Leveling up from a home studio to a showroom is a big moment for any design pro. It signals growth, confidence, and a new way to showcase your point of view in the business of interior design. A showroom is not just a place to work, it is a branded environment that supports client trust, team flow, and revenue. If you are thinking about this move, here is a clear, practical guide from the Interior Design Community to help you weigh the options like a seasoned creative entrepreneur.
1) Start with purpose, then design the experience
Decide what your showroom needs to do for the trade and for your clients. Is it primarily a working studio for scheduled meetings, or a destination that invites walk-ins and discovery
- If you want consistent walk-in traffic, prioritize visibility and a high-foot-traffic location, and budget accordingly
- If you plan on doing by-appointment client work, you can save on rent with a lower-profile address and invest more in the interior
Create a layout that supports confident presentations, think a welcoming seating zone, a generous project table, and a screen for digital walk-throughs and eDesign or virtual interior design demos.
2) Zone the floor plan like a pro
Clear zones make a showroom feel intentional and keep workflows smooth. Think through how people will move, what they will touch, and where decisions will happen.
- Presentation Area, Comfortable seating, display surfaces, and digital presentation tools
- Sample Storage Room, A dedicated spot for bulky samples and backstock that clients do not need to see
- Showcase Displays, Curated vignettes for finishes, fabrics, and window treatments that tell your brand story at a glance
3) Storage that works as hard as you do
Smart storage protects your time and your margins. Utilize vertical shelving to maximize height, modular units for flexibility, and labeled project trays for rapid retrieval.
Pro tip: Clear bins, consistent labels, and movable carts make resets easy when project priorities shift.
4) Light for accuracy and atmosphere
Great lighting is a design tool and a sales tool. Maximize natural light for true color reads, then layer in wall sconces and track lighting for even, flattering illumination at the presentation table. Aim for both accuracy and warmth so selections feel right in the space.
5) Location and accessibility
Not every showroom needs a marquee address, but clients should find you easily and park without stress. If a prime retail corridor is not feasible, plan a marketing cadence that makes your space a destination, including open house events, designer workshops, and consistent touchpoints that keep your name top of mind.
6) Build in flexibility for growth
Your first showroom does not have to be your forever footprint. Give yourself room to adapt as you hire or expand services.
- Use folding screens to divide zones when needed
- Hang curtains for privacy during consultations, open them for a more expansive feel
7) Balance showroom polish with studio function
Think of this as two rooms in one. The styled showroom inspires, and the behind-the-scenes studio runs the work. Keep the making zone practical and efficient, and let the client-facing areas communicate your aesthetic and attention to detail.
Example, Place styled accessories, art, and a furniture vignette at the entry, keep drafting, sample cutting, and vendor calls in a tucked-away work zone.
What the community is saying
Real talk from designers who have made the move, shared inside the community, kept verbatim:
@newenglandhomeandinteriors, “Consider how you want to use the space not just for yourself and your team but also with clients. Visibility is key—it’s been a game changer for my business.”
@annalucilledesign, “Think about whether you want your space to be a showroom with walk-in traffic. Moving out of my home was a decision I don’t regret—it’s given me a professional space to meet clients.”
@jessica_l_everhart, “Keep your space flexible. Use moveable elements like curtains or screens to create adaptable zones. Flexibility is essential for the ebbs and flows of business.”
Quick checklist for a confident lease decision
- Purpose is clear, traffic strategy, walk-in versus by-appointment
- Floor plan zones mapped, presentation, storage, showcase
- Storage plan finalized, trays, labels, shelving
- Lighting layered and tested, daylight plus artificial
- Parking and accessibility confirmed for your client base
- Flex options in place, screens, curtains, movable storage
- Marketing plan ready, events and content to drive visits
Final word
Moving from home office to showroom is a strategic step in design entrepreneurship. With a clear purpose, thoughtful zoning, and a client-centered plan, your space becomes a working billboard for your brand. Keep refining, keep learning, and tap the power of community.