Top 9 Podcasts for Interior Designers

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The thing about being an interior designer is that your work is never truly done, even after a project is completed. Staying current with the latest trends and networking with other industry professionals to share insights can be challenging, especially when time or energy is in short supply. And if you’re a solo entrepreneur, it can be a lonely road at times.

Luckily, there's something that can help with all of that: listening to a podcast. Whether you're on your morning walk or driving to a job site, podcasts provide a convenient way to relax and soak up knowledge from others in the field. With so many options out there, I've compiled a list of some picks, covering a range of topics from interior design to entrepreneurship and lifestyle. So keep your headphones handy and check out these design podcasts!

A quick note: Many of these podcasts are also available on their own website or other platforms such as Audible or iHeartRadio!

A Well-Designed Business

Hosted by LuAnn Nigara. EVERYONE KNOWS LUANN. Anyone who has ever asked me what podcast I recommend to help you grow a profitable and successful business … I tell them to listen to this podcast. I’ve learned a tremendous amount that has helped me grow Elite Design Assistants and I’m not a designer but an industry partner. Whether you are a new or seasoned designer, this podcast is excellent for continued education on best practices in the interior design industry. And if you are a craving more podcasts there are several more below!

Listen: The #1 Rated Interior Design Business Podcast - A Well-Designed Business® (luannnigara.com)

Monocle on Design

Hosted by Monocle's design editor, Nolan Giles, this podcast covers everything from architecture and furniture to product design and urban planning. Each episode features interviews with some of the most influential designers, thinkers, and innovators in the industry, providing valuable insights and perspectives on the latest trends and issues facing our field.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Design Time

While the most recent episode aired in December 2022, there is still a treasure trove of industry insight from the likes of Kelly Wearstler and Jonathan Adler. Hosted by the editors of Domino magazine, this podcast promises tricks and strategies for interior design and lifestyle, too!

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Dark House

If you're looking for something thrilling to spice up your podcast queue, Dark House is a fascinating mashup of interior design, true crime, and even a bit of the paranormal. With guest interviews featuring authors, set designers, psychic mediums, and paranormal investigators, Dark House delves into the dark and mysterious histories behind a few of the most beautiful yet infamous homes around.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

The Modern House

As an interior designer, you'll appreciate how this podcast features chats with not only interior designers, but also architects, fashion designers, editors, and other inspiring professionals with their own fresh takes. From discussing the latest trends in modern design to exploring the relationship between architecture and nature, this podcast is sure to inspire your own work.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Chairish

This podcast features interviews with a range of experts, including designers, influencers, and entrepreneurs. They share insights on the latest trends, best practices for running an interior design business, and how to navigate the world of online design. With practical tips and advice from seasoned professionals, Chairish is an excellent resource for those looking to stay on top of their game and take their businesses to the next level.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

How to Decorate

As its name would suggest, this podcast features candid conversations with designers and industry professionals who share their tips and tricks for tackling a wide range of decorating challenges, from selecting paint colors to creating a cohesive design scheme. With a friendly and accessible approach, How to Decorate provides practical advice and inspiration for designers at all levels.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

The Interior Design Business

Here is a monthly podcast from out of the UK, but you can benefit from a wealth of practical advice that applies to interior designers universally. Listen to practitioners and educators talk about topics like sustainability, home staging, and getting your business off the ground.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Clever

Here is a great resource for fellow interior designers looking to stay inspired and connected to the broader design community. Hosted by designer Amy Devers, "Clever" features interviews with leading designers, artists, and creatives from around the world. The podcast provides a fun and engaging platform for these creatives to share their unique perspectives and experiences on design, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

The Interior Collective

Looking for a fun and informative podcast that's all about the business of beautiful living? Then you'll definitely want to check out The Interior Collective. Hosted by Anastasia Casey from IDCO Studio, this podcast brings together some of the most influential names in the industry, including Shea McGee, Clara Jung, and Amber Lewis, to provide you with actionable advice that you can use to take your own practice to the next level.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

If you haven't already joined the podcast wave, you’re about to find out that not only are they incredibly informative, but they're also incredibly addictive! Keep in mind that these are just the tip of the iceberg, and there are many more great design podcasts out there. So, take some time to explore and discover new podcasts to keep your design knowledge fresh and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Happy listening!

xx, Danae

P.S. I have been on a few podcasts throughout the year. Check them out and let me know what you think!

