Do You Need a Bookkeeper or CFO?

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We get several bookkeeping requests from clients and it’s important to know whether or not you need a bookkeeper or a CFO (Chief Financial Officer) or both.

A Bookkeeper will typically do the following:

  • Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Services

  • Payroll

  • Monthly income and expense tracking

  • Categorizing all transactions appropriately and consistently​

  • Monthly Reconciliations

  • Monthly Financial Statements

​There are helping you with your day-to-day finances for your business.

A CFO on the other hand is helping you with business assessment, profit & cash flow targets, help you create action plans, and help you outline a long-term plan that will be beneficial to the continued success of your business.

We offer both services and if you are interested, they are detailed below.

What We Do As CFO

We have a 5-step process to provide a clear roadmap to improve YOUR profitability and cash flow. The steps are as follows:

  1. Business assessment: We will analyze your business and financials and show you exactly what’s holding you back from making more profit and cash flow. We will provide you with instructions regarding the information that we may require to complete the work of this engagement.

  2. Profit & cash flow target: We’ll get to work getting to know you and the goals you have for your business. We'll then set ‘profit and cash flow goals and put together a plan designed to improve the profitability and cash flow of your business.

  3. Create a scoreboard: Each month we’ll give you a simple one-page “scoreboard” report that will clearly show you what’s going right and what’s going wrong.

  4. Help you determine an action plan: You and your CFO will get on a video call each month and we’ll provide you with a shortlist of the MOST important “next steps” that need to happen within the next 30-days.

  5. Help you outline a long-term plan: At the same time, we’ll work to help you increase the long-term value of your business so that you have a well-oiled machine that can run without you by your leadership team.

What We Won’t Do

For your success, it is important that you understand the scope and limitations of our services. It is also important that we do not overstep into areas that are appropriately your domain, responsibility, and authority. We do not provide legal, accounting, bookkeeping (unless you purchase this as an add-on service through Elite), auditing, data verification, management, facilitation, fraud detection, HR, insurance, or other such services. We do not publish or announce your plans to your team. We do not execute your action plans.

What We Need From You


You will designate an individual who possesses suitable skill, knowledge, or experience to oversee your bookkeeping activities and coordinate with the services we provide. In addition, you will evaluate the adequacy and results of the services performed by that designated individual and accept responsibility for such services. You will provide relevant information about your business on a timely and periodic basis. You will take our advice and make your own decisions about what to do with that advice.

What we do as a Full-Service Bookkeeper
(this is available as an add on to our CFO Service)

In order to provide accurate CFO services, you will need to have full-service bookkeeping done. May require additional software subscriptions. Services included are as follows:

  • Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Services

  • Payroll

  • Monthly income and expense tracking

  • Categorizing all transactions appropriately and consistently​

  • Monthly Reconciliations

  • Monthly Financial Statements

  • ​Unlimited email and text support​

If you are interested in either or both services, please feel free to reply to this email to learn more!

xx, Danae

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Business Coach… or Business Consult (An Elite Level Up Business Consult)?

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As you are aware, interior designers are in many different stages of their businesses. Some of you are brand new to the industry, while others are seasoned professionals. Some of you are solo-prenuers, while others run a larger firm with staff. There are multiple things to consider when deciding whether you need a business coach or a business consult.

In terms of business coaches, there are amazing options for interior designers out there! Working with a business coach is an investment in both you and your business. It is a way to take your business to the next level. Typically, a business coach will collaborate with you to design a concise, long-term plan for your continued business growth and success. Every coaching program is different, but a common theme is to have regularly scheduled meetings for 6 weeks up to 6 or 12 months. Business coaches guide the change and expect timely results.  

Many business coaches have criteria that you must fit in order to work with them. They don’t just work with everyone and for good reason: they want to ensure their collaboration with you is successful. Interior designers seeking a business coach can expect a financial investment, and an investment of time. When you schedule time for coaching calls, implementations, etc., it’s possible your current client projects will need to be deferred to another designer on your team, or design assistant to ensure you have the free time needed to complete coaching initiatives.

