6 Simple Hobbies You Can Start Today!

The past few years have shown us that having hobbies and activities in our lives that are exciting and inspiring is a must! When we don’t have a hobby to look forward to, we tend to fall back on the same mundane things, like binge-watching shows over and over. Instead of wasting our time with the mundane, it’s time to find a new hobby!

The best part about hobbies is that you decide how you want to do them. There are no rules! 

I have compiled a list of 6 simple hobbies you can start right now that don’t require a lot of money or equipment upfront. They also can fit into busy lifestyles and aren’t complicated to the point that you’ll never end up doing them. Maybe you already enjoy some of these, tried others, but I urge you to try implementing something out of your normal routine or current list of hobbies to see if you like it. Who knows, it could just be your new favorite thing to do!

1. Learn Calligraphy and Hand-Lettering: Most of us have seen those videos on Facebook and Instagram of artists drawing beautiful calligraphy. It’s mesmerizing to watch. But even the most skilled calligraphy artists had to start somewhere. There are multiple ways to try your hand at this hobby, you can search for video tutorials, purchase a calligraphy guide that gives you drawn-out steps, or even pull up some of those videos you were entranced by and try to mimic what they are doing. Remember, you don’t need any fancy drawing tools or guides to start trying out this hobby.

2. Journaling: With all the thoughts and ideas floating around in our heads, journaling can be a great way to organize and process everything we are contemplating. Taking a few minutes every day to jot down what you’re thinking, feeling, or even what you’re wanting to do can actually be therapeutic and improve your mood. If you suffer from writer’s block or “blank page syndrome,” try a journaling prompt book for inspiration.

3. Take a Daily Walk: Taking a walk outside each day is a perfect hobby if you’re wanting to spend more time in nature. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, witness new sights and sounds, and nothing clears the mind better. The best part, it’s FREE. You can also add in longer hikes if you’re up for it. It’s a great way to see some beautiful sites, and if you have a dog, bring your furry friend along, you know they’ll enjoy it. 

4. Follow Along to an Online Video Workout: Going to the gym can be a chore, pair that with running aimlessly on a treadmill, and you’ve got a problem. Try mixing it up by following along to an online video workout. There are so many different types that you’re bound to find one you like: yoga, cardio dance, balance training, just to name a few. Having someone on screen can help you stay motivated too.

5. Indoor Gardening: Don’t have time for an oversized garden plot outside? And the even bigger question, how are you supposed to garden during the winter? Well, the answer is simple - Indoor Gardening. Many of us have limited space, and really can’t give the kind of commitment that a large garden would require. That’s why having a small kitchen herb garden or even having several house plants can bring this hobby to the forefront of our lives.

6. Cooking: Most of us are not professionally trained as chefs, and when faced with having to cook for the family every day, it quickly becomes a chore rather than a fun hobby. But surprisingly, cooking can be meditative and relaxing, especially when you try a new recipe and take your time at it. Ask a friend or family member for their favorite recipe. Try cooking a healthy meal, or a recipe from a different culture. The possibilities for cooking are endless. 

Having an exciting and inspiring hobby brings you so many benefits, from igniting your creativity to having intentional “me” time. By finding the hobby that sparks that fire within you, you will find your sense of purpose, and ultimately feel more fulfilled. 

xx, Danae

LAST CHANCE and FINAL DAY to Enroll in The Interior Design Standard!

As you know, I’m here to share with you the helpful tips, tricks and information I learn in the interior design industry that will help you succeed in running the most fulfilling and profitable business possible. Once again, I want to share with you a business program I came across that’s goal is to improve the interior design industry one design firm at a time.

The Interior Design Standard, created by East Coast interior designer Sandra Funk (House of Funk), is making a huge impact on a number of interior designers’ businesses across the country.

Why is this program making such an impact? Because the Interior Design Standard is House of Funk’s business structure. That’s right! The program includes a variety of modules with templates, processes, tools and tech for designers to implement the structure into their own businesses. Within each module are videos explaining the ‘why’ behind Funk’s processes, with her personal experiences and lessons learned weaved in.  

