The Essential Information Every Interior Designer Needs to Know About PR

The importance of home is what the pandemic taught us. While many industries have been affected in the past two years, interior design continues to grow. Our company is a PR firm for interior designers. We talk to editors every day and secure full home tours for national and regional magazines across the country. Expert opinion pieces are also available for major design websites.

And I have some exciting news: you can be quoted in magazines like this! Since almost 20 years, I’ve helped interior designers gain more visibility. While managing design projects and staff, DIYing your PR can be time-consuming. It can be difficult to pitch yourself to media. Trust me, I understand. Although I can pitch clients every day, when it comes down to my own PR, it’s something I would rather leave to someone else. Sometimes I feel confident enough to cold pitch clients, while other days it is not. This is to let you know that you are not the only one.

No matter where you are on your PR journey, these tips will help you get press for your design company. ).

7 Tips for Interior Designers to Follow

1. HAVE A VIEW: Interior designers aren’t interested in being confined to a particular style. They believe they can cater for any style. You must have a strong viewpoint to be able to stand out in your field. This means that you must start refusing clients who aren’t perfect. I know how difficult it can be for small businesses to turn down business. Once I was clear about my ideal client, it helped me grow my company. Lisa, my client, also experienced the same effect. took her business from 850K up to 2.25M in just one year. This was all because she got smart about her finances and learned to say no.

2. RELATIONSHIPS MATTTER: Interior design editors enjoy a close relationship with you more than any other industry. This may seem to negate the need for a publicist. However, it can actually help a publicist do their job more effectively. Interact with editors via social media! This is your chance to grab their attention.

3. PHOTOS are THE HOLY GRAIL Your interior design project should be professionally styled and photographed. Even if your goal is to not get any press, professional images are essential for your website. It’s your best selling tool to increase your business. It’s one of the few things that you can control when it comes to getting press. Your photos are the most important thing, even if the magazine has plans to reshoot your project. Most magazines don’t have enough money to reshoot projects, so the photos that you submit will be used. Designers make the most common mistake of not having enough photos to tell a complete story in magazines. I recommend that you get 25-30 photos of your projects. So make sure to hire the right photographers. You should negotiate usage with your photographer so they don’t charge more for using them in magazines. Mix lighting should be stopped. You should use natural light as much possible, no matter how tempting it may be to switch on all those gorgeous lamps.

4. EDUCATE YOURSELF: You will have the best chance of getting published if you know which magazines feature your work. You should dedicate a few minutes each day to reading both digital and printed publications. It should be a part of your job. If an interior designer approaches me to get help with publishing their work, my first question is “What publication would you like to see?” Although it is my job to give you my opinion and make suggestions, it is always a pleasure to hear that you have done your research and are able to visualize what it might look like.

5. SOCIAL MEDIA IS IMPORTANT: Social media is essential for interior designers to showcase their work. You have the chance to promote your work on Instagram, attract new clients and get the attention of tastemakers and editors who care. You approach your Instagram project with the same enthusiasm as you would for a new project. This is a skill that some designers excel at: @sarahshermansamuel @coreydamenjenkins @amberinteriors @emilyhenderson

6. CONSIDER a CELEBRITY PARTNERSHIP While some design projects speak for itself, most publications care about the story behind each homeowner. Celebrities’ homes are more important to them. Why? Because celebrities love it! A trade project is a great way to get started in the industry. This means you offer your services for free in return for their use in the media. One celebrity can make all the difference in a publication’s acceptance. It will also increase your credibility and help you to build a reputation. This is an example of a project I recently placed for celebrity chef Ludo Lifevbre in AD.

7. INVEST in AN INTERIOR DESIRED PUBLICIST Even though you’re well-established, you should still pitch and manage the media. Your time is valuable. It’s time to manage clients and design. Pitching media takes a lot of work and requires a lot of follow-up. When is it a good idea to hire a publicist. If you are proud of your project and believe it is worthy of publication. It’s best to have ongoing PR if you’re a well-respected designer. Hire me on a Project Basis if you’re not ready for it.

