There's no Place Like Home: Why Local Sourcing Matters in Interior Design

Home isn't just a place, it's a feeling. It's a sense of comfort that you get from knowing exactly where the sun hits your living room around 4:00 p.m. in January. It's the comfort of routines, like hitting the Old Strathcona Farmers Market on Saturday mornings or 

That feeling of being rooted - that's one of the most powerful ways that we create a space. And when we choose pieces made by Edmonton-based artisans (or even Canadian makers), we're designing interiors that reflect the spirit of the places we call home. 

Of course, there's a practical side too. Local sourcing helps keep projects on time and on budget, supports the local economy, and provides creative solutions to the design problems that can pop up along the way.

Let’s take a closer look at what that really means. (And yes—I’ll also share a few of my go-to local makers that I recommend to my design clients.)

How Incorporating Locally Sourced Furniture Can Keep Your Design Project on Time (and on Budget)

Let’s start with the practical side: timing and cost.

Ordering furniture and materials from international vendors can be unpredictable. Sometimes, a custom sofa from overseas takes just as long as one made in Canada.

But if there’s a border delay, a fuel surcharge, or a surprise tariff, your ETA can jump from 6 weeks to 16 weeks. When freight issues come up, we’re all at the mercy of the supply chain. (Believe me, I’d love to hop on a boat and paddle it here myself, but that’s not how it works.)

Locally made pieces tend to be far more consistent. Sure, there’s still a lead time, but with fewer variables and more direct communication, the process is easier to manage. You avoid unexpected costs, and what you receive is exactly what you had in mind.

Why Locally Sourced Materials Are Better for the Planet

Supporting local businesses is one of the simplest ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your design project. When your furniture is coming from around the corner instead of around the world, there’s less fuel used, less packaging waste, and a smaller environmental impact overall.

Most of the Canadian makers that I work with also build with sustainability in mind. They use FSC-certified wood, low-VOC finishes, and fabrics that skip the harsh chemicals. These pieces are made with care, using materials that are better for both your home and the environment.

Your locally sourced wood table isn’t going to save the planet on its own, but small, thoughtful choices really do add up.

What Happens When You Collaborate With Local Artisans

There’s something really special about filling your home with pieces made by people who live and work right here. When you choose to buy from a local maker, you’re not just adding a light fixture. You're supporting someone’s passion and their livelihood.

That kind of impact creates a ripple effect. Many of the local artists I work with source their own materials locally too. Van Gogh Designs, for example, is based in BC and works with other nearby suppliers. That means when you choose to decorate with one person in your local community, you're often supporting many Canadian businesses at once.  

Even if a maker isn’t based in Edmonton, choosing Canadian still feels close to home. You get commitment to quality, a shorter supply chain, and that extra layer of meaning that comes from knowing how it was made. 

How Custom Furniture Can Make Your Home Renovation Smoother

Mass-produced furniture might be convenient, but it rarely fits perfectly or stands the test of time. That’s where working with a local maker really shines. With custom pieces, we can tailor every detail to fit your design just right. 

For example, I once worked on a bedroom where we couldn’t find nightstands that hit the right height. Everything available off the shelf was too tall for the client’s comfort while reading in bed. So, I worked directly with a local furniture maker to build pieces that fit just right. Problem solved! 

It might seem like a small example, but it wasn’t. This was something she did every single night. Reading in bed was part of her routine, and if the nightstands didn’t work, it was going to be a daily annoyance. This wasn’t just about furniture height. It was about how her bedroom would actually be used and enjoyed.

That’s the kind of detail that turns a house into a home - one designed just for you. 

My Favorite Local Makers to Source From as an Interior Designer

I’ve been lucky to build relationships with some truly talented local makers — people who care deeply about what they create and always show up with quality, creativity, and heart. Over time, we've developed a shared understanding of what great design and great service look like.

That’s one of the biggest benefits of working with a designer: you don’t have to start from scratch or spend hours researching who’s reliable.

I’ve already done the vetting and have access to a wide range of local businesses that can add a unique touch to your space. I know who delivers beautiful work, communicates clearly, and follows through. I know who takes pride in what they make and who will treat your project like it matters.

Here are a few of my go-tos:

• Zavy Woodworks – Beautifully made custom cabinetry and case goods with clean lines and solid craftsmanship.

• Luminaire Authentik – Custom lighting with serious personality. Their pieces always add something special to a space.

• Rainbow Draperies – My trusted source for drapery, reupholstery, and those little fabric details (like pillows) that pull a room together.

• Geon Tile – Bold, beautiful tile that instantly brings texture, color, and character to any space.

And when I bring these unique pieces into your project, you get the benefit of a team that’s already in sync and already invested in bringing your design vision to life.

Creating Interior Design That Feels Like Home, Right Here in Edmonton

When we design your home, we want you to feel good about every choice. That means making smart choices, from how your home functions to where your furniture pieces come from. 

When we source locally, we work with people we know and trust, reduce delays, and bring more care into every part of the process. It’s about creating something that lasts. Something that feels like home.

If that sounds like what you're looking for, I’d love to hear more about your project.