The Best Part of Being a Designer Has Nothing to Do With Design For a profession that’s built on collaboration, we designers spend an awful lot of time trying to do everything ourselves. We learn to draw, we learn construction, we answer plumbing questions, solve electrical problems, manage schedules, source
The Best Part of Being a Designer Has Nothing to Do With Design For a profession that’s built on collaboration, we designers spend an awful lot of time trying to..
The Best Part of Being a Designer Has Nothing to Do With Design
For a profession that’s built on collaboration, we designers spend an awful lot of time trying to do everything ourselves.
We learn to draw, we learn construction, we answer plumbing questions, solve electrical problems, manage schedules, source products, build presentations, run businesses, market ourselves… and somewhere along the way, it’s easy to believe our value comes from being the person with all the answers.
Lately I’ve been reminder that our greatest value isn’t what we know, but who we get to work with.
It really clicked for me during our conversation with Linette Dai on Episode #186 of Hot Young Designers Club. She described it as a privilege to work with people who are truly exceptional at what they do. Not just to hire them or manage them, but to stand alongside them and watch them practice a craft they’ve spent decades perfecting. I haven’t stopped thinking about that!
Some of my favorite moments on a project don’t happen in front of AutoCAD or during a client presentation. They happen in a fabrication shop when someone who’s worked with stone for thirty years points out something I would’ve never considered. Or on a jobsite when a finish carpenter quietly solves a detail that’s been bothering me for weeks.
Those moments remind me that I don’t want to be the expert at everything.
I want to be surrounded by experts.
I think that’s one of the quiet privileges of this profession. We get a front-row seat to people who have dedicated their lives to becoming incredible at one thing. And if we do our jobs well, we get to introduce our clients to those people, too.
In a world that feels increasingly automated, disposable, and optimized for speed, interior design is still wonderfully human. It’s built on relationships, trust, and craftsmanship. Every beautiful project is really a collection of talented people leaving their fingerprints on something they’ll probably never take credit for.
Maybe that’s part of our role as designers. We’re not just creating beautiful spaces, but championing the people who make beautiful spaces possible.
As my experience as a designer has grown, I’m less interested in whether I am the smartest person in the room. I’d much rather be the person who gets to fill the room with extraordinary people.
Fizzles & Sizzles
Rebecca's Fizzle
My husband is officially retired (yay!) but now it feels like everyone is having a summer vacation but me. So I booked a couple trips for the fall and it feels good to have some fun to look forward to.
Rebecca's Sizzle
I did sneak in a couple days away to attend Vegas Market with some of my design besties. We’re usually in and out but we decided we deserved a cabana day by the pool. Even though it was 114° it was the best Tuesday I’ve had in a long time.
Shaun's Fizzle
This one is for my busy-bodies: slow down. I’ve been spending more time in meditation and it’s been such a wonderful practice . Our world is busy, and increasingly demanding. Take care of yourselves.
Shaun's Sizzle
Join me Sunday Oct-18 | 2:00p
Hooker Furnishings
Showplace building , 3rd floor
Stuff We're Digging
How did you end up in the design industry? I was the stereotypical “design child” who loved redoing my bedroom every few months. I wasn’t sure interior design would make..
How did you end up in the design industry?
I was the stereotypical “design child” who loved redoing my bedroom every few months. I wasn’t sure interior design would make a great career, but my now mother-in-law encouraged me to give it a try after loving her own career in drafting.
While attending post-secondary school, I absolutely fell in love with residential design. For me, it’s all about solving the puzzle of how to make a client’s home the best fit for them and their family.
What does your team look like?
I’m the Design Lead, and I have a Design Assistant who helps with drafting and design work. I also have an Administrative Assistant who handles all things admin and helps keep our projects on track. In addition, I have someone who manages my social media, along with a separate copywriter.
Tell us about the project you're sharing.
This full-home renovation was designed to help a busy family fall back in love with their ’90s home. The existing layout felt very chopped up, with interior brick planters that went unused and sunken living rooms. The kitchen was also tiny, with very little storage. They wanted to revive their home with a timeless style that felt bright and airy while incorporating as many aging-in-place features as possible.
What was involved in this project?
This project involved an almost complete gut renovation of the main floor, updates to portions of the second floor, and transforming a basement that had become little more than a storage space. The home totals approximately 3,000 square feet, including the basement.
I was brought on by the contractor to rework the main floor layout, redesign the primary bedroom and bathroom on the second floor, and create a space plan for the basement. Once the layouts were finalized, I sourced all of the finishes and fixtures. The client also chose to furnish most of the home with all new furniture.
What's something you were really excited about creating for this project?
The family room fireplace wall with the built-ins on either side with arched openings.
Is there anything you changed about your business or processes as a result of this project?
This project changed the way I work with contractors who bring me onto their projects. I explain why I need full design control so the design process goes quicker and smoother, ultimately saving them time and money. Before this project, I was more likely to follow their lead, but I learned how time-consuming and difficult that made things.
What was your biggest learning from this project?
Do my own measurements for important items, like basement post placement, and don’t rely on the drawings given to me by someone else, whether the contractor or homeowner. Always doublecheck. I ended up having to redesign some of the basement elements to fit within post restrictions that I didn’t realize existed based on the drawings.
Is there a tool, tip, or business resource from Hot Young Designers Club that you use in your business?
I’m a proud Patreon member that is constantly improving my process and documents based on advice from other members. The monthly Hottie Hangouts are amazing.
Thank you, Chelsey Corea, for sharing more about your business and sharing this beautiful home with us! You can visit EBO Design on their website or Instagram.
Designers, we want to learn more about you and see your recent projects! Click here to submit a project to be featured on Hot Young Designers Club
Photography: Homing Design Co., @homingdesign.co
Christina Louise Branding, @christinalouisebranding
Be Our Next Featured Designer
Be Our Next Featured Designer
The Final Inch A few years ago, a custom sofa arrived at an install. It had a COM fabric, months of lead time, and was one of those pieces that..
The Final Inch
A few years ago, a custom sofa arrived at an install. It had a COM fabric, months of lead time, and was one of those pieces that kind of anchors the whole room. As the installer was unwrapping it, the box cutter went about a half inch too deep. Right through the fabric.
I remember standing there thinking about how absurd it is that after months of decisions, emails, samples, approvals, production schedules, and waiting, the thing that ultimately determined whether the client got the sofa they were promised was a rushed decision and a box cutter.
I recently read Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about something he calls the One-Inch Rule. It’s the idea that restaurant staff should pay just as much attention to the final act of placing a plate in front of a guest as they do to everything that came before it. That last inch is the culmination of hours of work by dozens of people, and if it’s handled carelessly, it can shape how the entire experience is remembered. It’s really just a reminder to stay present and see things all the way through to the end.
I think interior design has its own version of this. In fact, I think we probably have a lot of them. The funny thing is, if everything goes right, nobody notices. It’s only when something goes wrong that you realize the final inch may have mattered more than all the inches that came before it.
Freight is probably the clearest example. We spend so much time obsessing over sourcing, craftsmanship, lead times, and fabrication details. But almost nobody talks about the literal last few feet a piece travels before it lands in a client’s home. A leg snapping when its being loaded, a tight stairwell damaging a fresh paint job, or a delivery team that doesn’t understand what they’re carrying can undo months of work in a matter of seconds. The final inch of a freight delivery isn’t a detail, its the riskiest part of the entire process.
Care instructions are a way protect us after we’ve left. At some point, we have to hand over the project and say goodbye. But the actual lifespan of that room depends on people who may have no idea what zellige is, what Fabric Code “S” means, or why one cleaner is safe for a sofa but disastrous for a rug. We can’t control what happens after installation, but we can mitigate it. A well-written care guide is our last chance to protect all the decisions that came before. Because the final inch of a design project isn’t always install day. Sometimes it’s whether someone caring for the home six months later can preserve what you created.
Punch lists might be the most emotionally charged version of the final inch. By that point, clients have invested a tremendous amount of time and money into the process, and they expect a perfectly finished project. And honestly, that expectation is reasonable. If you buy a new car, you’re not going to drive it off the lot with a scratch that needs to be buffed out.
Construction, of course, doesn’t work that way. Contractors are busy, their subs are on new jobs, and somehow the designer ends up standing in the middle. The project may be 99% complete, but that last 1% often becomes the part everyone remembers and these are the moments that can color a client’s impression of the entire project.
The lesson for me isn’t that we can control every final inch because we can’t. But as business owners, we can identify the parts of our process where the stakes are highest and be as prepared as possible. When we know we’re entering one of those high-risk moments, we can set expectations, communicate clearly, and remind clients that some parts of the process are inherently unpredictable.
Usually protecting the final inch isn’t about preventing problems. It’s about preparing people for them and having plans in place to make things right for our clients. And when everything goes according to plan, maybe the best outcome is that nobody notices the last steps at all.
Fizzles & Sizzles
Rebecca's Fizzle
It’s a problem I’m happy to have, but I have two projects that have been on the same timeline all year. I was hoping they’d stagger after the design phase, but they’re both headed into demo imminently!
Rebecca's Sizzle
I’m six weeks into a new morning routine, and putting my phone into automatic Downtime each night has made all the difference. Not waking up and immediately being triggered by emails and social media has created space for a slower, more intentional morning and sets a much calmer tone for the rest of the day.
Shaun's Fizzle
I’m embracing the “light lift” lately when it comes to seeing friends. If your energy isn’t there, try something easier on yourself. A good friend of mine came over to color a page in my Hello Kitty coloring book while we caught up and shared a snack. It was lovely and protected my energy.
Shaun's Sizzle
I asked my client about photographing their home for my portfolio and she said she was honored and felt very special. What a gorgeous sentiment! These are the moments we dream of as designers and are so fulfilling personally.
Stuff We're Digging
How did you end up in the design industry? I went back to school for interior design and started my career at The Standard Hotel as a design assistant. Later,..
How did you end up in the design industry?
I went back to school for interior design and started my career at The Standard Hotel as a design assistant. Later, while my daughter was young, I focused on e-design projects before eventually transitioning into running my business full-time.
What does your team look like?
Only me.
Tell us about the project you're sharing.
I had the opportunity to design a space for the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. Although my room was tucked away in the back of the home and may not have been seen by every visitor, this marked my third year participating in the showcase, and I always enjoy the challenge of transforming smaller spaces on a modest budget.
The inspiration behind the design centered around mixing texture and pattern while embracing a bold, moody palette within a compact footprint. I also wanted to use light and reflection to create depth and movement throughout the spaces. The design began with a playful House of Hackney wallpaper installed in the vestibule, paired with mustard-colored trim to complement the tones in the pattern. In contrast, the powder room featured rich brown trim and beadboard, patterned black-and-white tile, and a black tile vanity. Brass finishes were carried throughout both spaces to keep the overall design cohesive and balanced.
What was involved in this project?
The scope of work included removing the existing wallpaper and tile while updating the finishes throughout the space. The original plumbing layout remained in place, but we added beadboard detailing, tiled the back wall, and updated the light fixtures and switches to give the rooms a more polished and intentional feel.
What's something you were really excited about creating for this project?
I was excited to bring a sense of fun and whimsy into the design.
Is there anything you changed about your business or processes as a result of this project?
This project reinforced the importance of believing in myself creatively.
Be brave and continue doing you.
What was your biggest learning from this project?
My biggest takeaway was to have fun with color. The project reminded me that bold choices can create some of the most memorable spaces, especially when they’re layered thoughtfully with texture and pattern.
Thank you, Rebecca Hansen, for sharing more about your business and sharing this beautiful home with us! You can visit RJH Design Studio on their website or Instagram.
Designers, we want to learn more about you and see your recent projects! Click here to submit a project to be featured on Hot Young Designers Club
Photography: Peter Christiansen Valli, @pcv_ps
Be Our Next Featured Designer
Be Our Next Featured Designer
Let’s get something straight: getting clients is not the same as getting paid. You can be fully booked, working nonstop, and still end up wondering where the money went. For..
Let’s get something straight: getting clients is not the same as getting paid. You can be fully booked, working nonstop, and still end up wondering where the money went.
For most interior designers, income comes from two main sources:
Design fees
Selling product
There are other revenue streams like affiliate links, workshops, and coaching, but these two are the foundation of a sustainable design business. Fees pay for your time and expertise. Product sales build profit and help support the business long-term. Without both, you risk burning out or working for free—and nobody wants to be RH’s unpaid personal shopper.
Why Selling Products Matters
Many designers feel unsure about selling product. The logistics can be overwhelming—freight, storage, receiving, customer service, markup conversations—but it doesn’t have to be that complicated.
You don’t need to be a store to think like one. That chandelier that showed up in a giant crated box? Not something you want arriving at a client’s doorstep. You need a receiver, a solid vendor list, and a shift in mindset.
If you’re new to wholesale, start small. Most trade accounts are easy to open with just a resale license and no minimum order requirements. Keep in mind, most vendors will only ship to a commercial receiving dock, so you’ll need a warehouse partner. If that feels like too much to handle, consider joining a buying group. You’ll still make good margins, and they often manage the admin for you.
A few buying groups we’ve worked with and recommend:
Set a Minimum Product Spend
One of the biggest game changers? Adding a minimum product expenditure to your contracts.
It’s all too common: a client gets cold feet, pops into a retail showroom, and suddenly your profit disappears because they impulse-bought a junky sectional that costs the same—or more—than what you would have sourced. Setting a minimum might feel intimidating at first, but it’s the best way to get on the same page with the client and make sure your time and income aren’t chipped away piece by piece.
Be upfront about it. Let your clients know what that spend covers and why it matters. It protects the design process, keeps the project on track, and helps you stay in business. Most clients are more receptive than you’d think, especially once they realize how many decisions they won’t have to make alone. And the truth is, many genuinely want to support you as a local business. Giving them a clear way to do that can shift the whole dynamic.
Pro tip: use a Budget calculator to help them understand where the money goes. We also send our Procurement Guide to walk them through how the process works. Whether they’re into vintage, custom, or a little bit of everything, setting expectations early leads to fewer surprises—and a more profitable project.
Flat Fees vs. Hourly Rates
When it comes to design fees, we’re split: one of us charges flat fees, the other hourly. Both work but you have to understand what makes sense for you.
Flat fees give you predictability and let you be as obsessive or ruminative as you want without worrying about time logs. They also simplify billing. But they only work if you’re clear about what’s included (and what’s not).
