By Wanda Horton
A showcase home or event can be a great way to get creative and market your business.
Archive for '2012'
Creating Showcases of Your Design Talents
May 17, 2012 11:18 AM by Designer Marketplace contributorHigh Point Market Spring 2012: Fresh Pops of Color Abound
May 15, 2012 12:44 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Tobi Fairley
Highlights from this year's High Point Market – and what it says about design trends in the year ahead.
My First Interior Design Client
May 11, 2012 1:56 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Linda Merrill
If I knew then, what I know now...Hard-won lessons from my first design project.
13 Tips Designers Should Know About Photography
May 9, 2012 3:41 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Jay Johnson
An interview with Chuck DeLaney of the New York Institute of Photography.
Designer Spotlight: Tobi Fairley
May 7, 2012 1:03 PM by Designer Marketplace contributor
Designer Tobi Fairley is known for her bold, colorful interiors that mix large-scale prints with classic furnishings. But she's also a gifted teacher who views educating clients and colleagues as a mission.
The Importance of Mentors in Design
May 4, 2012 1:55 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Leta Austin Foster
Find your own mentors—the ones who appeal to you, even if they don't know you.
How Well Do You Handle Crisis Management in the Design Process?
May 2, 2012 3:55 PM by Designer Marketplace contributor
By Linda Merrill
From major meltdowns to small mishaps - how you deal with oops! moments in the design process can make all the difference.
Exclusive Trade Event with Walker Zanger
May 2, 2012 3:25 PM by Designer Marketplace contributor
Earlier in April, we joined Kim Bernard, Walker Zanger's Executive Director of Facilities and Showroom Design for a private tour of their DCOTA Showroom in Dania Beach, Florida and discovered the secrets to their trendsetting products.
A Sneak Peek to the 2012 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
April 27, 2012 3:26 PM by Designer Marketplace contributor
The West Coast’s premier showcase is a feast for the eyes. Designer Marketplace has a sneak peek to what's in store for 2012.
5 Revolutionary Game Changers in Residential Interior Design
April 26, 2012 4:10 PM by Designer Marketplace contributor
Myles of Style: Talking Design with HGTV Star Kim Myles
April 24, 2012 5:15 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Robin Callan
The talented and down-to-earth designer dishes on DIY, decor – and what it's like to be recognized by Queen Latifah.
How to Make Clients' Homes Fit the Needs of Their Family
April 19, 2012 11:22 AM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Dana Wolter
A few simple questions can make every room in the house as efficient - and comfortable - as possible.
The High Point of Trade Shows
April 17, 2012 2:34 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Wanda Horton
There's nothing like the experience of a major industry exhibition. Here are some of the design industry's finest shows.
Dorothy Draper's 10 Essential Tips for Interior Designers
April 13, 2012 1:08 PM by Designer Marketplace contributor
Off-the-Shelf or Off-the-Design Board? Making the Right Interior Choices
April 11, 2012 4:07 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Wanda Horton
Rules of thumb for when to go with stock items, custom designs – or a happy marriage of both.
How to Get Noticed Online – Without Starting a Blog
April 5, 2012 1:23 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Melissa Michaels
Some tried and true ways to get your designs some exposure - without having to be a writer or a social media expert.
Q&A: An Interview with Design Star's Matt Locke
April 3, 2012 2:31 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Robin Callan
He's the kind of designer who can take mundane elements like kitchen soffits and turn them into something worth coveting.
Designer Etiquette: What Do You Do When You Finish a Job?
March 29, 2012 2:55 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Erika Ward
When the design project is done, take the next steps to ensure you have a happy customer for life.
Repeat Business: The Right Way and Wrong Way to Follow Up With Clients
March 27, 2012 12:11 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Linda Merrill
Throughout the lifecycle of a designer/client relationship there are many touch-points. Doing it the right way will propel the relationship forward. Missed opportunities or over-saturation can and will drag things to a halt. The trick is understanding the difference.
Keeping Your Designs Elevated While Balancing the Budget
March 22, 2012 12:14 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Wanda Horton
Smart places you can save on costs for projects without compromising on quality.
7 Interior Designer Secrets to Successful Accessorizing
March 20, 2012 6:45 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Jay Johnson
Bradley Thiergartner Hampton Showhouse Bedroom, featuring accessories for a well-traveled bachelor.My partner Irwin and I always talk about a client's "endurance" when it comes to the lengths they'll go to see their design project reach completion. Will the architectural phase – the often lengthy and expensive process of getting the bones right for each room – be too exhausting? Will they properly decorate a room, or will they only have enough energy and funds to cover the bare necessities?
Olioboard for Professional Interior Designers
March 14, 2012 12:09 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Linda Merrill
A quick and easy tool for creating sketches of your design plans for clients.
6 Tips Designers Should Know About Personal Appearance
March 9, 2012 11:57 AM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Jay Johnson
Free advice from an image consultant about what interior designers should know about the way they dress.
Inside Our Studios- Morocco Discovered
March 8, 2012 5:45 PM by Designer Marketplace contributor
Morocco has always been a place of mysterious delights, but it seems especially appealing to today's modern explorer. Even if your clients prefer to watch Casablanca from the comfort of their own homes, infuse their interiors with intriguing treasures found in the famous souks of Marrakech by west elm’s intrepid buyers and designers.
Most Inspiring Design TV Shows
March 7, 2012 2:24 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Robin Callan
You'd be amazed that today's design shows can give you new ideas for your own business.
Top 5 Questions to Ask When Interviewing Service Providers
March 1, 2012 5:44 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Wanda S. Horton
Don't let a great project be torpedoed by a bad experience with a third party provider. Here are some questions for selecting and maintaining a quality team.
Smart Ways to Market Your Interior Design Business
February 28, 2012 5:43 PM by Designer Marketplace contributor
Should You Build Your Own Design Website or Hire a Pro?
February 24, 2012 11:38 AM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Linda Merrill
Just because you know design doesn't mean you should design your own Web site. Know the tradeoffs and benefits of each approach.
13 Books to Add to Your Interior Design Library
February 22, 2012 6:43 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Jay Johnson
Great sources for design inspiration that all designers should have on their bookshelves.
How to Make a Lasting Impression with Your Design Business
February 22, 2012 2:07 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Wanda S. Horton
For many projects, you'll need to rely on third-party service providers. Here's how to keep the quality high - and give your clients a level of service they'll remember – when you bring outside vendors into the mix.
Are Designers Too Competitive to Work Together?
February 22, 2012 2:01 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Linda Merrill
Even designers in the same highly competitive market can benefit from trading advice, support, and hard-won experiences.
10 Questions to Ask Your Design Clients
February 22, 2012 12:52 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Tobi Fairley
Take the guesswork out of understanding what your clients really want and expect from a project – ask these questions first.
In Defense of the Interior Design Industry
February 22, 2012 12:35 PM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Jay Johnson
Many new interior designers struggle to explain (or defend) what they do in front of potential clients. Here's how to respond with guts and courage!
Rainy Day Finance Tips for Self-Employed Designers
February 17, 2012 11:11 AM by Designer Marketplace contributorBy Robin Callan
Is your business safe if something happens to you? Beyond the typical life insurance policy, here are some things you can do to protect the best interests of your family and your business.
