The Business of Beautiful Spaces Podcast for Interior Designers | Interior Design Business Pocast
Welcome to The Business of Beautiful Spaces, the podcast where interior design matters! As Interior Designers, we understand the power of creating beautiful and functional spaces that not only look good, but also enhance our daily lives. Join us on this journey as we explore the ins and outs of the interior design industry and dive into the business side of things. From one interior designer to another, we'll share our experiences, insights, and lessons learned as we strive to create spaces that not only make a statement, but also make a difference. So sit back, relax, and let's get started on The Business of Beautiful Spaces.
AI Made Simple for Interior Design: The 2-Part Smart Business Toolkit, ChatGPT Edition
AI Made Simple for Interior Design: The 2-Part Smart Business Toolkit, Claude Edition
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https://the-business-of-beautiful-spaces.ck.page/
Mentorship One on One :
https://theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/mentorship
The Profit Academy for Interior Designers Online Course:
https://theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com
You can find us at www.thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com, email us at hello@thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com or any social media platform @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.
The Business of Beautiful Spaces Podcast for Interior Designers | Interior Design Business Pocast
169. Let's Talk About Stop Giving Away Design: 12 Things You’re Doing for Free That You Should Charge For
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If you have ever looked up at the end of a project and wondered, “Where did my time go?”, this episode is for you. Laura breaks down 12 common profit leaks that quietly drain revenue in interior design businesses, often disguised as “good service” or “just being helpful.” From extra meetings and endless revisions to showroom visits, rush timelines, and unpaid install days, Laura shows you exactly where designers unintentionally work for free, and how to set boundaries that protect both your time and your profit.
The 12 Profit Leaks
- Extra meetings beyond what your package includes
- Additional concept directions after one has been approved
- Revisions that multiply without limits or structure
- Rush timelines and last-minute changes without rush fees
- Vendor research spirals and “can we find a cheaper option?” detours
- Showroom visits that are not priced as premium time
- Extra site visits outside your agreed cadence
- Trade management for teams you did not hire
- Install days that you do not bill properly (or at all)
- Budget reworks that require redesign after approvals
- Email and communication overload without response-time policies
- Procurement handling like claims, damages, and backorders without compensation
Pick one profit leak from the list and implement a policy for it this week. Then, add one new policy each month until you have addressed your biggest drains. Start with the top two or three areas where you know you are currently giving away time.
Best Quote to Remember
“Charging for your services is not greedy. It is how you stay in business.”
In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.
This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.
Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.
Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.
The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign