The Power of Samples: Why Touching and Seeing is Believing in Interior Design
- Form Studio
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
There's a crucial step that many homeowners skip when designing their space—and honey, it's costing them time, money, and that fabosh space they've been dreaming about. That step? Getting your hands on actual samples before making any major design decisions.
Whether you're selecting paint colors, choosing tile, picking fabrics, or deciding on flooring, samples are your secret weapon for creating a space that truly works. Here's why this seemingly small step makes such a massive difference in your design outcome.
The Science Behind How We See Color
Color isn't just color—it's a complex interplay of light, surface, and perception. Understanding basic color theory can save you from costly mistakes and help you create spaces that feel intentional and harmonious.
Light is the biggest game-changer when it comes to how colors appear. That gorgeous sage green you fell in love with online might look completely different under your home's warm evening lighting versus the cool morning light streaming through your windows. North-facing rooms tend to have cooler, bluer light, while south-facing spaces get warmer, more golden tones throughout the day.
But it's not just about natural light. The type of artificial lighting you choose—LED, incandescent, or fluorescent—will dramatically alter how every color in your space appears. That's why paint stores always recommend testing colors in your actual space for at least 24 hours, watching how they shift from morning to night.
Get started on your next project with me to help guide you.
The Color Relationship Effect
Colors don't exist in isolation. They're constantly influenced by what's around them—a phenomenon that's crucial to understand when designing a space. Place a neutral beige next to a cool gray, and suddenly it might look peachy or yellow. Put that same beige beside a warm brown, and it appears more sophisticated and grounded.
This is why creating a physical mood board with actual samples is so important. You need to see how your paint color looks next to your fabric choice, how your tile coordinates with your countertop selection, and how all these elements work together as a cohesive whole.
The Irreplaceable Value of Touch and Texture
There's something our screens simply can't convey: texture. The way a fabric feels in your hands, the weight of a tile, the actual finish of a piece of wood—these tactile experiences inform our emotional response to materials in ways we might not even consciously realize.
That bouclé fabric might photograph beautifully, but when you touch it, you might discover it feels scratchy or too delicate for your lifestyle. The marble tile that looks elegant online might feel too cold and formal when you hold it in your hands. These gut reactions are valuable data that can only be gathered through physical interaction with samples.
Quality Reality Check
Here's a truth that might sting: that wallpaper you've been obsessing over online might look absolutely terrible in person. Digital images can't accurately represent the true quality, color saturation, or finish of materials. What appears rich and luxurious on screen might arrive looking cheap and poorly printed—definitely not the vibe you were going for.
I've seen clients fall in love with products online, only to be disappointed when they arrive. The tile that looked substantial turns out to be flimsy. The "linen" texture that appeared sophisticated is actually a plastic-feeling vinyl. The rich navy that seemed perfect is actually a muddy blue-gray in real life—not exactly the gorg-y moment they were expecting.
Samples are your quality control checkpoint. They let you assess not just the appearance, but the actual construction, finish quality, and durability of what you're considering.
Building Your Physical Mood Board
Creating a physical mood board with actual samples is like test-driving a car before you buy it. You want to see how all your selections work together in real life, under your actual lighting conditions.
Start by gathering samples of your major elements: paint swatches, fabric pieces, tile samples, wood finishes, and any other key materials. Arrange them together and observe how they interact. Do they create the mood you're going for? Does anything feel off or clash in a way you didn't expect?
Move your sample board around your space throughout the day. See how the combination looks in morning light, afternoon sun, and evening artificial light. This process often reveals adjustments that need to be made before you commit to purchasing full quantities.
The Sample Economics: Designer Advantage vs. DIY Reality
Here's something many homeowners don't realize: interior designers typically receive samples at no cost as part of their trade relationships with manufacturers and suppliers. When you work with a designer, you're getting access to this extensive sample library without the individual costs adding up.
If you're going the DIY route, you'll likely need to purchase most samples—and those costs can add up quickly. Paint samples might be free or low-cost, but fabric samples can range from $5-15 each, tile samples might cost $10-30, and specialty material samples can be even more expensive.
However, think of sample costs as insurance against much larger mistakes. Spending $100 on samples is nothing compared to the cost of repainting a room, returning tile, or replacing fabric that doesn't work in your space.
My Sample Strategy: Always Collecting, Always Discovering
In my practice, I maintain an extensive sample library that I'm constantly expanding. I'm always discovering new brands, collecting seasonal color releases, and staying current with emerging materials and finishes. This ongoing collection means my clients have access to both tried-and-true options and the latest innovations in the design world.
But even with my extensive collection, I'm regularly ordering new samples for specific projects. Every space is unique, and sometimes the perfect solution requires exploring something completely new.
I also maintain relationships with design centers throughout Denver, which exponentially expands the sample options available to my clients. These showrooms often carry exclusive lines and offer the opportunity to see larger displays and room settings that help visualize how materials work in actual spaces.
Making Samples Work for You
Whether you're working with a designer or tackling a project yourself, here's how to make the most of the sampling process:
Start with paint colors first. Paint is usually the most affordable element to change, so use it as your foundation and build other selections around it.
Order samples early in your process. Don't wait until you're ready to purchase to start sampling. Give yourself time to live with options and see how you react to them over several days.
Sample in context. Don't just look at materials in isolation. See how they work with your existing furniture, lighting, and architectural elements.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off when you see or touch the sample, listen to that intuition. It's usually telling you something important.
The sampling process might seem like an extra step, but it's actually one of the most crucial phases of any design project. It's your opportunity to make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure that the space you're creating truly reflects your vision and lifestyle.
Remember: in design, there are no do-overs that don't cost time and money. Samples are your chance to get it right the first time.
Want someone to hold your hand as you embark into the sample world of Interior Design? I've got you. Book a consult today and let's do this together with my expert knowledge!
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