Trade Access: Who’s Letting the Wallpaper Guy In? Things get tricky when your client still lives in the home you’re designing. Every installation, delivery, or paint touch-up becomes a mini-operation. Someone must let trades in, answer questions, point to the right room, and ensure the dog doesn’t escape. But who handles that? Is it the […]
Trade Access for Interior Designers in Active Homes Read More »
“How Interior Designers Manage Client Projects They Can’t Showcase Online” That’s the question a member of the Interior Design Community asked recently. What followed was a flood of supportive, savvy responses from designers who had all been there and come out wiser. Let’s rewind. This designer had guided her clients through an entire remodel. She
How Interior Designers Manage Client Projects They Can’t Showcase Online Read More »
It starts innocently enough. Your best friend needs help picking a rug. Your cousin bought a house and wants to “run a few ideas by you.” Your sister-in-law thinks it would be “so fun” to redo her guest room together. And before you know it, you’re knee-deep in hours of unpaid work, friends and family,
How Do You Charge Friends and Family for Design Work Without Regret? Read More »
Nothing wrecks a project timeline faster than a GC who implodes halfway through. One day, they’re promising timelines and updates. Next, you’re fielding frantic calls,
Should Interior Designers Charge for Fixing Contractor Issues? Read More »
Tracking your revenue isn’t just an accounting task; it’s part of your survival. With more designers offering full-service projects that include both sourcing and services, the financial side of design is only getting more complex.
How Designers Track Product vs. Service Revenue without Losing Their Minds Read More »
Interior design is as much about managing relationships as it is about executing sophisticated design vision. After years of representing interior designers in their business dealings, I’ve observed patterns in how these creative professional relationships unfold, particularly how they end. Today, I want to address the most challenging aspect of your business: navigating the emotional
Managing the Emotional Landscape of Designer-Client Relationships Read More »
Many of you have shared concerns about having the tariff talk with your client. You’re definitely not alone. This issue is causing anxiety throughout the interior design industry. But there’s good news: addressing it proactively can turn this challenge into an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and strengthen client trust. The Power of Proactive Client Conversation
Tariff Talk: The Client Conversation You Need to Have Read More »
Clients arguing over every design decision? Learn how to mediate disputes, set boundaries, and keep your interior design projects moving—without losing your sanity.
Interior Designers or Couple’s Therapist? How to Handle Client Disagreements Like a Pro Read More »
There’s nothing quite like install day—the excitement, the chaos, the transformation. But any seasoned designer will tell you that a smooth install doesn’t happen by accident. It’s all about being prepared. We asked the IDC community: What’s in your Install Day Kit? And wow, did you deliver! We’ve compiled your favorite must-haves, personal tricks, and
Install Day Kit: Essentials for Every Interior Designer Read More »
As a lawyer for the design industry, I have drafted hundreds of design contracts and have been involved in countless designer vs. client disputes, always resulting from the unplanned end of a contract relationship. My experience has led me to believe strongly that the industry must shift toward what I call “The New Transparency” –
