Take a look at your desk right now: Is it covered in stacks of paper and swatches and sticky notes, maybe even—bonus!—a wrapper from the Kind bar you called lunch? Clutter can feel inevitable when you’re a busy business owner and ironic when you’re an interior designer: You spend your day creating beautiful, functional spaces for clients, yet your own workspace often feels anything but. If this sounds like you, it’s time to stop waiting for some less-busy day that never comes and bump organizing your interior design studio to the top of your priority list. Not only will getting your design studio organized help you be more creative and efficient—helping drive your topline—it’ll reduce your stress levels and help you think clearly when you’re juggling approximately 1,352 projects (or so it can often feel, when you’re a busy interior designer). Not sure where to start? For a recent Ivy webinar, we tackled exactly this, asking organizing expert Rachel Rosenthal, cofounder of Rachel & Company, to share her smartest tips for reorganizing a design studio, including easy-to-maintain systems that’ll help you and your employees remain focused and at the top of your game. Watch the webinar—Pro Tips for Organizing Your Design Studio—or just read on for the top takeaway tips.

Lead image courtesy of Rachel Rosenthal

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First, declutter.

When piles of work-related debris await your attention, it’s best to knock off easy-to-conquer areas first, as a way to build momentum. “Start the decluttering process by going through the contents of the least difficult category to review,” Rosenthal suggests. “Once you start seeing progress, the motivation will help you tackle the next area.”

Note what’s working and what’s not.

You don’t have to overhaul everything; if certain filing systems are working well, don’t mess with them. “Make sure that you’re organizing based on how you and your team work best, and create systems that support your routines,” Rosenthal notes. “Trying to break a good flow could result in a new system not being long-lasting, which is a waste of time—and I know that you don’t have that to spare. Jot down what’s working and what could be improved and use that as your roadmap to identify which organizational improvements could be made.”

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Ready to organize but afraid to go it alone? No need to tackle it solo. 👯 My online course is the helping hand you need to get organized once and for all. It's self-paced and provides lifetime access to tons of awesome resources. Head to the link in my bio for more info.⠀

A post shared by RACHEL ROSENTHAL (@rachelorganizes) on Mar 6, 2019 at 7:09am PST

Make your desk sacred.

It should be your command center, not a landing pad for every paper you’ve handled today. Carefully choose what lives there so you feel energized and focused when you sit down. “Get all of your essentials in one place so that you know not only where to put them, but where to find them,” Rosenthal says. Reserve prime, within-reach real estate for the things you know you’ll be using as you work, like a calendar, pens and paper. Designate a less-prime place for the things you don’t interact with several times each day, like paper bills, business cards or vendor brochures you collected at market.

Don’t strive for unrealistic perfection.

A meticulously styled studio that showcases your design aesthetic is a lovely goal, but first and foremost, think realistically about how each part of your space functions (or could function better). “My office is not always neat—there is a difference between being neat and being organized,” Rosenthal explains. “I’m not aiming for [perfection], ever. What I do want is an office that allows for me to quickly be able to get things back in order at the end of the day, and to be able to find what I need, when I need it, so that my time can be focused on my clients and my business.”

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So fresh, so clean. 🎵 Details like these cabinet dividers make all the difference in an organized kitchen. What's your favorite part of your kitchen? Comment below and share!⠀

A post shared by RACHEL ROSENTHAL (@rachelorganizes) on Mar 2, 2019 at 6:57am PST

Implement an end-of-day reset.

This is the best way to ensure things always go back where they’re supposed to. “I know that time is limited for all of us, but make it a priority to reserve the last five to 15 minutes of the day to reset your workspace,” Rosenthal says. “Not only will it help you keep up with organization, but you’ll thank yourself the next time you step into your office space and aren’t greeted by a sloppy desk.”

Reorganize your time, while you’re at it.

Look for clutter in your schedule, too. Are you overcomplicating tasks like client proposals and timekeeping? “Identify areas where your workflow could be improved and seek out opportunities to make changes,” says Rosenthal, who now uses Ivy to streamline all her behind-the-scenes business tasks and save time. “It’s made it possible for me to manage my clients, stay on top of my invoicing and keep all of my business proposals and orders organized in one place, which is key.”

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*NEW BLOG* Who else’s kids are obsessed with constantly changing the looks of their room (or is just my girls)? _____ We moved in over 2.5 years ago and I can’t tell you how many times my girls have changed the art on their walls and reorganized everything in site! 🖼 _____ Our go-to for well priced, beautiful, framed pieces is @minted. And this round of changes, my girls steered right to their foil art. Have you seen their pieces? You have to check it out and I am telling you it is NOT just for kids. I snuck in a purchase of my own piece for my office! ⭐️🌟 ____ And what is even more exciting is they are having a 20% off sale on all foil art right now. You’ll have to check it out! Use the code SHINE for the discount read more about how we worked with @minted. LINK IN BIO. ____ #minted #mintedart #sponsored #getorganized

A post shared by RACHEL ROSENTHAL (@rachelorganizes) on Nov 11, 2018 at 4:54pm PST

Cut the procrastinating.

And then there’s the mental clutter, which you can cut back on by sticking to this simple trick: If something takes less than five minutes, do it right away. “This can be as simple as putting things back where you found them or responding to the quick emails bogging down your inbox,” Rosenthal says.

Schedule your organization reboots now.

Put dates on your calendar when you’ll revisit your new studio-organization systems—declutter once again, see what’s working, tweak what’s not. “Staying organized involves occasional maintenance, and if I treat organization check-ups like an appointment, I’m more likely to stay accountable,” says Rosenthal, who suggests doing this monthly or quarterly.

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Whew! We made it through the holidays. Now it's time to tackle a brand new year. 👊 On the blog this week, I'm chatting about how to get organized in the aftermath of the holiday craziness. —— I know, I know—it sounds like a daunting task. If you're in need of a little help making it happen, come join me in my online course all about getting your entire home and family organized. The course is a no-BS take on how to get and stay organized once and for all. Nothing fancy or hard just practical, realist tips. 🙌 From now until the 10th, use the code GETORGANIZED for 15% off. Can't wait to crush 2019 with you!

A post shared by RACHEL ROSENTHAL (@rachelorganizes) on Jan 3, 2019 at 6:57am PST

More from the Ivy archives: Tips for designing your workspace to maximize creativity, how to choose the perfect meeting spot for your client and 6 ways to take control of your day.

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Ivy is the leading business management platform and community helping home professionals streamline their businesses by providing the technology, resources, and support they need to thrive. To learn more about Ivy, schedule a demo with an Ivy Guru who can show you how designers use Ivy to streamline their workflow and make more time for what they love, design.

 

 

Ready for a little play-pretend meets pop quiz? Let’s say you wake up tomorrow and think, “to heck with this interior-design business”—you’re ready to cash out and move to France. Would you know how much of the money in your bank account is yours? If the answer is no, you’re far from alone, says Kimberly Merlitti, owner of KMM Consulting, a Washington, D.C.-based firm focused on helping luxury interior design, construction and architectural firms be as profitable as possible. She likes to ask new clients the France question, and it’s often the interior designers who have the toughest time answering. No surprise, considering that interior designers juggle unique accounting challenges like sales taxes and work-in-progress liabilities. It’s enough to scare off even the most math-minded business owner—which is why Ivy recently hosted a webinar where Merlitti walked us through how interior designers can figure out their cash position (or simply put, how much money is actually theirs to spend). If you aren’t able to watch right now, here’s a quick overview of what how you can calculate your own cash position—whether or not you’re dreaming of an impromptu move to Paris.  

A Cheat Sheet to Your Balance Sheet:

First, don’t be scared off by this and other accounting terms. Your balance sheet is just a financial track record for your business, from the day you started it until today—a record of money in, money out (plus money that’s moving in or out in the future).

Here are some key terms that’ll help you make sense of your balance sheet:

Liabilities: anything that takes money out of your business. It’s important to factor in both current and long-term liabilities whenever you calculate how much money is your own. Current liabilities would include credit card or loan payments you need to make each month, while a loan you don’t need to look at for six months would be a long-term liability.

Here are four types of liabilities interior designers should pay special attention to:

1. Sales tax, because you’re buying with a resale license. These incur at different times in different states, so it’s important to understand your current state law.

2. Credit-card balances, which you should always have enough cash to cover even if you don’t pay them off monthly.

3. Loans and lines of credit, either long- or short-term, for which you may need to pay monthly interest.

4. Vendor liabilities, also called “works in progress”—for example, if you make a custom sofa for $10,000 and put down a 50-percent deposit, you should have the remaining $5,000 set aside to pay the remainder at any time, even if it’s not due for six months.

Overhead costs: Also known as business/administrative expenses, these include payroll, rent and insurance—monthly expenses you must pay regardless of what projects you are working on. Merlitti recommends her clients always keep enough money in the bank to pay six months’ worth of overhead as a precaution.  

Capital expenditures: These are your “wishlist” business expenses—money you spend only when you have money to spare after deducting your overhead costs and liabilities. Capital expenditures might include doing advertising/marketing or a showhouse, or buying new furniture or computers.

Your Once-Weekly Calculation:

Now it’s number-crunching time: Choose an hour each week—ideally on the same day/time—to sit down and deduct your liabilities and overhead costs from your bank balance. Use this sample spreadsheet Merlitti made up, plugging your own numbers in next to the examples, and have your bookkeeper or CPA help the first time around, if needed. A note about loans/lines of credit: If the principal balance is due within six months, deduct the full amount. Otherwise, just deduct the interest for this month.

A few initial tips:

+ Calculating your vendor liabilities can be a sticky spot. If you’re using Ivy, an open purchase-order report (in the Reports section) would be a good way to see what you still owe. If the number seems crazy-high, make sure your database is up-to-date (i.e. if you proposed items that a client decided not to order, be sure to make those inactive or pull them out).

+ To figure out your sales-tax liability, you can again use the Reports section with in Ivy, use Quickbooks, or ask your CPA.

+ For overhead costs, divide your annual numbers by twelve to determine your “monthly nut,” or how much you need in the bank each month to cover them.

Next, add your accounts receivable: This is money you have coming down the pipeline—money owed to you by clients that you have not yet received. You should monitor this balance at least twice a month.

Once you add your accounts receivable amount, the number you see represents how much money is actually yours. While this is simply a snapshot in time, since the numbers are constantly in flux, doing this weekly will give you a good sense of how much money is yours to spend—instead of the false comfort of seeing $200,000 in the bank and thinking you’re flush with cash.

Don’t panic if your number is negative! “It doesn’t mean you’re going out of business—a negative number is often why clients hire me,” Merlitti says says. Now that you’re seeing the numbers clearly, you can find ways to adjust them. If needed, speak with an accountant to help you come up with a plan.

And don’t forget about income tax. This is a personal expense to always have on your radar when thinking about how much money you have free to spend. “You’re in an industry that requires sitting down with someone who really understands your business and figuring out what you will need to pay in six months, three months or next month,” Merlitti notes.

Still hesitant to dive into that balance sheet? Don’t worry, this webinar walks you through it step-by-step. “Understanding all of this may seem difficult at first, but you need to go through the exercise of doing it to know how much money in your bank account is yours,” Merlitti says.

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Ivy is the leading business management platform and community helping home professionals streamline their businesses by providing the technology, resources, and support they need to thrive. To learn more about Ivy, schedule a demo with an Ivy Guru who can show you how designers use Ivy to streamline their workflow and make more time for what they love, design.

 

 

They say a dog is a man’s best friend. A dog is everyone’s best friend, especially a designer’s best friend. Not only do the company of our cute pups make our day-to-day that much more enjoyable, dogs are a great prop for adding life to your portfolio. We’ve scoured designer feeds and put together a collection of furry friends making their adorable cameos, featured everywhere from styled photoshoots to the office desk.

Lead Image by Dandelion Dreams Photography

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The “head tilt”, captured by Frankie + Grae based in Sydney, Australia

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I’m loving the new look of our nook! The soft blush tones are calling my name this year. It’s feeling extra cozy. Also our faux fur blankie from @sarahlouco Gets faught over every evening since it’s the softest blanket we own 😂 who ever ends up getting it also gets indie cuddles because she is obsesssssed with it! swipe for proof 😆 . Sconce: @illuminatevintage Blanket: @sarahlouco . . . . #myinspiredhouse #mymidcenturymix #doingneutralright #theeverygirlathome #hometohave #InMyDomaine #designsponge #apartmenttherapy #howyouhome #hunkerhome #howwedwell #SOdomino #makehomeyours #houseandhome #makehomematter #mybohoabode #myhyggehome #simplethingsmadebeautiful #cornerofmyhome #interiorandhome #interiordesign #ourtruehaven #littleaccountlove #maketimefordesign #kismetcheckoutmyhouse #goldendoodlesofinstagram

A post shared by Frankie + Grae (@frankieandgrae) on Feb 18, 2019 at 6:06pm PST

The perfect prop, captured by Park & Oak Design based in Chicago, IL

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Before and after of Olive (Clifford), she just keeps growing!!!

A post shared by Park & Oak (@parkandoakdesign) on Mar 18, 2019 at 10:29am PDT

The furry companion, captured by Two Thirty Five Designs based in Texas

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Buffalo check still makes my heart pop 🖤 It is one of my favorite patterns ever, and I love how @nestrs is always incorporating it into her #airbnb’s…..they are the @airbnb’s king and queen after all 😉!

A post shared by Allison Fannin (@twothirtyfivedesigns) on Jan 22, 2019 at 6:19am PST

The sun bather, captured by 22 Interiors based in Los Angeles, CA

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Iconic Barcelona Chair with a cute pup and fluffy rug make for a extra gorgeous master bedroom corner. Photo by @amybartlam #22interiors #ihaveachairobsession  #barcelonachair #miesvanderrohe

A post shared by 22 Interiors // Lucie M. Ayres (@22interiors) on Sep 10, 2018 at 7:32pm PDT

The pup that matches your pillow, also captured by 22 Interiors

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When your dog matches your pillow 🐶 #22interiors #mtwashingtonproject 📸 : @amybartlam

A post shared by 22 Interiors // Lucie M. Ayres (@22interiors) on Sep 29, 2017 at 1:15pm PDT

The design assistant, captured by JTW Design

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D O G D A Y S O F S U M M E R Somehow this job keeps getting more and more fun. I mean today I had three different doggie design assistants. Meet Finn…could he be any cuter? Perhaps JTWdesign needs a resident pup… . . . #dogsofinstagram #finnstagram #finn #whichwallpaperwillhechoose #howaboutallthree #designerdoggie #designassistant #ilovemyjob #workinghard #wallpaper #wallpaperwednesday #happyme #havanese #dreamjob #rva #rvadesigner #designer #jtwdesign

A post shared by JTWdesign (@jtwdesignllc) on Aug 16, 2018 at 2:28pm PDT

The candid shot, captured by Jen Talbot Design based in Chicago, IL

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Oak Brook entryway finished. This space went from a forgettable crammed stairway to bright, fresh and airy. Plug in a cute dog and the space is complete. #customdoors #entryway #panelling #jentalbotdesign #chicagointeriors #instagood #instadecor #joannagainesstyle

A post shared by Jen Talbot Design (@jentalbotdesign) on Nov 12, 2017 at 11:13am PST

The photobomb, captured by Thurman Design Studio based in Nashville, TN

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I'm not even gonna lie I often get frustrated with Bingley when he kills my freshly made bed uhhhg! But then I see this sweet precious face…. and what can I say, my little boy loves his pillows 😊🐶! #ilovemydog . . . . . . #interiordesign #nashville #designers #creativeideas #myinteriors #art #nashvillemom #homeremodel #homedecor #decorating #housedesign #accessories #firsttimehomebuyer #edesign #handmade #decoreverything #nashvilleinteriors #moodboards #clientinspiration #color #bohochic #design #art #bohemian #currentdesignsituation #gypsy #bedroomdesign #designer #bohodog

A post shared by TDS (Thurman Design Studio) (@thurmandesign) on Sep 4, 2017 at 7:45pm PDT

The dogs that put your performance fabric to the test, captured by Savvy Interiors based in San Diego, CA

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My dad and stepmom got their first dog about 6 years ago and promptly told me, “this dog will NOT be on the couch”. I laughed. That lasted about 2 weeks before I heard that “Teddy” melted their hearts. What’s the trick? Performance fabric, where you can live your life and choose materials that last even with kids and pets. Having raised 5 daughters and always having two dogs, I was not going to be that person who worried about silk fabrics at the end of a bed getting wrinkled. I want to live in nice spaces that function. 📸 @dandeliondreamsphoto

A post shared by inSIDE by Savvy Interiors (@insidebysavvy) on Mar 1, 2019 at 6:30am PST

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Ivy is the leading business management platform and community helping home professionals streamline their businesses by providing the technology, resources, and support they need to thrive. To learn more about Ivy, schedule a demo with an Ivy Guru who can show you how designers use Ivy to streamline their workflow and make more time for what they love, design.

 

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, visiting High Point Market is always an adventure: We’re talking 12 million square feet of interior design resources—or in other words, about 201 football fields of furnishings. Another fun fact that puts the market’s sheer size in perspective: The construction that occurs in the IHFC building alone each year is equal to building 1,200 single family homes. (And here you thought you were knee-deep in installs!)

Clearly, getting what you want out of the world’s largest home-furnishings trade show requires some smart strategizing. That’s why we’ve recently gathered insider insight from two High Point pros—Ashley Grigg, director of marketing and communications for High Point Market Authority, and Liz Goldberg, founder and principal designer for CAROLYNLEONA in Raleigh, N.C., who attends the market twice every year. In a recent Ivy webinar, Making the Most of High Point Market, they share the best ways to not only plan your trip to HPMKT but leave feeling like you conquered it. “High Point is the furniture capital of the world—everything is accessible to you in one place,” Goldberg explains. “We’re getting out from behind our computer, out of our showroom or office and just exploring all our industry has to offer.” In case you can’t listen to the full webinar right now, here’s a cheat sheet to their best insider tips and High Point Market planning advice.

If you’re new, get a preview.