Hourly can be great for project management or variable contractor involvement. But you need solid tracking systems and a clear plan for evaluating how long tasks actually take, especially if you’re thinking about moving to flat fees in the future.
The Big Picture
A healthy design business isn’t built on hope or vibes alone. It’s built on systems, boundaries, and knowing what you’re worth.
- Ask for 100% product payment upfront
- Build strong vendor relationships and consolidate your sourcing
- Stop eating the cost of time-consuming retail orders
- Set minimums that reflect the real cost of your creative labor
- Track your hours (even if you billed a flat fee) to know your true costs
Design is creative, yes. But it’s also business. And it’s time to stop apologizing for making money doing what you’re good at. And for the love of your back and sanity, stop trying to make a profit off 15% retail discounts. That’s not income—it’s pocket change.
Need help figuring our your numbers?
We created a Budget Calculator to help you confidently structure fees and set realistic purchasing minimums. It’s the tool we use to write clear, no-guesswork proposals—and it’s available to our Patreon members.
Want help explaining procurement to clients?
Our Procurement Guide breaks down the furniture sourcing and ordering process in a way that clients actually understand. It’s great for setting expectations, avoiding misunderstandings, and reinforcing the value of working with a designer.
🎧 Want to hear more? Tune in to Episode 66 of the Hot Young Designers Club Podcast.
Caroline Turner didn’t plan on becoming the type of boss that other designers whisper about in their DMs but it turns out that building a team that loves working together,..
Caroline Turner didn’t plan on becoming the type of boss that other designers whisper about in their DMs but it turns out that building a team that loves working together, setting real boundaries with clients, and going viral on TikTok can do that.
After starting her firm, Caroline Turner Interiors, in Chicago nearly six years ago, Turner didn’t waste time figuring out what kind of business owner she wanted to be. “I’m the principal designer, but I’m not doing everything,” she says. “We split projects so each junior has ownership, and I can actually focus on the big picture. It changed my life.”
The business now runs with a core team of four and a few strategic freelancers, an intentionally small and mighty crew. One of Turner’s earliest hires, a virtual assistant who started at 10 hours a week, now runs her entire back-end operation from Los Angeles. “She’s my muscle,” says Turner. “She handles the tough stuff and plays bad cop when we need it. I tell her every day I’d be dead in a ditch without her and I mean that literally.”
That kind of candor shows up across the board, especially in how Turner manages her team. Transparency is a throughline—her employees know the numbers, the stakes, and the realities of running a design business. “When I get rich, you get rich,” she tells them. “We’ve ridden the waves together. They’ve seen me dip into savings to make payroll. I never had to make them care, they just did.”
Even as the firm scales, Turner holds tight to systems that preserve sanity. A $150,000 project minimum helps filter in the right clients, and an ever-growing waitlist creates a built-in buffer. “It’s like dating,” she says. “If you say you’re not available right now, suddenly everyone wants you.”
She credits much of that demand to TikTok, where she shares everything from project reveals to behind-the-scenes business insights. It’s a far cry from relying on referrals, something she’s moved away from, noting that referred clients often come with mismatched expectations. “When they find us on social, they’re investing in our voice, our process. They want us.”
That confidence in process includes knowing when to walk away. In one case, a client waited eight months for Turner’s team, only to balk when construction bids came in. “I caught it early,” she says. “I was able to say, ‘I’ve loved working with you, but we can’t keep going with this scope.’ A year ago, I wouldn’t have had that boundary.”
As for the future, Turner is exploring more hospitality work, a callback to her time with Kelly Wearstler, and continuing her podcast, Confessions of an Interior Designer, where she dishes on the real, unglamorous parts of design life. She’s also not afraid to critique the industry from within: “Not everyone calling themselves a designer is a designer,” she says. “There’s a difference between decorating and interior architecture, and knowing your limits doesn’t make you less professional.”
At the heart of it all? A belief that designers don’t have to burn out to build a business. “We’re artists,” she says. “We create spaces that people live in. It’s not just about making it pretty. It’s about making it real.”
If you’re ready for honest talk about team dynamics, pricing boundaries, and why some clients need to be let go with love, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss more hot designer gossip on Caroline’s podcast, Confessions of an Interior Designer.
Want more from Caroline? Check out her Website, follow along on Instagram, or tune into her Podcast.
🎧 Find the full conversation on the Hot Young Designers Club Podcast, wherever you get your shows.
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I’m just not good with money,” you’re not alone. But what if your struggles with money aren’t actually about spreadsheets or QuickBooks, and more..
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I’m just not good with money,” you’re not alone. But what if your struggles with money aren’t actually about spreadsheets or QuickBooks, and more about what you believe you’re worth?
In our recent conversation with Coach Jacqui (ep. 142), she reminded us that money mindset isn’t about being better at spreadsheets — it’s about unpacking the beliefs that shape how we feel about money, self-worth, and success.
As interior designers, we regularly handle large budgets, but many of us still feel uncomfortable charging what we’re worth, advocating for fees, or investing in the things that would actually move our businesses forward.
Here’s how to start shifting that.
1. Get Clear on What You Actually Believe About Money
Your money mindset didn’t appear out of nowhere — it likely started with early messages about money growing up:
- “You have to work really hard to earn a lot.”
- “People who talk about money are greedy.”
- “It’s selfish to want more.”
- “Women aren’t breadwinners.”
ACTION: Write down 5 things you believe about money. Then ask yourself: Who taught me this? Is it actually true? Is it helping me or holding me back?
2. Charge Like a Leader, Not a Hobbyist
Design is emotional labor, creative vision, and high-stakes project management all rolled into one. That value doesn’t come cheap — and it shouldn’t.
Coach Jacqui reminded us: Money loves confidence. When you believe in your own value, your pricing reflects that. Be realistic for your experience and market but low-balling doesn’t do anyone any favors and clients will respect your work less.
ACTION: Review your current pricing. Would someone pay it and say, “I feel lucky to work with this designer”? If not, ask: What would feel both fair and empowering for you to charge?
3. Create a “CEO Fund"
It’s easy to say “I can’t afford to invest in help right now,” but staying stuck in that mindset means you’ll always be doing everything yourself — and staying small.
ACTION: Start moving a small percentage of every project or profit into a dedicated “CEO Fund.” This is your money to hire help, join a mastermind, or finally outsource your bookkeeping. It doesn’t have to be big — just consistent.
4. Practice Saying Your Rates Out Loud
If you hesitate when saying your rate or quickly follow it up with a discount or apology… its not cute. Confidence is contagious, but so is doubt. Before clients hand over their trust and cash, they need to know you’ve got this.
ACTION: Practice saying your pricing in the mirror (yes, really). Say it without qualifiers. “My full-service design fee starts at $X.” That’s it. Repeat it until it feels natural and no like no big deal.
5. Stretch Your Vision — Even If It’s Scary
Jacqui dropped a gem we can’t stop thinking about:
“If it doesn’t make your booty cheeks clench a little, it’s probably not big enough.”
You don’t need to wait until your circumstances are perfect to imagine a bigger, more abundant version of your business. You just need to start acting like it’s possible.
ACTION: Write down your “stretch goals” — income, lifestyle, number of clients, how much time off you want. Look at it every week. Try to embody the feeling of attaining them. Make one small decision that moves you closer, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Final words of wisdom
Money mindset work isn’t one and done — it’s a constant recalibration as your business grows. But it starts by remembering that you’re allowed to want more, earn more, and spend in alignment with your goals — without guilt.
