10 Steps To Offering Full-Service Interior Design Like A Pro
If you’re looking to scale your interior design business into a full-time income while working part-time hours, you need to start offering full-service interior design! Don’t be intimidated by the term “full-service” - I’m breaking down the 10 steps you need to follow to offer this service like a pro.
What is full-service interior design?
Full-service interior design means that you are in charge of managing the logistics of a design from start to finish - from the design concepts, to choosing and ordering the products and furniture, to installation (by a contractor, not by you!) to the big reveal.
Why would someone hire for full-service interior design?
As a new or aspiring interior designer, it can be hard to imagine why a client would be willing to pay $20,000 or more for full-service interior design. You might even be hesitant to offer this service because you’re doubting if anyone will pay you, and that you should just stick to lower-priced services like edesign, one-off furniture projects, or wallpaper selection. This mindset is limiting you and your income potential!
Here’s why a client would be willing to hire someone for full-service interior design:
They don’t have time - they are busy professionals who are working and taking care of their kids.
They don’t know how to choose furniture pieces that will look good together.
They don’t want to have to worry about sourcing items, backorders, damages, installation, etc.
They just truly don’t want to do it themselves, so they are willing to pay a high-ticket price for a professional service - a luxury experience where every single detail is taken care of.
That’s where you come in! The following 10 steps will take you through the process from creating the first design concept to fluffing the pillows on installation day.
Full-Service Interior Design Steps
Stage 1
Step 1: After your initial consultation with the client, you will have an idea of their needs for the space. The first step in your design process is to create design concepts like mood boars, 3D renderings, floor plans, and detailed spec sheets with product prices and dimensions.
Step 2: You will also need to get samples when needed - rug, paint, fabric, etc.
Step 3: You will be responsible for sourcing each and every product through your trade vendors that you have access to as an interior designer. And for each trade product, you should be charging a markup in order to earn a real profit on this project. If you’re not already doing this, check out this blog post for all you need to know about trade discounts, resale certificates, and how to make more money with trade markups.
Step 4: Present your ideas to the client - explain why you chose things and what emotional feeling your finished design will invoke. You are bringing the vision to life for them so they can get excited about the final product. Really connect with the client and give them the luxury design experience that they are looking for with full-service interior design.
Stage 2
Step 5: Once the designs are approved, you are going to invoice your client for the total amount of money it costs to order everything for this design. That’s right - you order the products, not your client. With full-service interior design, your client isn’t lifting a finger. They get to sit back, approve your beautiful designs, and wait for the big reveal.
Step 6: The next step is to place the orders and ship the products to your local receiving warehouse. If you don’t know much about how this process works, check out this post for a full guide.
Step 7: Once the furniture and other products arrive at the receiving warehouse, it’s time to schedule an installation day (the best part!) with your client. In my residential design contract, I include a statement that requires the client to not be in the home during the actual installation. This ensures that I have the physical and mental space to do my job on installation day, which is directing the movers and handymen. You don’t want your client to be at their home during this process because it can be chaotic and a little stressful when everything is coming in and being put in place. Since they are paying for full-service interior design, they deserve to just show up to a gorgeous new space.
Expert tip → treat your client to a special event like a fancy dinner, a massage at a local spa, or something else that will pamper them during the installation.
Stage 3
Step 8: Installation day is here! You’ll be in charge of directing every single person and ensuring that each item gets put in its place correctly. Yes, it will be a little bit stressful and overwhelming to be the director of so many moving parts. But it is so rewarding to see your vision come to life!
Step 9: You’ll get to reveal the final design to your client and walk through the home together. I always recommend connecting with your client once more by explaining some of your design choices or why you chose particular pieces specifically for them. For example, maybe you thrifted a certain item just for this space - clients love to feel like their home is uniquely designed.
Step 10: You’ll leave behind a thank-you gift, such as a bottle of champagne, a candle, or a treat basket for their new home, along with your thank-you packet where you’ll ask for a review for your services.
How To Start Offering Full-Service Interior Design
I have coached hundreds of aspiring designers over the past few years, and I often hear worries and concerns about offering full-service interior design. Some women let it scare them away before even giving it a try because it can feel overwhelming to be in charge of a project from start to finish. They ask me questions like, “how much work is it going to be?” and “where do I even start with finding movers and handymen?”
Think of it this way: you’re probably already doing “full-service” design in your own home. You create a design for the space, you pick out the furniture and place the orders, you deal with issues like damages or backorders, and you (or a friend or family member) install and decorate.
So if you’re feeling excited about offering full-service interior design packages to your clients, just know that you can do it! You’re just going to want to make sure you have solid business systems in place before starting your first project.
Check out my group for interior designers, Design Business Secrets+, for all the training, tools, and templates you’ll need to run your interior design business. Plus, you’ll get priority feedback from me whenever you need it!
Head over to Design Business Secrets+ today to get started.