First things first: Spend some time on highpointmarket.org, where you’ll find preview guides to the upcoming market and all its scheduled events. Check out the Products and Trends page to see what people are pre-buzzing about and check out the What’s New section for product picks and trend reports. Plus, there’s a section devoted to planning your High Point trip, including checklists and concierge services. Be sure to sign up to receive e-news, so you won’t miss any important updates. And as soon as you get to the show, stop by The Point, where you’ll find a staff of market advisors ready to talk you through your first visit.

Figure out your visit logistics.

Book your hotel a.s.a.p. Veterans book their hotels as soon as they leave the previous season’s market, since prime accommodations (like Proximity Hotel) fill up quickly. Don’t stress too much about where you end up staying, though—you’ll be out and about, not hanging in your hotel. Keep in mind that you can also stay in Winston Salem/Greensboro, a bit further away.

If all the hotels are full… Call the High Point Market concierge service, which will help you search, ask a friend if you could share her Airbnb, or post in an interior design Facebook group, like the Ivy Facebook group, to find a fellow designer to bunk with (sometimes people also post rooms that become available when their plans change). “Don’t let this step hold you back from going—you can always find a place to stay,” Grigg says.

Forget driving. From Raleigh and Charlotte, there’s a free shuttle that runs 6 times a day; you’ll need to reserve this in advance. “The shuttles are actually really nice and a great way to meet other designers—exchange business cards, learn of a a showroom you’ve never heard of or a restaurant,” Goldberg says. If the shuttle times don’t work for you, there’s always Uber or Lyft; it’s easier to use these than drive and deal with parking (there are two free parking lots, but otherwise you’ll have to pay).

Set HPMKT goals in advance.

This is an ideal place to discover new vendors, deepen relationships with your existing ones, attend panels and workshops to learn from industry leaders, and network with other designers. Decide what your top priorities are during this visit. “Each market can be different for you depending on the phase you are in in your business, which is exactly why I attend Spring and Fall HPMKT,” Goldberg says.

Make a showroom game plan.

Book key appointments. Some showrooms require appointments—especially big showrooms like upholstery companies—and it’s smart to make appointments with all your must-see vendors. With bigger brands, do this by calling or emailing the local rep for your area before market.

Map a path. Take into account where showrooms you’re interested are located and have a rough game plan of how you’ll hit them all. (You can do this using the app; see below).

Don’t overbook. Leave free time for wandering and discovering. “My go-to is two morning appointments and two afternoon appointments, which leaves plenty of time for exploration,” Goldberg says.

Here are some of Goldberg’s current must-see showrooms:

Big Showrooms:

Universal – you need an appointment

Four Hands

Surya – you don’t need an appointment, but I make one so our rep can scan our wish list

Baker – a dreamy showroom with a gilded archway that’s fun to walk through

Visual comfort – you never know who you’ll be standing next to; last market I was standing next to the editor of Architectural Digest

Smaller/secret/hard-to-find showrooms: These are all fabulous and really easy to work with.

Red Egg

Zoe Bios

Ro Sham Beau

Fabricut – great window treatment program and showing their furniture frames

Antique / vintage shops

Schwung Home

BoBo Interesting Objects—and there’s a great vintage shop next door

HPMKT Antique Hall in Market Square – If this is your first market, set aside an hour to walk through this hall. Most of it won’t be for you; it’s a mix of eras and styles. But you will find select dealers that set up in the same spots, and next market you will know exactly where to find them.

Use the app.

Accessible on your smartphone, tablet or desktop (and sync-able among them all), the MyMarket app makes navigating High Point Market infinitely easier: follow blue-dot navigation to showrooms, browse educational and social events and create a personal market schedule. Here’s a quick preview of the High Point app. “I’m a huge fan of the app—it’s how I get through my market days,” Goldberg says. “I star all the showrooms and events I’m interested in and follow those stars, then unstar them as I see them so my list gets shorter and shorter as I go.”

Make time for educational events.

Preview them on the High Point app or website and put key ones on your calendar. “Dig deeper into what you want to see so you’re not overwhelmed when you get there” Goldberg says. 

Hit up the best food and parties.

It’s smart to stash nuts, apples or other snacks in your bag to stay fueled, but savvy showgoers know where to grab great food (and drinks!) along the way. Some favorites from our insiders:

Breakfast

“Universal has great breakfast, so you could schedule your appointment with them early one morning,” Goldberg suggests.

Lunch

Plenty of showrooms offer finger foods, but for a true sit-down break, head to Theodore Alexander, Jonathan Charles, Fabricut, Lee or Abbyson, which offer complimentary lunch after your appointment.

Cocktail Hour

Stop by Kravet for fun cocktails, the Bar at Four Hands for Bloody Marys, or Abbyson for a full bar and festive drinks.

Dinner

Make your dinner reservations NOW at the Proximity hotel, for a gorgeous experience and a place to see friends and vendors.  

Wear and pack these essentials:

Comfy shoes—more than one pair: “Everyone always says comfy shoes, but we really mean it,” Goldberg says. “HPMKT includes so many HUGE buildings that are very spread out. You are walking miles and miles a day. You want a different pair of comfy shoes each day of market. Rotate your shoes each day.”

Fun (but comfortable) clothes that show off your style and who you are: “This is kind of fashion week for our industry,” Goldberg says.

A cross-body bag: Stick to only the essentials inside.

A tiny umbrella and/or lightweight raincoat: Rain often sneaks up in April.

Layered clothing: The temperature can also be unpredictable, plus you’re in and out of buildings.

An battery pack: You’ll go through battery life quickly at market, so buy a Mophie—for $100 bucks it’s well worth it.

Business cards: Print at least 200 before you go and refill your stash each night in the hotel.

There’s no need to lug a water bottle, since every showroom offers water.

Don’t get weighed down.

Vendors hand out free tote bags, so grab one of those for collecting key items. Only take business cards from vendors, not clunky brochures you’ll need to lug around. “I personally do not bring a roller suitcase, instead, I have vendors mail me everything and just make sure I collect all their business cards,” Goldberg says.

Streamline your photo-taking approach:

In showrooms, take one picture of an item you want to remember. Then, zoom in and take a photo of the label, SKU and other information. You don’t need to note which showroom you’re in because the product tag will have the vendor info.

If you have a team of people with you, create shared albums by the project that you’re sourcing for. As you snap photos, move both the product and tag photos to that shared album.

