Can an interior designer help me shop at auctions and estate sales?

Many designers do this regularly, and some specialize in sourcing vintage and antique pieces. A designer can preview sales, assess quality and condition, and judge whether an item will fit the scale and style of your space. They may also bid on your behalf or advise you on a reasonable limit.

Ask how the designer charges for sourcing. Some bill hourly for shopping time, while others add a fee or markup to items they purchase for you. Be clear about who pays any buyer's premium, taxes, transportation, and restoration costs.

Agree in advance on budgets and approval steps, so you are comfortable with what is purchased. Since auction sales are often final, the designer's expertise in inspecting items before bidding can be valuable. The result is often a home with distinctive pieces no one else has.