Because the truth is: your dream business doesn’t just need good taste. It needs a CEO who believes they’re worth it.
🎧 Want to hear more? Tune in to Episode 142 of the Hot Young Designers Club Podcast for our full convo with Coach Jacqui. It’s one of the episodes we heard from Hotties about the most — and for good reason.
Let’s get something straight: getting clients is not the same as getting paid. You can be fully booked, working nonstop, and still end up wondering where the money went. For..
Let’s get something straight: getting clients is not the same as getting paid. You can be fully booked, working nonstop, and still end up wondering where the money went.
For most interior designers, income comes from two main sources:
Design fees
Selling product
There are other revenue streams like affiliate links, workshops, and coaching, but these two are the foundation of a sustainable design business. Fees pay for your time and expertise. Product sales build profit and help support the business long-term. Without both, you risk burning out or working for free—and nobody wants to be RH’s unpaid personal shopper.
Why Selling Products Matters
Many designers feel unsure about selling product. The logistics can be overwhelming—freight, storage, receiving, customer service, markup conversations—but it doesn’t have to be that complicated.
You don’t need to be a store to think like one. That chandelier that showed up in a giant crated box? Not something you want arriving at a client’s doorstep. You need a receiver, a solid vendor list, and a shift in mindset.
If you’re new to wholesale, start small. Most trade accounts are easy to open with just a resale license and no minimum order requirements. Keep in mind, most vendors will only ship to a commercial receiving dock, so you’ll need a warehouse partner. If that feels like too much to handle, consider joining a buying group. You’ll still make good margins, and they often manage the admin for you.
A few buying groups we’ve worked with and recommend:
Set a Minimum Product Spend
One of the biggest game changers? Adding a minimum product expenditure to your contracts.
It’s all too common: a client gets cold feet, pops into a retail showroom, and suddenly your profit disappears because they impulse-bought a junky sectional that costs the same—or more—than what you would have sourced. Setting a minimum might feel intimidating at first, but it’s the best way to get on the same page with the client and make sure your time and income aren’t chipped away piece by piece.
Be upfront about it. Let your clients know what that spend covers and why it matters. It protects the design process, keeps the project on track, and helps you stay in business. Most clients are more receptive than you’d think, especially once they realize how many decisions they won’t have to make alone. And the truth is, many genuinely want to support you as a local business. Giving them a clear way to do that can shift the whole dynamic.
Pro tip: use a Budget calculator to help them understand where the money goes. We also send our Procurement Guide to walk them through how the process works. Whether they’re into vintage, custom, or a little bit of everything, setting expectations early leads to fewer surprises—and a more profitable project.
Flat Fees vs. Hourly Rates
When it comes to design fees, we’re split: one of us charges flat fees, the other hourly. Both work but you have to understand what makes sense for you.
Flat fees give you predictability and let you be as obsessive or ruminative as you want without worrying about time logs. They also simplify billing. But they only work if you’re clear about what’s included (and what’s not).
Hourly can be great for project management or variable contractor involvement. But you need solid tracking systems and a clear plan for evaluating how long tasks actually take, especially if you’re thinking about moving to flat fees in the future.
The Big Picture
A healthy design business isn’t built on hope or vibes alone. It’s built on systems, boundaries, and knowing what you’re worth.
- Ask for 100% product payment upfront
- Build strong vendor relationships and consolidate your sourcing
- Stop eating the cost of time-consuming retail orders
- Set minimums that reflect the real cost of your creative labor
- Track your hours (even if you billed a flat fee) to know your true costs
Design is creative, yes. But it’s also business. And it’s time to stop apologizing for making money doing what you’re good at. And for the love of your back and sanity, stop trying to make a profit off 15% retail discounts. That’s not income—it’s pocket change.
Need help figuring our your numbers?
We created a Budget Calculator to help you confidently structure fees and set realistic purchasing minimums. It’s the tool we use to write clear, no-guesswork proposals—and it’s available to our Patreon members.
Want help explaining procurement to clients?
Our Procurement Guide breaks down the furniture sourcing and ordering process in a way that clients actually understand. It’s great for setting expectations, avoiding misunderstandings, and reinforcing the value of working with a designer.
🎧 Want to hear more? Tune in to Episode 66 of the Hot Young Designers Club Podcast.
Caroline Turner didn’t plan on becoming the type of boss that other designers whisper about in their DMs but it turns out that building a team that loves working together,..
Caroline Turner didn’t plan on becoming the type of boss that other designers whisper about in their DMs but it turns out that building a team that loves working together, setting real boundaries with clients, and going viral on TikTok can do that.
After starting her firm, Caroline Turner Interiors, in Chicago nearly six years ago, Turner didn’t waste time figuring out what kind of business owner she wanted to be. “I’m the principal designer, but I’m not doing everything,” she says. “We split projects so each junior has ownership, and I can actually focus on the big picture. It changed my life.”
The business now runs with a core team of four and a few strategic freelancers, an intentionally small and mighty crew. One of Turner’s earliest hires, a virtual assistant who started at 10 hours a week, now runs her entire back-end operation from Los Angeles. “She’s my muscle,” says Turner. “She handles the tough stuff and plays bad cop when we need it. I tell her every day I’d be dead in a ditch without her and I mean that literally.”
That kind of candor shows up across the board, especially in how Turner manages her team. Transparency is a throughline—her employees know the numbers, the stakes, and the realities of running a design business. “When I get rich, you get rich,” she tells them. “We’ve ridden the waves together. They’ve seen me dip into savings to make payroll. I never had to make them care, they just did.”
Even as the firm scales, Turner holds tight to systems that preserve sanity. A $150,000 project minimum helps filter in the right clients, and an ever-growing waitlist creates a built-in buffer. “It’s like dating,” she says. “If you say you’re not available right now, suddenly everyone wants you.”
She credits much of that demand to TikTok, where she shares everything from project reveals to behind-the-scenes business insights. It’s a far cry from relying on referrals, something she’s moved away from, noting that referred clients often come with mismatched expectations. “When they find us on social, they’re investing in our voice, our process. They want us.”
That confidence in process includes knowing when to walk away. In one case, a client waited eight months for Turner’s team, only to balk when construction bids came in. “I caught it early,” she says. “I was able to say, ‘I’ve loved working with you, but we can’t keep going with this scope.’ A year ago, I wouldn’t have had that boundary.”
As for the future, Turner is exploring more hospitality work, a callback to her time with Kelly Wearstler, and continuing her podcast, Confessions of an Interior Designer, where she dishes on the real, unglamorous parts of design life. She’s also not afraid to critique the industry from within: “Not everyone calling themselves a designer is a designer,” she says. “There’s a difference between decorating and interior architecture, and knowing your limits doesn’t make you less professional.”
At the heart of it all? A belief that designers don’t have to burn out to build a business. “We’re artists,” she says. “We create spaces that people live in. It’s not just about making it pretty. It’s about making it real.”
If you’re ready for honest talk about team dynamics, pricing boundaries, and why some clients need to be let go with love, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss more hot designer gossip on Caroline’s podcast, Confessions of an Interior Designer.