LISTEN TO ALL OF THEM HERE

Attract the Clients You Want with Your Brand Identity

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As an interior designer, you already know how crucial it is to create a space that speaks to our clients' personalities and accommodates their needs. But, to attract the right clients and provide an outstanding experience from the very beginning, a solid brand identity is key. When it comes to standing out in a sea of competitors, the "face" you show the world is everything. So, let's dive into what makes up your brand identity and discover ways to make it shine!

What is your brand identity?

A brand identity is essentially the personality, visual style, and voice of your interior design business that communicates who you are, what you stand for, and what sets you apart from the competition. And all of these elements are best compiled in a brand book, which becomes the ultimate guide for your team.

Identifying Your Target Client

Before you can create a brand identity that resonates with your target client, you need to have a clear understanding of who they are. Think about who you would enjoy working with and feel fulfilled helping. How old are they, or what life stage are they in? What income level or budget do they have? What are their values, and what’s their lifestyle like? And what are their pain points? Use this information to create a detailed client persona that you will keep in mind, as they are the inspiration behind every aspect of your brand identity.

Defining Your Unique Selling Proposition

Your USP is what sets you apart from the competition and makes you the obvious choice for potential clients. To define your USP, start by identifying what makes you different from other interior designers in your area. This could be a specific design style, a unique approach to client communication, or a focus on a niche like sustainability or wellness. Once you've identified your unique strengths, use them to create a clear and compelling message that communicates why you're the best choice for clients who share your values and appreciate your expertise.

Creating Your Visual Brand Elements

Your brand elements or brand assets typically consist of the visual and design components that make up the brand's look and feel, which are used consistently across all marketing and communication channels to create a recognizable and cohesive brand presence. This includes your logo design (and its variations), color palette, typography, iconography, patterns or textures, layout templates, and usage guidelines for all of the above. Work with a talented graphic designer to create a cohesive and memorable visual identity.

Establishing Your Voice

A clear and consistent brand voice is crucial for creating a strong and memorable brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Your brand voice is the tone, personality, and language you use in all of your written communications, from your website and social media to your newsletters and client communications. To define your brand voice, brainstorm the words and phrases that would best resonate with your ideal client and use them consistently. 

Building the Online Experience

From your social media to your website, the content you present–and the way you present it–all sends a message about your company. So make sure it delivers the right sensations, such as luxury, sophistication, or approachability, depending on your brand personality. Pay attention to website templates and click paths that will affect how potential clients perceive your company through their user experience. Consider hiring a web designer to help you create a tasteful and strategic website that showcases your brand identity.

Using Targeted Advertising

If you want to get your business in front of the right people, targeted advertising is a great way to do it. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer ways to advertise directly to your ideal clients. By creating ads that are consistent with your brand identity and visually appealing, you'll be able to grab the attention of the people you want to work with. So, take advantage of these advertising tools and put your business where it needs to be!

Researching Like-Minded Brands

When it comes to building a strong brand identity, you don't have to limit yourself to the interior design industry. There are plenty of other companies out there that can inspire you, from fashion to technology. Look for brands that share your values and personality and see how they express themselves visually and through messaging. This can help you create a brand identity that stands out from the rest and feels uniquely you.

Measuring Your Success

Just like you're always tweaking your business, don't forget to keep an eye on how your brand is doing. Make some specific goals and benchmarks to help you keep track of how well your branding is working. That could mean checking website traffic, how many people are engaging with you on social media, or how many customer referrals you're getting. When you have a good handle on how your brand is performing, you can keep it in tune with your audience and keep your business growing.

