148: Building A Materials Library

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca dive deep into the nuts and bolts of creating and managing a materials library for interior designers. They discuss everything from sourcing sample accounts and organizing fabrics, tile, rugs, paint, hardware, lighting, and window coverings, to managing the relentless influx of materials and avoiding storage chaos—all while keeping things inspiring and client-ready.

With practical tips on establishing vendor relationships, setting up effective storage systems, maintaining sample quality, and curating collections by color or usage, this episode is packed with insights to help designers build an efficient, beautiful, and functional materials library.

In this episode they discuss:

• How to get design trade accounts and sample access from major vendors like Pindler, Fabricut, Kravet, York, and more using resale certificates and business credentials.
• Strategies for organizing fabric samples—by color themes, outdoor vs. indoor, window treatments, and best folding and bin systems to keep samples visible and curled-free.
• Tips for storing tile, rugs, hardware, lighting, and paint samples—utilizing IKEA Pax units, bins, hangers, shallow drawers, finished-sample rings, and rep-supplied storage aids.
• Using Material Bank and vendor programs for efficient sample sourcing and quick shipping of paint, commercial fabrics, and tile.
• Solutions for managing bulky samples (e.g., tile boards, rug swatches, paint decks) and the benefits of building strong vendor relationships for rep delivery and service.
• Facing common challenges such as moth infestations, sample deterioration, and the time/labor required to maintain a materials library, including ideas for reuse or redistribution of unused samples.
• Leveraging market exposure (High Point, Las Vegas, Pacific Design Center) to expand your sample collection and deepen vendor knowledge without cluttering your home studio.

Mentioned:

• IKEA Pax System: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/pax-system-19086/
• HYDC Material Library Organization Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/3ZTSZp5
• Happy Hour Design Collective: https://www.itshappyhour.co/
• Pindler Fabrics: https://www.pindler.com/
• Fabricut Fabrics: https://fabricut.com/
• Schumacher Fabrics: https://schumacher.com/
• Kravet: https://www.kravet.com/
• York Wallcoverings: https://www.yorkwallcoverings.com/
• Anna Elizabeth / Greenhouse Fabrics: https://www.greenhousefabrics.com/anna-elisabeth
• Crypton Fabrics: https://crypton.com/
• Zia Tile: https://www.ziatile.com/
• Fireclay Tile: https://www.fireclaytile.com/
• Supply Showroom: https://www.supplyshowroom.com/
• Pattern Collective: