Publish December 7, 2023
Pay Yourself FIRST + Libby Langdon
money

How to Embrace Your Lane and Build a Profitable Interior Design Business

Running a design business can often feel like spinning multiple plates, knowing they could all come crashing down at any moment. Many designers struggle to break through to the next level and secure consistent projects. But what if there was a way to take your business from a hobby to a thriving enterprise? In this blog post, we’ll explore the secrets to building a six-figure interior design business and embracing your unique lane.

Finding Your Lane

Landing interviews and securing projects can be challenging, especially when starting. It’s crucial to define your lane and understand your unique value proposition. This begins by taking an inventory of your skills, experiences, and design aesthetic. Libby Langdon, an accomplished interior designer, discovered her “easy, elegant, everyday style” which resonates with her clients. Knowing your lane helps you communicate your strengths and attract the right clients who appreciate your specific expertise.

Being Comfortable with Making Money

There’s a common misconception in the design industry that making money is a taboo topic. However, it’s essential to understand that being profitable is not a bad thing. Libby Langdon emphasizes that interior designers should be comfortable with making money. Building a thriving design business involves knowing your worth, communicating your value to clients, and ensuring you pay yourself first. Don’t shy away from pricing your services appropriately and articulating the value you bring to every project.

Knowing Your North Star

Your North Star represents the big idea or goal that you’re constantly working towards. It’s the driving force behind your design business. Discovering your North Star requires self-reflection and understanding what excites you about design. For Libby Langdon, her North Star is the “easy, elegant, everyday style” that guides her design decisions and resonates with her target audience. Having a North Star helps you stay focused on your unique vision, while also allowing room for growth and evolution as a designer.

Being Your Own Best PR Person

As an interior designer, you are your brand’s best PR person. No one can convey your passion, excitement, and reasoning better than you. Use various channels, such as social media and your website, to share your design process, showcase completed projects, and connect with potential clients. Video content is particularly powerful in giving clients a glimpse into your personality and approachability. Use video to demystify the design process and build trust with your audience.

Building a Design Community

In today’s digital world, there’s a growing design community that supports and uplifts one another. Interior designers are more connected than ever before, reaching out to fellow professionals, sharing insights, and engaging in meaningful conversations about design. Embrace this community and participate actively in industry events and conferences. Connecting with like-minded designers not only boosts your creativity but also expands your network and opens doors to exciting collaborations.

Building a profitable interior design business starts with embracing your lane. Define your style, know your worth, and confidently communicate your value to clients. Be your own best PR person, using various platforms to showcase your work and connect with potential clients. Don’t be afraid to make money in your business and understand that your success is tied to how well you embrace your unique lane. Remember, building a thriving design business takes time, dedication, and the willingness to evolve. Embrace your lane and watch your interior design business flourish.

Go listen to my podcast on my website at https://pamela-durkin.com/podcast/ or on iTunes here and keep up with my other blog posts.