Sample House
Introduction
Sample House is a new creative material library for interior designers, furniture designers, architects, and contractors. We empower industry professionals with the resources needed to approach their work efficiently and expressively.
A new take on a
material library
We’re rewriting the way design professionals
consider the procurement and maintenance of
essential design elements.
Approach
Sample House aims to smooth the frictions associated with procuring and maintaining material samples for your practice. We’re committed to rewriting industry norms, reimagining project timelines, and revolutionizing resource management.
Additionally, it’s no secret that the industry can do better, and decreasing the number of samples that end up in the trash is our way of shifting how things get done.
Thoughtful Curation
Sample House selects and maintains an inventory of current and timeless material collections, offering only the best under one roof.
Communal Workspace
Our central table facilitates effective concepting and material engagement, fostering productive discussions between designers and clients. Utilize the space with your team and clients for focused and effective decisions.
Vendor Spotlight
Stay in the know with our monthly rotation of inspiring vendors and access to speciality events for networking, learning and discovery. If you are a new vendor that would like to be included at Sample House, please contact library@samplehouse.nyc for more information.
Effortless Documentation
-
![Various tile glazes from Particular Tile.]()
Various tile glazes from Particular Tile. -
![Cavallo (Cream 950) from Cortina Leather.]()
Cavallo (Cream 950) from Cortina Leather. -
![Standard metal finishes from Texas Lightsmith.]()
Standard metal finishes from Texas Lightsmith. -
![Stone, brick and wood from Orca Living, Bower Studios, Montana Labelle & BAS Stone.]()
Stone, brick and wood from Orca Living, Bower Studios, Montana Labelle & BAS Stone. -
![Woven Stripe Blue & Navy from Vousta.]()
Woven Stripe Blue & Navy from Vousta. -
![Cabinetry and countertop finishes offered by Reform.]()
Cabinetry and countertop finishes offered by Reform.
Pricing
Day Pass
- By appointment only with access to a curated, organized and continuously expanding inventory (4 people limit per appointment)
- In-house concierge services including material guidance and recommendations
- Access to office amenities—WiFi, beverages, and communal worktables—for collaborative reviews with clients and contractors
Monthly Pass
- Everything included in the Day Pass plus:
- Unlimited monthly appointments
- New sample requests + 2 week sample loans (deposit required)
- Vendor inquiries and introductions (including millworkers & fabricators)
- Control sample management and material finish replications (additional fee)
- Monthly In-house programming (eg. CEU, IDCEC, AIA)
- Special discounts on select products & brands
Vendors
Sample House prioritizes taste, quality, and availability. We meticulously research and handpick each vendor in our collection, ensuring it lives up to our standards and yours.
- Dinesen
- Madera
- Hudson Company
- LV Wood
- Ignorance is Bliss
- Alt for Living
- Bower Studios
- Nanimarquina
- Urban Electric
- Wrensilva
Simplify your materials
Entrusting Sample House with the maintenance, organization, and updating of material samples means you can focus on the work at hand.
About
Sample House came to life after founder, Michael DeChillo, spent the last few years working as a Material Librarian for several premier interior design firms in New York City.
Our unique service was conceptualized with the promise to help shift the current accessibility of material libraries as well as rethink how a material library operates. We look forward to Sample House becoming a trusted resource and a new extension of your design practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own samples?
Yes. You can bring your own materials to be used for your project or to be shown for your client but any personally supplied materials cannot be left at the library.
Does Sample House accept donations?
No, but we recommend the following resources to responsibly reuse or dispose of them: Cooper Recycling (Hard Materials Only), Fabscrap, Materials for the Arts and Mood Fabrics.
I’m not a designer, but I’m interested in doing an interior design or renovation project. Can I visit the library?
Sample House is primarily for the trade community. We can provide initial assistance through a Day Pass, but we recommend working with an interior designer that can visit Sample House with you.
Can Sample House connect me with a professional that fits my design needs?
We love connecting clients to our wide range of design professionals. Please email library@samplehouse.nyc with project details and we can assist in connecting you.
Can I store a tray in the library with my selected materials to be saved until my next visit?
At this time we don’t have sufficient space for this, but we hope this will be available as the library grows over time. However, if you have a tray of materials that you really love and do want to save until your next visit just let the librarian know which is your tray and they will notate all selected samples for your tray. Additionally, if you need a copy of that list or specific item you can email library@samplehouse.nyc.
What are the terms of the loan period?
All loans start the first day materials are taken out from the library. Additionally, the loan doesn’t include weekends so if your loan crosses over with a weekend it won’t count against you. All sample loans are good for up to 2 weeks. You are charged based on the amount of samples you need to checkout. Once your loan is returned within the 2 week period, you will be provided a 50% refund. All checkouts are only done in the physical library and with the librarian during your visit.
1 - 5 Samples: $10
5 - 10 Samples: $20
10 or more Samples: $40
What happens if I return my samples late?
Past due samples loans will lose their deposit in full.
What are the acceptable ways to return materials on loan?
At this time we can only accommodate In-Person returns during open hours. Please make sure to book an appointment prior to your arrival.
Does Sample House handle any spec information?
Unfortunately, not at this time. We are currently focused on being your trusted materials library for procurement, organization, discovery and inspiration. We are happy to provide initial introductions with our vendors.
What If I miss my appointment?
Please rebook a new appointment from your original introductory email with the included booking link.
What if I’m late for my appointment?
Please email library@samplehouse.nyc to provide your estimated time of arrival and we can coordinate to make up for the time missed from your original booking.
Can I cancel or pause my monthly pass?
If you need to cancel your monthly pass or pause it after the initial 3-month minimum commitment, you can do so at any time. However, a $25 processing fee will apply. Please email library@samplehouse.nyc to process your request.
Do I need to note that I’m bringing a client?
Yes, there will be a questionnaire during your appointment booking.
What if I need to stay longer than the appointment I scheduled?
The library is open for 2 hour slots, 3 times a day. If you need additional time the same day, you are welcome to stay as long as you need, but keep in mind the space is limited in size and we want to ensure others can fully utilize their appointment for the same experience.
Is the library wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the library is located at the ground floor and the entrance has a ramp for easy access. If you need additional assistance please email library@samplehouse.nyc.
Is there parking available?
There are parking garages within walking distance. It can honestly be tough to find street parking but not impossible if you are lucky enough to find one.
What are the closest transit options?
You can take the E, F, M, R & 7 trains to either Court Square or Queens Boro Plaza. Both stations are about a 5min walk from the library.
Does the library provide WIFI?
Yes, please ask the librarian for the login details.
Do you allow walk-in appointments?
Sample House does not accept walk-ins at this time, but if you are interested in learning more for consideration of a day or monthly pass, please email library@samplehouse.nyc.
How long do samples I request take to arrive to the library for project use?
The arrival of samples that aren't already in the library varies depending on many factors but we will action the request promptly. At the same time, Sample House is not responsible for presentation or construction due dates as we are subject to vendor responses and shipping capabilities.
Is the library open on holidays?
We will honor and be closed for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous People’s Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving & Black Friday, Christmas Day - New Year’s Eve