You've just had a quick glimpse into the vast world of brand identity, but there's still so much to explore. As a designer, you already possess some talents that are useful in creating a brand identity, but don't be shy to get some expert help from graphic design and marketing professionals to ensure that every aspect of your brand stands out. By developing an outstanding brand identity for your interior design business and sharing it with your team, you'll become a magnet for your perfect clients and projects!

xx, Danae

Tips for Successful Outsourcing for Interior Designers

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As an interior designer, you know that time is one of your most valuable resources. With a busy schedule, it can be challenging to manage all aspects of your business, from design to administration. That's why more and more designers are turning to outsourcing to lighten their workload and focus on their core competencies. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of outsourcing and provide tips for a successful partnership. Whether you're considering outsourcing for the first time or looking to optimize your current arrangements, this guide will help you make outsourcing work for you.

And, as many of our clients can attest, we will assist you with any of the below to help set you up for outsourcing success! If you need help with anything at all, please feel free to reach out.

Whether you're a small start-up or a large corporation, outsourcing can provide numerous benefits that can help take your business to the next level. To name a few, outsourcing:

  • Provides access to specialized skills and expertise

  • Increases flexibility in managing workload and meeting deadlines

  • Enables you to scale your business without having to hire full-time staff

  • Reduces the burden of repetitive or time-consuming tasks

  • Allows you to take on more projects and grow your business

And it works wonderfully when both parties are on the same page. By providing your outsourcing collaborator or virtual design assistant with the necessary information and tools, you'll set them up for success and equip them with everything they need to work efficiently and effectively for you. This will not only save you time and money in the long run, but it will also help to establish a positive working relationship based on clear communication and mutual understanding. Here are 7 tips to ensure success when delegating tasks to another design professional.

Assess the tasks at hand.

Before beginning the outsourcing process, assess which tasks are suitable for outsourcing and which should be kept in-house. To determine which tasks to outsource, consider which tasks are most time-consuming, repetitive, or require specialized skills that may not be available in-house. Once you've determined which tasks to outsource, create a budget for those tasks to help you plan and prioritize.

Establish procedures.

To prepare for outsourcing, develop your standard operating procedures (SOPs) and compile them in a company manual. This document should delineate your firm's standard internal processes, policies, and procedures, including any useful links and templates. Having these procedures documented will help your outsourcing partner to comprehend how your firm operates and give them a reference point, which ultimately takes less of your time.

Gather style samples.

Another basic element to have prepared is your branding kit, which should include your company's logo, color palette, typography, and any other visual elements that define your brand. This will help your outsourcing partner to create designs that align with your brand and maintain a consistent visual identity. Providing AutoCAD samples, design style guides, and project briefs will also help them adapt their work to your aesthetic–and technical–style.

Set up your project management platform.

To effectively communicate with your outsourcing partner, it is enormously helpful to use a project management software or platform, such as Asana or Trello, which you can use to communicate, track progress, and assign tasks. This way, you can manage your team's workload and stay on top of deadlines.

When you’re ready to brief your collaborator, here are some additional tips to ensure that the hand-off goes smoothly.

Talk big picture.

Share a brief overview of your business and identify your current needs (distinguishing them from potential future tasks) to ensure that your outsourcing partner understands what they will be working on right away. Additionally, communicate the time and schedule commitment that you are looking for at this time. This is also a good opportunity to let them know your preferred communication style, and what the first steps will be.

Define the scope.

When handing off a particular project or task, be sure to specify deadlines, a time limit if there is one, and the level of detail required (for example, a preliminary conceptual floor plan versus a final bid set). If possible, provide examples of similar previous work they can reference to cohere to your company’s standards. While there are a number of so-called "industry standards", the reality is that every firm is different, so the more specific you are when briefing, the better the result. If a project is being divvied up among multiple team members, let them know where their responsibilities begin and end so that they’re clear on their role, while also aware of other moving parts.

