Tariffs Are Coming: What That Means for Decorating Your Home (and What to Do Instead)
You finally feel ready. You’ve cleared the clutter, maybe even made a mood board or saved a few inspiration home posts. It’s time for that long-awaited home refresh.
But then… boom. Tariffs.
You start seeing your favorite home accounts mention rising prices. Furniture brands begin announcing price hikes. And suddenly, that dreamy new sofa starts to feel just a little out of reach.
You’re over your space. It feels tired and meh. But now you’re anxious about investing in anything new.
So what should you do?
Let’s break it down—what the tariff news really means, and how to move forward with intention (and style) in the face of rising costs.
Wait—what’s happening with tariffs (and why does it matter for your home)?
In early April, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. from a wide range of countries—including close allies like the UK, Canada, Australia, and many others.
Some of these tariffs are as low as 10%, but others are much higher—up to 49% on Cambodian goods and 54% on Chinese imports. These new tariffs target a wide range of products: furniture, textiles, home goods, electronics, clothing, and even building materials.
And while a 90-day delay has just been announced, there’s still a lot of uncertainty. Many countries have already responded with retaliatory tariffs, and we’re looking at a global trade situation that feels chaotic, fast-moving, and far from settled.
For those of us in the world of home design, that means rising prices and supply chain disruptions could still be on the horizon— and I can’t help but think it’s a flash back to 2020 and how much the Covid Pandemic disrupted the interior design industry with it’s long lead-times and supply chain issues.
Even if you're shopping from American brands, many of their products—or the materials used to make them—are sourced from abroad. So even a simple piece like a chair, light fixture, or rug could be impacted in the coming months.
The bottom line: Even with the delay, now is the time to be intentional—because decorating your home may still start to cost more, fast.
So… should you panic?
Maybe, but panic doesn’t solve anything. So instead, how about some tips and action steps to take instead?
First, take a deep breath. Maybe scream.
And know this: A soulful home isn’t about chasing trends or rushing to buy something just because prices might go up.
This moment is actually an opportunity to pause, get clear, and approach your space with more creativity and intention.
Here’s what I recommend instead:
1. Start with what you already have
Before adding anything new, take a step back. Can you rearrange your layout for better flow? Move furniture from one room to another? Re-style a shelf or corner that’s feeling stagnant?
Sometimes the biggest shift comes from shopping your own home.
2. Refresh with styling, not splurging
If you can’t swing new furniture right now, don’t worry. Small styling updates—like swapping out pillows, adding new art, changing up your greenery, or updating lighting—can breathe entirely new life into a space.
These are the little things that shift how a room feels, not just how it looks.
3. Mix in vintage + local finds
Tariffs (hopefully) won’t affect vintage and secondhand furniture—yet another reason to love it. I always recommend blending old and new, and now is a great time to check your local vintage stores, garage sales, estate sales, or even Facebook Marketplace for pieces with character (and no tariff markups).
It’s more sustainable and more soulful.
4. Invest in timeless foundation pieces
If you’re going to buy new, focus on timeless, neutral pieces that will last. A well-made sofa, a natural fiber rug, or a classic dining table will grow with your space, no matter what trends (or tariffs) are doing.
5. Book an In-Home Consultation
Feeling stuck? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Whether you’re navigating rising costs or just unsure how to pull your space together, an in-home consultation is the perfect way to get clarity and direction.
I’ll come to your space, walk through your design goals, offer personalized ideas, and help you create a plan that works within your budget. You can ask questions, take notes, and get inspired—without committing to a full redesign.
It’s a small step that can bring a little peace of mind. 💫
Bottom line? Don’t let the tariffs scare you.
Your home is still yours to shape, style, and fall in love with again. And you don’t have to do it all—or do it alone. Let’s refresh your space with intention, clarity, and soul… no panic required.
