How Supporting Small Businesses Can Elevate Your Design Game

There’s decorating, and then there’s designing a space that makes people stop in their tracks. It’s the little things—a perfectly imperfect vase, a just-right custom table, or a stunning piece of local art—that make a home stand out and leave people asking, “Where did you find that?” Spoiler alert: these treasures usually come from small businesses.

This Small Business Saturday (every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving), we’re celebrating the magic of shopping small and all the ways it can elevate your design work.

Why Designers Love Shopping Small 

Nothing wrong with sourcing from your big box favorites. But when it comes to creating a home that feels special, small businesses just do it better. Here’s why:

1. One-of-a-Kind Finds: Small businesses are where you discover those conversation starter pieces. Whether it’s a sculptural handwoven basket or a set of artisan-crafted wall hooks, these items tell a story and add depth to your designs. 

2. Quality You Can Feel: When something’s made by a small team or an individual, there’s usually a lot more love (and fewer shortcuts) in the process. That means better craftsmanship and materials, so it’s an investment that will last.

3. People Who Actually Listen: Ever try to get a mass retailer to tweak a piece for your client? Good luck. Small businesses often thrive on flexibility, so if you need a slightly longer bench or a fabric change, they’re much more likely to work with you—and get it right.

4. Connections That Pay Off: Building relationships with small vendors can open the door to collaborations, like a custom light fixture or exclusive access to their newest designs. Plus, supporting them helps keep their businesses thriving, which means more cool finds in the future.

How to Find Small Business Gems

Looking to shop small but not sure where to start? Here are some tried-and-true ways to uncover the best vendors:

• Hit Up Local Markets: Makers and artisans often showcase their work at weekend markets and fairs. It’s a great way to meet them, see their work up close, and make connections.

• Get Social (Media): Instagram is a treasure trove of small business inspiration. Follow hashtags like #shopsmall or #handmade, and don’t forget to check local geotags.

• Ask Around: Fellow designers, friends, and even clients can be great sources for small business recommendations. A quick chat might lead you to your next favorite vendor.

• Visit Boutiques: Local shops often stock pieces from smaller brands and artisans. Even if you’re not buying today, you’ll get a feel for what’s out there.

What to Shop Small For

Not every part of a home needs to come from a boutique, but there are certain categories where small businesses really shine:

• Furniture: A custom dining table, a hand-carved coffee table, or a made-to-order bookshelf can become the centerpiece of a room.

• Textiles: Look for handwoven rugs, throws, or pillows—bonus points if they come with a story about the maker or their process.

• Art: Whether it’s a bold statement piece or a curated gallery wall, local artists add character and connection to a space.

• Lighting: Handmade pendants, sconces, or chandeliers can make a room feel instantly elevated.

• Decorative Accessories: Think ceramics, glassware, or unique objects that bring personality to the finishing touches.

Every dollar spent at a small business also supports someone’s craft, keeps local traditions alive, and helps a community thrive. As a designer, your choices ripple outward, showing clients what it means to invest in quality, creativity, and connection. And in return, you get to create homes that feel layered, meaningful, and completely unique. This Small Business Saturday, take a moment to explore the local gems in your community. You might just find the perfect piece to make your next project unforgettable.

xx, Danae

Your Ultimate Pre-Holiday Checklist to Fully Disconnect This Year

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Holidays are right around the corner, and for a lot of interior designers, the idea of fully disconnecting sounds like wishful thinking. End-of-year project crunches, a flood of to-dos, and the constant “just one last thing” requests can make even a short getaway feel impossible. But here’s the good news: with a few smart moves, you can get your affairs in order in a way that actually lets you unplug, feel at ease, and enjoy quality time with the people who matter most.

So, here’s your pre-holiday checklist. Let’s make this the year you can disconnect without the nagging feeling that the business will go up in flames in your absence.

1. Set Up an “Out of Office” (That Covers Everything)

The classic out-of-office reply can be a lifesaver if it’s set up right. Don’t just drop in dates—use this as a chance to be clear about expectations, both for your clients and for you. Set it up to start a day before your break, giving you some breathing room to wrap up any last-minute needs without a flood of “while you’re still here” requests. For a gentle heads-up, consider adding your upcoming OOO dates to your email signature a few weeks in advance. In your out-of-office message, make sure to include:

• The exact dates you’ll be out of reach.

• A “when to expect a response” timeframe for after your return.

• A helpful contact in case of emergencies (a colleague or assistant, if available).

• Some encouragement for the client to relax and enjoy the season, too.

Try wording it as a friendly note rather than a stiff business email. For example:

“Happy holidays! I’ll be away starting December 20th and returning to emails on January 3rd. I’ll catch up on messages in the order they arrive when I return, so don’t worry if there’s a short delay. Wishing you a restful, joyful season!”

2. Identify Priority Projects and Communicate Early

A couple of weeks before you log off, make a list of your open projects and categorize them by priority. Focus on what truly needs to happen before the break and what can wait until January. Then, communicate your timeline and availability clearly with each client. This can save you from “just a quick change” emails at the last minute.

Consider emailing clients to let them know where things stand, along with any next steps they should expect. Being proactive here reassures them that things are on track and lets you set clear boundaries about your availability.

3. Automate Reminders and Updates

Automation is your friend when you’re away. Set up automated email reminders for clients to keep them updated on timelines, due dates, and status updates. This could be as simple as an automated calendar notification or an email scheduled through your email service.

Think about these quick automations:

• Scheduling reminders to send after the holidays, nudging clients if they have tasks to complete.

• Reminders for you (or your assistant) about tasks that may need attention as soon as you return.

A quick setup can ensure clients aren’t left wondering what’s next and keep you from mentally rehashing what might fall through the cracks.

4. Delegate What You Can

If you’re feeling stretched, this might be the perfect time to consider delegating some of your workload. Tasks like managing client communications, organizing project details, and handling administrative odds and ends can be handed off to free up your time and let you fully disconnect. If you have an assistant or team, create shared documents and checklists so everyone knows who’s covering what while you’re away.

And if you don’t have a team in place, we, at Elite Design Assistants, can match you with virtual design assistants with specialties across project management, client support, social media, and beyond. There are experienced professionals ready to help take tasks off your plate so you can focus on what matters most this season. 

5. Get Your Finances Ready for a Fresh Start 

Before you head out, take some time to close out any lingering financial tasks. Invoice all remaining clients for completed work, make any last-minute payments, and consider reconciling your accounts. This gives you a clean slate when you’re back and prevents the classic “back to work” financial overwhelm.

If this sounds like a lot, just aim to get any “must-haves” done. You don’t need perfection here—just enough to help you come back without any big surprises.

6. Set Some Time for Yourself

It’s hard to relax if you go from full throttle to “vacation mode” in the blink of an eye. If possible, give yourself a day (or even an afternoon) to wind down before diving into holiday mode. Use this time to wrap up loose ends, plan for a smooth start to the new year, and do something for you. Even if it’s just half a day, this short pause can do wonders for your ability to relax. 

7. Give Yourself Permission to Disconnect

This one’s a little different—it’s about your mindset. Chances are you’re dedicated to your clients, and that’s great. But remember: if you’ve set everything up, there’s nothing to worry about. You’ve prepped, planned, and communicated. The wheels will keep turning, and you’ll be back before you know it.

Try to remind yourself that you deserve a break as much as anyone else. For interior designers, creative and personal recharge isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. So embrace this time with family and friends, knowing that you’ve set yourself up for a worry-free holiday. 

Happy holidays, and here’s to a restful (and well-deserved) break!

xx, Danae