(and what it means for your home furnishing projects!

If there’s one thing the pandemic has shown us, it’s how important our homes are. Of course, everyone learned this lesson at the exact same time… which has put a pretty big strain on the home furnishings and renovation industry!

Honestly, that’s okay by me. We ALL deserve homes that make us feel happy and safe, and even if the rise in demand means we have to wait a little bit longer, I’d say it’s worth it.

1. Increase in Demand

While we all hoped the supply chain would catch up (and masks would be a thing of the past), it looks like we will be living with these slower timelines for a while. We all spent months in our homes, and are continuing to choose to entertain ourselves and spend time with loved ones at HOME- which means we have had a LOT of time to look around and consider how we might improve our spaces.

Many of us also have either begun or increased the amount of time we work from home- which adds another role for our homes to play- home office/ classroom- that may be brand new. Many homeowners have also saved budgets previously dedicated to travel or entertaining, and are designating them for home improvements and decorating. It seems very likely that we all will spend some extra TLC on our home-work environments moving forward.

2. Decrease in Supply

In our client projects this year, we have experienced back orders, delayed stock level updates, and simply overall reduced amounts of furniture items available to choose from. Even fabric choices for our preferred upholstery lines has been harder to find in stock. As we work though these lower supply issues- our clients can always count on us to communicate stocking levels and try our hardest to source things IN STOCK whenever we can!

3. Longer Wait Times & Timelines

At Alyssa Designs & co, our clients have been OVERLY patient with lead times and unexpected delays, but we're getting better and better at predicting schedules so you know when to expect your new furniture to arrive. Our favorite furniture vendors are also doing their part- sending weekly updates of in-stock items to choose from, and updating us all on shipping timelines throughout the process. Working with a designer during this unpredictable season of delayed supply and demand can take the stress and overwhelm off your plate- let us track your items and make sure they arrive to you in one piece!

What can you do?

Working with our design team is the most reliable and stress-free way to get your interior furnishing project complete in 2022. We will continue to improve relationships with our furniture vendors, learn about how to select items in-stock that meet your needs, and manage all the messy details from design to install- so you never have to lift a finger. Knowing that delays are inevitable, and hanging on to your sense of humor (and patience!) will be a huge benefit through the process- but we’re here to help bring it all together no matter the obstacles in our way!

Have a question about your project? Or how we can help? Reach out to us here.

Until next time,

Alyssa

3 Ways the Pandemic Has Changed the Home Industry