I Ordered Samples from DesignShop—Here’s What I Loved
As a designer, few things are more exciting than a box full of potential—swatches, tiles, slabs, and hardware, all waiting to spark an idea. Recently, I had the chance to try out DesignShop, an online sample marketplace that makes it easy to order materials from top brands—all in one place.
They sent me a curated box of samples I selected myself, and I’m genuinely impressed—not just with the materials, but with the entire process. It's so easy to browse and find a huge amount of great materials on their website, I received everything in less than 24 hours, and the box comes with cards for each sample with a QR code that helped me find where to buy the full-price materials when the time comes. If you’re in the middle of a design project, dreaming up a renovation, or just craving inspiration, they make it so easy to get everything you need at reasonable prices quickly.
Favorites From the Haul:
Heavy, warm, and timeless. This could work well in an old or new space, it’s very transitional. There is a simple elegance to these that’s immediately apparent by both look and touch. It’s a perfect size for a pull and the ridges on the sides are a lovely detail.
Rich brown oak with a visible, honest grain. This would be stunning in a cozy dining room or den. I am seeing a lot of design move towards darker woods and this would be a safe and beautiful choice for many types of spaces.difference.
Light, matte, and calming, this is ideal for a minimalist bedroom or serene office. Understated but elegant, it could pair well with architect lamps and mid-century-inspired furnishings. Could also see this working in a modern mountain cabin alongside some tile, stainless steel and a Nordic-inspired fireplace.
An airy, patterned linen with a barely-there texture. So soft to the touch and refined, with the most beautiful pattern. I imagine this used for drapery in a sunlit reading nook or loveseat.
This blue-gray leather is buttery and rich and so incredibly soft. It would look perfect on a built-in bench or statement chair. The color is a match made in heaven with any kind of gold, brown, or amber wood tones. It could also work well in a kitchen dining nook or as stool seat upholstery.
This has a textural look like rustic burlap, but feels soft and comforting. The warm gold tone is ideal for upholstery in a casual-yet-refined space. Such a unique material!
A bold, patterned velvet that screams “statement chair.” Cheerful and fearless. Would work in a lounge, in hospitality, or stealing the show in a vibrant living room. Not for the faint of heart, and I love that.
Graphic and modern with a playful speckled pattern. I want to see these in a bathroom or café backsplash. No other tile is like this. Very modern, punchy colors.
Peach, gold, and green flecks that pop without feeling chaotic. Dramatic but still versatile. Used another color recently in a bathroom and loved it. Something like this wants so badly to be used large format - counter to ceiling backsplash or maybe floors& walls of a bathroom. Would work great in a hospitality setting.
Deep green with painterly, subtle surface variation. Dreamy for a moody walk-in shower or accent wall. For that tight, dramatic look, you could pair it with a charcoal grout. This would look beautiful with cream tones, any type of wood, and brass or copper.
Pink-orange veining with a soft, glowy warmth. Imagine if Calcutta marble was inspired by a sunset - just gorgeous! I see this pairing well with medium-tone warm brown woods in a kitchen alongside some unlacquered brass or chrome fixtures.
Serious passion alert. Red marble bursting with energy. I’d love to cover a floating vanity in this material or use it in a home bar or coffee station as the counter, backsplash and side walls. This would pair well with brass, chrome, and dark chocolatey wood.
A bold, composite black-and-white slab with wild veining, this one is full of movement and contrast, yet so tasteful. It begs to anchor a minimalist kitchen as the statement island. It would also make for a perfect statement shower alongside some copper or burnished brass fixtures.
Final Thoughts:
What stood out most was how frictionless the entire process felt—from browsing to unboxing. DesignShop removes the overwhelm and makes it easy to experiment, explore, and refine your vision. And when the box arrives, it’s like opening a well-edited portfolio of possibilities.
Whether you’re designing a complete remodel or just daydreaming about the next phase of your space, I can’t recommend sampling from DesignShop enough. It’s affordable, fun, and—if you ask me—a better way to design.
