• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Melissa Galt

Interior Design Business Coach

  • Meet Melissa
  • Work with Me
  • PODCAST
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Contact

Why Participate in a Designer Showhouse?

When you participate in a designer showhouse, while it may seem glamorous, that isn’t why you do it. In fact, it’s actually a boatload of work, expense, time, and then there is the reward. Having done 5 showhomes in the last 20 years, there is that familiar feeling of “no way, not going to do another showhouse” that gives way to “so excited I’m doing the showhouse!” It’s definitely a bit of a roller coaster ride.

My first was when I was still in design school, and it was an entire carriage house at the back of the main showhouse in Birmingham, AL. I designed and decorated a bedroom, bath, living area, and kitchenette my first time out, it was crazy.

And knowing that the market was traditional I spent every weekend with a dear friend and incredible supporter of my talent traveling the state’s antique markets to find suitable pieces. Remember I wasn’t in business yet so I didn’t have vendors to draw from.

The showhomes that followed ranged from a powder bath (so much easier than a full size room) to a teen retreat. With stories I still can’t put into print. All delivered incredible exposure which ultimately, if not immediately led to clients and more press opportunities.  And in each case I experienced extraordinary supplier support (I’ll be sharing how to make that happen in the next post!)

It’s really not about what the showhouse gives you, instead it’s about what you do with the PR that’s provided and the fact that you have a room (or rooms) that you’ve designed and can get your own images and pitch it to other publications with a different twist. According to interior design PR expert Amy Flurry, every room has at least 6 possible pitches.

#1 Extreme Visibility

When you participate in a designer showhouse. it’s a fast path to exceptional visibility, in print, online, and with consumers touring the house. It’s a great way to get your name and your talent into a wider market.

Interior Designer Visibility, Participate in a Designer Showhouse, PR for Interior Designers
Get Seen, Get Found, Enjoy Exposure & Visibility

#2 Gift to Favorite Vendors

This isn’t often talked about, but I always view any showhouse opportunity as a way to say thank you to key suppliers, artists, and craftsmen. We can collaborate and this gives me a unique chance to directly shine the spotlight on them, instead of them simply being a key player in my business behind the scenes.

#3 Get Published

If you haven’t been published to date this can be a no-brainer.   When you participate in a designer showhouse, you’ll be published by the sponsoring magazine.  You still want to hire your own photographer and get images that you’ll have the rights to for your portfolio and additional publication opportunities.

Interior Designer Visibility, Participate in a Designer Showhouse, PR for Interior Designers
Get Published

#4 Connect with Colleagues

When you agree to participate in a designer showhouse, it’s a wonderful chance to connect with talented colleagues and pave the path for future collaboration. Showhouses will either bring everyone together as a team or it can become a competitive minefield. It depends on the talent included and the leadership.

#5 Stretch Your Creativity

Designer showhouses are often recognized for the outrageous, the opulent, and the out-of-the-ordinary. It’s a chance to show what you can do without the limitations that a client may impose. You are the client and since this is a temporary installation, you can push boundaries and go for buzz building instead of entirely practical or livable.  My favorite example of this was Kip’s Bay Showhouse this year and the stairwell. 

Interior Designer Visibility, Participate in a Designer Showhouse, PR for Interior Designers
Stretch Creatively

#6 Grow Your Business 

It’s always fun to invite current and past clients to the showhouse you’re in. Best of all, it’s a fantastic opportunity to invite potential clients to see your work and get a first hand taste for what you can do. Send them teasers by email, by social channels, and by physical postcard that lure them to spending an afternoon at the house. Never send full room shots, just juicy details, well crafted vignettes, and “imagine what other design treasures await your exploration…”

#7 Fire Up Your PR Engine 

Be sure to invite editors, bloggers, vloggers, PR contacts and more to the showhouse as well. When you participate in a designer showhouse, the more buzz you generate, the more recognition you’ll receive. It’s the fastest path to capturing the attention of other publications, potential vendor partners and sponsors, and, of course, prospective clients.

Make your decision wisely, participating in a designer showhouse isn’t the right fit or strategy for every designer. Use the reasons and strategies here to guide your decision. And definitely, LET ME KNOW, if you’re in a showhouse, I’d love to give you some social channel love!

Filed Under: Marketing Strategies Tagged With: Business Development, Getting More Business, Marketing Strategies, Time Management

Previous
Next

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brandonnardy says

    June 28, 2023 at 6:11 am

    http://meclizinex.com/

    Reply
  2. meclizinel says

    July 1, 2023 at 1:26 am

    buy meclizine

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar


I’m Melissa!

Tough-love Business Coach. Marketing Magician. Inner Imposter Buster. Cocktail Connoisseur. And Queen Of Unpopular Opinions.

TELL ME MORE

Search the blog

Crowd Faves

How to Find the Best Interior Design Business Coach for You

Outsourcing is the answer to ditching deadly distractions when you want to grow your interior design practice.

7 Deadly Distractions Stopping Your Interior Design Business Growth

6 Ways to Calculate Interior Design Fees with Transparency

Recent Posts

  • Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take The Lead!
  • 052: What To Do When Inquiries Aren’t Coming In
  • Where Your Focus Goes, Finances Grow
  • 051: Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take the Lead
  • Get Your Team to Get More Done

Recent Comments

  1. Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take The Lead! | Melissa Galt on 051: Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take the Lead
  2. Lori LaRochelle on 051: Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take the Lead
  3. Where Your Focus Goes, Finances Grow | Melissa Galt on 050: Where Your Focus Goes, Finances Grow
  4. Get Your Team to Get More Done | Melissa Galt on 049: Get Your Team to Get More Done
  5. Your Permission Slip to Play (for More Profit) | Melissa Galt on 048: Your Permission Slip to Play (for More Profit)

Archives

  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • April 2017
  • November 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • April 2016
  • February 2016
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • March 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008
  • March 2008
  • February 2008
  • January 2008
  • December 2007
  • November 2007
  • October 2007
  • September 2007
  • August 2007
  • July 2007
  • June 2007
  • May 2007
  • April 2007
  • March 2007
  • February 2007
  • January 2007
  • December 2006
  • November 2006
  • October 2006
  • September 2006
  • August 2006
  • July 2006
  • June 2006
  • May 2006
  • April 2006
  • March 2006
  • February 2006
  • January 2006
  • December 2005
  • November 2005
  • October 2005
  • September 2005
  • July 2005
  • May 2005
  • April 2005
  • January 2005

Categories

  • Affluent Creative Articles
  • Best Business Practices
  • Business Development
  • Client Acquisition
  • Content Creation
  • Conversion Strategies
  • Customer Service
  • Developing Your Brand
  • Facebook Marketing
  • Gratitude
  • Instagram Marketing
  • Life/Work Balance
  • LinkedIn Marketing
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Melissa Galt
  • Mentoring
  • Mindset
  • Motivation
  • My Life's Adventures
  • Naked Marketing ~ Authentic Marketing
  • Podcast Episodes
  • Popular Posts
  • Prosperity Mindset
  • Public Relations Marketing
  • Referral Marketing
  • Retail Marketing Strategy
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Success Habits
  • Time Management
  • Twitter Marketing
  • Website Design & Marketing

Footer

GET MORE OF MELISSA, ON THE PODCAST!

Subscribe to the podcast, “The Affluent Creative,” and get the best in smart systems, proven processes, and the right strategies and resources to take your design practice to the next level.

START LISTENING

LET’S GET SOCIAL

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

FREE RESOURCES TO SCALE YOUR BUSINESS

SUCCESS GUIDES, RESOURCES, TOOLS & EVENTS TO GROW YOUR DESIGN BUSINESS

DOWNLOAD >>

When client inquiries start to dry up, the kneejer When client inquiries start to dry up, the kneejerk response for many designers is to go straight to panic mode. Economic uncertainties are bound to happen, but they shouldn’t dictate the trajectory of your creative business. 

➡️ What you think about you bring about–and if you’re thinking only about the worst, that is all you’ll see! 

Tune into today’s episode of The Affluent Creative for my strategies for maintaining positivity and stability even in an economic downturn.

🎙️Listen In → Episode 52. 
Listen wherever you find podcasts!
.
.
.
.
.
#interiordesigncommunity #interiordesignpodcast #successcoaching #successbydesign #bestpodcast #podcastrecommendation #designinfluencer #kitchendesigners #bathroomdesigners #commercialdesigner #residentialdesigner #creativebusinesscoach #instapodcasts #interiordesignbusinessmentor #melissagalt #theaffluentcreative #interiordesignerlifestyle #interiordesignerlife❤️
In an ever-changing world, understanding how to th In an ever-changing world, understanding how to thrive as a creative in any economy is essential. 

