Across the country, the design industry is changing. The economy, technology, and human behavior are colliding in new ways. Homeowners are rethinking their priorities. Designers are reimagining what their role really means. And everywhere you look, the connection between psychology and design is shaping how we move forward.

As we head into the second half of 2025, one thing’s clear: the design world is adjusting to a market that feels a little... stuck. Real estate is moving slowly. Mortgage rates are still hovering around 7%, inventory is tight, and sellers aren’t seeing the bidding wars they had hoped for.

In other words? Homeowners are hitting pause. And rather than list, many are choosing to love what they already have, with a bit of help from us, of course.

If you’ve ever felt like your design expertise is undervalued or your proposals are being compared like commodity bids, it might be time to rethink how you’re positioning your services—especially if you want to work with luxury clients.

Because here’s the truth: luxury clients aren’t just buying a look—they’re buying an experience.

Today marks a truly special milestone for my firm, Trade Mark Interiors: 25 years of designing homes that reflect the lives, personalities, and dreams of our clients. What began as a passion project has grown into an award-winning interior design firm rooted in Sarasota, Florida, serving clients across the country and bringing beautiful, functional, and meaningful spaces to life.

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…

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…

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?

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.