Want to hear something crazy? You should do what you want. Because that’s the way you let your light shine and share your gifts with the world.
Too often interior designers get into this business and then the business of the work starts to get to them. They’re not making money. They don’t think clients value and appreciate their work. The stress of expectations. The suck of creativity. The weight of running a full-on business. All the responsibilities and pressure.
Read MoreOne of the problems with interior design is the long timeline. A lot of money is invested before clients see much progress. It can be scary for clients. To lessen the fear, you want to create fast results.
When I was working full-time as an interior designer, I was hired by a couple to help turn their track home into their home. This was at the beginning of my business and I was still feeling out how to run it. About a month into the project, after I’d done the design plans, had contractors come out for quotes, and we’d met a couple of times, I got an email from the client.
Read MoreShould interior design services be accessible to everyone? Does everyone deserve a beautiful, professionally-designed home?
My answer is no.
Read MoreI was asked recently, that as more retailers start introducing design services into their furniture offerings how can we as designers, start setting ourselves apart as well as stay relevant.
This question caused an internal scream of the soul.
If designers don’t know the value that they bring, don’t know how the services that we offer, and are confused about this - how can we expect clients who aren’t part of this industry to understand?
Read MoreDo you ever feel like the public doesn’t place much value in interior design anymore?
YES!
I know. It’s what everyone says.
The funny thing is when I was at a marketing conference in April, an accountant stood up and said, “No one values accountants anymore.” And someone else stood up and said, “No one sees the value in custom dresses and clothing anymore.”
Read MoreWorried you won't be able to explain to a client why they should choose a custom-made sofa over the look-alike catalog version?
How about if they should choose vinyl plank flooring or wood-look tile? What type of carpet is appropriate for their house?
Read MoreDesigners, if you've been around for any period of time, you've probably heard that you shouldn't discount your services. When you discount your services you create the perception that what you're offering is worth less and it's hard to go back to normal pricing. This is because of value perception.
Therefore, it can be harmful to the design industry when a designer undercharges because it decreases value perception.
The interior design service industry has suffered from a value decrease in the past 15+ years, while the interior design DIY industry has boomed. And this is precisely what interior designers are struggling with now, how to demonstrate value in their services when clients have been exposed to things like Home Goods and HGTV.
Read More