The program is delivered in a friendly digital format. Designers receive lifetime access, live virtual community events and access to the ultimate design community: the Standard Inner Circle. “Our mantra is ‘Rise, Designers, Rise’. By helping one designer at a time, we hope to see the entire design industry improve,” says Funk.

I want to tell you a little bit more about the designers that the Standard will benefit the most.

• They've been in business for at least two years

• They have at least 2 team members

• Interior design is their calling - they've got the design stuff locked down

• They're ready to level up and break into the luxury design market

• They desire to have more confidence, joy, creativity, freedom... and profit

Of course, the Standard is not exclusive to designers that check every box, but their data and testimonials have shown that this is who has fantastic results with the Standard. 

This program is perfect for any designer who needs organized processes, wants to learn more about how a thriving and successful design practice does it and wants to bring the joy and passion back into their business.

They give you digestible video explanations accompanied by Sandra’s process, broken down into step-by-step tasks for you to download and customize for your business. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Interior Design Services Agreement

• 20+ Client email templates

• Trade Agreement

• HR Docs galore (job listings, roles and responsibilities, employee agreements with office policies, onboarding processes and more) 

• Full Service Asana template (100+ tasks of our detailed full service and build/renovate process)

• Potential Client Asana template (detailed tasks outlining and digging into this process from initial outreach to onboarding)

• And tons of bonuses that will knock your socks off!

Plus, anyone who signs up using my link below will get our Passive & Multiple Income Streams for Interior Designers e-Book for FREE along with a FREE t-shirt from Elite Design Gifts*!

Enrollment only happens twice per year and the next enrollment period is in March 23-30, 2022. If you are interested, you can sign reserve a spot now by clicking this link https://interiordesignstandard.com/danae.

*The free e-Book will be sent via email 60 days after payment in full for The Interior Design Standard is paid. The free t-shirt will be mailed 60 days after payment in full to The Interior Design Standard is paid.

As always, please feel free to reach out if you have questions!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

xx, Danae

Passive Income for Interior Designers

Between meetings with clients, laying out floor plans, to just finding time to be creative, interior designers are busy, to say the least. That’s why thinking about and implementing a passive income stream is the right move for you. NOW!

But what is passive income?

Passive income is a way you can earn money for your business that requires little to no hands-on involvement or effort after initial setup.

Wait… What? Yes, you heard me correctly. You can earn money for your business without always having to trade your time for it. 

By setting up various passive income streams, you can do double duty on earning money. Not only will you be able to spend your actual time working with clients, designing, etc, to earn money… but your passive income stream can be pulling in money as well at the same time. 

Before you start, here’s what you need to know

Passive income is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time, strategy, and effort upfront. Also, just because you create something doesn’t mean it will sell. You will need to market this passive income stream for it to be successful, which will require some time and dedication each week. 

Some ideas of passive income you can implement right now

• Digital Downloads - Create templates, ebooks, floor plans, design boards, even answer common design questions for your clients to download for a price. 

• Courses - Create a course for purchase for either your prospective clients or for other interior designers. 

• Online Shop - Set up an online shop selling some of your favorite pieces of decor and even your other forms of passive income such as ebooks, templates, and courses.

Things to consider 

There are a ton of passive income streams to help you earn extra money. Some are easier than others, while some require you to have a substantial existing online presence. 

• Capitalize on Your Expertise and Knowledge - Figure out what you’re good at and what you know and use it. 

• Experiment - Try testing out one form of passive income, if it’s not working or you don’t like it, try another. 

• Monitor Performance - One of the keys to being successful with passive income is keeping tabs on how many times it was purchased or clicked on. If it’s not doing well, you need to change up how you’re marketing it or try something different entirely. 

Remember, having a passive income stream isn’t for everyone. It does take time upfront for set up and requires a continued time investment and strategic marketing plan for it to be successful.  But when executed properly, it can be a lucrative and viable solution to adding revenue to your business. 