When you get home each night, organize your photos. Go through project albums and add new items to those storyboards, or for items that aren’t for specific projects, create a new storyboard called “HIGHPOINT MARKET 2019” so you can easily refer back to products.

“Make sure to keep up with organizing photos every day because if you get behind, it will not be a smooth process,” Goldberg notes.

Follow along on social. Before the show or during, this is a great way to be sure you catch the latest updates, news and buzz:

Facebook – www.facebook.com/hpmkt

Instagram – @highpointmarket

Twitter – @HPMarketNews

Official Hashtag – #HPMKT – Use this while you’re at market to see what other designers are excited about and discovering.

Have fun, and if you’re looking for more pre-show tips, check out The Rookie’s Guide to High Point Market.

 

Creating one-of-a-kind cushions and pillows from dreamy designer fabrics is one of the things interior designers do best (and clients love most). Yet the process of ordering these items is often far from seamless. From long lead times to patchy communications to pricing that eats up profits, custom-sewn items come with their own unique set of challenges. But Brooklyn-based Stitchroom has begun taking the hassle out of the process, one click at a time. Its app simplifies and streamlines the process of designing and ordering cushions and pillows, letting designers easily order and track multiple items at once. We caught up with founder Ella Hall to get all the details on how the business evolved and how interior designers can benefit from trying it out.  

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Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to create Stitchroom?

Ella Hall: Back in 2015, I had just made a jump from the fashion industry to the interior design industry. I was working in client services at a startup, managing designers and their clients (and their problems). I was 23 and had no idea what I wanted or what my career path looked like, but what I did know was that I was good at managing people—and I was also good at sewing, which I’ve done since age eight. I began offering my sewing services to my designers when I noticed them struggling to find reliable resources for getting custom pillows and cushions made for their clients. Existing options took too long, or were too expensive. That’s where I came in.

Given my background in designing and creating ready-to-wear garments, pillows and cushions were much easier to construct, so when I noticed their need—and that there were no major players in the custom-pillow game—I had an “aha” moment.  I told designers I would turn the projects around in half of the time at half the cost. That little side hustle started gaining traction, and after about six months of sewing at night and on weekends, I took the leap to doing it full-time. Over the next year, I focused on proof-of-concept and identifying what designers needed and how I could address their problems. I discovered that many of the issues with custom involved not the product but the communication process, and I wanted to solve that with technology—which is how the idea for the Stitchroom came about.

So how does Stitchroom solve those challenges for interior designers?

EH: Stitchroom’s easy-to-use platform is unique, and we are also a service that has a voice and brand identity. We pride ourselves on our customer service. The back-and-forth that traditionally went on when designing a pillow via email and phone could be extremely time-consuming and the room for error was too high. It could take up to 15 emails to feel confident we were on the same page. There came a moment when I realized that having an app could really streamline the process and make it scalable. Designers could have their own dashboard for managing all of the details for multiple projects—they could enter their fabric details, specify their size, and generate a quote with costs and yardage, all without having to talk with anyone. It would help designers to do their job better and more efficiently.

So that’s what you built your app to do.

EH: Yes! It’s the easiest way to get custom. Here’s how it works: You create an account on our platform, upload the fabric you will be using, then design all of the products you would like made out of that fabric. Most items ship in two weeks. It’s super easy to use and the most cost-effective way to transform your clients’ spaces. We are based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and all of our products are made locally in NYC. We currently have, on average, four sewers that either come into our space or sew from home.

What kind of feedback have you gotten from designers?

EH: Due to us streamlining communications, designers have less to keep track of, which saves them so much time and effort. Also, we have been able to keep our costs down, which designers obviously love because they can maintain great margins. Our custom price point is competitive with retail, where an 18×18 with an insert starts at $65.

Any stories you can share about interesting fabrics designers have sent you, or challenging projects you’ve helped them with?

EH: The coolest thing about our service is that we accept any type of upholstery-grade fabric, do we don’t limit creativity or uniqueness for designers or their clients. One time a designer sent us an old apron from a client’s grandmother to be made into a pillow! We also received some vintage curtains that we transformed into pillows. We get excited to walk designers through their design problems and help find solutions. We view ourselves as “the pillow professionals” and love guiding designers through their pillow processes.

Tell us about the “marketplace” part of your site: Is this one way designers can add extra pops of high-end fabrics at a bargain price?

EH: Yes! The marketplace was created out necessity, because at the time I was still working out of my apartment living room and I ran out of space to house the leftover fabrics. I started making pillows out of the leftovers and opened up a shop where 100% of the profits go to charity. All of the marketplace pillows are are made from amazing designer fabrics and cost $45.

Do you have any personal favorites when it comes to fabrics, or favorite ways designers are using them in pillows lately?

EH: My personal favorite fabric brand is Maharam and I love how designers are really implementing a ton of heavy textures and colors into their designs—and really taking risks because they know they can always switch out the pillows.

What will we see next from Stitchroom?

EH: We are implementing a fabric-ordering system so that designers will be able to offload all of the ordering and we will handle internally at Stitchroom. We are continuously evolving and adapting to designers’ needs and will continue to update our design platform to streamline the design process. If you’re able to design and create custom pillows and cushions just as easily as purchasing something off of a retail site for a similar price point, why would you not?

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Ivy is the # 1 software for designers. To learn more about Ivy, schedule a demo with an Ivy Guru who can show you how designers use Ivy to streamline their workflow and make more time for what they love, design.

 

Running an interior design business is no easy feat. From juggling site visits, to chasing down clients for payments, and everything in between – at times, it can feel hard to stay afloat. Thanks to modern technology, interior designers, and other small businesses, invest in business management software to centralize all of the day-to-day tasks in one place. However, if you’re running a sophisticated business like an interior design business, it’s crucial to use industry-specific software that can accommodate your needs.

Once you find the right business management software that’s right for you, the next step is making sure you’re making the most out of this software. It’s no use to you if you’re not using it properly or taking advantage of its features. That’s why Ivy, on a quarterly basis, hosts Ivy Academy, an educational workshop in various locations around the country, giving members an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of how to use Ivy with in-person training. Attending an Ivy Academy also allows designers to learn from their design peers about how to build a profitable business and best practices.

