EP 217 | Advice for Emerging Interior Designers with Annie Elliott
What do new interior designers really need in order to succeed faster?
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by interior designer and BOD™ member Annie Elliott to discuss the best advice seasoned professionals can offer emerging designers entering the industry.
From setting financial boundaries early to following proven systems instead of reinventing the wheel, Annie shares practical guidance for building a sustainable and profitable design business from the very beginning.
If you’re a newer designer—or mentoring one—this episode offers valuable insight into creating strong foundations for long-term success.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
• Why starting with a proven framework accelerates growth
• The importance of paying yourself first as a business owner
• How to build a business model around earning a real salary
• Why honesty and confidence matter when discussing fees with clients
• How setting clear parameters improves client relationships
• Why establishing minimums early helps designers succeed faster
• The value of following tested systems instead of starting from scratch
Design Intervention
Talk about money with clients early and often.
About Annie Elliott
Annie is a recovering art historian who developed her eye and aesthetic sensibilities studying 20th-century art and working in some of the nation’s top museums.
In 2004, armed with a master’s degree in art history, interior design coursework at the Corcoran College of Art + Design (now part of GW University), and incredible naiveté, Annie opened “bossy color.” Today, the homes created by Annie Elliott Design feature a distinctive, exuberant mix of antiques, art, and modern furnishings.
Annie is an Associate Member of ASID, and her design work and insights have appeared in HGTV Magazine, This Old House, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Washingtonian, The Wall Street Journal, and other publications.
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.
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