For a more in-depth look at passive income, for more ideas on how to earn money, and for Q&A’s with highly sought-after industry professionals, check out our Creating Passive & Multiple Income Streams For Interior Designers eBook   

xx, Danae

Don't Miss Open Enrollment for The Interior Design Standard!

Open enrollment is coming up for the program that can help you break into the luxury market of interior design; it’s called The Interior Design Standard!

As you know, I’m here to share with you the helpful tips, tricks and information I learn in the interior design industry that will help you succeed in running the most fulfilling and profitable business possible. Once again, I want to share with you a business program I came across that’s goal is to improve the interior design industry one design firm at a time.

The Interior Design Standard, created by East Coast interior designer Sandra Funk (House of Funk), is making a huge impact on a number of interior designers’ businesses across the country.

Why is this program making such an impact? Because the Interior Design Standard is House of Funk’s business structure. That’s right! The program includes a variety of modules with templates, processes, tools and tech for designers to implement the structure into their own businesses. Within each module are videos explaining the ‘why’ behind Funk’s processes, with her personal experiences and lessons learned weaved in.  

The program is delivered in a friendly digital format. Designers receive lifetime access, live virtual community events and access to the ultimate design community: the Standard Inner Circle. “Our mantra is ‘Rise, Designers, Rise’. By helping one designer at a time, we hope to see the entire design industry improve,” says Funk.

I want to tell you a little bit more about the designers that the Standard will benefit the most.

• They've been in business for at least two years

• They have at least 2 team members

• Interior design is their calling - they've got the design stuff locked down

• They're ready to level up and break into the luxury design market

• They desire to have more confidence, joy, creativity, freedom... and profit

Of course, the Standard is not exclusive to designers that check every box, but their data and testimonials have shown that this is who has fantastic results with the Standard. 

This program is perfect for any designer who needs organized processes, wants to learn more about how a thriving and successful design practice does it and wants to bring the joy and passion back into their business.

They give you digestible video explanations accompanied by Sandra’s process, broken down into step-by-step tasks for you to download and customize for your business. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Interior Design Services Agreement

• 20+ Client email templates

• Trade Agreement

• HR Docs galore (job listings, roles and responsibilities, employee agreements with office policies, onboarding processes and more) 

• Full Service Asana template (100+ tasks of our detailed full service and build/renovate process)

• Potential Client Asana template (detailed tasks outlining and digging into this process from initial outreach to onboarding)

• And tons of bonuses that will knock your socks off!

Plus, anyone who signs up using my link below will get our Passive & Multiple Income Streams for Interior Designers e-Book for FREE along with a FREE t-shirt from Elite Design Gifts*!

Enrollment only happens twice per year and the next enrollment period is in March 23-30, 2022. If you are interested, you can sign reserve a spot now by clicking this link https://interiordesignstandard.com/danae.

*The free e-Book will be sent via email 60 days after payment in full for The Interior Design Standard is paid. The free t-shirt will be mailed 60 days after payment in full to The Interior Design Standard is paid.

As always, please feel free to reach out if you have questions!

I hope you have a wonderful day! xx, Danae

What You Should Know about Working with Photographers as an Interior Designer

As an interior designer, the project is not complete after styling the last shelf. A quality visual portfolio of the space is invaluable in showcasing your work and attracting the kind of new clients you're looking for. Having a good relationship with the right photographer can make all the difference in the result, and that begins with coming to a clear agreement on expectations and photo usage terms. Let’s look at some points to consider when working with a photographer.

Who owns the licensing of the photos?

If a photographer shoots the photos, by default he or she owns the copyright to those images, and many will further specify this in the contract. On the other hand, if an employee of the design firm shoots the images, it is the employer who owns the copyright. However, every contract is different and all of the terms must be clearly stated so there is no room for doubt about the rights of each party. Even if the photographer claims copyright, they will usually be cooperative when it comes to the designer’s needs. That is, after all, the whole point of hiring a photographer! At the same time, as it has only gotten easier to share photos across the internet with a click of a button, if you are the copyright holder, you will have much more leverage to claim credit or even get photos taken down if necessary.

What use rights does the designer have for the photos?

