As an interior designer, providing the best service possible to your clients is as important as designing a beautiful space. However, even the most experienced designers can make mistakes that compromise the design process and leave your clients dissatisfied. In this blog post, I’m sharing some common mistakes made by interior designers, and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Poor Communication
You may know what to expect on a design project, but remember that your client doesn’t. It is important to set realistic expectations from the start and over-communicate those expectations to avoid misunderstandings. Make sure to update the client on timelines and any changes to those timelines. Clear and consistent communication is the difference between a good project and a great one.
Mistake #2: Focusing too much on trends
They may look good now, but they won’t stand the test of time. As the designer, it is your job to talk the client through this and figure out how to work in trends to the design in a way that is easy and less costly to change. Your clients will appreciate this in the long run.
Mistake #3: Overpromising
We can get excited at the potential new project that comes our way but when you overpromise on something you cannot deliver on, it will come back to bite you. This can be anything from saying you can do something, that you cannot; ie: floor plans, tile drawings, or promising a short lead time only to find out it is double that. All these lead to difficult decisions and upset clients. Instead, be honest with your client (and yourself) about what your skill set actually is, and be amazing at that. Better to underpromise and overdeliver for really happy clients.
Mistake #4: Underestimating the importance of lighting
Lighting designers have jobs for a reason. The lighting can make or break the design. Avoid this by doing your research before you propose ideas to the client. On a large job you are unsure of, talk to a lighting designer or bring them on as a consultant. This will make you look good and the space will take on a whole new level of design.
Mistake #5: Going over budget
It is the hardest talk to have with your client, but if you don’t talk budget and then go over it, it’s only your fault. Then you waste time trying to fix it. Have the budget convo early on, and keep track of it. If something is going to cause the budget to go over, have the discussion- the clients may decide to go over but at least you are letting them make that decision.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you create beautiful and functional spaces that reflect your client’s style and needs. By prioritizing effective communication, functionality, and budget, you can provide a positive experience for your client that can lead to repeat business.
Have you made any of these mistakes in your own interior design business? It happens to the best of us. As a designer with over 20 years in the industry, it is my mission to help designers thrive in their business through MYDB, a unique membership program. MYDB (Manage Your Design Business) includes lessons, templates, and personalized coaching to help you work through the challenges you’ll face owning your design firm. Join MYDB here.