WORK WITH

PS. PS.

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“Sometimes, you just want to go where everyone knows your name.”

The L.A. restaurant scene rivals any major city around the globe, there’s no doubt. There are plenty of fine dining options available that will make you drop $300 for two every night. I don’t mean to offend, but I do love a good tasting menu, a hard-to-get reservation and a $18 craft cocktail. Who doesn’t? However, I like a place that isn’t too loud or makes me sweat when the bill arrives. It’s a place that doesn’t feel like a dive, offers great food, and is affordable for two. It sounds ridiculous, but it is true! I can assure you that L.A. has a severe shortage of cool, affordable restaurants that we love to return to time and again ( R.I.P. Canele) Unfortunately, many of the favorites on this list were lost during the pandemic. This is why I updated my list of affordable Los Angeles restaurants that are suitable for a date night.

Please, please share your favourite places with me in comments. It is easy to get stuck in your own routine, especially in your neighborhood. What are your top affordable L.A. restaurants for date nights? It doesn’t have to be Italian, you get more points!

Los Angeles’ Top 10 Most Affordable Restaurants – Even for a Date Night

1. Osteria La Buca (Korea Town/Hancock Park + Sherman Oaks (new! (new! You will be amazed at the pork chop, as well as Carbonara and pizza.
2. Osteria Mamma (South East Hollywood/Hancock Park). You won’t find better Italian at this price, from the bufala mozzarella pizza, the grilled chicken, and the linguine alla vongole. The back of the tent was added to expand their outdoor seating.
3. Mercado: Although we love multiple locations, we prefer 3rd Street. – While it may not be the most romantic spot, the food and margaritas are delicious. The 3rd Street location is a favorite of ours. You can’t go wrong with the potato or beef tacos. They also have the best happy hour in town.
4. Black Cat: This is a great place to take a date, or with a large group. Reservations are required as this is a popular spot on weekends.
5. Zinque: I enjoy wine and charcuterie outside on my patio at any hour of the day. While the Le Bowl is a must try, there are many options.
6. The Henry Hollywood: This West Hollywood restaurant is great for brunch, cocktails, and dinner. Their Harvest Bowl is my favorite tortilla soup in LA. They were closed in 2020 but have reopened.
7. (Silver Lake). This property is owned by the same company that our beloved Market Provisions, which unfortunately closed in 2020. The indoor atmosphere isn’t too impressive, but they do have plenty of outdoor seating. It’s an excellent choice for the quality and price of the food, especially as the menu offers something for everyone.
8. Pura Via (Weho). This is the place that surprised me most in 2019. It’s a vegetarian Italian restaurant. I was surprised that I didn’t miss meat. The restaurant has a great wine selection and a cozy atmosphere. Highly recommended!
9. La Pizza At Eataly (Century City). We love eating at Eataly because we can get ingredients for pizza at home. But, the bar has been raised over the pandemic. It’s a great place to go on a date or as a couple. Order food and you get a pizza. They currently have a Negroni Bar open–Saluti!
10. Everson Royce (DTLA): This is technically a upscale bar with food. But the food is excellent! You can either have your big date or go outside to enjoy the large outdoor space. Grab a burger

*The price below $100 is for one drink and does not include any additional dishes.

PS. More Affordable Resturants in Los Angeles

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Amuleto, A Luxury Boutique Hotel in Zihuatanejo

Did you see the rising cost of travel this summer? It’s outrageous. It was something we had planned to do. However, it is difficult to enjoy something when you only think about how miserable you feel between hotels and flights. I was determined to find an affordable weekend getaway near LA that would satisfy my wanderlust and indulge my expensive taste without going broke. The hotel Amuleto was first introduced to me by Samantha Brooks, a travel journalist friend. She loves to visit the most beautiful properties in the area. This was the most beautiful hotel in Zihuatanejo and she informed me that it was a hidden gem. I booked it immediately.

Los Angeles to Zihuatanejo

Nonstop flight to Zihuantanejo takes three and a quarter hours. It is only 22 minutes from the airport to get to the Amuleto Hotel. To be safe, I booked car service through our hotel in advance. Although taxis are readily available, our hotel advised against anyone claiming they can give rides for free to the hotel because they have a working relationship with the hotel. I decided not to risk being “taken”. It was worth it because the roundtrip cost for the private car was 2500 pesos, or $123.00

Zihuatanejo: Where to Stay

The Thompson is where most people who visited Zihuatanejo were staying. It is situated at sea level. Casa Que Canta and the Amuleto (another popular option) are higher up. Casa Que Canta was already booked so we were able to make our decision easily. Casa Que Canta is a great place to have dinner (scroll down to see photos), but I prefer Amuleto’s intimate and exclusive atmosphere. Three nights seemed to be the ideal amount of time for us.

Amuleto Hotel, A Very Stylish Hotel

Why I Loved This boutique hotel has six rooms and feels more like a private home with a staff than a hotel. The couple who own it live in the area, so every detail feels personal. You can book an in-room treatment for $50 (USD), even though there isn’t a spa. Highly recommended!

What to Know: All bathrooms in this hotel are open air, which is a fancy way to say outside. Room #6 has the shower outside but the toilet and vanity inside. You can flush your toilet paper in the toilet at the luxury hotel in Tulum. This hotel is only for adults. A few of my friends inquired about it on Instagram.

Suite Dreams – We loved the room we stayed in, and I’m happy to recommend it. Book room 6. If you are looking for an indoor bathroom, this is the place to book. We returned to our comfortable bed each night with rose petals arranged in new ways at turn down service.

Trendy Sips: We loved the margaritas, but not the ceviche. This is what they served in Zihuatanejo. It is cooked in a heavy sauce, which is not what we are used to in LA or other parts of Mexico. The hotel also serves all other meals, including a 3-course meal each night. The hotel was only open for dinner one time.

The hotel is high above the sea level. This allows for breathtaking views of the infinity pool and the boats below. An all-day boat tour is possible, but we thought it would be more fun to go back with our friends.

Hero shot: Standing in front of the Infinity Pool from any angle.

The room #5 shown above was our home. The bathroom was in an open-air location, which I enjoyed during the day but not at night. Although it was safe and quiet, I found it a bit scary that I had to leave the house in the middle the night to use the bathroom. We were blessed with no bugs. One tiny gecko did bother me, but it was not a big deal.

The open-air bathroom in Room 3 is shown above. You can open the doors to the bedroom during the day but they lock at night.

They look so inviting, don’t you think? Why is it that they are always filled with Arctic water? !

We took a taxi to Casa Que Canta the second night for dinner. Zihuatanejo was first known for its cuisine in the movie “The Shawshank Redemption.” Other than maybe returning home with a parasite (me from on our last trip to Cabo), we didn’t feel like we were missing out. (Dave didn’t feel well for about a week after returning from this trip. So, be careful when you drink the water.

You should arrive at Casa Que Canta no later than an hour before sunset so that you have time to take photos and watch the boats come inshore. The sun will set as soon as you order your entree if you are lucky.

Perfecto!

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Spa Montage is a Sanctuary in Santa Maria Bay

Spa can be misleading. This could simply refer to a place where you can get a massage, or a masterpiece that is 43,000 square feet. You can probably guess that I prefer a spa with a larger area than just a room for a massage. When we were in Cabo to celebrate our anniversary (our last major trip before the pandemic), we had to visit the Spa Montage. It was brand new and absolutely magnificent.

The entrance is magnificent, setting your expectations high.

You can enjoy the outdoors in the design.

You have access to all the amazing facilities, including an outdoor hot tub and hot tub, steam rooms, and hot and cold plunge pool. My husband and I were the only ones there when the hotel opened. It was pure heaven!

My only regret was the 60-minute massage. The Las Ventanas massage that I received was the best of my entire life. This one didn’t even come close. I would go back to try a different therapist.

img alt=”The outdoor swimming pool at Spa Montage, Cabo.” class=”aligncenter wp-image-18802 size-full” height=”757″ loading=”lazy” src=”https://149658287.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Montage_Spa_Cabo-20.jpg” width=”1140″/>

We planned our massages to allow us enough time in the spa before and afterwards, while still making it to the hotel’s restaurant before sunset.

This property has both hotel rooms and residences.

We strolled down to Marea By Night, an open-air beachfront restaurant, for dinner as the sun was setting. It doesn’t get much better.

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I understand you are busy. Let’s get to the point. This guide will provide you with 15 ways to attract interior designers clients so that you can get started right away.

You can’t run a business if you don’t get clients. This is something I know because my service-based business relied on clients since 2008.

These suggestions are easy to implement and some can be done in minutes. Others take time but will pay off in the long-term. Pay particular attention to #7 & #9 as they are crucial for increasing word-of mouth business.

Are you ready for new clients to help ignite your business? Let’s go.

15 Creative Ideas to Get Interior Design Clients

Make Your Client the Hero of Your Marketing: Stop doing what you’re doing. It’s not true. Answer this question on your website: Who is the hero in the story? Or is it you? Or are you the client?

Designers often make the error of making themselves the main character in their marketing stories. Your client wants to hear how you can help them fulfill their deepest needs and address their most pressing problems. Your website copy should speak to your ideal client. It should convince them that you are the one they have been searching for. You are the one who will make their dreams come true.

Your social media bio should reflect this. Your bio should include information about who you are, whereabouts you are located, how you can be reached, and what you offer your ideal client.

Permission Marketing: This is simply talking to people who are open to hearing what you have to share. This is not spam. You can do it through a podcast or newsletter, but you must show up regularly. This builds trust and keeps you top-of-mind as you build your audience or email list. This is a reminder to people that they can still hire you for interior design services.

Consistency Is How You Win Social Media. Pick one social media platform, and commit to being there 5 times per week. It’s okay if you don’t have hundreds of professionally-produced images of your work if you are just starting a design business. Showcase your home instead, and share design tips and resources. This is a great way promote your podcast, newsletter or blog.

Promote other people first: The design community has a close knit group. Even if your blog or podcast is not in use, you can do an Instagram Live and IGTV interview with other professionals in your field. You could include interior designers, prop stylists and home decor boutique owners as ideas. Promoting other people will promote you. Increased exposure = More people will talk about you = More chances for people to find you.

Use location hashtags and geotagging to get more clients. Use the hashtag #Charlottedesigner if you’re an interior designer based in Charlotte, NC. This will make it easy for people to find you when they are searching for interior designers based on their location.

SEO for Your Website: Although I believe it is worthwhile to hire an SEO professional, you can also learn SEO by yourself. Search Engine Optimization is a term that refers to how your website will appear on page one of Google. KeySearch, an extremely powerful and simple-to-use tool that allows you to search for key terms and see how difficult/easy it is to rank them, is very powerful. If you’re an interior designer in Denver, it is easy to rank for Denver Interior Designer. Although it takes some time to rank, this is an investment that is well worth the effort. To learn more about how to rank in Google, visit.

Form Strategic Alliances Referrals are one of the best ways for new business. First, make a list your “cheerleaders”, people who believe in you and can help you fill your business pipeline. These people not only believe you are the best at what they do but are also someone you can count upon. Once you have your list, contact them to let them know that you are open to taking on more clients. Your cheerleaders should be in touch with you regularly, whether that’s by sending holiday cards or email. Next, create a list that includes people you don’t know such as builders, luxury realtors and interior designers who could be your ideal cheerleaders. To set up a short get to know you phone call, send them an email. Maybe there’s a way to be mutually beneficial.