Foster open communication.

Communication is key when it comes to outsourcing. As you'll be working with people who may not be physically present, it's important to establish effective communication channels. By keeping an open dialogue, you can prevent minor queries from delaying progress. Make sure your assistant knows how and when to contact you or other team members for prompt resolution of doubts. Sharing your daily availability on a platform like Google Calendar can improve communication and efficiency. It's also helpful to schedule regular check-ins with an ongoing assistant, such as via video calls, to maintain fluid communication and benefit from mutual feedback.

Give them a heads up.

A final point to consider when outsourcing is to provide as much advance notice as possible when you anticipate a change in workload. By doing so, you not only give the assistant ample time to organize their time and resources to meet your needs but also respect their schedule and other obligations. Your assistant may also be working with other clients, and by giving them advance notice whenever possible, you are also ensuring that your projects remain a priority.

In conclusion, outsourcing can be a valuable resource for interior designers who want to grow their business and focus on what they do best. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a successful outsourcing partnership. So why not explore the benefits of outsourcing today and see how it can help you achieve your goals?

As always, we are happy to help! Please feel free to reach out if you need anything at all!

xx, Danae

Exciting News!

Enrollment for the Interior Design Standard has opened back up if you’d like to sneak into the Class of Spring 2023. So if you still wish you’d done it… NOW is the time!

Join the hundreds of designers transforming their businesses.

Enrollment will officially close Thursday, April 27th at 11:59PM EST.

ENROLL NOW

NEW SERVICE ALERT! Interior Designer Influencer Support

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You know we are passionate about helping interior designers grow & scale their businesses in a variety of ways. As more and more interior designers are interested in creating additional income streams, we are now offering an Interior Designer Influencer Support service.

We are passionate about helping Interior Designers with an established following that would like to begin leveraging that audience for additional revenue streams as influencers. 

Here are a few large projects that we can help Interior Designers to strategize and implement.

  • Brand Collaborations – The most popular way to earn income as an influencer is working directly with brands. To be successful, you’ll need a media kit, systems for tracking pitches, a way to identify correct brand contacts, lots of follow up, and finally, you will need to negotiate!

  • Engagement Management – An engaged following is a loyal following! We can create a schedule and system for responding to DMs, nurturing relationships/leads, drafting responses to FAQs (automating if appropriate), converting leads, requesting collabs.

  • Course Creation – Educate your audience with an online course. Launching requires careful planning. Let us help you develop course content, manage the project through development, testing, and launch.

  • Digital Products – Share your design expertise with a large audience for a relatively small investment.  We can assist you with developing eBooks, e-Designs, or Design "Recipes", setting them up for sale, delivery, and creating sales funnels that establish your authority as a reputable designer and lead the customer to purchase larger ticket items.

  • Blogging – We will help you develop a blueprint to build your blog! Everything from choosing a platform, setting up plugins, SEO strategy, formatting posts, image alt text, connecting an email management service, reviewing analytics, and Pinterest strategy.

  • Paid Communities – Monetize your audience by providing exclusive content for your loyal followers. You may want help setting up landing pages, payment processors, strategizing content, ensuring an excellent customer experience, establishing SOPs, workflow, and all the details…that’s what we’re here for!

  • Subscription Boxes – Do you have a knack for choosing décor? A subscription box is an excellent way to share your favorite items with your following, and make a profit! We assist with sourcing items, negotiating wholesale accounts, sourcing shipping supplies, setting up a sales platform, waiting lists, and launch strategy. 

  • Email Implementation – An email list is crucial for direct and reliable correspondence with your audience. We are available to set up email marketing software, lead magnets and creating sales funnels for you!

HOW IT WORKS:

  1. Email Elite Design Assistants and let me know you are interested in the Influencer Support service.

  2. I’ll reply with more information on pricing, contracting and connect you to an expert Influencer Support VDA.

  3. You and the VDA will have a conversation where you can ask any questions regarding the service to see if it’s a fit for you.

