To have a successful interior design practice does not require you to sacrifice your life, your weekends, or your sanity. But far too often, I see designers stuck in the same traps—working endless hours, underbilling, or letting their business run them instead of the other way around. Sound familiar?
Episode Timestamps
- 01:15: Why hourly billing leaves money on the table
- 04:30: How sacrificing life for work leads to burnout
- 08:45: The dangers of relying solely on word-of-mouth marketing
- 12:10: Simplifying services vs. highlighting your process
- 15:30: The role of mindset in achieving growth
I get it. I’ve been there. When I first started out, I was caught in the cycle of working harder, not smarter, because I thought that was the only way to grow. You can succeed, and wildly well, without the burnout. Design success without sacrifice is possible—with time for your truly extraordinary life! It’s about stepping back, identifying what’s holding you back, and putting the right systems, boundaries, and strategies in place.
After coaching designers for over 15 years, I’ve seen the same struggles play out time and time again, and here’s the good news—they’re all solvable. You can create a business that works for you, not against you. Let’s dive into five common traps that might be holding you back and how to break free.
Trap #1: Stuck in Hourly Rates
Hourly billing might seem straightforward, but it’s a trap. Most designers underbill by 10–50%, leaving money on the table. If you’re discounting hours to avoid client questions or trying to estimate your time to create flat fees, it’s time to stop. Flat fees done right are based on formulas, not guesswork. This approach ensures you’re paid well for your expertise, based on the value of the transformation, without the headache of tracking every minute.
Trap #2: Sacrificing Life for Work
It’s easy to pour everything into your business, but when life and family time are sacrificed, you’re not running a business—you’re stuck in a self-made trap. Design success without sacrifice means reclaiming weekend freedom and closing the door on work at a reasonable hour—non-negotiable priorities. Smart systems and a nimble, flexible team can help you take back your time while keeping your business thriving.
Trap #3: Inefficient Project Management
If you’re constantly in “management by crisis” mode, it’s time for a change. Strong systems streamline your operations, minimize chaos, and allow you to focus on your zone of genius. Being reactive instead of proactive drains your energy and limits your potential.
Trap #4: Relying Solely on Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Word-of-mouth may bring in leads, but it’s unreliable and limits your client pool. When your business relies exclusively on referrals, you attract clients similar to your referrers—who may not be your ideal fit. Instead, focus on defining your ideal client, crafting a clear marketing message, and implementing a proactive strategy to attract quality clients who value your talent.
Trap #5: Overloading Clients With Choices
Long lists of services on your website can overwhelm potential clients. Remember: a confused mind says no. Design success without sacrifice starts with clarity—highlight your process instead of listing every service. A detailed, step-by-step approach (7–10 steps) communicates the complexity and value of your work. Oversimplifying it to three or four steps devalues your expertise and makes it seem like something they could handle themselves.
What Designers Really Want—and How to Get It
Here’s what I know you’re looking for:
- Raise Your Rates With Confidence: You can increase your fees without losing clients by demonstrating the value you bring.
- Work Into the Money, Not After It: Stop chasing payments. Implement systems that allow you to get paid in advance.
- Freedom and Balance: Close the door on work at a reasonable hour, enjoy your weekends, and spend more time doing what you love.
- Smart Systems and Automation: Streamline operations and boost productivity without adding more to your plate.
- Authentic Marketing: Create messaging that authentically conveys your value and positions you as the best choice for your ideal clients.
The Importance of Boundaries
Healthy boundaries aren’t just about protecting your time—they’re also key to design success without sacrifice. They build trust and set realistic client expectations. Your clients don’t know what you know. They can’t do what you can do. Make sure your process communicates your expertise clearly so they feel confident hiring you and following your lead.
Shifting Your Mindset
Here’s a truth bomb: Nothing happens without belief. If you don’t believe the growth and success you desire are possible, you’ll stay stuck. Mindset is everything. Confidence in your talent is important, but belief in the possibilities is non-negotiable.
Design success without sacrifice starts here—with belief in yourself and what’s possible. I’ve brought mindset coaching into my programs because it’s the foundation for everything else. You can have all the strategies and systems in the world, but without the right mindset, you’ll struggle to make progress.
My Challenge to You
Here’s what I want you to do:
- Audit Your Business: Identify where you’re stuck in the traps above.
- Focus on Systems: What can you automate, delegate, or streamline?
- Redefine Success: What does success look like for you? It’s time to design a business that supports your life, not the other way around.
And most importantly, take action. Whether it’s setting boundaries, refining your process, or raising your rates, every step you take will move you closer to success without sacrifice.
When you’re ready to increase your interior design practice profits, work exclusively with ideal clients, and enjoy the time and resources for your extraordinary life, explore your coaching options. We’ve got your back in the business of interior design.