Customer service is a top priority. Word of mouth is one of your most powerful tools to get clients. Your clients will be more inclined to recommend you to others if you create a great customer experience. Here are some guidelines: Please return emails within 24 hours, except on weekends and holidays. If you have a problem (e.g. a piece of furniture isn’t fitting, etc.), please let us know. This is your responsibility. Follow and interact with your client on social media if they are active. In-person visits may not have been possible for some time. Check in to see if they are up and asking to see progress photos. Show your appreciation and show concern for customers. It will make a big difference in customer satisfaction.

Thank you gifts: You should at least send a thank-you note to the person who referred the client. A thank you gift stands out. This makes the person who referred you more likely to refer more clients.

A gift that keeps on giving: After completing a project, give your client beautiful postcards featuring their home. The back of each postcard should include your contact information and your name. This way, when someone asks you who helped with their beautiful home, they will have something tangible to show them.

Create an incentive program: Incentivize clients to refer clients to you. This is a common practice in corporate companies. Flytographer’s incentive program, for example, gave $50 to both the referrer and the new customer. It was win-win. What incentives can you offer to encourage people to refer your business? A one-hour consultation? A percentage discount?

Stay in touch with past clients Many times past clients will be the ones who rehire you to work on future projects, especially if they have a great customer service experience. Send a card to their birthday.

The Power of Celebrity clients: If your home is in Los Angeles or New York it’s a smart idea to work “on trade” with a celebrity. In other words, you design the celebrity’s home and get to use their photos/name in the media. You will have a lot of credibility if you only have one celebrity on your list. Are you still skeptical? These are five reasons celebrity clients are important.

Post-Pandemic Start attending industry events like store openings when it is safe. At my client’s interior design party, I met the interior designer who helped with my home renovation. One month a furniture maker friend hosted design nights for industry professionals. Start participating in the design community in your area by finding out what’s happening. You can even start your own design community!

Get your work published: Publishing your work in a design magazine increases credibility and makes you more visible to an already-interested audience in design. Your website will rank higher in search engine optimization if it is published online by the magazine. Domain Authority is a term that refers to the quality of external links linking to your website. It helps Google determine whether a page is popular, relevant, and trustworthy (e.g., the homepage). ).

PS. I can help you get your interior design project started!

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Larchmont Village: A Neighborhood Gem in Los Angeles

When someone asks me which neighborhood I love most in LA, I answer that it is the one where I live and work – Hancock Park/ Larchmont Village. I will never leave this area of town, as long as I am an Angeleno. My house is located near Hollywood, Hancock Park and Korea Town. The historic Larchmont Village, which is bordered by Hancock Park and Korea Town, is also within walking distance.

It had experienced tremendous growth in recent years, with larger, more expensive brands like Diptique, Blue Mercury, and Blue Mercury. However, COVID has forced some shops and restaurants to close. There are still great independent boutiques, and a Farmers’ Market every Wednesday. From 1pm-5pm, Sundays from 10am-2pm. Although Larchmont Village is the street’s south end, Cafe Gratitude opened in Melrose a few years back. It’s worth it to treat yourself if you’re looking for a relaxing massage even though they still have a mask mandate.

This is a great place to start if you’re out of town. Scroll down to find my top picks for eating, drinking, and shopping:

First, coffee:

Go get Em Tiger If you love fancy lattes made with homemade almond milk, then this is the place for you! This is a coffee bar where you order your coffee at the counter just like you would with a cocktail. You will pay about the same amount, but it is well worth it. *Takeout only

Groundwork Coffee Co– Don’t wait at Go Get Em Tiger if you don’t want your coffee to be brewed. *Limited outdoor dining

Ice-Cream & Cakes:

Salt & Straw – This Portland transplant is known for its unique flavor combinations such as Rice Shrimp Sushi and Lime, Stumptown Coffee & Compartes love Nuts.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Jeni is the newest addition to Larchmont. