EP 068 | Why Every Interior Designer Needs Clear Policies with Kimberley Seldon

Are your business policies protecting your time, profitability, and peace of mind?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explains why clear policies are one of the most powerful tools an interior designer can have. Whether you’re managing client expectations, collecting payments, setting business hours, or working with trades, strong policies create consistency and reduce unnecessary stress.

For interior designers, especially solopreneurs, policies are more than rules—they’re the foundation of a professional and profitable business.

In this episode, we learn:
• How using “we” language can increase confidence and authority in client conversations
• Why enforcing your policies rarely costs you the right clients
• How making exceptions often leads to additional negotiations and boundary issues
• Why every design firm needs policies around fees, collections, business hours, and trade relationships
• Specific language that helps communicate and protect your policies
• How clear policies create a more professional client experience and smoother projects

Take Aways

Kimberley suggests the following language to use in the event you are asked by a client to modify or change your policies.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important to seek expert legal advice in all matters contractual. Kimberley’s suggestion is intended as a starting place that will help you develop your own way of firmly protecting your existing policies.

KS: The contract I use was written specifically for me and my firm and our business, with care to protect our interests and the interests of our clients and trades. Our policies have been approved by an attorney, and they reflect the high standards and values we provide to our discerning clientele. We’d love to work with you and we know from experience this contract will help your project run efficiently and smoothly from beginning to completion.

Business of Design® & You

As interior design professionals, we LOVE our work because it matters so much. We want our clients to get our best every time, because it’s going to affect the way they live for years to come. But doing our best work isn’t possible if we can’t dedicate ourselves to it. And we can’t dedicate ourselves to it if doesn’t earn us a living.

Business of Design® is the best professional advice and business coaching available, and it’s just for you. Our mission is to liberate your talent and skill by showing you how to run a business that supports you, empowers you, and lets you love your work again.