➡️ This week on The Affluent Creative, I am diving into the importance of networking, knowing your numbers, and staying positive when you are faced with an inquiry dry spell. 

Tune in to learn how to navigate economic uncertainty and emerge victorious.

Listen In → Episode 53. 
Listen wherever you find podcasts!
.
.
.
.
.
#referrals #businessreferrals #interiordesignpodcast #referralsarethebestcompliment #designinfluencer #interiordesignbusinesscoach #interiordesignbusinessmentor #interiordesignpodcast #interiordesignfirm #interiordesignbusinesstips #podcastrecommendations #tothetrade #kitchendesigners #bathroomdesigners #residentialdesigner #commercialdesigner #bestpodcasts #podcastersoninstagram #melissagalt #theaffluentcreative
🗣️Word of Mouth marketing is limited and unpr 🗣️Word of Mouth marketing is limited and unpredictable particularly when economic uncertainty is happening. 

Igniting reliable marketing engines that run inside your business 24/7/365 is the key to keeping your profit pipeline filled. 

Find out how you can claim your very own marketing scorecard and take charge of your pipeline here.
.
.
.
.
.
#interiordesignpodcast #interiordesignbusinesscoach #creativebusinesspodcast #businessofcreativity #businessofdesign #podcastlife #podcaster #instapodcast #instapodcasts #theaffluentcreative #successcoaching #interiordesigncommunity #designinfluencer #melissagalt #interiordesignmarketing #interiordesignbusinesstips #interiordesignfirm #marketingfordesigners #marketingdesign #marketingdesigner
➡️ There are 20 Keys to Effective Client Commu ➡️ There are 20 Keys to Effective Client Communication. You’re likely doing over half of them already, but ARE YOU USING ALL OF THEM? 

Check and see by tuning into Episode 34 on the podcast, The Affluent Creative. #linkinbio 
.
.
.
.
.
#clientcommunication #interiordesignclients #interiordesignbusinesscoach #interiordesignerlifestyle #interiordesignprofessional #interiordesignhelp #kitchendesigners #bathroomdesigners #residentialdesigners #designquotes #designentrepreneur #interiordesigncompany #atlantainteriordesigner #newyorkinteriordesigner #cincinnatiinteriordesigner
#theaffluentcreative #melissagalt #interiordesignpodcast
Do you know how to navigate the challenging world Do you know how to navigate the challenging world of client interactions? 

🎙️Join me on today’s episode of The Affluent Creative where I’m sharing my experiences and tips on standing your ground during fee negotiations, redlining of agreements, and more. 

Learn how to lead the project rather than following the cues from your clients. 

Tune in and elevate your design journey today!

Listen In → Episode 51.
Listen wherever you find podcasts!
.
.
.
.
.
#interiordesigncommunity #interiordesignpodcast #successcoaching #successbydesign #bestpodcast #podcastrecommendation #designinfluencer #kitchendesigners #bathroomdesigners #commercialdesigner #residentialdesigner #interiordesignfee #clientinteraction #creativebusinesscoach #instapodcasts #interiordesignbusinessmentor #melissagalt #theaffluentcreative #elevateyourdesignbusiness #chicagointeriordesigner #interiordesignarizona #interiordesignphiladelphia
➡️ Streamlining your design process doesn't me ➡️ Streamlining your design process doesn't mean cutting corners. Instead, it’s often just a matter of taking back the reigns from your client during the design process. 

In the latest episode of The Affluent Creative, I share my insights on how to help combat decision-making fatigue and frustration in the design process and make you once again feel like the expert you are. 

🎙️Listen In → Episode 51. 
Listen wherever you find podcasts!
.
.
.
.
.
.
#designprocess #interiordesignprocess #interiordesignpro #interiordesignbusinesstips #interiordesignexpert #interiordesignprofessionals #interiordesignbusinessmentor #theaffluentcreative #melissagalt #recommendedpodcast #interiordesigncommunity #interiordesigncompany #newyorkinteriordesign #louisvilleinteriordesigner #interiordesignaustin #texasinteriordesigner #interiordesignersandiego #philadelphiainteriordesigner
Follow on Instagram
  • Home
  • Work with Me
  • About
  • PODCAST
  • Terms
  • Blog
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 · Melissa Galt · Site Design by FGD