One of the best ways to be sure your project rolls along smoothly is the work you do with your clients BEFORE you even start! It's important to educate your clients so they understand how everything is going to move forward. That's ESPECIALLY true if they have never worked with a designer before. Bu...

Have you noticed all of the "We're Hiring" posts by interior designers in the last few months?! Yes, we're all slammed and in need of support staff to help us make it through! When you're building that all-important team, you really need to keep in mind that not only should you hire the best fit for...

If you ask any interior designer, they will all say the same thing when asked to describe their ideal client. They want someone who has an amazing budget, who will give complete control to the designer on the project, and who wants their entire (and HUGE) home renovated or built from scratch. Right?...

Running your own business is so difficult - you have to understand your financials, have a solid business plan, create a strategic marketing plan, be witty and smart on social media, manage your clients, AND manage your team members. Whew, that is A LOT. But there is one thing, above all the others,...

It doesn’t happen often (hopefully!), but we have all had the experience of showcasing a presentation to a client, only to hear crickets at the end. UGH!! There is nothing worse! And when it does happen, we either have NO clue why, or we have a sneaking suspicion and ignored it. There are a few comm...

I am always in favor of being completely honest with your clients - it really saves you problems in the long run. And that includes heading problems off at the pass. Communication is key to a successful project. (Yes. It's my mantra!) That is especially true when you know there are going to be pro...

Even the most confident business owner has moments of doubt - I know I have! And times like these make it even harder not to let your fears take over. I like to remind myself that fear can actually be useful. It can help you plan a strategy to make it through economic ups and downs, for sure. But ...

The market keeps trying to commoditize what we do. Apps, edesign platforms, race-to-the-bottom pricing. But interior design is NOT a commodity. It's a luxury service that improves how people actually live in their homes. THAT is what we need to be selling. Here are 4 ways to do it.

1. Market Functi...