Exclusive trade tips from industry experts

How to Make a Lasting Impression with Your Design Business

Friday, February 17, 2012

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?

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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

Thursday, February 9, 2012

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

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

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

Thursday, February 2, 2012

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.

Use Twitter to Make Your Design Business Grow

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Twitter moved Tobi Fairley's business ahead 10 years in just 12 months. She has some tips for making it work for you.

How to Get Along With Every Client (Even When You're Not So Sure)

Friday, January 27, 2012

Simple secrets to having a great experience with all your design projects.

Design Advice for Friends: Do's and Don'ts for Pros

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Navigating the fine line between friendly advice and giving away your services for free.

Email and Internet Design Consultations

Friday, January 20, 2012

It's tempting to try and help a remote client with design-by-Internet consultations – but read this before you try it.

How to Shop Online for Your Clients

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Sometimes it pays to skip the showroom and go online for ideas for your projects.

Avoid the Design Trend Vortex

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Going for of-the-moment trends isn't always in the best interest of your clients. Here's another way to approach it.

Twitter: Free Marketing for Your Design Business

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

If you're not using Twitter for your design business, you're leaving money on the table and missing out on some great opportunities to build your brand.

6 Tips for Working with Upholsterers

Friday, January 6, 2012

Regardless of firm or project size, we all need an exceptional upholsterer. Here's how to get the best work out of the one you choose.

Why You Should Charge for Initial Consultations

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

It's tempting not to – but here's why charging for a first meeting is a good idea.

Designer's Dilemma: Working With Relatives and Friends

Thursday, December 29, 2011

How to work with the ones you love so everyone's happy at the end of the project (including you).

Finding Your Niche So Your Business Will Soar

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

The most successful businesses in the world understand that narrowing their focus is exactly what made them successful

How to Give Your Clients What They Really Want

Thursday, December 22, 2011

A simple questionnaire can help direct the design process for any new project.

How to Get Your Design Business Established

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Switching careers to become a designer or just looking for ways to get your new business established? Try these strategies for getting ahead.

Pinterest for Designers

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A new powerful tool for designers is free, easy to use and offers a wealth of inspiration and eye-candy.

EditorTV - The Business of Design

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Join WSI Designer Marketplace and The Editor at Large as we listen to established design professionals share their expertise on how to develop and grow your interior design business.

How to Prep Your Clients for the Design Process

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Magazines, blogs and online resources that can help you and your clients gather design inspiration.

Rock-Your-World Interior Designer iPad Apps

Friday, December 2, 2011

There are lots of reasons to get an iPad. Here are 15 more if you're an interior designer.

How to Talk Your Clients Down from Trees (or Their High Horses)

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The most difficult jobs usually involve clients unsure of their taste, and overly anxious about the end result.  Here's how to help everyone feel better.

Holiday Gift Giving for Design Professionals

Thursday, November 17, 2011

How to thank the other pros you work with as well as your clients.

5 Reasons to Work with Partners in Your Design Business

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

As a designer, sometimes you shouldn't do everything yourself – even if you can. Here's what to farm out and what to do yourself.

Great iPhone Apps for Interior Designers

Thursday, November 3, 2011

A design pro's favorite productivity apps for the iPhone. 

10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Started a Design Business

Friday, October 28, 2011

A few lessons I learned the hard way that I hope will save fellow designers a lot of time and money.

Great Shopping Resources for Designers

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

How to set boundaries with clients – plus some great resources for inspiration.

Cool Tools for Interior Designers

Friday, October 7, 2011

Apps and services that can save you time and money – and help you run your design business better.

Top 10 Tips for Working With Contractors

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

We’re often asked about our tips for working with contractors. Upfront due diligence is where it all begins.

More Creative Ways to Keep Your Design Energy High

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Being an interior designer is rewarding – and demanding. Keep your creative reserves high with these anti-burnout strategies.

Email Marketing Do’s and Don’ts for Designers

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

One of your best marketing tools is right at your fingertips. But learns these dos and don'ts before you try your hand at email marketing.

When You Need a Pro for Photos

Friday, September 16, 2011

Amateur photos won't cut it if you aspire to greatness. Here's when to invest in a professional photographer and why it's important.

4 Interior Design Blogs We Couldn’t Live Without

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Get inspired – and learn about new design tricks and resources - with these 4 blogs for designers.