Want more from Caroline? Check out her Website, follow along on Instagram, or tune into her Podcast.
🎧 Find the full conversation on the Hot Young Designers Club Podcast, wherever you get your shows.
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I’m just not good with money,” you’re not alone. But what if your struggles with money aren’t actually about spreadsheets or QuickBooks, and more..
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I’m just not good with money,” you’re not alone. But what if your struggles with money aren’t actually about spreadsheets or QuickBooks, and more about what you believe you’re worth?
In our recent conversation with Coach Jacqui (ep. 142), she reminded us that money mindset isn’t about being better at spreadsheets — it’s about unpacking the beliefs that shape how we feel about money, self-worth, and success.
As interior designers, we regularly handle large budgets, but many of us still feel uncomfortable charging what we’re worth, advocating for fees, or investing in the things that would actually move our businesses forward.
Here’s how to start shifting that.
1. Get Clear on What You Actually Believe About Money
Your money mindset didn’t appear out of nowhere — it likely started with early messages about money growing up:
- “You have to work really hard to earn a lot.”
- “People who talk about money are greedy.”
- “It’s selfish to want more.”
- “Women aren’t breadwinners.”
ACTION: Write down 5 things you believe about money. Then ask yourself: Who taught me this? Is it actually true? Is it helping me or holding me back?
2. Charge Like a Leader, Not a Hobbyist
Design is emotional labor, creative vision, and high-stakes project management all rolled into one. That value doesn’t come cheap — and it shouldn’t.
Coach Jacqui reminded us: Money loves confidence. When you believe in your own value, your pricing reflects that. Be realistic for your experience and market but low-balling doesn’t do anyone any favors and clients will respect your work less.
ACTION: Review your current pricing. Would someone pay it and say, “I feel lucky to work with this designer”? If not, ask: What would feel both fair and empowering for you to charge?
3. Create a “CEO Fund"
It’s easy to say “I can’t afford to invest in help right now,” but staying stuck in that mindset means you’ll always be doing everything yourself — and staying small.
ACTION: Start moving a small percentage of every project or profit into a dedicated “CEO Fund.” This is your money to hire help, join a mastermind, or finally outsource your bookkeeping. It doesn’t have to be big — just consistent.
4. Practice Saying Your Rates Out Loud
If you hesitate when saying your rate or quickly follow it up with a discount or apology… its not cute. Confidence is contagious, but so is doubt. Before clients hand over their trust and cash, they need to know you’ve got this.
ACTION: Practice saying your pricing in the mirror (yes, really). Say it without qualifiers. “My full-service design fee starts at $X.” That’s it. Repeat it until it feels natural and no like no big deal.
5. Stretch Your Vision — Even If It’s Scary
Jacqui dropped a gem we can’t stop thinking about:
“If it doesn’t make your booty cheeks clench a little, it’s probably not big enough.”
You don’t need to wait until your circumstances are perfect to imagine a bigger, more abundant version of your business. You just need to start acting like it’s possible.
ACTION: Write down your “stretch goals” — income, lifestyle, number of clients, how much time off you want. Look at it every week. Try to embody the feeling of attaining them. Make one small decision that moves you closer, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Final words of wisdom
Money mindset work isn’t one and done — it’s a constant recalibration as your business grows. But it starts by remembering that you’re allowed to want more, earn more, and spend in alignment with your goals — without guilt.
Because the truth is: your dream business doesn’t just need good taste. It needs a CEO who believes they’re worth it.
🎧 Want to hear more? Tune in to Episode 142 of the Hot Young Designers Club Podcast for our full convo with Coach Jacqui. It’s one of the episodes we heard from Hotties about the most — and for good reason.
Picture this: It’s install day. The movers are en route, the custom sofa is finally making its grand entrance, and your client is buzzing with anticipation. Everything is going so..
Picture this: It’s install day. The movers are en route, the custom sofa is finally making its grand entrance, and your client is buzzing with anticipation. Everything is going so smoothly… until you realize you forgot scissors. Or tape. Or a single functioning pen.
Enter: The Interior Designer Install Kit—your survival pack, your best friend, your ride-or-die in the chaos of installation day. Without it, you’re just a stylish person in a beautifully planned but slightly chaotic space. With it, you’re a superhero armed with fabric shavers and command strips, ready to conquer the day.
So, what goes into the ultimate install kit? Grab your chicest tote (or let’s be real, an overstuffed Hulken bag), and let’s break it down.
The Absolute Essentials (a.k.a. You're Not Leaving Home Without These)
These are the things you’ll use every single time—no excuses, no surprises.
1. Measuring Tape – Because eyeballing that artwork height is not an option.
2. Level – To make sure your perfectly curated gallery wall doesn’t look like a funhouse attraction.
3. Scissors & Box Cutters – You’ll be opening a lot of packages, and no one wants to see you wrestling with tape like a savage.
4. Painter’s Tape – For marking furniture placement, protecting surfaces, and making your life easier.
5. Goo Gone & Magic Erasers – Because stickers, price tags, and mystery smudges are out to ruin your life.
6. Sticky Notes & Sharpies – Labeling is your best friend when chaos inevitably ensues.
The Fix-It Fast Crew (Because Install Days Love Drama)
Things will go wrong. Be prepared to MacGyver your way through them.
1. Screwdrivers (Phillips & Flathead) + Allen Wrenches – Because something will always need tightening.
2. Rubber Mallet & Small Hammer – The secret weapons for stubborn furniture legs and hanging art like a pro.
3. Laser Level – For when precision really matters (and to avoid the whole “does that look straight?” debate).
4. Needle & Thread – For the inevitable fabric snag, loose button, or last-minute styling rescue.
5. Batteries (AA, AAA, and whatever weird ones that remote control needs) – Nothing kills the mood faster than than when something won’t turn on.
6. Wood Touch-Up Markers & Putty – Because furniture nicks happen, and clients don’t need to know.
The “Trust Me, You’ll Need These” Extras
Unexpected heroes that have saved many a designer’s sanity.
1. Lint Roller – Because nothing ruins a styled bed faster than stray fuzz.
2. Fabric Shaver – Say goodbye to pilling on that brand-new upholstered chair.
3. Soft Bristle Paintbrush – Not for painting, but for dusting off lampshades, shelves, and trim.
4. Mini Ring Light or Portable Lamp – For those chef’s kiss final photos when the lighting is, well, less than ideal.
5. Wireless Earbuds – So you can take those “where is my delivery?!” calls without stopping what you’re doing.
The Emergency Lifesavers (Because You’re Not About to Have a Meltdown Today)
When install day throws you a curveball, these will keep you sane.
1. Snacks (Preferably Non-Crumbly Ones) – A hangry designer is not a good look.
2. Water Bottle (Or Let’s Be Honest, Coffee) – Hydration is important, but so is caffeine.
3. Advil, Band-Aids, & Hand Sanitizer – Because install day is practically an Olympic sport.
4. Work Gloves – Protect your hands from mystery splinters, sharp edges, and sticky situations.
5. First Aid Kit – Because the one time you don’t have it, you’ll need it.
Pro Tip: Keep It All Organized
You’re going to need all the things – a rolling bag, plastic bins, and lots of totes—whatever works for you, just keep it stocked and ready to go. There’s nothing worse than realizing you left your level at a previous install.
With this kit by your side, you’re not just an interior designer—you’re a full-on problem-solving, detail-perfecting, stress-reducing install day pro.
If you want to grab all everything we keep in our Install Kits visit our Amazon storefront below. Then go forth and conquer that reveal like the design boss you are!
Get Our Entire
Install Kit
How did you end up in the design industry? I was the stereotypical “design child” who loved redoing my bedroom every few months. I wasn’t sure interior design would make..
How did you end up in the design industry?
I was the stereotypical “design child” who loved redoing my bedroom every few months. I wasn’t sure interior design would make a great career, but my now mother-in-law encouraged me to give it a try after loving her own career in drafting.
While attending post-secondary school, I absolutely fell in love with residential design. For me, it’s all about solving the puzzle of how to make a client’s home the best fit for them and their family.
What does your team look like?
I’m the Design Lead, and I have a Design Assistant who helps with drafting and design work. I also have an Administrative Assistant who handles all things admin and helps keep our projects on track. In addition, I have someone who manages my social media, along with a separate copywriter.
Tell us about the project you're sharing.
This full-home renovation was designed to help a busy family fall back in love with their ’90s home. The existing layout felt very chopped up, with interior brick planters that went unused and sunken living rooms. The kitchen was also tiny, with very little storage. They wanted to revive their home with a timeless style that felt bright and airy while incorporating as many aging-in-place features as possible.
What was involved in this project?
This project involved an almost complete gut renovation of the main floor, updates to portions of the second floor, and transforming a basement that had become little more than a storage space. The home totals approximately 3,000 square feet, including the basement.
I was brought on by the contractor to rework the main floor layout, redesign the primary bedroom and bathroom on the second floor, and create a space plan for the basement. Once the layouts were finalized, I sourced all of the finishes and fixtures. The client also chose to furnish most of the home with all new furniture.
What's something you were really excited about creating for this project?
The family room fireplace wall with the built-ins on either side with arched openings.
Is there anything you changed about your business or processes as a result of this project?
This project changed the way I work with contractors who bring me onto their projects. I explain why I need full design control so the design process goes quicker and smoother, ultimately saving them time and money. Before this project, I was more likely to follow their lead, but I learned how time-consuming and difficult that made things.
What was your biggest learning from this project?
Do my own measurements for important items, like basement post placement, and don’t rely on the drawings given to me by someone else, whether the contractor or homeowner. Always doublecheck. I ended up having to redesign some of the basement elements to fit within post restrictions that I didn’t realize existed based on the drawings.
Is there a tool, tip, or business resource from Hot Young Designers Club that you use in your business?
I’m a proud Patreon member that is constantly improving my process and documents based on advice from other members. The monthly Hottie Hangouts are amazing.
Thank you, Chelsey Corea, for sharing more about your business and sharing this beautiful home with us! You can visit EBO Design on their website or Instagram.
Designers, we want to learn more about you and see your recent projects! Click here to submit a project to be featured on Hot Young Designers Club
Photography: Homing Design Co., @homingdesign.co
Christina Louise Branding, @christinalouisebranding
Be Our Next Featured Designer
Be Our Next Featured Designer
How did you end up in the design industry? I went back to school for interior design and started my career at The Standard Hotel as a design assistant. Later,..
How did you end up in the design industry?
I went back to school for interior design and started my career at The Standard Hotel as a design assistant. Later, while my daughter was young, I focused on e-design projects before eventually transitioning into running my business full-time.
What does your team look like?
Only me.
Tell us about the project you're sharing.
I had the opportunity to design a space for the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. Although my room was tucked away in the back of the home and may not have been seen by every visitor, this marked my third year participating in the showcase, and I always enjoy the challenge of transforming smaller spaces on a modest budget.
The inspiration behind the design centered around mixing texture and pattern while embracing a bold, moody palette within a compact footprint. I also wanted to use light and reflection to create depth and movement throughout the spaces. The design began with a playful House of Hackney wallpaper installed in the vestibule, paired with mustard-colored trim to complement the tones in the pattern. In contrast, the powder room featured rich brown trim and beadboard, patterned black-and-white tile, and a black tile vanity. Brass finishes were carried throughout both spaces to keep the overall design cohesive and balanced.
What was involved in this project?
The scope of work included removing the existing wallpaper and tile while updating the finishes throughout the space. The original plumbing layout remained in place, but we added beadboard detailing, tiled the back wall, and updated the light fixtures and switches to give the rooms a more polished and intentional feel.
What's something you were really excited about creating for this project?
I was excited to bring a sense of fun and whimsy into the design.
Is there anything you changed about your business or processes as a result of this project?
This project reinforced the importance of believing in myself creatively.
Be brave and continue doing you.
What was your biggest learning from this project?
My biggest takeaway was to have fun with color. The project reminded me that bold choices can create some of the most memorable spaces, especially when they’re layered thoughtfully with texture and pattern.
Thank you, Rebecca Hansen, for sharing more about your business and sharing this beautiful home with us! You can visit RJH Design Studio on their website or Instagram.
Designers, we want to learn more about you and see your recent projects! Click here to submit a project to be featured on Hot Young Designers Club
Photography: Peter Christiansen Valli, @pcv_ps
Be Our Next Featured Designer
Be Our Next Featured Designer
How did you end up in the design industry? I was the art kid in high school and always knew I wanted to do something creative for a living. After..
How did you end up in the design industry?
I was the art kid in high school and always knew I wanted to do something creative for a living. After an aptitude test pointed me toward interior design, I decided to pursue it in school.
After graduating with a BA in Design from UC Davis, I worked as a freelance assistant for several prominent interior design firms in the Sacramento area before one of them hired me full-time. I worked there for 5.5 years before launching Studio Connolly in November 2020.
What does your team look like?
It’s just me! My husband, Devin, helped co-found the company and occasionally acts as my unofficial design assistant, but I primarily run both the business and design work solo.
Tell us about the project you're sharing.
This galley kitchen in Curtis Park, Sacramento already had a warm, earthy vibe thanks to its terra cotta-colored walls, a color the clients loved and wanted to preserve. One of the homeowners, a landscape architect, had selected a primary color scheme for the home and wanted to carry it throughout, so red, yellow, and maybe blue it would be. They also loved the charm and character of their 1920s home and wanted to honor it while upgrading the kitchen’s function with additions like a dishwasher and a proper vent hood, along with improved storage. They also brought a unique challenge: finding a sustainable, durable flooring option that was softer underfoot than tile but still easy to maintain.
What was involved in this project?
The kitchen and adjoining butler’s pantry are tiny, just over 100 square feet (103 to be exact), so everything needed to be planned with precision. I created a demolition plan, new floor plan, elevation drawings, and a proposed electrical layout, then selected all flooring, cabinet colors, countertops, backsplash, grout, lighting, and finish details.
I brought in Tim from Fidelis Builders to execute the design, and he and his subcontractors worked seamlessly to bring it to life. I stayed involved with several site visits to answer questions and problem-solve as needed. At one point, we discovered the top half of a partially demolished chimney resting on wood above the old, non-functional vent hood, which had to be addressed before continuing. I also returned at the end of the project to style the pantry shelves.
What's something you were really excited about creating for this project?
The clients had a very specific storage need: a drawer for alliums (onions, garlic, etc.). I designed a custom cut-out drawer in the butler’s pantry to allow for airflow while creating a thoughtful, standout detail. I even created the cut-out template for the cabinet maker to use in fabrication.
Did this project change anything about your process?
I now always insist on a physical cabinet sample for any stain or paint color before production, and make sure the client sees it in person. Even if I provide a swatch, I require the cabinet shop to apply the color to a real wood sample so I can verify it fully, even if it delays the timeline.
For this project, the cabinet color approval was slightly rushed, which created some uncertainty, but thankfully, the client loved the final result.
What was your biggest learning from this project?
This project pushed me to research several new sustainable materials. I spent time learning which wood species are most sustainable for cabinetry and explored eco-friendly flooring options that are both durable and softer underfoot than tile.
Thank you, Leah Connolly, for sharing more about your business and sharing this beautiful home with us! You can visit Studio Connolly on their website or Instagram.
Designers, we want to learn more about you and see your recent projects! Click here to submit a project to be featured on Hot Young Designers Club
Photography: Whitney Dianne, @whitneydianne
Be Our Next Featured Designer
Be Our Next Featured Designer
How did you end up in the design industry? It started with buying, renovating, and designing my own investment properties. At the time, I was running a marketing agency and..
How did you end up in the design industry?
What does your team look like?
My team includes me, 2–3 designers who support me, and a marketing assistant!
Tell us about the project you're sharing.
This was a new build that the owner wanted to turn into an Airbnb right away. The home is huge! It’s 2 units, but he wanted it to feel like one cohesive property if a large family wanted to rent them together. My client had a vision to go really bold with this property, using funky colors and large-scale patterns. I was so excited that we shared that vision, and that I wouldn’t need to convince him to trust my selections. This property is in a mountain market, where guests expect to stay in a modern cabin with lots of rustic wood, natural stone, soapstone, wool, flannel, plaid patterns, matte black metals, etc. And we did the opposite. We did an MCM look, heavy on the modern. Tons of photos here!
What was involved in this project?
I chose all the fixtures, finishes, furniture, decor, wallpaper, paint — everything. It has 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, sleeps 18 people, and spans 6,000 square feet. It was a new construction, so I made almost every selection.
What's something you were really excited about creating for this project?
The homeowner is also the contractor, so basically, any idea I brought to the project, he was able to implement immediately!
Is there anything you changed about your business or processes as a result of this project?
During this project, I discovered that I needed to learn more about construction materials and best practices. For example, I was selecting tile that was “waterproof” and floor-rated, but it was not ideal for a shower floor. It needed to be something small or flexible, like a mosaic, to fit the slope of the floor. I spent a lot of time researching and improving my skills in making selections for remodels.
What was your biggest learning from this project?
Take the risk! Do more wallpaper.
Thank you, Andrea Moxham, for sharing more about your business and sharing this beautiful home with us! You can visit Moxie and Co. on their website or Instagram.
Designers, we want to learn more about you and see your recent projects! Click here to submit a project to be featured on Hot Young Designers Club
Photography: Andrew Keller, @isoneedphotos
Madisyn Coy, @mcoyphotography
Be Our Next Featured Designer
Be Our Next Featured Designer
The Best Part of Being a Designer Has Nothing to Do With Design For a profession that’s built on collaboration, we designers spend an awful lot of time trying to..
The Best Part of Being a Designer Has Nothing to Do With Design
For a profession that’s built on collaboration, we designers spend an awful lot of time trying to do everything ourselves.
We learn to draw, we learn construction, we answer plumbing questions, solve electrical problems, manage schedules, source products, build presentations, run businesses, market ourselves… and somewhere along the way, it’s easy to believe our value comes from being the person with all the answers.
Lately I’ve been reminder that our greatest value isn’t what we know, but who we get to work with.
It really clicked for me during our conversation with Linette Dai on Episode #186 of Hot Young Designers Club. She described it as a privilege to work with people who are truly exceptional at what they do. Not just to hire them or manage them, but to stand alongside them and watch them practice a craft they’ve spent decades perfecting. I haven’t stopped thinking about that!
Some of my favorite moments on a project don’t happen in front of AutoCAD or during a client presentation. They happen in a fabrication shop when someone who’s worked with stone for thirty years points out something I would’ve never considered. Or on a jobsite when a finish carpenter quietly solves a detail that’s been bothering me for weeks.
Those moments remind me that I don’t want to be the expert at everything.
I want to be surrounded by experts.
I think that’s one of the quiet privileges of this profession. We get a front-row seat to people who have dedicated their lives to becoming incredible at one thing. And if we do our jobs well, we get to introduce our clients to those people, too.
In a world that feels increasingly automated, disposable, and optimized for speed, interior design is still wonderfully human. It’s built on relationships, trust, and craftsmanship. Every beautiful project is really a collection of talented people leaving their fingerprints on something they’ll probably never take credit for.
Maybe that’s part of our role as designers. We’re not just creating beautiful spaces, but championing the people who make beautiful spaces possible.
As my experience as a designer has grown, I’m less interested in whether I am the smartest person in the room. I’d much rather be the person who gets to fill the room with extraordinary people.
Fizzles & Sizzles
Rebecca's Fizzle
My husband is officially retired (yay!) but now it feels like everyone is having a summer vacation but me. So I booked a couple trips for the fall and it feels good to have some fun to look forward to.
Rebecca's Sizzle
I did sneak in a couple days away to attend Vegas Market with some of my design besties. We’re usually in and out but we decided we deserved a cabana day by the pool. Even though it was 114° it was the best Tuesday I’ve had in a long time.
Shaun's Fizzle
This one is for my busy-bodies: slow down. I’ve been spending more time in meditation and it’s been such a wonderful practice . Our world is busy, and increasingly demanding. Take care of yourselves.
Shaun's Sizzle
Join me Sunday Oct-18 | 2:00p
Hooker Furnishings
Showplace building , 3rd floor
Stuff We're Digging
How did you end up in the design industry? I was the stereotypical “design child” who loved redoing my bedroom every few months. I wasn’t sure interior design would make..
How did you end up in the design industry?
I was the stereotypical “design child” who loved redoing my bedroom every few months. I wasn’t sure interior design would make a great career, but my now mother-in-law encouraged me to give it a try after loving her own career in drafting.
While attending post-secondary school, I absolutely fell in love with residential design. For me, it’s all about solving the puzzle of how to make a client’s home the best fit for them and their family.
What does your team look like?
I’m the Design Lead, and I have a Design Assistant who helps with drafting and design work. I also have an Administrative Assistant who handles all things admin and helps keep our projects on track. In addition, I have someone who manages my social media, along with a separate copywriter.
Tell us about the project you're sharing.
This full-home renovation was designed to help a busy family fall back in love with their ’90s home. The existing layout felt very chopped up, with interior brick planters that went unused and sunken living rooms. The kitchen was also tiny, with very little storage. They wanted to revive their home with a timeless style that felt bright and airy while incorporating as many aging-in-place features as possible.
What was involved in this project?
This project involved an almost complete gut renovation of the main floor, updates to portions of the second floor, and transforming a basement that had become little more than a storage space. The home totals approximately 3,000 square feet, including the basement.
I was brought on by the contractor to rework the main floor layout, redesign the primary bedroom and bathroom on the second floor, and create a space plan for the basement. Once the layouts were finalized, I sourced all of the finishes and fixtures. The client also chose to furnish most of the home with all new furniture.
