Designer Confession: The Retail Stores I Still Love

Scarlett J Designs is a a boutique Sarasota interior design studio delivering elevated interiors, bold brand styling, and curated special events for busy professionals and families who want impact without the overwhelm.

One of the questions I get often is:

“Where do interior designers actually shop?”

The truth is, most of my sourcing happens through trade-only vendors—brands and manufacturers that aren’t available to the public. These sources allow me to create spaces that feel custom, curated, and unique to each client.

Why I Source Trade-Only

When clients hire a designer, they’re not looking for a room that feels like a catalog page or a collection of items they could have added to their own online cart.

They’re investing in a personalized design experience.

That means sourcing pieces that:

• feel unique to their home
• aren’t widely available in big-box stores
• and don’t show up in every house on the block

Trade vendors allow designers to customize finishes, fabrics, sizing, and details that simply aren’t available through standard retail (learn more on why we source trade-only here).

But that doesn’t mean I never shop retail.

There are a handful of retailers that consistently offer special pieces, great craftsmanship, or unique finds that are worth incorporating into a project.

Here are a few I still keep in rotation:

---

Anthropologie

Anthropologie is one of my go-to retailers when I’m looking for something with personality. Their decor often has an artistic, collected feel that can add warmth and character to a space. From mirrors to lighting to statement accessories, it’s a great place to find pieces that feel a little unexpected.

---

CB2 & Crate & Barrel

These two brands consistently produce well-designed pieces with clean lines and reliable quality. They’re especially useful when a project needs a modern edge or a well-made accessory piece that blends seamlessly with higher-end custom furnishings.

---

Williams Sonoma

For kitchens and entertaining spaces, Williams Sonoma still delivers beautiful staples. From serving pieces to cookware to tabletop accessories, they offer timeless items that elevate everyday living and hosting.

---

MacKenzie-Childs

When a project calls for personality, MacKenzie-Childs always delivers. Their iconic patterns and handcrafted pieces add a layer of whimsy and individuality that can instantly make a space feel special. In fact, this is a favorite of several of my clients!

---

Arhaus

Arhaus continues to be a favorite for substantial furniture pieces with natural materials and strong craftsmanship. Their tradesmen collection in particular offers beautiful wood pieces that feel grounded, timeless, and well-built.

---

The Balance Between Trade and Retail

The best interiors rarely come from a single source.

Great design is about layering—mixing custom pieces, trade furnishings, vintage finds, and the occasional retail discovery to create something that feels curated rather than copied.

Trade vendors allow designers to deliver a personalized experience, but sometimes the perfect finishing touch is hiding in plain sight.

And knowing where to find it is part of the job.

If you’re looking for a Sarasota interior designer who sources thoughtfully and designs with intention, I’d love to help bring your space to life.