Tariffs Could Impact Your Renovation — And How I Can Help

When you imagine your dream kitchen or a fresh living room design, you’re probably thinking about style, comfort, and function — not global trade policy. Yet in 2025, tariffs on imported materials and furnishings are shaping the cost and availability of many of the products homeowners rely on.

March 2025: Tariffs on imported steel and aluminum increased to 50%, impacting fixtures, hardware, and structural metals.
April 2025: A new reciprocal tariff plan added duties on a wide range of goods.
September 2025: Imported kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities faced tariffs of up to 50%, upholstered furniture jumped to 25% (and 30% in January 2026), and lumber imports were hit with a 10% tariff.

What Materials Are Affected

Cabinetry & Vanities – Imported prefab and midrange cabinet lines are most exposed.
Upholstered Furniture – Sofas, sectionals, and chairs from overseas manufacturers are climbing in price.
Wood Products – Lumber, flooring, millwork, and veneers are now subject to duties.
Fixtures & Metals – Hardware, lighting parts, and decorative trim tied to aluminum or steel are impacted.

How I Can Help You Navigate This

American Cabinetry Makers – I source from U.S.-based workshops that offer exceptional craftsmanship and shorter lead times.
Domestic Furniture Brands – Many of my go-to lines for sofas and chairs are made in the U.S., avoiding tariff-related spikes.
Locally Sourced Wood & Flooring – The Hudson Valley has outstanding mills and flooring suppliers we can tap.
Metal Fixtures & Hardware – I work with specialty vendors producing beautiful, durable products domestically.

The advantage of working with a designer is that I have access to a wide network of trusted suppliers — including some of the very best American manufacturers. That means with a little help for yours truly, the tariffs needn’t derail your renovation dreams. As your dedicated designer, part of my role is to stay ahead of these shifts, anticipate where costs may rise, and connect you with high-quality American-made alternatives. With the right planning and sourcing, your renovation can still be on time, on budget, and beautifully done. Because I keep relationships across these categories, I can quickly adjust sourcing plans if prices rise or supply chains get delayed. This means you won’t be left scrambling mid-project.

Why Acting Now Matters

Here’s the most important takeaway: many of these tariff increases don’t take full effect until January 2026. That means if you’ve been considering a renovation or large furniture investment, starting now could save you significantly. Ordering cabinetry, furniture, or millwork before the higher duties kick in gives you access to current pricing and avoids sudden jumps that may appear in the new year.

Planning Ahead Minimizes Impact

Beyond timing, I help my clients plan strategically so tariffs don’t disrupt their projects:

Timeline Awareness – I’ll advise on when to order key items to lock in better pricing.

Budget Buffers – I’ll help you build a realistic budget that accounts for shifting material costs — without surprises.

Sourcing Strategy – By mixing domestic and international options, I can help balance value, availability, and design vision.

Trusted Recommendations – Instead of hours lost researching vendors, you benefit from my curated list of partners who deliver quality and reliability.

Final Thoughts

Tariffs may be creating “headline stress” in the design world, but they don’t have to create stress in your renovation. With the right guidance, sourcing strategy, and vendor connections, your home can be everything you want — without being derailed by trade policy.

👉 If you’re planning a project, now is the time to act. Schedule a Discovery Call and let’s talk about how we can get your dream renovation underway before the next round of tariffs takes effect. You can also explore more about the services I offer right here on my website.