Design firms generally want to be able to have free reign when it comes to posting the photos on social media and on their website, as well as for marketing and PR purposes. You also want to be able to freely offer images to magazines for exposure. The story of your project will be more appealing to top magazines if it has not yet been widely shared. If you are gracious to your photographer by negotiating for them to receive credit, it is good marketing for them as well, and it sets the tone for reciprocity.

Are you allowed to give permission to other businesses such as vendors to use those photos?

It is not as common for a design firm to license the images to vendors as it is for the photographers to do so. They may have opportunities with the suppliers of materials, fixtures or furniture that appear in the photos. However, you may be able to negotiate with your photographer to share a percentage, perhaps 10% to 20%, of those earnings. This is a point to discuss with the photographer as part of the big picture.

What should the contract include?

The contract must be comprehensive and fair. It should specify information including the legal names of both parties, start and end dates, cancellation or delay policies, copyright and usage rights, scope of photo editing work, confidentiality, liability and payment terms. Nothing should remain a verbal agreement, even if you have a good relationship with the photographer. Before signing the contract with the photographer, you must also receive permission in your contract with the client to photograph the space and use the photos publicly for marketing purposes.

How do you choose the right interior design photographer?

Look for a photographer who specializes in interiors and knows how to tell a story through their images. They should be able to take the viewer on a tour of the space in a thoughtful way so they can understand and imagine being there. A savvy photographer will ask you questions about the space, as well as your vision for the project, in order to be fully prepared for a successful shoot. If you find a photographer with compatible needs, it may open the door to establishing a mutually beneficial long-term partnership that works from a good understanding of your company's aesthetic, preferences and needs.

xx, Danae

Work With a Virtual Design Assistant (VDA) on Your Commercial Projects

We have become known for our virtual design assistant services within the residential interior design niche so many designers may not be aware that we also have very seasoned and experienced design assistants with commercial backgrounds as well.

We offer services such as:

• Research, space plan for large- and small-scale projects.

• Develop block plans or test fits in CAD & CET for both systems and ancillary products.

• Respond and design per BID guidelines for RFP’s.

• Create look books/moodboards or concept presentation layouts

• Create drawings, layouts and renderings to communicate a design solution effectively through CET software

• Generate detailed furniture specifications, pricing and discount for both systems and ancillary products using CAP or ProjectSpec

• Create ancillary/systems look books or product alternates

• Create typicals or “collaboration” areas using either systems or ancillary or both.

• Send out quotes to ensure accuracy of pricing and manufacturer discounts.

• Revise drawings, typicals or presentations per client/designer feedback

• Create electrical or install documents per project needs in CET

• Create graphic presentation, templates or any other marketing material per client standards

We are happy to discuss any other services, not mentioned above for any project.

Our commercial VDAs have worked for large scale firms, specializing in Steelcase, Herman Miller and AllSteel furniture. A few projects that are a part of their portfolios include, SailPoint, Big Commerce, Velocity Credit Union, HomeAway, Tito’s Vodka, Kaiser Permanante, UFCU, Oracle, Facebook, Adobe, SAP and Invisalign.

If you need help on your next commercial or hospitality project, please feel free to reach out!

xx, Danae

How To Balance Your Family Life And Your Business

Life can be hectic. Caring for your family and household can be a full-time job, and when you add running a business into the mix, it seems downright impossible! 

Balancing all aspects of life is an everyday struggle that all entrepreneurs face. Each demand of life requires a lot of attention, and there never seems to be enough time in the day to get to or finish all tasks. It can seem overwhelming, but by implementing small habits into practice, having dedication, and a little patience, it's possible to maintain your sanity when trying to balance your family life and your business. 

Here are a few tips, tricks, and strategies that can help you in conquering this seemingly impossible balancing act. 

Be Fully Present 

Even though multi-tasking sounds like it was MADE for entrepreneurs balancing their family life and business, it is proven that disastrous things can happen when your attention is stretched thin on too many things at once.

When it comes to juggling multiple responsibilities, entrepreneurs need to give their full attention to the task at hand, whether it’s something for work or something for your family. Being fully present can save you time. 

