“Some designers talk a good game about eco-friendly materials, but when you dig deeper, it’s just buzzwords.”
I’ve run into this exact issue myself. It’s amazing how quickly “sustainable” gets tossed around, but when you start asking for FSC or GREENGUARD certifications, things get a lot quieter. I’d add that sometimes even the certifications can be a bit murky—there’s a lot of greenwashing out there. I usually ask for samples or documentation, and if the answers get vague, that’s a red flag.
On the cost side, I agree—transparency is huge. I once had a designer try to charge me double retail for a dining table I’d already seen in a local shop. It pays to do a little homework and price-check big-ticket items yourself. At the end of the day, I think it’s about finding someone who’s upfront about both their sourcing and their pricing. The “vibe check” matters, but trust is built on details, not just good conversation.
“It pays to do a little homework and price-check big-ticket items yourself.”
That’s spot on. I’ve had clients bring me Pinterest boards full of “eco” products, but when we dig into the specs, half of it is just clever marketing. One time, a vendor tried to pass off particleboard as “sustainably sourced”—I had to laugh. If a designer can’t walk you through their sourcing process or show you real documentation, that’s a huge warning sign. I’d say, don’t be afraid to ask awkward questions. The ones worth working with won’t mind at all.
If a designer can’t walk you through their sourcing process or show you real documentation, that’s a huge warning sign.
Had a designer pitch me “handmade” tiles once, but when I checked the box, it was straight from a big-box store. I’ve learned to ask for SKU numbers and dig into product sheets myself. Sometimes even the pros get surprised.
Had a designer pitch me “handmade” tiles once, but when I checked the box, it was straight from a big-box store.
That’s a classic. It’s surprising how often materials get misrepresented, intentionally or not. I’d add that beyond SKUs and product sheets, it’s worth asking for environmental certifications if sustainability matters to you—think FSC for wood, Greenguard for finishes, or Declare labels. Not every designer will have these on hand, but if they look puzzled when you ask, that’s telling.
Also, transparency around the supply chain is key. I’ve seen designers who genuinely didn’t know where their products came from because they relied on reps or catalogs. If they can’t trace the source, it’s hard to trust claims about quality or eco-friendliness. Sometimes you have to dig a bit yourself, but a good designer should be able to support you in that process.
It might feel awkward to push for documentation, but it’s your project—and your budget and values on the line.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
Nailed it on the supply chain stuff. I’ve had designers swear up and down about “artisan” materials and then it turns out it’s just mass-produced stock. If they can’t show you exactly where it’s from, that’s a red flag for me. I’d also say—don’t be afraid to ask for references from past projects. Seeing how they handled budgets and timelines in real life is just as important as what’s on paper. Sometimes the slickest pitch means nothing if they’re not transparent when things get messy.
