Advertise on podcast: Interior Design Business

What does it really take to become a high-end interior designer and attract luxury clients? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I explain why creating beautiful spaces is only one part of building a successful luxury design business. To serve high-end clients, you need to develop a luxury mindset that goes beyond design and focuses on the entire client experience. I break down the five essential elements of a luxury mindset: exceptional design, high-end furnishings, white-glove service, an unforgettable client experience, and maintaining the highest standards throughout your business. I also discuss why your personal money story can get in the way of serving luxury clients. When you start questioning what something should cost or reducing prices because you think a client won't pay, you're making decisions based on your own beliefs instead of what your client actually wants. We'll explore how to prepare your studio for high-end projects before those clients arrive, from building relationships with luxury vendors to confidently presenting quality products at the right price. I also share practical ways to deliver exceptional service, including organized meetings, consistent communication, thoughtful installations, and memorable project reveals that give clients something to talk about. The luxury market isn't just about expensive furniture. It's about providing an exceptional experience, respecting your client's time, and creating a business that consistently delivers at a higher standard. In this episode, we cover: What a luxury mindset really means for interior designersThe five essential elements of serving luxury clientsLetting go of personal money beliefs that limit your businessBecoming familiar with high-end furniture, fabrics, and lightingBuilding vendor relationships before attracting luxury clientsConfidently presenting luxury pricing without unnecessary discountsProviding exceptional white-glove serviceCreating memorable client experiences and project revealsUsing photography and publishing to attract luxury clientsMaintaining high standards across your entire design businessShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What happens when an opportunity shows up that's bigger, stranger, or completely different from anything you've done before? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I talk about the power of saying “Yes, and...” instead of letting fear, uncertainty, or hesitation make the decision for you. Sometimes saying yes is challenging. Maybe you've never handled a project that large, you don't know what to charge, or a client asks you to add something outside your original scope. Those moments can make you hesitate long enough for an opportunity to disappear. But saying yes doesn't mean giving away your time or ignoring your boundaries. I explain how adding “and” gives you the opportunity to pause, clarify the situation, establish your fee, define the scope, or determine the next step before making a commitment. I also share how an unexpected opportunity became a client relationship that lasted eight years and changed my business forever. Sometimes career-changing opportunities don't arrive the way you expect them to. Episode-219-Yes-and-RAW-Audio-w… The challenge is simple: when an opportunity appears, practice saying “Yes, and...” then define what your yes actually means. In this episode, we cover: Why saying yes can feel uncomfortableHow hesitation can quietly become a noStaying open to opportunities you've never handled beforeUsing “Yes, and...” to establish boundariesSaying yes without creating unpaid scope creepHandling projects that are bigger than anything you've done beforeCommunicating minimum fees for smaller projectsDefining the next step before committingWhy unexpected opportunities can change your careerCreating a habit of saying “Yes, and...”Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What practical changes do you need to make to move your interior design business up market? In Part 1, I talked about the mindset shift required to become a high-end designer. In Part 2, I'm getting into the practical side of making that shift happen. I explain why you need to become intentional about the clients you want to serve, the problems you solve, and the projects you accept. Hoping for better clients isn't a business strategy. You need a clear target and a plan for reaching it. I also discuss why staying busy doesn't necessarily mean you're profitable. Some smaller projects can consume hours of your time without generating enough revenue, leaving you too busy to market your business and pursue better opportunities. Then I break down how to create a more professional sales process, from a focused discovery call to a paid first appointment. I explain why you shouldn't be instantly available to every prospect, why your first appointment needs to provide value without giving away too much, and how this process helps you qualify potential clients. Finally, I share why establishing minimum design fees and product spends can help move your business away from small, unprofitable jobs and toward the projects you actually want. Moving up market requires more than wanting better clients. You have to become intentional about your time, profitability, sales process, and standards. In this episode, we cover: Getting intentional about the clients and projects you wantIdentifying the real problem you solve for your clientsWhy working harder doesn't automatically attract better clientsRecognizing which projects are actually profitableSeparating your design time from purchasingMaking room in your schedule for marketing and better opportunitiesCreating a consistent discovery call processTurning a prospect into a paid first appointmentWhy overdelivering during the sales process can work against youEstablishing minimum design fees and product spendsShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you trying to move your interior design business up market by simply working harder? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I explain why moving into the high-end design market isn't about working longer hours, taking every project that comes through the door, or hustling harder. That approach may help you get your business started, but it won't necessarily take you to the next level. Moving up market requires a paradigm shift. I break down why so much of this transition starts internally, with how you think about your value, your fees, money, success, and what's possible for your business. Before you can confidently work with a $400,000 furniture budget, for example, you have to become comfortable believing you're worth the design fee required to manage a project at that level. I also explore the powerful role your environment plays in your success. The people you spend time with can either reinforce your limitations or help normalize the level of business, income, and opportunity you're working toward. You'll hear the story of my granddaughter entering a triathlon at just eight years old and why her experience is such a powerful example of what can happen when the people around you don't teach you to question whether something is possible. Moving up market isn't only about finding wealthier clients. It's about becoming comfortable with the value you provide, upgrading your mindset, and intentionally surrounding yourself with people who support where you want to go. In this episode, we cover: Why working harder isn't necessarily the path to moving up marketThe internal mindset shift required to become a high-end designerBecoming comfortable charging higher design feesRecognizing your internal resistance around money and successWhy your environment can influence what's possible for your businessHow the people around you can support or limit your growthThe lesson behind my granddaughter's first triathlonIdentifying behaviors that support success and personal responsibilitySetting boundaries around negative influencesBecoming aligned with the clients and opportunities you want to attractShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are rising freight costs eating into the profit on your interior design projects? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down how to handle freight, delivery, receiving, and unexpected surcharges without losing profit, or surprising your clients with additional costs they weren't prepared for. Freight is an unavoidable part of selling furniture and products, and rising fuel costs make accurate planning even more important. I explain why you should get freight, delivery, and receiving quotes upfront and how those numbers should be handled on your purchase proposals. We'll also talk about when freight can be included in your product pricing, when it needs to be passed through to the client, why receiving costs may be better absorbed into your furniture pricing, and why sales tax should always remain separate from your product budget. Most importantly, you'll learn how to protect your business from unexpected freight surcharges by including the right language in your purchase proposals and completing a final freight reconciliation at the end of the project. We also discuss tracking freight and delivery as a KPI so you can build realistic project budgets from the beginning. High-end, white-glove service means anticipating these costs, pricing appropriately, and taking care of the details without constantly going back to your client for more money. In this episode, we cover: How rising freight costs can affect your design business profitsWhy you should get freight quotes before ordering productsWhen to include freight in your pricing versus passing it throughHow to handle delivery and receiving costsWhy grouping deliveries can save time and moneyKeeping sales tax separate from your product pricingProtecting your business against unexpected freight surchargesReconciling actual freight costs at the end of a projectTracking freight and delivery costs as a business KPIBuilding realistic freight costs into client budgets from the beginningShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Is staying comfortable keeping your interior design business from growing? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, Terri Taylor sits down with IDBA Mindset Coach Valerie Priester to explore what it really means to step outside your comfort zone, and why doing so is essential for personal and business growth. Your comfort zone isn't necessarily a good place. It's simply a familiar one. Even when your current way of working isn't producing the results you want, fear and uncertainty can make staying where you are feel safer than trying something new. Terri and Valerie discuss how this shows up in a design business: avoiding new pricing strategies, struggling to establish boundaries, putting off hiring, turning down bigger opportunities, and falling back into old systems simply because they're familiar. The conversation also explores why you don't need to know every step before you begin. Growth starts with taking the first step, trusting that you're resourceful enough to find the next one, and being willing to ask for help along the way. You'll learn how looking at evidence, facts, and real business data can help you challenge fear-based stories and make decisions with greater confidence. If you've been standing on the edge of a new opportunity wondering whether you're ready, this episode is your reminder: you don't need the entire path figured out. You just need the courage to take the first step. In this episode, we cover: What your comfort zone really is and why familiarity feels safeWhy meaningful growth requires stepping into the unknownHow fear and doubt keep designers repeating familiar patternsTaking the first step without knowing the entire pathSetting stronger boundaries and changing how you run projectsSaying yes to opportunities that can expand your design careerMoving past the fear of hiring and asking for helpUsing evidence, financial data, and facts to challenge fearBecoming aware of the inner voice that creates limiting storiesHow one courageous decision can change your business and your lifeShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