For the first time, we’re bringing Ivy Academy to Spring High Point Market 2019. This is an opportunity for designers using Ivy to get their questions answered, receive one-on-one guidance on complicated account issues, and acquire refined business models and strategies.

Details About Ivy Academy

• Date & Time: Friday, April 5, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (8 hours)
• Location: Abbyson Showroom, High Point Market
• Price: $499 for up to 2 attendees from a firm
• Register for Ivy Academy here

Get inspired by designers using Ivy who share the value of attending an educational Ivy Academy.

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Mindy Laven, Mindy Laven Home

I’ve been using Ivy for…

2+ years

I attended Ivy Academy in…

June 2018 (Irvine)

From attending Ivy Academy, I learned…

We learned a lot about features that Ivy offers that we were unaware of or weren’t using yet!

I recommend any designer using Ivy to attend Ivy Academy because…

It’s such a fun and informative experience.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

Ivy is the most important tool we use to run our business! We definitely added to our knowledge base and got better at using Ivy more effectively by using the tools we gained at the Academy!

Nate Fischer, Nate Fischer Interiors

I’ve been using Ivy for…

1 year+

I attended Ivy Academy in…

June 2018 (Irvine)

From attending Ivy Academy, I learned…

Since we intended for Ivy to be such a huge part of our day-to-day, it made sense to get a comprehensive overview of something we would be utilizing regularly.

I recommend any designer using Ivy to attend Ivy Academy because…

A program that seems like it could be confusing is not when you can see the simple step-by-step process broken down in front of you. We also picked up some great tips and hints on features we had not discovered yet.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

My bookkeeper and I both attended and are now both on the same page on how we plan to streamline our orders, payments, and invoices.

Breeze Giannasio, Breeze Giannasio Interiors

I’ve been using Ivy for…

1 year+

I attended Ivy Academy in…

September 2018 (Irvine)

From attending Ivy Academy, I learned…

Best practices to fully leverage the capabilities of Ivy. I was not disappointed and was surprised to find that the information exchange between colleagues was one of the most valuable aspects of the Academy. It was an amplified, more sophisticated version of what happens organically on Ivy’s Facebook exchange and in the weekly webinars.

I recommend any designer using Ivy to attend Ivy Academy because…

Just go. It’s like trying to drink water from a fire hydrant. Ivy is a powerful tool if you know how to properly leverage it. I’m so happy to have had access to the company founders and chief architects to both learn from them, but also share with them enhancements that would continue to improve the platform.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

I had only been using Ivy a short time before attending the Academy so I was able to create new systems in parallel with integrating a powerful new tool into my firm’s tech infrastructure. I continue to refine my practices and love that the platform interfaces so well with my accountant’s platform. One year ago, I was burdened by wearing every hat in my small business. The goal of 2018 was allowing tech to help me work smarter and spend more time on design. Ivy has given me that opportunity.

Mary Ann Kelly, Matrix Design Group

I’ve been using Ivy for…

1-6 months

I attended Ivy Academy in…

November 2018 (Chicago)

From attending Ivy Academy, I learned…

That most designers have been waiting for a project management program like Ivy, especially as a foundation for best practices, and a design community platform that promotes collaboration. I attended the Ivy Academy not only to immerse myself in the program for a day, but also to ask questions I developed during the first few months of using the program.

I recommend any designer using Ivy to attend Ivy Academy because…

Nothing beats being face-to-face with the Ivy crew! It is really helpful to work through Ivy features such as the Ivy Project Tracker live. The networking is a plus!

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

Attending the Ivy Academy was a smart decision because I am a small firm and I wear most of the hats day-to-day. I need to be as efficient and effective as possible while staying on task and still keeping up with resources, trends, and best practices. Attending the Ivy Academy provided a condensed, birds-eye view into Ivy, saving me time and allowing me immediate access to the Ivy Gurus!  And in design, we know time equals money!

Laura Lochrin, Laura Lochrin Interiors

I’ve been using Ivy for…

1 year+

I attended Ivy Academy in…

June 2018 (Irvine)

From attending Ivy Academy, I learned…

How my assistant and I can be more proficient with Ivy (we attended together). I also had specific questions and parts of the software that I wanted to expand on for myself.

I recommend any designer using Ivy to attend Ivy Academy because…

I learned a lot that I didn’t even think to ask. I met lots of other designers who I’ve had the pleasure to get to know better since the Ivy Academy.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

I didn’t have time to train my assistant on Ivy and I also needed to make sure I was using Ivy to its capacity. The Ivy Academy allowed me to dedicate a full day to learning more. The webinars are awesome but we as a team really needed the focused time and the step by step walk through. We are now getting much more use of our Ivy account and it has helped streamline our process and our finances!

Kim Sperr, Vitoch Interiors

I’ve been using Ivy for…

2+ years

I attended Ivy Academy in…

September 2018 (Irvine)

From attending Ivy Academy, I learned…

I attended the Ivy Academy because I wanted hands on experience in a room with the “powers that be” in order to ask questions and learn along the way. I also wanted to meet the wonderful team behind Ivy.

I recommend any designer using Ivy to attend Ivy Academy because…

The networking opportunity to meet designers and hear their stories and suggestions was priceless.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

There is no other software we would even consider using. Ivy has been life changing for our business. The tracking features and the attachment features are key to our continued success as a design firm. We work with many designers and Ivy is crucial in helping us to run their business and our business smoothly. The support we receive from the Ivy team, as well as from the Ivy designers around the country, is absolutely priceless.

Elizabeth Wilson, Zetlands Design LLC

I’ve been using Ivy for…

1 year+

I attended Ivy Academy in…

September 2018 (Irvine)

From attending Ivy Academy, I learned…

In depth knowledge of what Ivy is capable of. I also had my questions (and those of fellow Ivies) answered, live.

I recommend any designer using Ivy to attend Ivy Academy because…

To meet fellow Ivies and dive into the platform’s capabilities.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

Connecting with fellow designers and diving into the finer details of what Ivy is capable of.

Cory Decker, Studio Lea

I’ve been using Ivy for…

7-12 months

I attended Ivy Academy in…

November 2018 (Chicago)

From attending Ivy Academy, I learned…

More about the program, especially in regards to reports and the dreaded topic of taxes.

