From Zero to Thriving: Building a Successful Interior Design Business
Starting an interior design business is exhilarating, but it’s also one of the most challenging endeavors you can take on. The road from passion to profitability is anything but linear. At 19th&CO, we understand what it’s like to grow something from the ground up—because we’ve done it ourselves. That’s why we’re so passionate about helping others turn their creative dreams into thriving, sustainable businesses.
If you’re an interior designer wondering how to make your business more profitable, streamlined, and impactful, we’ve got you covered. Here are some essential tips to help you transition from starting small to becoming a recognized name in your industry.
1. Start With a Clear Vision
The first step to building any business is knowing where you want to go. Your vision isn’t just about financial success; it’s about defining what makes your interior design business unique.
Ask yourself:
What kind of clients do you want to work with?
How does your style or approach stand out in the industry?
Where do you see your business in five years?
Having a well-defined vision sets the foundation for every decision you’ll make, from branding to service offerings. At 19th&CO, we encourage our clients to dream big but stay rooted in actionable steps to achieve their goals.
2. Master Your Operations
It’s easy to get swept up in the creative side of design and neglect the nuts and bolts of running a business. But efficient operations are what keep your business thriving. Streamlining processes, managing your projects effectively, and staying on top of client communications will save you time—and headaches.
Invest in tools that simplify your workflows. From project management software to accounting tools, the right systems can help you stay organized and professional, allowing you to focus on your designs. Need help setting up those systems? That’s where we shine.
3. Understand Your Finances
Let’s face it: many creatives don’t get into business because they love spreadsheets. But understanding your finances is crucial for success. You need to know how much money is coming in, where it’s going, and how to make your business more profitable.
Start by creating a financial plan with clear goals. This includes pricing your services appropriately, managing your expenses, and planning for growth. If numbers aren’t your thing, don’t worry—we specialize in helping interior design firms create financial projections that boost profitability and confidence.
4. Focus on Building Relationships
Interior design is a relationship-driven industry. Your ability to connect with clients, vendors, and even other designers can set you apart from the competition. Treat every interaction as an opportunity to grow your network and enhance your reputation.
Building strong relationships doesn’t just help with client retention—it also leads to referrals, which are often the lifeblood of small businesses. Consider networking events, social media engagement, or even collaborating with complementary professionals like architects or contractors to expand your reach.
5. Market Like a Pro
Even the most talented designers won’t succeed if no one knows about them. Marketing is not optional—it’s essential. From your website to your social media presence, every touchpoint should reflect your brand’s personality and expertise.
Create a portfolio that showcases your best work and speaks to your target audience. Invest in SEO to ensure potential clients can find you online. And don’t underestimate the power of social media—it’s a great way to show off your projects and build a loyal following. At 19th&CO, we offer tailored marketing strategies that help design firms stand out in a crowded market.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Running a business doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a strategic move that can save you time, money, and stress. Whether it’s hiring a business coach, outsourcing your social media, or partnering with financial experts, getting support allows you to focus on what you do best: designing.
At 19th&CO, we’re not just consultants—we’re partners. We work alongside you to tackle challenges, optimize operations, and help your business grow in ways you never imagined.
Final Thoughts
Building a successful interior design business takes more than talent—it takes strategy, persistence, and the right support system. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. With a clear vision, strong relationships, and efficient processes, you’re already on your way to turning your passion into a thriving business.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, we’d love to help. At 19th&CO, it’s our passion to help others succeed—because we know what it’s like to build something from nothing.
Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk.
At 19th&CO, we’ve experienced enough to know that growing a successful interior design business takes more than just creativity, it takes strategy, systems, and support. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you on your journey. From optimizing your operations to refining your business development strategy, we help interior design firms do more than just succeed, we help you dominate the field. Whether you need help attracting your dream clients, building a high-performing team, or freeing up your time to focus on design, our expert team has the tools and experience to make it happen.
You don’t have to do this alone. With 19th&CO by your side, you can confidently take your business to the next level. Let’s work together to turn your goals into reality. Schedule a Call Today and let’s get started!