You want to make sure the business coach you chose will work with interior designers in your current situation and that you qualify to work with that particular coach. For example, I know some business coaches will NOT work with anyone brand new in the industry, anyone who is just working interior design as a hobby/side hustle or anyone who doesn’t meet a certain annual revenue threshold. Again, you want your business coach to be someone who is coaching interior designers in your similar situation whether you are brand new, a seasoned designer, or somewhere in between.

However, maybe a coach isn’t for you and what you really need is a business consult. As we have all seen at some point, some of our interior design clients really just need a quick consultation. If you offer consultations with DIY clients, you know what I mean.

So, who needs a simple yet highly effective business consultation such as an Elite Level Up Business Consult? Perhaps you! Maybe you are not in a position to afford a business coach, OR you have almost everything figured out but you just need to pick someone’s brain regarding an aspect of your business, OR you are just researching getting into the interior design industry… the list goes on and on.

Here is an example of a designer we recently worked with during a Level Up Business Consult: They had their ideas, knew what their goals were, but didn't know the steps to get there. In came Elite with the assist! This client knew their current pricing system wasn't going to work for a new project they just took on. Their current pricing system needed an update, but they didn’t know how to update it. We’ve all been there, there is so much to consider such as interior vs exterior materials selections, sq. ft. pricing vs hourly pricing, do we raise rates for a long-time client or not. We discussed at length the pros and cons of each scenario, becoming a sounding board of knowledge. The consultation, which lasted about 90 minutes, ended only when we had worked out a firm way for this designer to move their business forward. We know firsthand that the business of interior design is only part creativity. For that simple reason, we took notes during the consultation and recapped the discussion via email, listing in black and white the numbers needed to make the business successful for this new project, and for the ones that follow.

While this consult was regarding pricing schedules, we are happy to discuss building a team, managing orders, establishing trade accounts, marketing and so much more. Our business consultation service is for interior designers or decorators, who have systems in place for existing clients, a relatively steady stream of projects, and is a solo-prenuer or manages a small, local studio. Typically, this designer knows the tools needed to run a successful business, but maybe doesn’t have the revenue stream or time to invest in a coach.  

Let’s break it down for you:

Novice Designers (0-5 yrs in business)  <---  A business consult can be the best way to start getting some of your questions answered. We will always refer you to a business coach if we find your situation is more suited for that path.

  • fresh out of college or is a decorator

  • doesn't yet know their worth (charges $50/hr)

  • may be exploring which design career is right for them

  • clients/projects are obtained by advertising and are not steady yet

Career Designers (5-15 yrs in business)  <---  A business consult is definitely a great option for you. We can guide you in the proper direction in a manner, which is both affordable and respects your time. We will always refer you to a business coach if we find your situation is more suited for that path.

  • you are licensed & insured (if required in your state)

  • have trade accounts/ reps/ sub-contractors at the ready

  • is a designer by trade and made a career of it

  • known in community; steady stream of projects

Seasoned Designers (15+ yrs in business) <---  This is, more than likely, a designer who could utilize a business coach. However, if you would like to take advantage of our team’s expertise, we are happy to offer you an hourly consultation rate.

  • have a team of employees or contractors

  • has an income stream of revenue which is profit

  • possibly has clients on a wait list

  • has systems in place but needs to hone in on processes, increase profit, or update business practices

When you decide that an Elite Level Up Business Consult is just what you need, we offer help answering questions which need explanation in a step-by-step format, advice for those who know what they need, but not how to get there and a way for you to gain feedback, knowledge, and advice from colleagues in the industry.

Interested in our Elite Level Up Business Consultation service? Reply to this email to start a conversation regarding pricing and scheduling. We look forward to being a silent partner in helping you create the business of your dreams!

xx, Danae

3D Printing in Interior Design

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Technology is crazy and always evolving. 3D printing has been around for a long time but as it grows in popularity it’s worth knowing about how interior designers are leveraging 3D printers.

Just in case you don’t know what 3D printing is, it’s where a printer creates three-dimensional objects layer-by-layer using a computer created design. They are used to create things like tools, jewelry, phone cases, figurines, toys, home décor and so much more.

You can create a design and have it printed which gives so much creative control over the object. There are several companies out there creating 3D printed objects for interior design.

Imagine if you worked on historical homes or buildings with intricate architectural elements that needed to be repaired or replaced. A design of something such as detailed molding or façade can be created and then printed using 3D printing saving time and money.

Unique décor pieces such as pendants, sculptural tables, and detailed wall panels can be created using 3D printers. Other popular 3D printed objects are planters, bookshelves, room dividers, tiles, wooden blocks, bowls, trays, and baskets. There are endless possibilities at this point.

There are several home décor 3D printer companies in the US such as Casa Z out of Texas, EDG in New York, Forust in California, and Emerging Objects also in California.

Each of these companies offers unique 3D objects in terms of finishes, home décor, and design. You can find a few smaller businesses on Etsy as well as purchase 3D printer plans for your own 3D printer.

3D printing offers so many creative and unique options for interior designers, furniture designers, architects, builders, and others in the real estate and design industry.

3D printing will continue to change the interior design industry especially now companies such as ICON are building homes using 3D printing. If you are looking for a new niche in the industry 3D printing may just be something that interests you. Whether you already practice sustainable design, are interested in sustainable design, or just want to get into interior design for 3D printed homes, it’s worth looking into now while the industry is young and gaining traction.

xx, Danae

Spring Cleaning Tips

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There are few springtime traditions more satisfying than the annual deep cleaning, which signifies a fresh start, practically and even psychologically. However, for many people, bliss only comes once the job is done. Cleaning the house from top to bottom is never easy, but the project can be much more manageable with this checklist that gives you an overview of everything you need to know.

Plan and Prepare

The first step is to check your calendar and schedule spring cleaning tasks. Hoping to get it all done within a couple of days won’t do you any good. Divide the tasks into realistic time slots over several weeks, and you’ll get through it stress-free. And before you get started, take inventory of your cleaning supplies, such as brushes, cloths, and sprays. Pick up any additional cleaning products or tools that will help you work more efficiently, and why not consider using some natural products such as lemon juice to degrease or vinegar to remove limescale buildup.

Kitchen and Bath

It’s a good idea to start with the rooms that require the most effort. In areas that have countless nooks and crannies and are constantly exposed to moisture, it’s important to dedicate extra attention to detail. In the kitchen, start with the walls, the outside of the cabinets, and the countertop, then empty each cabinet to clean it and before replacing everything. In the bathroom, start with the tiles, remove all traces of limescale and continue with the bathroom fixtures. Whenever you clean storage furniture, take the opportunity to throw away any old products or cosmetics that have expired or that you no longer use.

Room by Room

To break the job into manageable chunks, continue taking it room by room. Start by dusting ceilings, corners, and hard-to-reach surfaces. A mop with a damp cloth may do the trick. On surfaces with delicate paints or finishes, be sure not to use chemicals not intended for them, and don't scrub too hard. Again, take advantage of this project to clean interiors or storage furniture. Consider which items no longer serve you, Marie Kondo style, and donate or throw them away.

Winter Wardrobe and Bedding

As temperatures begin to rise, you may want to replace your bedding with lighter-weight linens, as well as your day-to-day wardrobe. For fabrics that tolerate high temperatures well, run a hot water cycle to kill bacteria before letting these garments dry completely and storing them until next fall or winter. Make it easy on your future self by organizing everything in labeled containers, ready for the next change of season.

Textiles

A chore that many people don’t get around to regularly is cleaning the textiles of the home. This includes curtains, sofa and cushion covers, throw blankets, and rugs. Check washing instructions for each item, but much of this can be washed in your washing machine at home and hung damp to dry in order to avoid wrinkling. Rugs may need to be taken to a pro if the tag states “dry clean only.” Spring is also the perfect time to change out some of your textiles for lighter materials and brighter colors, so seasonal decor can form part of your spring cleaning ritual.

