Step by Step is the blog of Kate Kerin Interiors. In addition to following some of my clients’ projects, I examine some of the latest issues of interest in the world of interior design.

Why Trusted Trade and Supplier Relationships Matter – And How They Benefit You

This month, I had the pleasure of photographing one of my favourite projects of the year: a fully furnished penthouse apartment in North Sydney. If you’ve been following my work for a while, you might remember this one – a sophisticated, mid-century inspired home for a successful professional and his two children.

Rod engaged Kate Kerin Interiors to furnish every room in his new three-bedroom apartment, right down to the floor coverings, window treatments, artwork and accessories. He wanted quality, elegance and ease in a space that reflected his design sensibilities and lifestyle, while also creating beautiful bedrooms for his young adult children that reflected their personal style. He trusted me to take care of everything, and the result is a warm, layered and functional home that feels elevated without being overdone.

What made this project such a pleasure wasn’t just Rod’s trust in the process (although that’s always appreciated!) It was also the exceptional team I was able to bring in, including trades, suppliers and creatives I’ve built longstanding relationships with. When a project runs smoothly and delivers a stunning result, it’s not just about good design. It’s also about working with people who are reliable, talented and aligned with your values. And that’s where a designer’s network becomes incredibly valuable.

A beautiful soft pink and brown bedroom, with a queen size bed under a gentle abstract painting. On the bed are cushions and a chunky knit throw. In the corner of the room is a vanity loaded with teenage girl items, and a blush pink velvet chair.

Meet the Dream Team

The final photography was captured by Kat Hatfield, a photographer I’ve worked with before and hope to work with again soon. Kat has an uncanny ability to capture the quiet elegance of a room, while also reflecting the atmosphere and mood we set out to achieve. She brings professionalism, calm and a collaborative spirit to every shoot, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the way she captured Rod’s home. If you're not already following her, I highly recommend checking out her Instagram page, @kathatfieldcreative. You’ll be seeing more of her work on my socials and my website very soon.

I also want to acknowledge Shari Westlake from Cosmostyle, who was responsible for the custom curtains throughout the apartment. Shari is a joy to work with – organised, efficient and endlessly helpful. She brought a large range of fabric samples to the apartment, and together we chose soft, billowy white sheers for the living spaces to balance the harder architectural edges and outlook onto North Sydney’s high-rises. In Rod’s room, a moody charcoal adds depth and elegance, while the soft blush curtains in his daughter’s room beautifully complement the gentle pinks and browns she’d chosen for her furniture and artwork. Shari’s expertise ensured everything was perfectly measured, manufactured and installed with minimal fuss. If you’re ever in need of window treatments or upholstery services, Cosmostyle in Hunters Hill is a wonderful place to start – find them on Instagram @cosmostyle_design.

A set dining table, with rust coloured napkins and candles, and silver candle holders. Wine glasses and black crockery are on the table. Behind the table is a sheer curtain, hanging to the ground. The furniture is mid-century walnut wood. — *Sheer curtains from @Cosmostyle_design*

Why These Relationships Matter

These examples highlight something I believe strongly: good design doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s built on strong working relationships with builders, installers, craftspeople, suppliers, manufacturers and joiners. When you work with me, you’re not just getting access to my creative expertise. You’re also gaining the benefit of time spent building trust with the people who help bring a project to life.

Anyone can source a sofa or choose a curtain fabric. But not everyone has the contacts who will take that sofa up four flights of stairs when the lift breaks, or who will tweak curtain drop lengths by a few millimetres to get a perfect floor skim. These details, and the people who manage them behind the scenes, are what make a project feel effortless for the client, even when the logistics are anything but.

As your designer, I act as the central point of communication between you and a range of suppliers. I ensure timelines are coordinated, expectations are clear and the finished result is cohesive, considered and well-executed. When I work with trusted trades and suppliers, the process is smoother, the quality is higher and there’s far less risk of delays, miscommunication or disappointment. Managing these complex processes and holding these relationships is part of the reason I charge a procurement fee on each order I place for clients. Most clients feel it’s excellent value for money!

A hallway console with a large, organic shaped mirror above it. On the console is a vase of native flowers and a dark coloured painting with figs. On the right hand side are three different height candles in silver holders. — *This simple foyer console provides a place to keep keys and other everyday items. Artwork by Lynda McKay,* *@lyndamckay_art*

How I Choose My Team

Of course, not every project involves the same team, and sometimes I bring in new suppliers or trial a new service. But I never recommend anyone to a client unless I’ve either worked with them before or tested their service on one of my own projects. Sometimes I receive referrals from other interior designers I trust, and I’m always happy to explore new partnerships, but quality, reliability and professionalism are non-negotiable.

Every supplier I recommend has proven they can deliver, not just in terms of product but in terms of service, communication and follow-through. The more projects we work on together, the more seamless our collaboration becomes, and that translates directly into better results for my clients.

What If You Have Your Own Trades?

That’s no problem at all. Some clients come to me with a builder already on board, or with preferred electricians, plumbers or curtain installers. I’m always happy to collaborate with trusted trades you already have relationships with. I’ve managed many successful projects where we’ve worked with a hybrid team – mine and yours – and it can work beautifully with clear communication and good planning.

It’s worth noting, though, that not all trades operate the same way. I know which cabinetmakers will be precise with a mitred join, which installers will use the correct fixings for particular wall types, and which upholsterers will take the time to align a complex pattern. When you engage my team, you get access to that built-in quality assurance. And even if you choose to work with trades I’ve recommended, you always engage them directly, so you remain in the driver’s seat at all times.

A group of men lifts a heavy stone benchtop onto a kitchen island. The room is a building site and the floor is unpolished. — *A well-chosen trade team is the foundation of any successful project.*

Behind the Scenes, Ahead of the Curve

I often say that a good interior designer doesn’t just create beautiful spaces, we anticipate problems before they happen. That’s especially true when it comes to coordinating multiple suppliers and trades. I know when to book the curtain installer so it doesn’t clash with the floor sander. I know how long it takes for custom joinery to be manufactured, and when the electrician needs to be on site. This knowledge comes from experience, but also from relationships – knowing who to call, what to ask and how to navigate unexpected delays without derailing the whole timeline.

The Takeaway for You

If you’re embarking on a design project, whether you’re furnishing a new apartment, undertaking a renovation or building from scratch, it’s worth thinking about more than just the aesthetic. Who’s going to make it all happen? Who’s going to ensure the timeline makes sense, the products are delivered on time and the finishes are installed properly?

That’s where a designer’s trade relationships make all the difference. When you work with me, you’re not just getting access to great design. You’re also getting the benefit of a deeply embedded, highly trusted network of people who care about quality as much as I do.

So if you’re ready to create a home that reflects your lifestyle, values and sense of style (and you’d like the entire process to feel seamless and supported) I’d love to hear from you. Head to my website to get in touch or follow me on Instagram to see more from Rod’s project and the wonderful team behind it.

A living room with comfy sofa covered in cushions, and a window out to the harbour. Soft curtains frame the view and in the background is a dining table and bar cart.

All photography in this blog (except image of trades) is by Kat Hatfield Creative, @kathatfieldcreative.

Kate Kerin Interiors works with discerning Sydney clients who value quality, elegance and a seamless design experience, whether you’re downsizing, furnishing a new home or planning a major change. If you’d like to discuss your project, get in touch to book an initial consultation.

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STEP BY STEP: My network is your secret weapon