  4. After that conversation all you need to do is send in the contract and you can begin working with your Influencer Support VDA.

Please let me know if you have any questions! Have a wonderful day!

xx, Danae

8 Key Ways to Incorporate Art into Your Interior Designs

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Art is often lumped into the category of decoration, although some would jump to disagree. The definition of art in interior design can be blurry. But unlike most other elements in a home, art's only function is to express and evoke sensations. It can bring back memories of a family trip or spark conversation at a dinner party. It has the power to make a strong impact on the feel of a room, and it shouldn't be treated as an afterthought or mere finishing touch. Art can go a long way in adding personality, style, and emotion to a space. So let’s explore some different ways to incorporate art into your interior design.

1. Consider Personal Taste

Taste in art can be very personal and highly subjective, even more so than other styling elements, so it's important to show clients the pieces you have in mind before finalizing the selection. An image evokes different feelings for each person, so finding artwork that resonates with the client's taste and personality is crucial. Incorporating art that clients may already have can also serve as a starting point, finding pieces that complement but don't compete with their existing art. This helps to achieve a space that reflects the client's unique style and personality.

2. Take Inspiration from Art

Rather than finding art that fits into your design, you can also start with a piece to guide you. For example, if you have a colorful abstract painting with splashes of blue and rust, you could use those hues as the basis for your color palette throughout the room. Look for complementary colors in textiles, accessories, and furniture to create a cohesive look. You could also take inspiration from the shapes and textures in the artwork. If the painting features organic, flowing lines, you could incorporate soft, curved shapes in your furniture choices. Alternatively, if the piece has sharp, geometric shapes, you could choose angular furniture or accessories to echo that aesthetic.

3. Be Mindful of Scale and Placement

When it comes to displaying art, the scale and placement significantly affect the overall look and feel of a room, as well as its flow. Consider the size of the art and how it will interact with other elements in the space. For instance, a small piece of art on a large wall can appear insignificant and out of place, while a large piece of art in a small room can be overwhelming and take up too much visual space. In a living room with a tall ceiling, a large abstract painting can be positioned above a sofa, creating a focal point for the room. However, in a small entryway, a series of small framed photographs can create a gallery wall effect without overwhelming the space. A large piece of art at the end of a hallway draws the eye towards a specific area, while a series of smaller pieces can create a sense of movement and continuity throughout the space.

4. Play with Contrasting Styles

Although it's important to choose artwork that complements the overall style of a room, incorporating pieces that are unexpected or unconventional can add interest and personality to the space. For example, a minimalist space can benefit from a bold painting or a large sculpture as a statement piece. Or, you might be preserving historic elements from a home, but a standout contemporary piece can create a very cool effect.

5. Light It Up

Proper lighting can make all the difference when it comes to showcasing art in a room. To enhance the beauty of art and create an inviting atmosphere, consider installing spotlights or track lighting to highlight certain pieces. This also adds a touch of sophistication. By adjusting the angle and intensity of the light, you can create dramatic shadows and highlights, drawing the eye towards the artwork.

6. Choose the Right Frame

The right frame will complement the artwork without competing with it, and the frame's color and style should be chosen based on the artwork. For example, a simple white frame can work well with a colorful, contemporary piece, while an ornate gold frame might be more suitable for a classical painting. However, you could experiment with a more unexpected combination of styles. A framed piece of art can be hung on a wall as a fixed focal point or leaned for a more relaxed look.

7. Go Beyond Paintings

You can incorporate art into your designs in many ways, such as using wallpaper or having a  custom mural painted on a wall, in niches, or even the ceiling. Additionally, you can consider incorporating other decorative elements, such as ceramics, glass, textiles, metalwork, or sculptures, as they too are considered art and add a lot to the overall aesthetic of the room. Try creating an interesting juxtaposition by placing different types of art together.