I recommend any designer using Ivy to attend Ivy Academy because…

It explains so much more, dives in deeper, it’s also a great platform for learning from other designers.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

I now know more about running reports and figuring out how to do tasks more quickly and efficiently.

Veronica Ferro, VF Interiors

I’ve been using Ivy for…

1 year+

I attended Ivy Academy in…

November 2018 (Chicago)

I attended Ivy Academy because…

I wanted to get a full understanding of the program and how to use it to make my business run more successfully. Ivy Academy did a great job of giving a total overview of the program and how to use it throughout a project. Plus they gave plenty of helpful tips.

I recommend any designer using Ivy to attend Ivy Academy because…

It’s a great way to learn how to use the program.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

It was a great way for me to learn Ivy.

Lucie Ayres, 22 Interiors

I’ve been using Ivy for…

2 years+

I attended Ivy Academy in…

September 2018 (Irvine)

I attended Ivy Academy because…

I wanted to make sure we were using Ivy to its full potential.

I recommend any designer using Ivy to attend Ivy Academy because…

You not only get to focus on all things project management and accounting, but you meet the Ivy team and other amazing designers.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

It’s so important to continue to refine your systems and be as efficient as possible; doing this Ivy Academy helps you do just that. Also, I love to see and meet other designers.

Shelley Amato, ADORN DESIGN GROUP

I’ve been using Ivy for…

1 year+

I attended Ivy Academy in…

November 2018 (Chicago)

I attended Ivy Academy because…

I needed full one-on-one access to training of the ins and outs of Ivy.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

It gave me a sense of support and training for my business to succeed.

Elizabeth Barondes, Barondes Morris Design

I’ve been using Ivy for…

1-6 months

I attended Ivy Academy in…

September 2018 (Irvine)

I attended Ivy Academy because…

We were intrigued by Ivy and wanted to learn more and the Academy was a great introduction!

I recommend any designer using Ivy to attend Ivy Academy because…

Ivy Academy is a cram course in all the bits and pieces essential to running your business.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

Attending Ivy Academy opened our eyes to many ways to simplify and thus improve the “back office” aspects of our business.

Angela Ochoa, Lynn K. Leonidas

I’ve been using Ivy for…

7-12 months

I attended Ivy Academy in…

June 2018 (Irvine)

I attended Ivy Academy because…

Our office was transitioning from using another program, so we had questions and wanted to make sure that we were establishing good practices from the beginning. Ivy Academy was an efficient way to become comfortable with the program. Hearing testimonials from several designers who have been using Ivy, and tricks and tips they had developed, were especially valuable!

I recommend any designer using Ivy to attend Ivy Academy because…

Attending the Academy is a time-effective way of immersing yourself in the program and having your questions answered all in one day. I felt the support of the Ivy team which has made follow up after the Academy, a very easy and comfortable thing to do.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

I am a designer who attended the Academy with our firm’s Principal, and I think we both benefited from the Academy. Ivy now helps the office function more smoothly when everyone is equally comfortable with the program.

Joan Zajeski, Curly Willow Interiors

I’ve been using Ivy for…

1 year+

I attended Ivy Academy in…

November 2018 (Chicago)

I attended Ivy Academy because…

I needed to dive further into more of what the program can do to benefit and streamline my business.

Attending Ivy Academy was a smart decision for my business because…

I had an incredible experience at Ivy Academy this past November. I’ve been using Ivy for a year and have absolutely loved it. I’m a previous art director/graphic designer so I loved how Ivy is so visual. It was great to be with so many other designers and all that they brought to the day with their questions and ideas. I wasn’t expecting to learn so much from the other students as I did. I’d for sure go to another one this year. It just really helps motivate me to use all that Ivy can do. I’m a creative so numbers are not my thing! Ivy and their staff make it easy and even kinda fun!

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Ivy is the # 1 software for designers. To learn more about Ivy, schedule a demo with an Ivy Guru who can show you how designers use Ivy to streamline their workflow and make more time for what they love, design.

 

 

No two days are the same as an interior designer. One moment you’re fielding client calls, the next you’re putting together a presentation. You may spend the mornings at the design center and the afternoon at a photoshoot. And on a Saturday, you may be putting out a fire at a client install. No matter what kind of design business you’re running or working for, these daily interior design moments will feel very familiar.

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Adding beautiful florals to a bathroom vanity

Hopping in the back of a moving truck to unpack boxes

Adding the finishing touches for a photoshoot

Prop styling the family room

Sifting through fun fabrics for a new client project

Curing a palette of materials for a client presentation

Taking proper measurements and hanging artwork

Reviewing floor plans at your standing desk

Selecting the perfect tile for a master bathroom

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Ivy is the # 1 software for designers. To learn more about Ivy, schedule a demo with an Ivy Guru who can show you how designers use Ivy to streamline their workflow and make more time for what they love, design.

 

 

We sat with Wildwood, a vendor providing the interior design community with a one-stop sourcing experience for lighting and decorative accessories. Their team of world traveling designers are committed to producing products that are up-to-date and fashion-forward. Wildwood shares with us their popular product categories, how they collaborate with interior designers, and their market strategy.

Photography courtesy of Wildwood

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What’s Wildwood’s design mission?
To provide aesthetic value and timeless elements of design for all of our buyers’ needs.

Wildwood is a destination for designers to source lighting, accent furniture and decorative accessory options. What are your most popular products?
Wildwood is known for high quality lighting with an approachable price point for any project. We provide a wide selection of uniquely designed lamps with texture, color, and a great range of scale. Accent furniture is a recent addition to the line and it provides a stage for the lamps and decorative accessories to shine, making Wildwood a one-stop shopping destination for any project. Our most popular products continue to be our selection of table lamps, but categories like accent furniture and decorative accessories are growing at a high rate.

How have your product offerings / collections evolved with modern trends over the past few years?
Wildwood focuses on material for trends, while paying close attention to quality in our product we are known for in the industry. The Wildwood design team travels the world, sourcing sustainable raw material like abaca, bamboo, rattan for furniture and we embrace the brass revival with our lighting; incorporating alabaster and crystal in lamps and keeping modern clean lines in our chandeliers. We source from over 16 countries including the United States.