Garage and Outdoor Areas

As an often neglected space, your garage might need a little TLC, and if you're lucky enough to have an outdoor space, such as a porch or yard, it's the ideal time to make the most of it. If you have a garden, go the extra mile. Make sure your organization systems are up to date with your belongings so that these areas are not simply written off as overflow dumps. Store winter sports equipment. Get rid of items you've been hanging onto forever because they "might come in handy someday." You might even find that you end up with enough space to add a new or improved chill-out nook in time for the good weather!

Windows and Floors

It’s time to get the windows looking crystal clear. And don't stop at the glass. Get into the cracks of the window frames. Aluminum or PVC ones will be as good as new just by scrubbing them with a cloth and soapy water. For the glass itself, it’s best to choose a specific product and a lint-free cloth. As you reach the end of your spring cleaning journey, it’s a good time to finally tackle the floors, where any residual dust from the process will have settled. Then all you have left is to clean the floors and you will have passed the test. Vacuum, as usual, paying special attention to baseboards and difficult corners, and then scrub the floor properly with a specific product for its material (wood, ceramic, vinyl, etc.).

As you go through the spring-cleaning process, you may find that there are some of these tasks that you want to start doing several times throughout the year to lighten the workload each time. Cross these tasks off as you complete them, and you'll be well on your way to refreshing your home and making it a healthier and more comfortable haven.

xx, Danae

Collaboration Over Competition in Interior Design

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While interior design is a highly competitive business, the secret to success doesn’t necessarily lie in cut-throat competition. Pouring all your energy into doing more and better than the rest is a rough and lonely road. The good news is that the new marketing climate lends itself very well to optimizing efforts through collaboration. So let’s talk about how to find others to journey through it with you.

Why collaborate?

When you join forces with another professional in an ongoing collaboration, it allows you to expand the range of services that you can offer. There is an increasing demand for end-to-end solutions, and when you’re not able or interested in providing certain complementary services, you can outsource them while still assuring your client that you’ve got them covered.

In addition to bringing together different services, collaborations often promote innovation and learning. Having a pair of fresh eyes on your initiatives or meeting somewhere halfway can yield surprising and interesting results. Collaboration is a strength. Whether it’s a short-term pact or a long-term alliance, there are many great opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.

And certainly one of the main benefits of collaboration is that it is a means to share audiences online, expand your reach in your marketing efforts, and build up each other's authority and reputation in the industry.

Collaboration Opportunities for Interior Designers

Some of the most successful collaborations are with companies or brands that are not direct competitors, but at the same time, their target audience is the same. Ideally, your existing audiences do not overlap much. This way, everyone wins, and that’s exactly how you should begin the conversation when approaching a potential collaboration partner.

Suppliers - Chances are, you already have a few leads. Interior design firms sometimes partner with product or material vendors by featuring each other in blog or social media posts. By comparing the reach of your respective audiences, you can come to a fair compensation arrangement.

Furniture design - From furniture to fabric, brands are partnering with interior designers to create signature collections that reflect their shared vision. These deals mean increased exposure for both parties, as well as an attractive portfolio and commission for you.

Contractors - Similarly, external companies such as builders, painters, or movers could be promising prospects. Putting the spotlight on positive experiences with each other is a powerful marketing message and builds trust in your company. You might also consider meeting with other related specialists such as photographers, landscapers, florists, or furniture restoration companies.

Real Estate Agencies - Here’s an example of a line of business whose interests may be aligned with your own. You both want to bring out the best in a home. Some real estate agencies already have their in-house interior design department, but there is still plenty of room to make your pitch as a home stager or have them refer clients to you in exchange for a commission.

Content Creators - They are experts at getting the word out and attracting new clients. Team up with a fashion influencer, gourmet chef, or any personality with an audience akin to your target customer. One possibility is to offer them a free room decorating service. Then, they take their viewers on a tour of the space showcasing your work. Instagram stories, TikTok videos, and blog posts are just some of the ways that you can recruit content creators to promote your interior design business.

Other Interior Designers – There are many interior designers out there that collaborate with each other because they complement each other. Maybe you focus on residential but you have been asked to do commercial projects, or perhaps your wheelhouse is a modern coastal aesthetic but clients have been asking for eclectic. Or maybe you collaborate with another designer based on location, connections, etc. There are many reasons you may want to consider collaborating with another interior designer.

Tips for Interior Design Collaborations

As you can see, collaborations can take many different forms, but smart professionals always start with a clear objective and strategy to achieve it. Regardless of how friendly the relationship may become, cover your bases by putting a non-disclosure agreement in place if the nature of the collaboration calls for it. Outline each commitment in detail and track progress by checking results such as customer engagement statistics and referral rates. Getting started and staying on top of it is a time investment with a great return.

When is it better to compete than collaborate?

Well before considering a collaboration, it’s fundamental to have defined your business’s competitive edge and better yet, your niche in the industry. You want to stand out from competitors for your particular expertise. That’s where you want to hold your ground and grow. Only then can you market yourself with a clear message to both potential collaborators and clients.

xx, Danae

Interior Design in the NFT and Metaverse Industries

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As someone who is very interested in interior design and the real estate investment industry, I recently stumbled across NFTs.

What are NFTs?

NFT stands for non-fungible tokens. An NFT is a non-interchangeable unit of data stored on a blockchain, a form of digital ledger, that can be sold and traded. NFTs can be associated with digital files such as photos, videos, and audio. NFTs are basically just a bunch of unique data and they are one of a kind which makes them valuable to the people that say they are valuable. Just as certain brand names become valuable just purely based on their name, NFTs are similar in that sense.

Why are NFTs a newer popular investment product?

Just as bitcoins and dogecoins became popular cryptocurrencies, NFTs are becoming popular as well with companies such as Bored Ape selling NFTs starting at $262,630. YES, you read that right! As of March 18, 2022, the lowest priced Bored Ape was a couple hundred thousand dollars! People who invest in NFTs are collectors and they love investing in the latest, greatest things out there. They are very vested in this type of currency, therefore, driving up the price as consumers learn through social media, celebrities, and financial coaches what this currency is doing and how it is making people money.

So how does Interior Design factor into NFTs?

Since NFTs are photos and videos they can come in the form of 3d renderings such as houses, buildings, and other real estate. They can also come in the form of digital furniture and home décor. Yes, you can buy a virtual home or building or piece of furniture or a vase of flowers. There are virtual real estate companies where you can purchase homes, stadiums, and skyscrapers for your virtual world. The augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality market reached 28 billion dollars in 2021 and is expected to rise to over 250 billion by 2028!

What type of Interior Design jobs are in the NFT industry?

If you are looking to get into a new niche NFTs might be the place for you. This industry has proven lucrative for some interior designers creating interactive 3d renders of entire homes, furniture designers creating digital furniture models, curators of digital artwork as well as those creating the digital artwork.

Downside

Of course, this industry isn’t without skeptics. Some are still uncertain of how the continued education of the industry will impact future growth. NFTs are deemed bad for the environment due to their large carbon footprint.

How can a digital product be bad for the environment you may wonder?

The amount of energy it takes to power transactions is what skeptics are looking at. Only one transaction can use the equivalent of 75 days’ worth of your household electricity use or 17,063 hours of watching YouTube. Needless to say, this niche isn’t probably for those in sustainable design ... yet.

Many companies are working hard to try to reduce their carbon footprint and some marketplaces assign carbon footprint indicators on their NFTs so the consumers know how much each NFT would use in energy if they were to purchase that NFT.

Interior Design in the Metaverse

You may be wondering what the Metaverse is? The Metaverse is a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection. In simple terms, it’s virtual reality. People can purchase NFTs for metaverse or non-NFT products.

The Metaverse industry could be worth $8-13 TRILLION by 2030. Yes, I wrote trillion! Since the Metaverse is a virtual world, interior designers are needed to create digital designs and products for this world. People pay real money to purchase real estate, furniture, and décor in the Metaverse and it opens up a whole new world for interior designers looking to niche in the digital space.

There is even a company called Metaverse Interior Design and it’s the world’s first interior design community for the Metaverse. This firm connects interior designers to clients who want to create their dream home spaces in the metaverse.

This is a great niche for 3D render artists and furniture modelers to explore. You can make a living creating the interior design in virtual reality.

If you are interested in learning more about the NFT & Metaverse industries in regard to real estate and interior design feel free to reply to this email or if you are reading this on the blog – contact me through our Contact page.

It’s an exciting and new world out there and it may be worth exploring!

XX, Danae

Growing a Cut Flower Garden

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This spring I have decided to grow a small cut flower garden. I have a small area in my front yard that is bathed in full sun all spring/summer long. This will be the perfect spot for me to try my hand at growing beautiful flowers for the sole purpose of cutting and filling vases and other containers to place around my home.

I decided on a 48” x 10’ plot to get started. You can make your gardens as long as you want but I wouldn’t go wider than 48” because you want to be able to reach the middle. And depending on how long you go you may want to break them up just so you don’t have to walk down too far especially if you have a larger plot, for example, if you have the room you can do four 48” x 10’ plots separated by 24” paths to get between them. And take into consideration if you need equipment to go between them you’ll want much larger paths.

Since I live in a lower zone with fewer warmer days I’ve decided to purchase the plants in lieu of planting seeds. I’ll have a combination of annuals and perennials but in my research, I have found that for a cut flower garden you’ll want to stick with 60% annuals and 40% perennial ratio. And take into account your zone. If you do not know what zone you live in do a quick Google search on the growing zone for your area.

I live in Minnesota so there are several flowers that are considered perennials in warmer climates but in my zone, they are considered annuals. The great news is I can still grow some of my favorite flowers, but they won’t winter over so I’ll have to replant them each season.

Once you’ve determined the size of your garden – you can determine what types of flowers you want to plant and how many flowers/or seeds you need. Whether you are seeding or planting my rule of thumb is to plant more than what your local garden store recommends. You can maximize a small space in a cut flower garden and have great results!

Once I have my garden plotted I’ll make sure the soil is good quality soil. My husband has already told me that the area I want to plant my garden is pretty sandy so we’ll have to add some good soil and compost. You want to ensure your plants have a healthy living environment.

When choosing flowers to plant make sure to plant them so you have a variety of flowers blooming all spring, summer, and autumn long. The flowers I’ll be looking to plant in my garden are daffodils, hyacinth, poppies, sweet peas, and ranunculuses which are all popular spring flowers. For my summer flowers, I’ll go with cosmos, dahlia, lilies, delphinium, and for autumn black-eyed susans and chrysanthemums. This will give me a great start in my first garden for the flowers and I’ll throw in some ornamental grasses and greens such as bells of Ireland and hellebores, too.

Harvesting the flowers is more involved than just cutting flowers and throwing them in a vase. You’ll want to cut the flowers during the coolest part of the day either morning or evening and then place the stems in cool, clean water. It’s best to let the stems rest in the water in a cool spot out of direct sunlight for a few hours before arranging.

You’ll also want to cut the flowers just before they’ve fully opened. Once you are ready to arrange, recut the stems at an angle and add a floral preservative to the vase water to keep them looking great. See our post on floral design to learn how to arrange flowers.

xx, Danae

P.S. We have several items on our online shop that are flower-inspired! If you are a flower lover like me, you won’t be able to pass these items up.

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Finding Your Niche in Interior Design

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WHAT IS A NICHE IN INTERIOR DESIGN?