Create a Routine

With so many tasks to do each day for each aspect of life, creating a routine is essential for balancing your home life and business. Without a routine, you will find yourself losing track of tasks, wasting time, and ultimately feeling more stressed. Routines keep you organized and productive, and establishing set time frames for each task allows you to stay on top of things and be more efficient. That said, embrace flexibility, because we all know that things won’t always go as planned. 

Some helpful routines you can start today are: 

• Prep a to-do list each night for the following day. 

• Start meal prepping. 

• Check and respond to emails at certain times of the day. 

Day-to-Day Goals

It’s a good thing to have a clear vision for your company’s long-term goals. It’s also great to have dreams and aspirations for you and your family. But have you ever paired them together? And the bigger question is how do you achieve that combined professional/personal future? 

Make it a point to have a clear and realistic objective for both your business and family every day. Ask yourself how your vision for your business helps your family and vice versa. By doing this, you will have an overall dream you can now break apart into smaller, day-to-day goals. Next, if you set aside time every morning to work on these day-to-day goals, soon, your larger dream can be achieved. 

Make Family Meals a Priority 

The idyllic idea of a family meal at the dinner table where everyone is sitting down together probably falls to the wayside when you feel you need to get back to work. But setting time aside solely dedicated to your family needs to be a priority, and mealtimes are a great way to do this. 

Mealtimes are the most sacred time for a family. It’s during these precious pockets of time that you get to bond, catch up, and cultivate that togetherness. It is proven that families that dine together are both healthier and happier.

Self Care

In this balancing act, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Neglecting your mental health and physical well-being by trying to get more done at home or the office will hurt you in the long run. It’s important to find time and things throughout your busy week to recharge yourself and fulfill your own needs. By sleeping a little longer, exercising, or by unplugging mentally for even 30 minutes, you can become more effective in everything you do. Remember, building harmony between home and business starts by finding balance in yourself.

Balancing your family life and your business does seem like a daunting task. It requires not only sacrifice but effort. Ultimately, certain activities will have to be given up because they aren’t as important as others, and balancing these roles won’t happen successfully overnight. It takes you working at it to make it successful. 

By implementing some of the strategies mentioned above or some of your own, balancing your family life and your business may not seem so impossible.

xx Danae

Break Into the Luxury Market with The Standard!

As you know, I’m here to share with you the helpful tips, tricks, and information I learn in the interior design industry that will help you succeed in running the most fulfilling and profitable business possible. Once again, I want to share with you a business program I came across that’s goal is to improve the interior design industry one design firm at a time.

The Interior Design Standard, created by East Coast interior designer Sandra Funk (House of Funk), is making a huge impact on a number of interior designers’ businesses across the country.

Why is this program making such an impact? Because the Interior Design Standard is House of Funk’s business structure. That’s right! The program includes a variety of modules with templates, processes, tools, and tech for designers to implement the structure into their own businesses. Within each module are videos explaining the ‘why’ behind Funk’s processes, with her personal experiences and lessons learned weaved in.  

The program is delivered in a friendly digital format. Designers receive lifetime access, live virtual community events, and access to the ultimate design community: the Standard Inner Circle. “Our mantra is ‘Rise, Designers, Rise’. By helping one designer at a time, we hope to see the entire design industry improve,” says Funk.

I want to tell you a little bit more about the designers that the Standard will benefit the most.

• They've been in business for at least two years

• They have at least 2 team members

• Interior design is their calling - they've got the design stuff locked down

• They're ready to level up and break into the luxury design market

• They desire to have more confidence, joy, creativity, freedom... and profit

Of course, the Standard is not exclusive to designers that check every box, but their data and testimonials have shown that this is who has fantastic results with the Standard. 

This program is perfect for any designer who needs organized processes, wants to learn more about how a thriving and successful design practice does it, and wants to bring joy and passion back into their business.

