By Ju-Wei Chen, Design Director at Txengo

The Value of an Interior Designer vs. Furniture Suppliers
Why Design is About More Than Discounts

We’re often asked by clients:
"Why should we work with an interior designer when furniture suppliers can offer us discounts too without charging a design fee?"

It’s a fair question. At first glance, it may seem that bypassing the designer and going directly to the supplier is a way to save money. But there’s much more to interior design than simply selecting furniture.

Interior Design is Not Just About Furniture

A professional interior designer brings a holistic vision to your space. We consider not only furniture, but also:

• Curtains and window treatments

• Interior architectural details

• Material finishes – both hard (such as flooring and tiles) and soft (like fabrics and upholstery)

• Lighting and space planning

• Functionality – how the space works for your day-to-day use

Designers are trained to think about how all these elements come together to support your lifestyle or brand, both aesthetically and practically. This level of thinking isn’t something you’ll typically get from a furniture supplier no matter how generous the discount.

Understanding the Purpose of the Space

Before diving into costs and products, it’s important to ask:
What is the purpose of this space?

• Is it a residential property for personal use, an investment, or a hybrid of both?

• Is it a commercial space such as a restaurant, office, or boutique?
  If so, what is your business model and customer experience strategy?

Design isn’t just about how something looks, it’s about how it works for the people using it, and how it supports your long-term goals.

Balancing Short-Term Costs with Long-Term Value

Yes, budgets matter. And yes, a good designer will always work within your budget. But part of our value lies in helping you balance short-term spending with long-term returns.

A well-designed space may:

• Increase rental or resale value

• Attract better tenants or customers

• Strengthen your brand identity

• Improve well-being and comfort for occupants

• Prevent costly mistakes caused by poor planning or rushed decisions

Designers don’t just sell products, we create experiences, solve problems, and help you make the most of your investment.

If you’re considering skipping the design fee in favour of a supplier discount, ask yourself this:
Is it truly saving, if you end up with a space that doesn’t quite work?

We believe design is an investment, not an add-on. And when done well, it pays for itself many times over.