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The Most Common Design Business Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

The Most Common Design Business Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Every designer has been there—burning the candle at both ends, bending over backward for a client, or saying “yes” to a project that turned out to be all red flags.

Running a design business isn’t just about creating beautiful spaces. It’s about building systems, structure, and boundaries that allow your creativity to thrive without burning you out.

Here are five of the most common mistakes Tracee sees in the design world—and how to avoid them…

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Why Color Isn’t Just Aesthetic: A Look Into the Psychology of Color
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

Why Color Isn’t Just Aesthetic: A Look Into the Psychology of Color

There’s a reason why clients light up in a room bathed in soft blues or feel instantly energized by a pop of bold coral. Color isn’t just a design choice—it’s an emotional experience. And as designers, it’s our job to use it with purpose.

Whether your client can articulate it or not, the colors you choose affect how they feel, function, and engage with a space. That’s the power of design psychology at work.

Let’s break it down…

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Boundaries, Burnout & Balance: Protecting Your Energy as a Creative CEO
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

Boundaries, Burnout & Balance: Protecting Your Energy as a Creative CEO

Let’s face it—interior design is more than a job. It’s emotional labor. It’s creativity on demand. It’s juggling timelines, personalities, budgets, and expectations. And when you’re a business owner and a designer, the line between passion and burnout gets thin—fast.

If your to-do list is endless, your inbox is always full, and your evenings are starting to look more like work hours than downtime, it’s time to pause and ask:

Are you leading your business, or is it leading you?

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Stop Undervaluing Yourself
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

Stop Undervaluing Yourself

Let’s be real—pricing is one of the biggest pain points for interior designers. Whether you’re just starting out or years into running your firm, undercharging is the fast track to burnout, resentment, and financial instability.

If you’ve ever caught yourself saying,
“I don’t want to scare them off…”
OR
“I’ll just throw in the extra time…”
—then it’s time for a mindset reset.

Here are 5 shifts that will help you step into your worth and start pricing with confidence…

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The Psychology of Interior Design: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

The Psychology of Interior Design: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Design is about so much more than making a space look beautiful—it’s about how a space makes people feel. From mood and behavior to focus and emotional connection, the psychology of interior design plays a powerful role in shaping our daily lives.

As designers, we often rely on instinct, style, and experience to guide our decisions. But when we layer in psychology, we create interiors that are not only functional and stylish—but emotionally resonant, too.

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The State of the Design Industry: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities for 2025
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

The State of the Design Industry: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities for 2025

As we enter the second quarter of 2025, the design industry continues to evolve—driven by new regulations, changing consumer preferences, and the ongoing push for creativity and innovation. Whether you’re an emerging designer or an established firm owner, staying on top of these shifts is essential to growing and future-proofing your business.

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Marketing on a Budget: Creative Ways to Get Your Phone Ringing
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

Marketing on a Budget: Creative Ways to Get Your Phone Ringing

Hey there, designer! We get it—running a successful interior design business means juggling creativity with the nuts and bolts of marketing. And while a big-budget campaign might sound tempting, you don’t have to break the bank to get noticed. Today, we’re sharing some down-to-earth marketing hacks that can help you attract new clients and keep your phone ringing, all without emptying your wallet.

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Overcoming Creative Blocks: Tips and Techniques for Staying Inspired
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

Overcoming Creative Blocks: Tips and Techniques for Staying Inspired

In the world of interior design, creativity is your most valuable asset. Yet even the most innovative designers can hit a wall from time to time. Whether you’re juggling multiple projects or simply feeling the weight of everyday stress, creative blocks can dampen your inspiration. The good news is that there are plenty of practical techniques to help you break through the haze and rediscover your creative spark. Here are some tried-and-true tips and exercises to help you overcome creative blocks and stay inspired.

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Time Management Hacks for Busy Designers: Streamline Your Workflow, Manage Projects, and Prevent Burnout
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

Time Management Hacks for Busy Designers: Streamline Your Workflow, Manage Projects, and Prevent Burnout

Effective time management isn’t just about getting more done; it’s about creating a workflow that supports your creativity, reduces stress, and ultimately helps you deliver outstanding results. Here are some practical time management hacks that will help you streamline your processes, manage your workload, and prevent burnout in this demanding industry.

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Are You Charging What You’re Worth? A Pricing Reality Check
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

Are You Charging What You’re Worth? A Pricing Reality Check

One of the biggest challenges interior designers face—regardless of experience level—is how to price their services. Whether you’re just starting out or running a thriving design business, it’s easy to fall into pricing pitfalls that leave you overworked and underpaid. Here are some practical ways to ensure you’re truly charging what you’re worth.

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The 3 Most Common Client Conflicts—and How to Handle Them Like a Pro
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

The 3 Most Common Client Conflicts—and How to Handle Them Like a Pro

In the fast-paced world of interior design, conflicts are practically inevitable. From shifting budgets to creative differences, each project brings its own unique drama. But don’t worry—knowing how to gracefully diffuse these tense moments is what separates good designers from truly great ones.

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The State of the Interior Design Industry: What to Expect in Early 2025
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

The State of the Interior Design Industry: What to Expect in Early 2025

As the calendar flips to a new year, interior designers everywhere are taking stock of where the industry stands—and where it’s headed next. While creativity and innovation remain at the heart of design, shifts in consumer behavior, technology, and sustainability continue to reshape our collective approach. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve in early 2025, here’s what’s on the horizon and why now is an exciting time to be in interior design.

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The Power of a Fresh Start: How to Set Your Design Business Up for Success in 2025
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

The Power of a Fresh Start: How to Set Your Design Business Up for Success in 2025

A fresh start isn’t just about picking new color palettes or rebranding your website—it’s about creating clear goals, implementing efficient systems, and staying energized for whatever challenges may arise. Here are a few ways to make this year your most profitable and fulfilling one yet, plus how The Designer Launch can help you reach your professional potential.

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5 Essential Business Skills Every Interior Designer Needs to Succeed
Kristi Finigan Kristi Finigan

5 Essential Business Skills Every Interior Designer Needs to Succeed

Wouldn’t life be great if we only had to focus on the pretty things? As we all know, interior design goes far beyond just creating beautiful spaces—it’s also about building a successful business. To thrive in this competitive field, it’s essential to master a range of business skills that complement our creative talents. Here are five key skills every interior designer should focus on to ensure a profitable and sustainable career.

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