by Rima Nasser and handcrafted in North Carolina, TEWlines helps us bypass overseas delays and international tariffs entirely. It allows us to offer high-quality, thoughtfully designed pieces that are reliable, sustainable, and aligned with your needs–no matter the market conditions.

Furniture Hub

Real Talk on Rising Costs

While changing costs add complexity, they’ve also inspired us to design with more intention and purpose. We’re finding smarter solutions, working more closely with our clients, and reimagining how great design can be delivered–locally, responsibly, and with heart.

As the industry evolves, our commitment stays the same: to create beautiful, livable spaces grounded in trust, collaboration, and creativity every step of the way.

Curious to learn more about how tariffs are affecting the interior design industry? Below are a few resources that break down the biggest drivers of rising costs today:

Ready to Elevate Your Space?

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