Mastering the Business of Interior Design: Success by Design
As an interior designer, do you find yourself caught between your love for design and the realities of running a profitable business? Whether you're launching your firm or scaling to new heights, the business side of interior design can be complex—and often overwhelming.
That’s where Katie Decker-Erickson comes in. As a business coach for interior designers and the founder of a multimillion-dollar design firm, she knows firsthand what it takes to build a thriving, sustainable business while staying true to your creative vision. With nearly 20 years in the industry and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Katie is actively in the trenches—elevating her own firm while helping other designers master the business of design.
We’ll answer questions like:
How do I get more interior design clients?
What should I charge for interior design services?
What are the best marketing strategies for interior designers?
How can I grow my interior design business?
How do I build a brand as an interior designer?
How can I scale my interior design business?
What systems do I need to run a successful interior design business?
How do I create a client onboarding process for my design firm?
Is it worth hiring a coach for my interior design business?
This show delivers actionable tips on how to grow an interior design business with smart, sustainable strategies. You'll get insights on marketing your interior design services, building a strong brand, streamlining your systems, and scaling your firm—without burning out.
If you're an interior designer, firm owner, or creative entrepreneur ready to build a profitable, passion-filled business, you're in the right place.
Tune in, and let’s grow your interior design business—together.
Episodes
71 episodes
69: Design Heals: The Secret Sauce Top Designers Are Using to Charge More
What every designer needs to know about neuroaesthetics, biophilia, and charging what you're worth. In this episode of Success by Design, I'm sitting down with Mike Peterson, founder of Science in Design, to explore how neu...
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31:01
68: Vegas Market 2025: Bold Interior Design Trends and Statement Décor
What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas — especially when Success by Design gets the inside scoop from the market floor. In this week’s can’t-miss episode, Katie sits down with Diana Ruston on her team and fresh off the plane
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22:55
67: Interior Design Business Strategy That Works in a Downturn [The Table]
Interior designers, mark this moment: this is not just another podcast episode—it’s a masterclass in how to lead your business through chaos. In the latest quarterly roundtable, I invited two of the most respected minds in our industry...
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41:50
66: 7 Strategies to Attract Interior Design Clients Without Spending a Dime
What if the answer isn’t more ads, more hustle, or more burnout?In this week’s episode of Success by Design, I drop 7 zero-cost, high-impact strategies to attract interior design clients without spending a dime. ...
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14:56
65: Interior Design Business Tips to Thrive During Slowdowns
As an interior designer, you pour passion, creativity, and dedication into your business every single day. But what happens when the market slows, projects stall, or uncertainty creeps in? It’s not about if—it’s about when. But here's the good ...
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13:12
64: Wondering If Coaching Is Worth It? Rachel Says Yes—Here’s Why
Discover how Rachel Ogburn boldly transitioned from real estate to interior design, harnessing clarity, courage, and confidence to build a thriving and fulfilling business.In this episode, Rachel candidly reveals how she overcame deep-se...
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23:36
63: Designers, Step Away! How Strategic Breaks Unlock Your Full Potential
Want to boost your creativity, skyrocket your productivity, and reignite your passion for design? It might be time to step away.In this episode, I'm revealing why intentional, strategic rest isn't just nice—it's essential for interior de...
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16:29
62: Know Your Numbers: Cash Flow, Taxes & Accounting for Interior Designers
Ever wonder why some interior design firms seem to glide through the ups and downs of business effortlessly, while others always seem stressed about finances? I've learned the key difference is simple but powerful—knowing your numbers.
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20:41
61: Inside Out Interiors: Core Strategies for Designers
Ever feel like your interior design business runs you, instead of you running it? You're not alone. But what if the secret to effortless growth, standout projects, and loyal clients isn’t found in the latest trends or marketing hacks, but withi...
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22:47
60: Design DNA: Unlock Your Firm’s True Potential
Every interior designer has a unique “genetic code”—their style, values, and creative philosophy. But are you consciously tapping into yours to truly stand out and attract your ideal clients?In this episode, we’re diving deep into how yo...
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17:02
59: Building a Future-Proof Interior Design Business
In an industry constantly evolving with trends, technology, and shifting client expectations, building an interior design business that's both creatively inspiring and strategically sound has never been more critical. But how exactly do you cre...
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17:45
58: Beyond the Blueprint: Scaling Your Interior Design Business with Soul
Interior design is more than stunning blueprints, curated Pinterest boards, and beautifully staged reveals. True design excellence—and sustainable business success—begins when we move beyond surface-level planning and dive deeper into our purpo...
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18:40
57: Attracting Luxury Interior Design Clients w/ John McClain
Ever wondered how to attract seven-figure interior design clients? In this episode, I sit down with the talented John McClain, known for mastering high-value, luxury projects. This conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
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42:22
56: Unlock the Secret to Packaging and Pricing Your Design Services for High-End Clients
Have you ever felt unsure how to structure your design packages or nervous about raising your prices, even when you know you're worth it? You’re not alone.Katie is exploring exactly how to craft irresistible, premium design packages tail...
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29:37
55: Defining Your Ideal Interior Design Client
Ever wonder why some interior designers effortlessly attract dream clients, while others scramble just to stay busy? The answer might surprise you—it’s all about knowing exactly who your ideal client is and what they truly want.
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20:01
54: How Coaching Helped Zoe Master Pricing, Pivoting, and Hiring
Are you an interior designer wondering if coaching is right for you? Curious about taking your business from good to great—or perhaps from zero to thriving? Join Katie as she welcomes one of her coaching clients, Zoe Browne, to the podcast. Zoe...
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20:06
53: Navigating Tariffs, Turmoil, and Trust for Interior Designers [The Table]
Are tariffs making you anxious? You're not alone. In this must-listen podcast episode of The Table, Katie is joined by industry heavy-hitters Laurie Laizure, Rick Campos, and Dr. Jennifer Chukwujekwe to tackle the tariff turmoil head-on....
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38:31
52: Tariff Talk: Navigating the Hidden Costs Impacting Your Interior Design Clients
Think tariffs don’t affect you? Think again. On this episode of Success by Design, Mastering the Business of Interior Design, Katie breaks down exactly why interior designers must care about these seemingly distant policies—and how tarif...
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13:43
51: How Interior Designers Can Build Confidence and Set Boundaries
Ready to level up your confidence game and finally feel like the expert you already are? In this episode, I'm tackling the surprising psychology behind imposter syndrome, ditching the myth that giant leaps are the only way to build confidence, ...
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20:16
50: How Interior Designers Thrive (Not Just Survive!) Market Shifts
In this episode, Katie Decker-Erickson is bringing you actionable insights directly inspired by last week's powerful conversation with Rebecca Hay. Get ready to transform uncertainty into opportunity with strategies specifically tailored for in...
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8:10
49: Thrive During Economic Slowdowns- Proven Strategies & Mindset Shifts with Rebecca Hay
Feeling the squeeze of a market slowdown? You’re not alone. Interior designers everywhere are navigating shifting client expectations, tighter budgets, and the need to be more strategic than ever.We’re joined by celebrated designer Rebec...
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43:19
48: How Interior Designers Can Execute, Scale & Boost Profits
In this episode, we break down essential project management strategies to help interior The #1 mistake designers make that leads to project chaos—and how to avoid it.Ready to streamline your projects, increase efficiency, and maxi...
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8:18
47: The Only Woman on the Construction Site with Renée Biery
You’ve likely seen this scenario play out—a homeowner has an idea for their remodel, the GC calls it stupid, and while he has a point, the homeowner’s feelings are hurt and no one’s offered a viable solution. That is precisely where we come in....
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44:05
46: Proven Strategies to Attract Dream Interior Design Clients in 2025
In this episode, we’re diving into the marketing strategies you need to attract your ideal clients and scale your business in 2025. If marketing feels overwhelming, don’t worry—this episode breaks it into actionable steps t...
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8:53
45: Digital Marketing Strategy for Interior Designers with Jason Lockhart
For most interior designers, marketing is throwing noodles at the wall and seeing what sticks. A little Instagram here, a little TikTok there, and maybe some paid ads for good measure. But deep down, you know that’s not a great way to run a bus...
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43:05
