EP 223 | Ask KS: Interior Design Client Boundaries & Fees with Cheryl Horne
What are the biggest mistakes interior designers make with clients, pricing, and project boundaries?
In this episode, Cheryl Horne brings real questions from the Business of Design® member community to Kimberley Seldon for another candid “Ask KS” conversation.
From retainers and shopping trips to pricing multiple options for clients, Kimberley shares practical advice on protecting your time, maintaining leadership, and avoiding the kinds of decisions that quietly erode profitability.
If you’ve struggled with client boundaries or pricing clarity, this episode offers straightforward guidance you can apply immediately.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
• Why avoiding a retainer is a major client red flag
• How saying no early can save a project from future problems
• Why shopping with clients requires a clear plan and structure
• How to handle requests for multiple pricing options professionally
• Why additional design work should come with additional fees
• How strong boundaries improve profitability and client relationships
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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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