Flat Fee vs. Hourly Billing: Which Model Works Best for Interior Designers?

/
Flat Fee vs. Hourly Billing: Which Model Works Best for Interior Designers?

When it comes to pricing your services, one of the most common debates in the interior design world is whether to use a flat fee or hourly billing model. Both options have their advantages and potential drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your business style, client expectations, and the nature of your projects. As an interior designer, choosing the right pricing model is a big decision—it affects how you run your business, how you interact with clients, and, of course, your bottom line. Let’s break down both models so you can make an informed decision that works best for you and your clients.

Read More

The Psychology of Interior Design: How Color, Layout, Scent, and More Shape the Way We Feel

/
The Psychology of Interior Design: How Color, Layout, Scent, and More Shape the Way We Feel

Interior design is so much more than arranging furniture or picking pretty colors. It’s a subtle science of shaping emotions, behaviors, and energy through the spaces we inhabit. Every design decision (from color palettes to furniture placement) communicates with our subconscious, influencing how we feel, think, and interact. For interior designers, understanding these psychological effects can elevate their work from merely beautiful to truly transformative.

Read More

12 Key Ways to Master the Art of Virtual Client Presentations

/
12 Key Ways to Master the Art of Virtual Client Presentations

More and more, interior designers are opting for virtual design presentations, not just for their efficiency but also for the technological tools they offer. Given the crucial role these presentations play in forging client relationships and setting the project's design course, you want to have them down to a science. Today, I’m here to break down how to refine your virtual presentation skills to perfection, ensuring every slide strengthens your connection with your clients and clearly communicates your vision.

Read More

SEO for Interior Designers: Smart Tweaks to Actually Get Found Online

/
SEO for Interior Designers: Smart Tweaks to Actually Get Found Online

Search engine optimization (SEO) might not be the most glamorous part of running your interior design business, but it's one of the most powerful tools for getting your work in front of the right audience online.

And no, you don’t need to dive headfirst into code or hire a full-time marketing team to start seeing results.

The truth is that just a few small, strategic SEO tweaks can increase your visibility, attract better-fit clients, and even elevate your credibility, without requiring a complete website overhaul.

Read More

The Elite Edit: Updates & Happenings at Elite Design Assistants

/
The Elite Edit: Updates & Happenings at Elite Design Assistants

We have some exciting news and updates happening here at Elite Design Assistants! Instead of sending multiple newsletters, I wanted to send you ONE called “The Elite Edit”! This newsletter will have a handful of exciting happenings going on in the industry and with Elite Design Assistants.

Read More

When (and How) to Invest in Your Interior Business: Smart Spending That Pays Off

/
When (and How) to Invest in Your Interior Business: Smart Spending That Pays Off

You’ve heard the advice a hundred times: hire help, get organized, build your brand. But what does that actually look like in the day-to-day reality of running an interior design firm, juggling sourcing delays, client indecision, inbox overload, and desperately trying to preserve time for creativity?

The truth is: most investment advice out there is too broad to be useful for designers deep in the weeds. So instead of vague suggestions, let’s talk about clear, practical, and often-overlooked ways to invest in your business—moves that pay off in real ways: better margins, more ideal clients, smoother projects, and a business that supports your life (not the other way around).

Read More

The Skilled Trades Shortage: How Interior Designers Can Find and Retain Quality Contractors

/
The Skilled Trades Shortage: How Interior Designers Can Find and Retain Quality Contractors

If you've ever struggled to find a reliable contractor or waited weeks (or months) for skilled tradespeople to be available, you're not alone. The shortage of skilled labor in the interior design and construction industries is real—and it's affecting projects at every level.

Whether you specialize in full-scale renovations, kitchen and bath remodels, or custom-built furniture, the challenge is the same: quality trades are harder to find, and keeping them on your projects takes strategy. So how do we, as interior designers, adapt to this new reality? Let’s break it down.

Read More

What Your Client Welcome Packet Really Needs

/
What Your Client Welcome Packet Really Needs

Most designers have a client welcome packet. A few pretty pages, a thank you note, a brief process overview... and that's it.

Not exactly the first impression that screams “you’re in the hands of a polished professional who’s about to make your dream home a reality.”

If you want your welcome packet to actually set the tone for an incredible client experience — one where clients trust you, respect your process, and are excited to work with you — you need a lot more than just a pretty PDF.

Here’s what your client welcome packet really needs:

Read More

Top 20 Interior Design Trade Sources

/
Top 20 Interior Design Trade Sources

Are you looking to elevate your interior design game and gain access to exclusive products and resources? Joining trade programs can open doors to a world of advantages that extend far beyond what's available to the average retail customer. Among these advantages, the most enticing feature is the potential for significant discounts, a substantial part of designers' profits. But the perks don't end there—trade members often enjoy expedited customer service, sales tax exemptions, exclusive product previews, and in many cases, custom design options and expedited shipping services.

Read More

Interior Design Scams No One Talks About

/
Interior Design Scams No One Talks About

Interior design can look so glamorous from the outside — all champagne reveals, glossy magazine spreads, and perfectly styled installs.

But anyone who's been in the business for more than five minutes knows there's a real underbelly most people don’t talk about.

There are real risks out there, from vendor fraud to nightmare client disputes to shady contracts, and if you don’t know what to watch for, you can lose a lot more than just your patience.

Read More