What’s unique about Wildwood’s online sourcing experience?
Wildwood is committed to providing the best online experience for its customers. Our website, wildwoodhome.com, gives customers access to real-time inventory levels, pricing and online ordering. Many other vendors do not show live inventory which creates issues for interior designers that are specifying products for a job that has a deadline. Our customers have a username and password for our website. When they log in, they can print tear sheets, see high-resolution product images and lifestyle imagery. The website allows designers to create “Projects” where they can add multiple items to a group for a particular job that they are working on. Our lines of lighting, furniture and decorative accessories total over 2,500 products. This broad range of items and feels creates a one-stop-shop for interior designers and keeping projects organized is a key concern. Customers can see all of their orders and invoices on the website, giving them easy access to re-ordering and confirming order deliveries.

How do you typically collaborate with designers and other home & remodeling professionals?
Our relationships with customers are key to our business model. Our sales representative team consists of many former interior designers and furniture store owners. This allows our sales team to provide more than just a sales pitch. Our sales reps offer advice and curated selections for customers. We encourage our reps to visit projects that our customers are working on, help customers with installs, and be there whenever a customer needs help.

Do you attend markets? If so, which markets, and what’s your market strategy?
Wildwood has permanent showrooms in High Point and Atlanta. We believe that it is important to provide our customers with the ability to touch and feel the handcrafted works of art that we create. Our focus is to create high-quality, unique lighting, furniture and decorative accessories. We want our customers to be able to touch and feel that quality. In addition to our permanent showroom locations, Wildwood also shows at the HD Expo in Las Vegas and BDNY in New York City. As we continue to grow, we expect to open more permanent showrooms in locations domestically and internationally.

What’s the busiest time of year for Wildwood? 
High Point Market in April and October are certainly the busiest times of the year for Wildwood. Our High Point showroom has been in the Hamilton Wrenn Design District for over 25 years. We have grown from a 1,500 square foot showroom to our current space of 14,000 square feet. We see a significant increase in orders from new introductions at High Point Market, market specials and free freight programs.

Why is it important for interior designers to embrace a business management software like Ivy to manage their sourcing, billing, purchasing, and administrative tasks online?
Interior designers balance creativity, project management, and client satisfaction. Ivy keeps the project on point and on time so the interior designer can source, create more clearly, and keep clients happy.

What’s Wildwood’s focus for 2019?
Relationships. We are a family owned business and we truly appreciate our customers. We will continue to build our relationships in 2019 and provide the needs for wherever their projects take them.

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Ivy is the # 1 software for designers. To learn more about Ivy, schedule a demo with an Ivy Guru who can show you how designers use Ivy to streamline their workflow and make more time for what they love, design.

 

As any interior designer who’s been around the block a few times knows, not every potential client you meet with is ready to sign on for full-service design. Maybe they really just want a professional to map out furniture arrangements so they can have fun shopping for pieces on their own, or maybe they’re interested in a major update but seem worried about how the process of working with a professional will go. How can you work with clients like these in a way that meets their needs, gets you paid what you deserve and ideally leads to a mutually beneficial ongoing relationship?

You’ll know the answer right away if you have a ladder of services —a list of design options that you offer at various levels of commitment and price. One of Ivy’s many webinars with business coach Nancy Ganzekaufer, who specializes in working with interior designers, breaks down the many ways that creating a ladder of services can help interior designers not only bring in new clients but ideally guide them up the rungs to a higher level of service over time.

This ladder of services is not something to post on your website or hand to potential clients so they can peruse your services menu-style. Rather, it’s a guide for YOU to refer to during an initial consultation. It arms you with the confidence that no matter which way the conversation goes, there’s a package you can offer this client. Instead of saying, “Let me go back to my office and think about how I’d structure this—I’ve never done this before,” you’ll be able to say, “I have the perfect option for you.” Not only will you save yourself the stress of figuring out a proposal on the fly, you’ll come off as highly confident and experienced—and be much more likely to close a deal.

Step one is to get super-detailed when thinking about service options and rates. As Ganzekaufer puts it: “niche is rich, broad is broke.” Getting specific about prices and exactly what they include gives you and your client comfort. At any rung of your ladder of service, you should be able to say: “This is your investment for this service, and this is exactly what it includes.” For each rung of your ladder, create a one-pager—once again, this is for YOU to reference, not to show clients. It should include: the name of the service, a description of the service, who it’s perfect for, pricing, and examples of what can be achieved using the service.

Then, be sure your ladder offers comfortable entry points for various types of clients. Like the one who mentions that he’s worked with designers before and hasn’t enjoyed the experience (red flag!), and who prefers to buy his own items direct and use his own contractor. You could bring him in at the “designer for a day” rung, where he pays a set rate for 4 to 6 hours of your time spent planning the space and shopping. This option would allow you both to test the waters before signing on for more. Or maybe a client has never used an interior designer but mentions she has a lot of old art she’d like to reframe and reposition; helping her with this specific job would get you in the door so you could gain her trust and earn a bigger job.  

Ready to build your interior-design ladder of services? As a starting point, here are some of the services Ganzekaufer suggests that you could include:

– Full-service design

– Color consult

– Kitchen facelift (when they can’t afford a full renovation)

– Art, framing and accessories

– Ready-for-baby package

– Window treatment time

– Holiday transformation

– Designer for a day (a set rate for a set number of hours)

– Designer-on-call (hourly rate)

– One-room makeover

– E-design one room-makeover

– Aging-in-place revamp

– Lighting evaluation

– Turnkey concierge (get a second home ready with towels, flatware, and other necessities)

Again, for each option, get detailed. Example: Will the holiday transformation involve you buying product, or using items they already own? You may want to offer two different options. Working out nuances like this in advance will help you pitch new clients with calm and confidence. Having a ladder of services in hand positions yourself as an expert—one anyone would be eager to hire.  

Watch the webinar for more details on ways to price your interior design services—then check out 13 ways to manage client expectations from the get go, and see how your revenues measure up against average interior design salaries.

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Ivy is the # 1 software for designers. To learn more about Ivy, schedule a demo with an Ivy Guru who can show you how designers use Ivy to streamline their workflow and make more time for what they love, design.