Simple Strategies for Keeping Your Design Energy High

Friday, September 9, 2011

When you can't book a five star spa vacation, try these simple things to keep your design energy high.

How to Know When a Client is Right for You

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Lessons I've learned the hard way: Step-by-step advice for how to end a bad relationship with a client (and avoid getting in that situation in the first place).

Tobi’s Top 10 Tips for a Successful Showhouse Space

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Treat a showhouse like it's your best client and other things I've learned from years of successful designer home shows.

Where Designers Grab Inspiration on the Go

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Where we go to find new ideas and design concepts.

Giving Back to Yourself

Friday, August 19, 2011

Does your home live up to your portfolio? Probably not. Here's what to do about it.

7 Questions to Ask When Considering Potential Clients

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

It's the secret to balancing your client's needs with creativity. And finding clients that trust your vision will equal a win-win for you both.

Design Trade Shows – Which Ones Are Worth It?

Thursday, August 4, 2011

 These days there are hundreds of trade shows on design. Here's how I decide which ones to go to – and my plan of attack.

Six Tips for Using Color Successfully

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Every client has questions about color. Here six tips for using color successfully.

Top 10 Tips for Social Media Success

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Secrets for leveraging Twitter, Facebook and other social media to build your design brand.

7 Photography Tips and Tools for Interior Designers

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Short of hiring professional photographers, how can you best showcase your work through photographs? Here are 7 techniques for showcasing your best work through photographs.

10 Tips for Developing Your Business Blog’s Personality

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

How to create a blog that establishes the voice of your design firm.

Top 10 Tips for Creating a Compelling Portfolio

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

There are many design firms competing for clients in this post-recession economy.  So how can you stand out to your ideal prospective clients? In this post-recession economy, the way to get noticed is with a powerhouse portfolio.

Essential Resources for Design

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Mary Poppins used a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down; likewise, designers require their own bag of tricks to get their projects done faster, smarter, and better. Here's what we rely on at Irwin Weiner Interiors.

5 Rules for Working, Hiring, and Virtual Staffing

Friday, June 17, 2011

Interior Designers wear so many hats. It is sometimes hard to decide what you should be doing as the Principal, when to hire and when to outsource.

Here are 5 rules of thumb that I use to determine the who, what, and when as it pertains to your workload.

Tips for New Designers

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Okay, so you’re a freshly minted design professional with your degree clutched to your bosom or your first assistant job under your belt. You’ve decided that it’s time to hang out your shingle and start attracting clients.How do you get a portfolio without a job and how do you get a job without a portfolio?

Four Tips for Using Facebook to Promote Your Business or Blog

Friday, June 10, 2011

Do you ever wonder how to promote your business or blog using a Facebook page? This is a quick and easy crash course in using Facebook and social media for your design business.

10 Tips for Working with Painters

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Tried and true ways for working with painters.

10 Shocking Discoveries I Made After Becoming an Interior Designer

Friday, May 27, 2011

I had no idea how personally rewarding and fulfilling being an interior designer would be – and how many wild surprises were in store.

EditorTV - Entertaining & Retail Therapy at Pottery Barn

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Editor at Large's EditorTV interviewed interior designers and other industry experts on shopping retail and how they entertain for summer.

Should You Start a Design Blog?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

My blog has become my business, bringing me more opportunities than I ever could have imagined. But it's also a lot of work. Here are some things to consider before you decide to start your own.

How to Balance a Client’s Needs and Your Creativity

Friday, May 20, 2011

Finding the balance between a client’s needs and your creative vision is the goal of every good designer. Sometimes achieving that balance is just a matter of finding the right workaround.

10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I First Started a Design Business

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

A few lessons about running a design business that I had to learn the hard way.

Why Complete Renovations Add Value to High-End Interiors

Monday, May 16, 2011

How a pre-war apartment in New York turned into a contemporary style that still relates to the historic space.

Benjamin Moore HUE Awards

Friday, April 15, 2011

Architects and interior designers who posses a passion for using color—and have a portfolio of projects to prove it—are invited to enter the Benjamin Moore HUE Awards. In its fifth year, the competition, which recognizes exceptional use of color in architecture and interior design, will begin accepting submissions April 15, 2011, with a July 15th deadline.