On this Small Business Saturday, I just wanted to remind everyone that interior designers are small businesses too!

Oftentimes, people think of interior designers as strictly consultants (although that is certainly a business) or maybe even friends :-), but most designers really act as any small business retailer would, selling products as well as services.

Those products are usually associated with their projects, but it all works the same way, with the designer is acting as a retailer.

I have an update on what I’m learning about construction projects for 2023, at the bottom of this post, so check that out.

Shopping For Furnishings

One big issue that continues to arise in the design industry, is that clients of designers often like to shop elsewhere for products. They see deals online or just go browsing in shops on their own and find products elsewhere.

There are usually multiple reasons for this happening, they are enticed by all the sales and emails bombarding them online, they think they can get better pricing or some deals, or they just have the time and desire to go shopping on their own. Sometimes people just want to see every option available before they buy.

Part of the reason someone should use a designer is to save having to do that themselves.

This elegant blue dining room has seating and window treatments that were custom designed and made for this project. The rug was cut to fit this large room. Carla Aston, Designer | Colleen Scott, Photographer

Also, it is for the creativity and expertise of mixing the products to produce a beautiful and functional outcome overall for the client. Often, products are customized with different fabric choices, details, finishes, etc., so getting a look that is unique and put together just for you is a really big reason to use a designer.

In my full service design projects, I like to go all in with purchasing furnishings. I want to customize pieces and pull it all together using the sources I know to deliver what a client wants. That’s really the only way I can assure a client of an outcome I can stand behind.

Living Room custom console with custom stools - Carla Aston, Designer | Colleen Scott, Photographer

I’ve checked my pricing with online sources on many occasions, in cases where I’m selling the client the same goods they can get online themselves. Often, my pricing is less or about the same. Sometimes it is more. I feel I’m pretty competitive with pricing on product though. It typically balances out to about the same overall project cost to the client, in situations where those products are available, exactly as is, online.

And believe me, the client is getting someone who most certainly cares about their project, rather than a typical online retailer, who doesn’t know them or their home at all.

Items will arrive at the home of a design client with a white glove delivery service placing everything exactly where desired, with no boxes or wrapping to undo, no returns to make themselves for damaged goods, etc. Art can be installed on the walls, rugs delivered and spread, window treatments hung, etc.

It is all designed to be my worry, not theirs! (And believe me, sometimes it can be a big worry! :-)

Procurement Process

In that process of procurement, after all the design is done, then there is so much work still to do!

Just to get accurate pricing on items, especially items like upholstery or window treatments, there are quotes to get from workrooms and vendors (this often takes days to obtain, btw), there is pricing to obtain on the fabrics, trim, extra details, stock checks, and even freight cost estimation that will go into the order. All that comes together in one invoice or proposal price to the client.

That has to be done with each piece or element of the room.

This is part of the job and it is done with the idea that the client will make that end purchase through the designer, to help move them toward completion of their project.

Things can get a little mixed up when clients go shopping and find items themselves. Not only does it make any time spent by the designer finding and pricing those items a waste, but it also cuts some of the profit they anticipate making on the job.

It can make more work for the designer too, as often other items might have to be reselected to work with what was found.

This bench was customized in an entry hall with a gray vinyl seat and Crypton performance fabric on the back, for a durable cover in this active family home. The nailhead size and color were selected too. Carla Aston, Designer | Colleen Scott, Photographer

Many times designers will have a different, higher fee if the job is just consulting or only includes the conceptual design.

Not to discourage anyone from having fun shopping on their own, but just realize, you might be hurting the process that was begun with certain intentions in mind.

Get That Shopping Itch Out Of The Way Before You Call A Designer

The best time to get that shopping itch out of the way for your project, is before you contact your designer. That’s the time to check out what is available, make yourself aware of local pricing and offers, and zero in on specific items you may want to work into your space, IF you even want to explore that at all. :-)

All designers work differently and there are a wide range of fees and processes out there to choose from.

If you want to buy your own products at sources you find yourself, be sure and tell your potential designer up front, so everyone is aware and you can find the best way to proceed ahead with your project!

Construction Projects:

The way I work with construction projects on full service is that I do the design, the drawings and specs and then pass the construction part on to a qualified contractor.

I step in with site visits and represent the client in process to help get the project done but the contract for the build is between client and contractor. I don’t procure materials for construction.

With this in mind, I have an update on the zeitgeist at this moment with these type of projects.

UPDATE FOR KITCHEN AND BATH PROJECTS IN 2023:

This blogpost, Small Business Saturday, was first published a few years ago. Most interior designers have been really busy the past few years with demand, due to everyone being home and wanting to spruce up their spaces. They’ve also had big headaches with supply chain issues (that still exist).

I did just read an article from the NKBA that many kitchen and bath projects are being reported as getting postponed or canceled for 2023 due to fear of recession.

I would suggest that IF you have plenty of money stocked up and are wanting to remodel, this just might be the BEST time in the upcoming year.

I was working in this area with my business in 2008-2009, during the last economic downturn. Prior to that time, I couldn’t pay good contractors to work on my local smaller remodels much, as they were so busy (much like they’ve all been in the last two years).

I had to really plead with them to look at my jobs and they didn’t really want them as they preferred big new builds. :-(

During 2008-2009, I had some of those same builders/contractors calling, wanting projects, small or not.

The tides had turned and even big custom luxury builders were interested in a small kitchen and bath remodels.

I would suggest that if you are wanting to remodel, this next year just might be a really good time! Now, you won’t be getting cheaper prices, because everything has gone up, but you may likely be getting contractors eager for the work and available.

And honestly, after the last few years, that is really mind-blowing!

Here’s hoping all small businesses make it through this crazy time now! It’s so important to keep small business going these days. :-)

Design Guides To Help With Your Projects

Here are a few of my guides to help you tackle your projects on your own.

Paint Sample Sale - Black Friday Weekend

This weekend, Thanksgiving weekend 2022, Samplize is having a sale on their paint samples that have a peel and stick back. No more painting samples on the wall, you can just peel and stick!

You’ll get two free plus shipping when you buy 8 samples. Use this code.

"FREEship22"

Buy 8 get 10 & FREE shipping!

Offer ends Monday 11/28 at 11:59 pm. Minimum purchase of 8 samples, Limit one use per customer.

Small Business Saturday - An Interior Designer Is A Small Business