8. Source by Budget

When it comes to purchasing art, there are many different sources to choose from, depending on the budget you’re working with. You can find unique pieces by visiting local artists or attending art fairs and galleries. Online platforms such as Saatchi Art are also great options for discovering new artists and artworks. For a more cost-effective approach, consider purchasing prints or posters from websites like Etsy or Society6.

These key points are great guidelines for your quest in incorporating art into your design, but remember that art thrives on creativity, innovation, and rule-breaking. Be bold and experiment with new and unconventional approaches to art to inject personality and character into your design. So, enjoy the process and have fun with it!

xx, Danae

The Rise of Biophilic Design

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With hashtags like #urbanjungle and #sustainablehome trending on social media, it's clear that many people are looking to bring a bit of nature into their lifestyles and living spaces. This desire for a connection with nature helps to explain the rise of biophilic design, a term that simply means "nature lover" design. So let’s have a look at where this concept came from and how you can incorporate it into your own designs!

Biophilic design has its roots in the concept of biophilia introduced by biologist E.O. Wilson in the 1980s. Stephen Kellert, a prominent proponent of biophilic design, expanded upon this idea by describing six elements of it.

  • Natural shapes and forms

  • Light and space

  • Natural processes and patterns

  • Environmental features

  • Plant-based relationships

  • Evolved human-nature relationships

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, people are seeking refuge from the stress and noise of modern life. Biophilic design offers a way to bring the tranquility and beauty of the natural world into our built environments, creating spaces that promote relaxation, creativity, and wellbeing.

In fact, recent research has shown that biophilic design can have a significant impact on people's health and productivity. For example, a study by Harvard University found that people who worked in environments with natural elements like plants and sunlight were more productive and had better overall health than those who worked in traditional office settings.

A famous example of this is the Amazon Spheres in Seattle. These three interconnected glass domes are filled with more than 40,000 plants from around the world, creating a lush and vibrant indoor rainforest. The Spheres were designed to provide Amazon employees with a unique and inspiring workspace, and they have become a popular tourist attraction as well.

And besides its wellness and productivity benefits, biophilic design can also be visually stunning. For example, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, a house built over a waterfall in Pennsylvania, is a classic example. The house is integrated into the surrounding natural environment, with large windows that offer sweeping views of the forest and waterfall.

So, if you're looking to incorporate biophilic design into your projects, there are plenty of reasons to do so. Many interior designers would agree that it’s best not to pack so many plants into a space that it looks like a post-apocalyptic plant takeover. But you can artfully apply some principles of biophilic design. Here are a few tips:

Bring in natural light

Natural light is one of the easiest ways to connect a space to the outdoors. Consider adding skylights, large windows, or even light wells to bring in more natural light.

Use natural materials

Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, clay, natural fibers, and plants can help create a more organic and calming environment. Consider using reclaimed wood or stone to add texture and depth to a space.

Create indoor gardens

Plants not only add visual interest to a space, but they also help purify the air. Consider adding living walls, potted plants, or even a small indoor garden to your projects. Be mindful of clients’ allergies and plants that are toxic to pets, including aloe vera plants, sago palms, and rubber plants.

Consider the views

When designing a space, think about the views that will be visible from inside. If there are trees, mountains, or other natural elements outside, try to frame them in a way that creates a connection between the indoors and outdoors.

Keep it simple

Biophilic design is all about simplicity and creating a connection with nature. Don't overcomplicate your designs with too many competing elements. Instead, focus on creating a calming and natural environment that invites people to relax and connect with the space.

Biophilic design is a trend that is here to stay. By incorporating natural elements into your designs, you can create spaces that are not only beautiful but also beneficial to people's health and wellbeing. So, experiment with natural materials, indoor gardens, and simple design elements. Your clients will thank you!

xx, Danae

Enrollment for the Interior Design Standard opens today!

Now is the time to take action and invest in yourself. It's time to level up and catapult your business forward - the ROI will be immeasurable. Enrollment for the Interior Design Standard closes on April 5th, 2023. Sign up today.