How much money are you giving away every year simply because you aren't charging for work outside your original scope? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I tackle one of the biggest profit leaks in a design business: scope creep. It happens when a client asks you to take on additional work after the project begins, and instead of charging for it, you tell yourself, “It won't take me that long.” Those extra hours add up quickly. I walk through a common remodeling scenario where a client suddenly wants help with a fireplace that wasn't included in the original agreement. We explore why saying yes before discussing additional fees creates an awkward situation later, and why simply having an hourly clause in your contract isn't always enough. You'll learn how to prepare for these requests before they happen, clearly define your scope of work, communicate additional costs without making the conversation uncomfortable, and quickly turn additional requests into paid work. We also do the math: losing only a few billable hours each week can add up to around $10,000 a year in income left on the table. Your clients asking for more isn't a problem. It's an opportunity for more business, as long as you capture it, communicate it, and get paid for it. In this episode, we cover: Why scope creep is one of the biggest profit leaks in a design businessRecognizing additional client requests as new business opportunitiesWhy designers frequently give away extra hours without realizing itDefining a clear scope of work in your Letter of AgreementWhy unexpected hourly invoices can create client pushbackPreparing what to say when a client requests additional workHow to confidently communicate additional feesHandling small additions versus major project expansionsTurning verbal requests into paid agreements quicklyHow a few unpaid hours each week can cost you thousands every yearShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What small changes could make a big difference in the profitability of your interior design business? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I share five profit boosters that can help you increase revenue, strengthen your margins, and get paid better for the work you're already doing. We start with choosing the right market and understanding who your ideal client really is. Sometimes the clients who feel most familiar aren't the ones who can support a profitable business. I also explore opportunities beyond traditional residential design, including technical design support, new construction, model homes, accessories, and styling. From there, we look at choosing the right products and services, pricing them confidently, selling at retail, avoiding unnecessary discounts, and protecting yourself from scope creep. I also explain how improving your lead-to-contract sales flow can increase the number of clients you close without reinventing your entire business. Finally, we discuss increasing your average sale by presenting complete designs instead of one-off products, establishing budgets before sourcing, and confidently offering upgrades clients may genuinely want. These strategies may feel like small adjustments individually, but together they can substantially change your bottom line. In this episode, we cover: Choosing a profitable market and ideal clientFinding specialized opportunities that match your strengthsSelecting profitable products and servicesSelling products at retail instead of discountingPricing your expertise with confidenceProtecting profit from discounts and scope creepIncreasing the number of qualified leads you attractImproving your lead-to-contract sales processIncreasing average sales through complete presentationsUsing budgets and upgrades to create more profitable projectsShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you matching internet prices just to keep clients from questioning your product costs? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I explain why matching internet pricing can quietly undermine your profitability, and why the products and services you provide aren't an apples-to-apples comparison with what clients find online. When designers promise to match internet prices, they're often trying to prevent uncomfortable conversations or keep clients from shopping every item in their design. But that reassurance comes at a cost: you're giving away profit before the project even begins. I break down how to handle internet pricing conversations with different types of clients, from your ideal client who wants everything handled to the enthusiastic online shopper who wants to purchase everything themselves. You'll learn how to explain the value behind white-glove purchasing, including sourcing from trusted vendors, arranging freight, tracking orders, receiving, installation, and managing damage claims. We also discuss what to do when a client truly wants to purchase their own products, why hybrid purchasing creates unnecessary problems, and when a design-only service may be the more profitable solution. If you've ever felt pressured to justify your prices or compete with what clients find online, this episode will help you confidently communicate your value, protect your profit, and choose a purchasing model that works for both you and your client. In this episode, we cover: Why matching internet pricing hurts your profitabilityHow to discuss online shopping before a project beginsWhy your pricing isn't comparable to internet pricingCommunicating the value of white-glove purchasingIdentifying ideal clients versus dedicated internet shoppersHandling clients who want to purchase products themselvesCreating profitable design-only servicesWhy hybrid purchasing creates problemsSetting boundaries around custom products and millworkProtecting your time, service, and profitShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you actually getting a paycheck from your interior design business, or are you working hard and hoping there will be money left over? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down why every interior design business needs to do two things consistently: pay its owner for the work they perform and generate profit beyond that paycheck. Many designers tell themselves they're leaving money in the business so it can grow, while others believe they simply don't make enough to pay themselves. But if your projects can't compensate you for your time and still produce a profit, the problem may be how those projects are structured and priced. I explain the mindset shift from seeing yourself as a solo design practitioner to treating your company as a separate business that provides interior design services as its product. You're the owner, but you're also doing valuable work for the company, and that work needs to be included in the cost of every project. We'll also walk through real examples of product sales and design fees to understand internal hourly rates, wholesale pricing, markup, time budgets, overhead, and gross profit. If you're working long hours but wondering where the money goes, this episode will help you structure your projects so your business can pay you consistently and generate the profit it needs to grow. In this episode, we cover: Why every interior designer should pay themselvesThe difference between your paycheck and business profitWhy every project needs profit built in from the beginningMoving from a personal practice to a profitable businessTreating yourself as both business owner and employeeIncluding your time and labor in project pricingUsing an internal hourly rate to structure design feesUnderstanding wholesale pricing, markup, and product profitCreating time budgets that protect profitabilityBuilding a business that pays you and produces profitShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Do you know what kind of help your interior design business actually needs, or are you simply overwhelmed and ready to hire anyone? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined by Evelyn McDougall and Shanna Rose of 4D Biz to talk about how interior designers can hire virtual assistants strategically and build the right support team as their businesses grow. Shanna shares how a serious accident forced her to delegate within her own interior design business, leading to hard-earned lessons about hiring, training, and creating systems. That experience ultimately helped inspire 4D Biz and its fractional support model specifically for interior designers. Together, we discuss why hiring one person to do everything rarely works, how to identify the tasks and specialties you actually need help with, and why fractional support can be especially valuable in a project-based industry with natural ebbs and flows. We also explore three key areas of virtual support, design, administration, and marketing, and how designers can determine where delegation will create the greatest relief. If you're overwhelmed by procurement, drafting, project management, marketing, or simply trying to do everything yourself, this episode will help you think differently about hiring and build support that makes your business more sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable. In this episode, we cover: How to know when you're ready for a VAWhy hiring one person to do everything doesn't workThe difference between employees, freelancers, and fractional supportWhy systems and documented processes matterThe three specialties of virtual supportDelegating procurement, drafting, and administrative workMatching the right specialist to the right roleManaging the ebbs and flows of a project-based businessControlling profitability when adding team supportHow to identify the best tasks to delegate firstShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Have you ever landed a dream project only to wonder if you're truly qualified for it? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I'm joined by IDBA's Master Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore one of the most common challenges interior designers face at every stage of their careers: imposter syndrome. Whether you're taking on your very first luxury client or stepping into a larger project than you've ever handled before, feelings of self-doubt can quickly creep in. Many designers begin questioning their abilities, overlooking their accomplishments, and convincing themselves they're not experienced enough, even when the evidence says otherwise. Together, we discuss why imposter syndrome shows up during periods of growth, how to separate feelings from facts, and practical techniques to build confidence before fear takes over. From celebrating past successes and reviewing client testimonials to practicing gratitude and taking action before you feel completely ready, we share simple mindset shifts that can help you move forward with confidence. If you've ever thought, "Am I really good enough for this project?" this episode will remind you that your success isn't an accident, it's built on the skills, experience, and talent you've already earned. In this episode, we cover: Understanding imposter syndromeWhy self-doubt appears during growthSeparating feelings from factsFinding evidence of your capabilitiesCelebrating your accomplishmentsWhy confidence comes from actionUsing testimonials to build confidenceThe power of gratitudeMoving past fear with practical toolsTrusting your experience and expertiseShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you building both income streams your interior design business needs to thrive? