There are things AI just can’t do. For example, testing furniture, making human connections with professionals in the industry, and sourcing pieces that create beautiful harmony in your home. When I moved to Miramar, Florida I knew I had to find showrooms in this area. This aspect of the design industry is vital to building that local community, but also to crafting that all-important tactile experience for interiors. This is exactly why I love showrooms. And once my boxes were unpacked here in the Miramar area, I immediately started connecting with local showrooms. I knew this is where I could curate everything from sofas to tiles and everything in between for my clients. Let’s break down why local showrooms are important for interior designers—and our clients!

What I look for in a Showroom

Showrooms, at their core, are there to display items from various companies. But as a designer, I need them to do so much more. In any showroom I enter, I look for organization and variety (there’s no real point in going to a showroom if there’s only two examples there for you to see — and then they’re hard to find!). I’m also there for some expertise. No one person can know everything, so I go to showrooms to glean information from the proprietors so I can bring that knowledge back to my clients.

Finally, I’m looking for a collaborative spirit. Collaboration is a key principle for Your Design Partner, so of course I want that to be a priority for the contractors, showrooms, and other professionals I work with. The professionals at showrooms are passionate about what they do and are usually fantastic collaborators!

Why I Value Showrooms

As mentioned, showrooms have a lot to offer designers. Some of the reasons I really value showrooms include:

1. The tactile experience. There’s nothing like being able to sit-test chairs, touch the fabric options, and see how the pieces interact with other household items.
2. The opportunity to build relationships and have a personal touch to all items sourced for the home.
3. I get to support local and small businesses in the Miramar, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami areas!
4. The experience of the items in person. So, so valuable! Something might look beautiful and fun in person, but in reality be a little disappointing or just not the right fit for the space.
5. A better idea of true color. The internet sometimes gets it wrong, the screen distorts color, and seeing it in person is often the only way to know if it’s perfect.
6. I’m able to bring color swatches, heirloom pieces, and more to ensure everything complements each other for a cohesive design.
7. Collaboration with like-minded creatives!

At the end of the day, a showroom is the best way to fully experience the large and small aspects of design before final decisions are made. This is just another way working with a designer helps you avoid missteps and costly mistakes. And an added bonus: sometimes you, the client, are able to join me in the showroom to see for yourself!

Brands I’m Eyeing

Though these aren’t local brands, I wanted to shout them out all the same because I’m loving what they offer and have seen a lot of their pieces in-person at showrooms.

1. Almond Wind. I love that this is a woman- and minority-owned sofa company. They create beautiful sofas that are chic, comfortable, luxurious, and fabulous. 
2. JSI Cabinetry offers a variety of finishes and styles along with a good price point for our clients. For any kitchen design I do, I know the JSI cabinets would look beautiful in any kitchen.
3. Cambria. This family-owned company produces American-made, natural quartz countertops and surfaces and I’m obsessed with the craftsmanship and beauty of what they offer.
4. Lavante Luxury Surfaces. Another fantastic marble and quartz countertops company. They create elegant environments with a variety of stone options.

Local Design Showrooms in South Florida

I was delighted to find these amazing showrooms in the South Florida area which make being a designer here absolutely delightful. As a newbie to the area, I look forward to our collaborations.

1. Adriana Hoyas Showroom is a trade-only showroom owned by a mother daughter duo. This woman-owned showroom offers furnishings that range from the very unique to the timelessly luxe.
2. Beyond Fortner’s Garden is a local small business that specializes in low maintenance plants! I’ve already got my eye out for incorporating these into our designs and to ensure homeowners get that green, biophilic look that is popular today.
3. Kravet is another trade-only showroom that brings gorgeous wallcoverings, furniture, lighting, and more to modern homes.
4. DCOTA stands for the Design Center of the Americas and I was delighted to discover that they have a primary location not too far from Miramar. They showcase many trade resources from fabrics, high end kitchen cabinetry, rugs, decor and more. What is especially exciting is the ability to source unique and original art from local artists.

Working as a Valuable Resource & Partner to Miramar Homeowners

Showrooms make it easy to be a valuable resource and partner to Miramar homeowners. My design services blend with the experience of the showroom to provide clients a well-rounded and complete design experience. They offer expertise, a variety of products and brands, a collaborative partner, and a tactile experience. I utilize showrooms to ensure color palettes are correct, sofas and chairs are comfortable and functional, and every piece of the design puzzle works together to create that perfect harmony within the client’s home. As your design partner, I’m honored to gather resources and collaborators on your behalf to give you the best design experience.