They give you digestible video explanations accompanied by Sandra’s process, broken down into step-by-step tasks for you to download and customize for your business. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Interior Design Services Agreement

• 20+ Client email templates

• Trade Agreement

• HR Docs galore (job listings, roles, and responsibilities, employee agreements with office policies, onboarding processes, and more) 

• Full-Service Asana template (100+ tasks of our detailed full service and build/renovate process)

• Potential Client Asana template (detailed tasks outlining and digging into this process from initial outreach to onboarding)

• And tons of bonuses that will knock your socks off!

Plus, anyone who signs up using my link below will get our Passive & Multiple Income Streams for Interior Designers e-Book for FREE along with a FREE t-shirt from Elite Design Gifts*!

Enrollment only happens twice per year and the next enrollment period is March 23-30, 2022. If you are interested, you can sign reserve a spot now by clicking this link https://interiordesignstandard.com/danae.

*The free e-Book will be sent via email 60 days after payment in full for The Interior Design Standard is paid. The free t-shirt will be mailed 60 days after payment in full to The Interior Design Standard is paid.

As always, please feel free to reach out if you have questions!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

xx, Danae

How to Enhance Your Creativity as an Interior Designer

Do you ever feel like you lose your creative drive when you're in the middle of a busy week? We've all been there. Today on the blog, we're sharing tips to enhance your creativity as an interior designer. 

Visit somewhere new

Sometimes, it’s all about perspective. Whether you're looking for a distraction-free space, or simply looking for inspiration for your next project, changing your physical location can be the key to getting in the zone.

Visit a local coffee shop where the decor gives you plenty of ideas, or try a new spot to work for a while and draw inspiration. Forget your to-do list completely and head to a museum or historical building. 

Go on vacation simply for enjoyment (and not just for work). New cultures, music, and architecture can help boost creativity and let your imagination take flight. You’ll return feeling ready to dive into the projects that require your most unique ideas. 

Spend time outdoors

It’s no secret that nature can boost your creativity. The ever-changing landscape of a sunrise or sunset can be the perfect muse for a new color palette. Visit a local park or simply walk outdoors near your home. Bring a camera with you and take photos of the scenes that speak to you. Reference these photos later when you’re in the middle of a big design. 

Collaborate with others

Do you have a friend that you love to bounce ideas off of? Give them a call! Sometimes just talking with someone else can be instrumental in boosting your creativity and giving yourself a confidence boost for an awesome idea. 

Each individual’s unique experiences allow them to have a different perspective, which can help validate and spark new ideas. Grab a drink at happy hour with a friend or go for a walk to not only stimulate conversation, but to also draw inspiration from nature. 

What inspires you? We’d love to hear from you. 

xx Danae

Meal Planning - The Secret to a Successful Week

Happy Saturday! Today we’re chatting about meal planning and how prepping your meals in advance can help set you up for a successful week. 

We’re sharing tips and tricks from Kitchenda’s blog post, Why Experts Recommend Meal Planning for Every Home. You can read more here.

You’re busy running around to client meetings and running your business, so consider setting yourself up for a great week by following these simple meal planning trips. 

Meal planning can help improve health, save money, and increase weeknight downtime (I’m sure we can all use more of that).

Here are a few meal planning steps to help set you up for a successful week.

Understand your schedule

The first step is to open up your planner. What days do you have back to back meetings? Which evenings will you be home late? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you decide which meals and food should be planned for each day. Your meal prepping routine can include options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or just a few meals each day if you have other plans, such as a networking lunch. The key is to plan ahead and be aware of your schedule.

Know your inventory

Do you have a fully stacked pantry or is your fridge empty besides some leftover takeout? No matter where you’re starting, it’s important to take inventory of the ingredients you have on hand. This helps you become aware of your starting point and make grocery shopping so much easier. 

Plan recipes for the week

Once you know what you have on hand and what your schedule looks like for the week, you can plan what recipes you’re going to make for each day. Pinterest and Google can be a great resource to help find recipes that use ingredients you already have. Once you’ve narrowed down your recipes for the week, make a list of any missing ingredients you need. Then you can head to the grocery store and stock up on any necessary items to begin your meal prep.

Do you find meal planning to be a valuable tool to setting up your week? 

xx, Danae