Stop Building the Wrong Business! How to Align Your Interior Design Business with Your Vision

Building an interior design business that doesn’t align with your personal vision can feel like wearing a pair of shoes that don’t quite fit. You might be able to make them work for a while, but eventually, they’ll start to pinch, and you’ll find yourself limping rather than striding confidently!

The good news?

You have the power to design a business that truly fits you, one that complements your values, aligns with your lifestyle, and showcases your unique strengths. But how do you do it?

1. Define Your Vision

To create a business that you truly enjoy, start by asking yourself the big questions: What sort of life do you want to live? Do you crave flexibility in your day-to-day schedule, or are you more comfortable with a structured routine? Your answers will help shape the foundation of your business model.

If you value freedom and spontaneity, it’s important not to design a business with rigid working hours. Instead, consider options that allow for a more flexible schedule, such as offering virtual consultations or taking on fewer, high-value clients. Conversely, if you thrive on routine and consistency, building a business with set hours and a more traditional approach might suit you best. The key is to be honest with yourself about what will make you happiest in the long run.

2. Identify Your Values

Your business should express who you are, and what you stand for. Take some time to consider what really matters to you. Do you care deeply about sustainability and want to minimise the negative impact humans have on the planet? Then make sustainable design a key part of your business.

This could mean working exclusively with companies that prioritise ethical practices, or sourcing recycled and upcycled furniture in order to reduce waste. It could also mean getting to know the lifecycle of the materials you use, so you can make more informed choices for your clients and the planet.

Alternatively, maybe you’re passionate about preserving historical spaces and the stories they tell. In that case, your design business could focus on celebrating traditional techniques and working with local artisans who have honed their skills over the years. Whatever your values are, let them guide your business decisions. When you make your values clear, you’ll naturally attract clients who share them, making your work more fulfilling and allowing your business to stay true to who you are.

3. Identify Your USP (Unique Selling Point)

In a crowded market, your Unique Selling Point (USP) is what sets you apart. It’s that special something that makes a potential client choose you over a competitor. And here’s the secret: it doesn’t have to be wildly unique, but it does need to be distinct and show off your style as a designer.

Think about what makes you different. Maybe you have a knack for creating spaces that feel like they’ve always belonged there, blending modern comforts with timeless elegance. Or perhaps you specialise in colour psychology, using your expertise to create environments that evoke specific emotions and experiences.

Your USP could be your collaborative approach, where you work with clients to co-create spaces that tell their unique stories.

Let’s look at a few examples of compelling USPs:

• Eco-Friendly Design Focus: You could market yourself as the go-to designer for sustainable, eco-conscious interiors, offering services that allow a minimal carbon footprint as well as responsible sourcing.

• Heritage Specialist: If you’re passionate about history, your USP could revolve around preserving historical integrity in modern renovations, collaborating with local artisans who use historical techniques.

• Spatial Optimisation Expert: You could specialise in making small spaces work hard, creating multifunctional interiors for urban dwellers or those looking to downsize without compromise.

Remember, your USP doesn’t have to be about something no one else does. It’s about the unique combination of skills, passions, and values that only you bring to the table. It’s about finding that sweet spot where your vision, values, and market needs align.

Final Thoughts

Don’t waste time building a business that doesn’t feel like you. Take the time to align your business with your vision, values, and unique strengths. When you do, you’ll not only create a business that you love but also attract the kind of clients who appreciate and value what you have to offer. After all, the most successful businesses are the ones that are built from the heart, with a clear vision and an constant sense of purpose.

And if you'd like some help with all of that, check out our business membership, Hub Insiders, where we help interior designers to grow their businesses, in a supportive, thriving community.