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the most important concepts every designer needs to understand: your business should generate income from two completely separate sources, your design expertise and your product sales. Many designers unknowingly combine these two revenue streams, creating confusion for clients and limiting their profitability. When design and purchasing become blurred together, designers often undervalue their expertise, struggle with pricing, and end up working far more than they're being paid for. I explain why design should always lead the client relationship, how purchasing should function as a separate white-glove service, and where the line between design work and administrative purchasing tasks should be drawn. We also discuss why fee-based pricing creates stronger boundaries than hourly billing, how wholesale purchasing builds a healthier business, and why developing both income streams is essential for long-term success. If you've ever wondered why you're working so hard without seeing the financial rewards you expected, this episode will help you rethink how your business generates profit and where opportunities for growth may be hiding. In this episode, we cover: The two income streams every design business needsSeparating design from purchasingWhy clients shouldn't see you as a furniture salespersonFee-based pricing versus hourly billingDefining where design ends and purchasing beginsAvoiding scope creep and underbillingBuilding profitable purchasing systemsThe importance of wholesale vendor relationshipsCreating sustainable business profitHow mindset affects your income ceilingShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are your purchasing policies protecting your business, or creating costly headaches? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I share the purchasing strategies that have helped countless interior designers avoid some of the biggest mistakes in managing client purchases. From retail shopping requests to custom drawings and hybrid purchasing, we'll explore the boundaries every designer needs to establish before a project begins. Many designers struggle when clients want to shop alongside them, purchase products themselves, or ask for custom drawings they plan to take elsewhere. While these requests often seem harmless, they frequently lead to confusion, damaged relationships, lost profits, and projects that no longer reflect the designer's standards. I explain why selling trade products at retail pricing creates a healthier business model, how to handle clients who insist on buying from stores like Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware, and why hybrid purchasing almost always becomes a nightmare. We also cover the importance of setting clear expectations in your Letter of Agreement and charging appropriately for purchasing services when retail products are involved. If you've ever wondered how to protect your time, maintain profitability, and avoid purchasing disasters before they happen, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately. In this episode, we cover: Why hybrid purchasing doesn't workSelling trade products profitablyHandling clients who want retail productsSetting purchasing boundaries from the beginningAvoiding custom drawing disastersProtecting your reputation during purchasingWriting stronger Letters of AgreementCharging purchasing fees on retail productsGiving clients clear purchasing optionsCreating a smoother purchasing processShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What beliefs about money are quietly shaping your interior design business? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined once again by IDBA's Head Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore one of the most powerful mindset topics every designer faces: their money story. The way we think about money often begins long before we start a business. Childhood experiences, family beliefs, and past conversations can shape how comfortable we feel discussing budgets, charging premium fees, and working with affluent clients. These unconscious beliefs frequently influence pricing decisions, client conversations, and even the opportunities we allow ourselves to pursue. Together, we unpack where money stories come from, how they create fear around charging what you're worth, and why many designers unknowingly project their own financial beliefs onto luxury clients. We also discuss how developing a healthier relationship with money creates more confidence, better client experiences, and greater business growth. If you've ever struggled to raise your fees, felt uncomfortable talking about budgets, or worried that clients won't invest in your services, this episode will help you recognize the beliefs that may be holding you backk, and show you how to begin changing them. In this episode, we cover: Understanding your money storyHow childhood experiences shape financial beliefsWhy designers struggle with pricing conversationsCommon money beliefs that limit business growthSeparating your financial mindset from your clients'Why luxury clients think differently about moneyBuilding a healthier relationship with moneyRecognizing scarcity versus abundance thinkingAllowing money to flow instead of chasing itHow mindset impacts attracting ideal clientsShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy