For rookies, design may be about choosing pretty things. But in reality, there’s so much more to it. It’s about bringing purpose, emotion, and lifestyle together into a seamless and livable space. At CRAFT By Anika, we understand that the actual magic doesn’t only lie in the big reveal; it’s in the journey to get there. One of the most important parts of that journey is procurement.
Procurement is where design meets discipline. Where your approved concept begins to take shape, piece by piece. It’s true that this stage happens mostly behind the scenes, but in reality, it makes sure your space is cohesive, functional, and tailored to you.
What is Procurement in Interior Design?
When it comes to design, procurement means strategically sourcing, ordering, and coordinating all furnishings, fixtures, materials, and finishes. These are commonly referred to as FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment). The process includes virtually everything, from statement sofas to custom hardware. Every piece we select during this phase plays a BIG role in the story your home tells.
Why Does Procurement Matter So Much?
At CRAFT By Anika, we think of procurement as more than a shopping task. It’s actually much about logistics. Our clients trust us to manage everything throughout their project, including budget, timeline, quality, vendor relationships, and the smallest of details with precision. That’s how we bring our clients’ space to life. Intentionally, and with care.
At CRAFT by Anika, our process starts with an initial phone call to discuss your vision and needs. During the consultation, we gather information while providing expert advice. We then prepare a detailed plan. And when that’s approved, we move towards procurement.
But before that happens, we dive into a space walkthrough and measurements, reviewing how your household functions and identifying pain points and opportunities. We translate that insight into concept boards, space plans, and mood-setting visuals that help you see the direction we’re heading. Once aligned, we refine the design with detailed specifications, material samples, and vendor options tailored to your budget and lifestyle. Only then do we move into procurement—fully prepared, with a plan designed to succeed from the start.
The Procurement Process at CRAFT By Anika
Our team works hard to make sure the procurement process is intentional, and gives the results desired by our clients.
Specification and Selection
As your design plan finalizes, we will begin selecting the exact items. We’ll think about scale, color, material, and style. What we focus on here is your vision, functional needs, and lifestyle.
For example, you love a Japandi-inspired living room. Based on your lifestyle (say, a toddler and a dog), we source a low-profile sectional with performance fabric in taupe, which resists spills. To complement it, we select a solid oak coffee table with soft-rounded corners.
Or let’s put it this way. You’ve approved a glam transitional bedroom design. To match the vision, we source an upholstered king bed with a channel-tufted headboard in velvet. We pair it with brass-accented nightstands that also include soft-close drawers and hidden charging ports.
💡 Did You Know?
Specification is the detailed listing of every design element, including product type, material, dimensions, and vendor source.
Budget Management
Procurement is as much about numbers as it is about beauty. We carefully track every cost. Where we think the budget is exceeding, we explore high-value alternatives. In short, our team keeps spending in check without compromising quality.
Let’s say your original plan includes a sleek white pedestal table, like the Saarinen Dining Table priced at $3,595. During procurement, we notice that this single item is stretching the furniture budget. Rather than sacrificing the look, we source a high-quality alternative: the Flow Ceramic Dining Table with a similar modern and compact look for only $1,399.
Vendor Communication & Planning Lead Times
We coordinate directly with trusted vendors, manufacturers, and fabricators. Throughout the process, we confirm pricing, lead times, availability, and customization options. By doing so, we’re able to minimize costly delays and make sure everything arrives just as expected.
💡 Did You Know?
Lead time is the time between placing an order and receiving the product.
Processing & Tracking Orders
Once the FF&E are approved, we make sure to handle all purchase orders, invoices, and logistics. We track shipping updates to make sure everything arrives on time. We also resolve issues like backorders or damages. Basically, our team makes sure you never have to chase a delivery or worry about what’s next.
For larger-scale projects, new builds, or homes undergoing full renovations, storage coordination becomes an essential part of our service. At CRAFT by Anika, we work directly with trusted storage and receiving facilities to manage the flow of furnishings, fixtures, and materials.
These facilities serve as a secure, centralized location for receiving shipments, inspecting items for quality, and holding inventory until the home is ready for installation. If we’re working with custom pieces, we double-check that they’re exactly as ordered, so nothing surprises you (or us) on install day.
This process helps us avoid construction-related delays, protect your investments, and streamline project logistics. Coordinating storage not only ensures a smooth delivery phase but also reflects the professionalism and attention to detail we bring to every design project.
Installation Coordination
Once all the items have arrived, we schedule delivery and installation in the most suitable way. We handle everything, from furniture placement to the final throw pillow.
Why Our Clients Trust Our Procurement Process
- We source smarter. We have years of vendor relationships and product knowledge, which means we know exactly where to find the best-quality pieces that fit your home.
- We organize everything using Mydoma, our all-in-one project management platform. The client portal keeps every detail of your project in one place, from design boards and invoices to timelines and approvals, so nothing gets missed and you are always in the loop.
- We communicate constantly. You are never left in the dark, because we keep you updated without overwhelming you. Our team schedules weekly check-ins to share progress, review decisions, and answer any questions you may have. Through your Mydoma client portal, you can also access updates at any time, approve selections, and stay connected throughout every phase of the project.
- We anticipate the hiccups. Supply chain delays? Substitutions? Our contingency plans make sure the process is smooth.
- We think about the big picture. Every item is selected so that it fits the initial concept you gave us.
If you’d like to work with us and allow our team to handle the procurement phase of your project (among the other steps), let’s chat! From interior design to paint color consultations, we offer it all 🤍