What's something you were really excited about creating for this project?
The family room fireplace wall with the built-ins on either side with arched openings.
Is there anything you changed about your business or processes as a result of this project?
This project changed the way I work with contractors who bring me onto their projects. I explain why I need full design control so the design process goes quicker and smoother, ultimately saving them time and money. Before this project, I was more likely to follow their lead, but I learned how time-consuming and difficult that made things.
What was your biggest learning from this project?
Do my own measurements for important items, like basement post placement, and don’t rely on the drawings given to me by someone else, whether the contractor or homeowner. Always doublecheck. I ended up having to redesign some of the basement elements to fit within post restrictions that I didn’t realize existed based on the drawings.
Is there a tool, tip, or business resource from Hot Young Designers Club that you use in your business?
I’m a proud Patreon member that is constantly improving my process and documents based on advice from other members. The monthly Hottie Hangouts are amazing.
Thank you, Chelsey Corea, for sharing more about your business and sharing this beautiful home with us! You can visit EBO Design on their website or Instagram.
Designers, we want to learn more about you and see your recent projects! Click here to submit a project to be featured on Hot Young Designers Club
Photography: Homing Design Co., @homingdesign.co
Christina Louise Branding, @christinalouisebranding
Be Our Next Featured Designer
Be Our Next Featured Designer
The Final Inch A few years ago, a custom sofa arrived at an install. It had a COM fabric, months of lead time, and was one of those pieces that..
The Final Inch
A few years ago, a custom sofa arrived at an install. It had a COM fabric, months of lead time, and was one of those pieces that kind of anchors the whole room. As the installer was unwrapping it, the box cutter went about a half inch too deep. Right through the fabric.
I remember standing there thinking about how absurd it is that after months of decisions, emails, samples, approvals, production schedules, and waiting, the thing that ultimately determined whether the client got the sofa they were promised was a rushed decision and a box cutter.
I recently read Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about something he calls the One-Inch Rule. It’s the idea that restaurant staff should pay just as much attention to the final act of placing a plate in front of a guest as they do to everything that came before it. That last inch is the culmination of hours of work by dozens of people, and if it’s handled carelessly, it can shape how the entire experience is remembered. It’s really just a reminder to stay present and see things all the way through to the end.
I think interior design has its own version of this. In fact, I think we probably have a lot of them. The funny thing is, if everything goes right, nobody notices. It’s only when something goes wrong that you realize the final inch may have mattered more than all the inches that came before it.
Freight is probably the clearest example. We spend so much time obsessing over sourcing, craftsmanship, lead times, and fabrication details. But almost nobody talks about the literal last few feet a piece travels before it lands in a client’s home. A leg snapping when its being loaded, a tight stairwell damaging a fresh paint job, or a delivery team that doesn’t understand what they’re carrying can undo months of work in a matter of seconds. The final inch of a freight delivery isn’t a detail, its the riskiest part of the entire process.
Care instructions are a way protect us after we’ve left. At some point, we have to hand over the project and say goodbye. But the actual lifespan of that room depends on people who may have no idea what zellige is, what Fabric Code “S” means, or why one cleaner is safe for a sofa but disastrous for a rug. We can’t control what happens after installation, but we can mitigate it. A well-written care guide is our last chance to protect all the decisions that came before. Because the final inch of a design project isn’t always install day. Sometimes it’s whether someone caring for the home six months later can preserve what you created.
Punch lists might be the most emotionally charged version of the final inch. By that point, clients have invested a tremendous amount of time and money into the process, and they expect a perfectly finished project. And honestly, that expectation is reasonable. If you buy a new car, you’re not going to drive it off the lot with a scratch that needs to be buffed out.
Construction, of course, doesn’t work that way. Contractors are busy, their subs are on new jobs, and somehow the designer ends up standing in the middle. The project may be 99% complete, but that last 1% often becomes the part everyone remembers and these are the moments that can color a client’s impression of the entire project.
The lesson for me isn’t that we can control every final inch because we can’t. But as business owners, we can identify the parts of our process where the stakes are highest and be as prepared as possible. When we know we’re entering one of those high-risk moments, we can set expectations, communicate clearly, and remind clients that some parts of the process are inherently unpredictable.
Usually protecting the final inch isn’t about preventing problems. It’s about preparing people for them and having plans in place to make things right for our clients. And when everything goes according to plan, maybe the best outcome is that nobody notices the last steps at all.
Fizzles & Sizzles
Rebecca's Fizzle
It’s a problem I’m happy to have, but I have two projects that have been on the same timeline all year. I was hoping they’d stagger after the design phase, but they’re both headed into demo imminently!
Rebecca's Sizzle
I’m six weeks into a new morning routine, and putting my phone into automatic Downtime each night has made all the difference. Not waking up and immediately being triggered by emails and social media has created space for a slower, more intentional morning and sets a much calmer tone for the rest of the day.
Shaun's Fizzle
I’m embracing the “light lift” lately when it comes to seeing friends. If your energy isn’t there, try something easier on yourself. A good friend of mine came over to color a page in my Hello Kitty coloring book while we caught up and shared a snack. It was lovely and protected my energy.
Shaun's Sizzle
I asked my client about photographing their home for my portfolio and she said she was honored and felt very special. What a gorgeous sentiment! These are the moments we dream of as designers and are so fulfilling personally.
Stuff We're Digging
How did you end up in the design industry? I went back to school for interior design and started my career at The Standard Hotel as a design assistant. Later,..
How did you end up in the design industry?
I went back to school for interior design and started my career at The Standard Hotel as a design assistant. Later, while my daughter was young, I focused on e-design projects before eventually transitioning into running my business full-time.
What does your team look like?
Only me.
Tell us about the project you're sharing.
I had the opportunity to design a space for the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. Although my room was tucked away in the back of the home and may not have been seen by every visitor, this marked my third year participating in the showcase, and I always enjoy the challenge of transforming smaller spaces on a modest budget.
The inspiration behind the design centered around mixing texture and pattern while embracing a bold, moody palette within a compact footprint. I also wanted to use light and reflection to create depth and movement throughout the spaces. The design began with a playful House of Hackney wallpaper installed in the vestibule, paired with mustard-colored trim to complement the tones in the pattern. In contrast, the powder room featured rich brown trim and beadboard, patterned black-and-white tile, and a black tile vanity. Brass finishes were carried throughout both spaces to keep the overall design cohesive and balanced.
What was involved in this project?
The scope of work included removing the existing wallpaper and tile while updating the finishes throughout the space. The original plumbing layout remained in place, but we added beadboard detailing, tiled the back wall, and updated the light fixtures and switches to give the rooms a more polished and intentional feel.
What's something you were really excited about creating for this project?
I was excited to bring a sense of fun and whimsy into the design.
Is there anything you changed about your business or processes as a result of this project?
This project reinforced the importance of believing in myself creatively.
Be brave and continue doing you.
What was your biggest learning from this project?
My biggest takeaway was to have fun with color. The project reminded me that bold choices can create some of the most memorable spaces, especially when they’re layered thoughtfully with texture and pattern.
Thank you, Rebecca Hansen, for sharing more about your business and sharing this beautiful home with us! You can visit RJH Design Studio on their website or Instagram.
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Photography: Peter Christiansen Valli, @pcv_ps