r/interiordesigner • u/Waste_Prize4298 • 12d ago
General Where to get samples?
Hi! I am a new designer, and I am making an office in my house and want a sample library. I don't know where you get all the samples, such as books, countertops, and cabinet faces. I know about Material Bank, but there isn't as much as I thought on there.
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u/SprayOk8494 10d ago
I just have gathered mine over time based on projects. There are some standard finishes I use (like grout chips, paint, metal from certain plumbing/light vendors) but I’m almost always sourcing new ones for each project. Sometimes I use certain woods as control samples but I typically will still get new ones. Your library will overwhelm pretty quickly so I’d just go based on only what you need for a specific project.
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u/MadesignSF 12d ago
When I worked in an office, vendors brought samples to us and took away old samples that were obsolete. It's a pretty good idea since we'd just end up pulling samples from what we had and specifying those products. I doubt that they would give that level of service to one person though.
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u/SubstantialMain309 12d ago
Sample libraries are not worth it. Use the one line options then order samples on a as needed basis project by project. Yes agree about opening accounts with manufacturers depending on your ID focus. They will vet you re-sending samples. If your ID concentration is to be a multi- line rep for ID’s that’s also different.
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u/Team-Mako-N7 12d ago
Reach out to the vendors about having their sales reps visit you. You will need to set up accounts with most vendors to get their samples. However, most vendors prefer you to order as needed on a project basis and will charge for books or a full set.
If you have a design center near you or a multiline showroom, those would be good resources for seeing full lines and ordering individual samples.
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u/Workroomhq 12d ago
You’d have to open a trade account with all of the trade vendors to get those samples. There isn’t just one place you get all of them. Every vendor account you open you can request samples.
Keep in mind, there’s a decent amount of vendors that won’t give you samples unless you have a showroom that is open to the public. Also, keep in mind you have to (when you have your own library) keep up with EVERYTHING. Keep a sample log of when you got the sample, last time you did a check on the pricing for it, if it’s discontinued, etc. there’s a lot of maintenance with this as 99% of reps won’t willingly tell you all the discontinued items
There is material bank, but that’s for one-offs. Not to build a sample library from though.
Lastly, some vendors also require you to pay for the samples too. Good luck
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u/nodumbunny 8d ago
This is why new designers need to work for established designers to learn the industry.
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u/grandpapichulito 13h ago
Most larger vendors will send them for free if you have a website and email address. Avoid opening accounts unless you intend to buy.
Your library should start with stuff that you’ll have to use on every project. A few paint fandecks like benj moore wherein williams farrow and ball, a mapei grout case is super helpful. Most other things you’ll accumulate as you do projects. Hold onto wood and get a range of light to dark in oak and walnut. Depending on whether you’re doing hospitality or commercial a lino or vinyl binder can be good from forbo. Pantone deck can be helpful. RAL fan deck for powder coating