A piece of advice from my mum—who also happens to be an interior designer—recently stuck with me:
"Never forget that interior design is a service industry."
It’s such a simple statement, yet it carries so much weight. At its core, interior design isn’t just about creating beautiful spaces—it’s about serving clients, understanding their needs, and delivering designs that enhance their lives.
The Challenges of Client-Led Design
As a London interior designer, one of the biggest challenges I face is the fact that my work is entirely client-driven. Unlike some creative industries where you can work independently on your craft, in interior design, we have to wait for clients to instruct us before we can begin.
That means:
There are quiet periods when I don’t have active projects, which can impact confidence and income.
Once a project begins, there’s the ongoing responsibility of keeping clients happy, ensuring that they feel heard, understood, and delighted with the final outcome.
The Soft Skills That Make a Great Interior Designer
Delivering great interior design services goes far beyond choosing colour schemes, furniture, and materials. It requires a whole set of soft skills that are just as important as the design work itself:
✔ Intuition – Understanding what clients need, even when they struggle to articulate it. ✔ Compassion & Patience – Designing a home is deeply personal, and clients often feel vulnerable about making big decisions. ✔ Honesty & Commitment – Setting realistic expectations and guiding clients through the process. ✔ Clear Communication – Keeping clients informed and involved at every stage.
Learning & Growing as a Designer
I’ve come to realise that being a great designer means being great at client service. The learning in this area will never stop—but that’s what makes it so rewarding. Interior design is about people as much as it is about spaces, and seeing the impact a well-designed home can have on someone’s life is what keeps me motivated.
Thankfully, many of our clients truly enjoy working with Kinder Design, and I’m always grateful to read the positive reviews we receive. Knowing that we’ve created a space that not only looks beautiful but also improves daily life is the best part of this job.
If you're looking for an interior designer in London who values collaboration, thoughtful design, and a personalised approach, we’d love to hear from you!