A niche is an area of specialty and expertise in a particular industry. If you offer niche interior design services, it means you know how to deliver maximum value to your target clients by designing interiors that suit their particular lifestyles or needs. Instead of being a “jack of all trades and master of none”, you focus on a specific area and promote your expertise to that client segment.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TARGETING A NICHE?

Focusing on a niche has numerous advantages. First, it distinguishes you from the saturation of fierce competition and establishes you as an expert in the field. Specialization justifies higher rates for your service. Even if your market is smaller, your conversion rate will be much higher, so you'll end up with more clients. Also, marketing a niche is easier than marketing to a broader audience, as companies with a unique product or service tend to stand out and appeal to different media. Bottom line? It's more important to be in front of the right people than many people.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF INTERIOR DESIGN NICHES?

YACHTS

Being highly specialized in the design of interior spaces for luxury yachts means that your clientele belongs to the highest percentage of high-net-worth individuals. Meeting the extreme requests of clients can also be a challenge when designing the interior of a luxury yacht. In addition, you must have the technical knowledge and be able to collaborate with the right suppliers and even shipbuilders. In some cases, you may not be able to share your entire portfolio, as yacht owners sometimes request confidentiality agreements for their privacy.

CRUISE SHIPS

On an even larger scale, the cruise experience demands a luxurious atmosphere in a way that is often somewhat more relaxed and prepared for the greater wear and tear of a large number of guests coming and going. And although passengers may not feel it, the normal vibration of cruising is tantamount to an earthquake. So overhead lighting fixtures and all other structures must be built to withstand it. Adding spas, movie theaters and all types of entertainment devices require extensive knowledge and research. With regulations on where pools, restaurants, and dance floors should be located, you also have to think almost like a city planner.

CANNABIS

What has long been stigmatized contraband, cannabis in its various forms, has been repackaged and has burst onto the market, increasingly legalized and marketed to appeal to a diverse sector of consumers. Where once it was all about the product itself, competition has grown, and interior design is playing an important role in helping elevate cannabis dispensaries and CBD vendors. Already, airy, minimalist designs are emerging with natural materials that evoke wellness, or jewelry store-inspired designs and indica-patterned wallpaper with a luxurious feel. There are increasing opportunities to expand as chains or even merge with other wellness spaces, such as spas or yoga studios. However, working in this niche means staying sharp and up to date on the legal nuances of each state.

LUXURY SENIOR CARE

At a time when comfort is more essential than ever, wellness is at the forefront and the daily pace slows down, interior design can be a great ally. Designers specializing in luxury senior care understand how to create a better environment for residents with challenges such as memory loss or physical impairments. Whether updating a home or designing a group residence, a joyful daily experience is achieved with the help of plenty of natural light, varied spaces with comfortable furnishings, soothing yet vibrant color palettes, and greenery or access to landscaped outdoor areas. Technology comes into play with enhanced climate control systems and smart home features to keep residents connected.

…AND MORE

Your niche may be based on values or principles such as Feng Shui or eco-friendly design. There are interior designers who are dedicated to restoring historic homes. Others hone in on an aspect of interior design such as lighting or window treatments. Specializations could focus on particular rooms: kitchens, kids’ rooms, game rooms or home gyms. Your expertise may even take you to such unexpected places as a video game. On their Twitter account the Fab Five, members of the reality show Queer Eye, offered players advice to decorate their houses on Animal Crossing, a popular social simulation video game.

HOW CAN I FIND MY NICHE?

Your perfect niche may lie where your passion and your ideal client meet. Are you passionate about transforming family homes or setting the scene for a successful business? Have a good look at your background, and what kind of projects you've completed so far that have been outstanding or led to more referrals. What are you most proud of?

Next, you'll need to dive into market research to check out the competition and determine the sustainability of the idea. Remember, a niche is a need that hasn’t been fully catered to yet. So keep in mind that if you are targeting a niche with a novel proposal, you will probably have to "educate" it, while continuing to educate yourself. Sometimes your potential customers will be people who don't know they need you or don't fully understand the benefits of what you do. You will have to show them.

xx, Danae