ENROLL NOW

Trend Forecasting: Most Popular Interior Design Trends Forecasted for 2023

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Can you believe how fast 2022 has flown by? The interior design industry is already forecasting trends for 2023 and you know what that means… the end of the year is near!

Someone with either a crystal ball or ESP has spoken …here are the most popular design trends of the future.

Nature

As nature continues to be connected to wellness, 2023 will be full of organic and cozy materials. Think cotton, clay, velvet, wool, ceramic, and wood.

Instagram-able Walls

Yes, you read that correctly. A wall in homes that are so amazing they are Instagram-worthy! These perfect statement walls will be for video calls, Instagram and whatever social media comes in the future.

Arches

Arches are not only a renaissance architectural feature they are softer and will be returning to furniture, decor elements, and doorways.

Digital Realism

Think cyberpunk, neon lights, and geometric shapes. Many people are living in the Metaverse and they love it so much they want their real-life décor to mimic what they see in cyberspace.

Funghi Décor

This iconic 70s revival is known for its whimsical effects applied in shapes and prints.

Instagram-able Lounges – Hospitality

Businesses want to be seen on social media, too. They will go for more eye-catching interiors worth sharing!

Lavender

Lavender is predicted to be the star color for 2023!

Luxury Monochromatic

Used in kitchens and bathrooms along with golden accents.

Private Spaces

Now that we do EVERYTHING at home now, people desire more private spaces for work, school, fitness, etc.

Reinvented Heritage

A design trend that will merge classic decors with fashion design.

Have you seen any other trends for 2023?

xx, Danae

Creating Vision Boards for Life and Business

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As interior designers, we are no strangers to composing material boards or mood boards. The unique combination of images and textures we create tells a story about our vision for the project ahead. As we progress, they can serve as a reference point to return to, helping us stay consistent with our concept and keep us on track to achieve it. So why not do the same with your business or personal life?

A vision board is an inspirational board created with photos, images, clippings, phrases and words that represent the ideal lifestyle you want to reach or the goals you want to achieve. There’s no perfect formula to making a vision board, because it’s completely personal to you.

The most hands-on approach is a physical vision board, which you can make with a classic cork board or wire wall grid, among many other options. But you can also create a digital board made with an app such as Canva, and make it your desktop and phone background. Attach photos you’ve taken yourself, cut out magazines, or find images or quotes online. You may already have an existing collection of aspirational images on Pinterest to get you started.

Life Vision Board

Creating a vision board is an excellent exercise in its own right. Think of places you want to go, inspirational people whose energy you would like to channel, phrases that encourage or resonate with you, milestones on the horizon, objects that have meaning to you, or even fashion photos that inspire you. You can include images that evoke your values in relation to family and friends, spirituality, hobbies, projects or health. Anything that represents the life you want to lead in the future: near or a little more distant.

Business Vision Board

As with your life vision board, ask yourself what values or keywords represent your company, as well as the kind of work environment you’d like to cultivate with your team. Is there a number that represents a goal you have for this year, like a number of projects you’d like to complete? What image would represent your expansion goals? You may also like to work in your corporate fonts and colors in a creative way. Creating a vision board can actually be a great opportunity for team-building, as well, as you put your heads together to add insights.

While it’s important to be grateful for what we have and give ourselves credit for how far we’ve already come, having a vision board will help you to focus on where you want to go and how you want to continue growing. So the most important thing is that your vision board is somewhere you’ll see it often, such as at home first thing in the morning, or in plain view from your office desk.

Just as with all goal-setting, it’s best to choose attainable targets for yourself. Aim high, but if you overload your board with impossible objectives, it will only serve to discourage you rather than fulfill its purpose. Looking at your vision board should make you feel good and contribute to a more positive outlook. So don’t wait till the New Year to reflect on your goals. It's just a matter of dedicating a little time and creativity; nothing you're not willing to do to achieve your dreams, right?

xx, Danae