Interior designers in the United States alone boast revenues that soar above $15 billion. As the design industry continues to expand, strategic innovation is essential for interior designers looking to impress their clients. From renovation projects to new construction, having a trustworthy, reputable interior designer is crucial for many homeowners. Over the last several years, the residential construction market has laid the foundation for continued growth in home décor and interior design. Moving forward, design trends all point to major increases in interior design jobs over the next decade. As a result, interior designers must look for creative ways to impress their clients and outshine their competition.
Nate Berkus, a well-known American interior designer, author, and television personality, once said, “It's my job to know what's available from every retailer, catalog, website, antiques mall, and craftsperson. A good designer or decorator has to have an almost encyclopedic knowledge.” And it’s true, great designers are well-versed on a plethora of decorating trends, styles, and strategies. Tasked with the pressure of designing for function, environment, mood, and personality, interior designers are constantly looking for new ways to be inspired. From color schemes to patterns, from furniture to accessories, and from lighting to exterior accents, overall design aesthetic typically becomes the focal point of any home.
What’s that little something extra that will help you to sign your next prospective client? How can you keep your current customers coming back for more? Take a look at 9 creative ways for interior designers to impress their clients:
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Incorporate your client’s specific interests. Pay attention to the details by taking thorough notes on seemingly unimportant facets of your customer and their preferences. Remember that one time your client casually mentioned that she loved the elephant painting in her childhood home? Write it down or make a mental note and then look for an elephant statue or piece of art that would look great in their living room. Watch as you wow your delighted client.
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Working with a low ceiling? Try alternating the height of the furniture pieces in the room or even add floor-to-ceiling curtains to elongate the room. Minor adjustments like that will do wonders to visually expand the ceiling.
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Less is more, especially in a small room. Far too many interior designers feel the need to add to a room when, in reality, the simple solution is removing items to open up the space. With this concept in mind, take a look at the interior and decide where unnecessary accessories could be eliminated to incorporate some empty space.
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Stand your ground. Your client has hired you for your expertise, so don’t allow them to bully you into a style that doesn’t suit their home. Take that risk, go for the funky style, and then your client will thank you for your professional touch.
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Always go for a statement piece. Nothing makes a homeowner feel better than a piece of furniture that sparks a conversation. Mix styles and bring a statement piece into the space to draw attention to something interesting about the room. The homeowner will beam with pride as their guests comment on this particular item.
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Don’t ignore the great outdoors! It’s always shocking to see how many interior design specialists forget about a home’s outdoor space. Set yourself apart from the competition by making changes to the patio and deck furniture and, more importantly, installing a beautiful retractable patio awning. Not only will this expand the outside living area of the property, but the right retractable patio and deck pergola covers will totally transform the home’s aesthetic. Consider something like a retractable window awning, a retractable screen, a retractable canopy, or even a free standing retractable awning to add the little something extra to you or your client’s home exterior.
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Lighten up the living space. Choosing the right lighting fixtures is only the first part of the puzzle when it comes to home lighting. How much natural light versus artificial light does the client want? In addition, how will this impact the look of the home when the sun goes down? Consider utilizing mirrors to open up the room and brighten up the atmosphere.
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Strike a balance between a cohesive style and a unique change in each room. Try to stay within a general color palette and use similar patterns, textures, and materials. You can mix and match aspects throughout the home, but keep in mind that a consistent style is important. In doing so, the home will feel unified and harmonious.
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Be practical in selecting furniture. Some of the most beautiful couches in the world also happen to be some of the most uncomfortable. While interior designers are typically driven by their wonderful style, everyday function has to be kept top of mind. Comfort is essential in places where the family spends the majority of their time, so don’t let fancy décor blind your logical sense of style.
The interior design and home décor industry to growing fast and we know that you’re a professional looking to outshine the competition. Contact our retractable awnings experts in the USA or Canada toll free at 866-438-2964 or outside the USA or Canada at (305) 628-2424 or use the live help chat tool for more information on partnering with us for your next interior design project!
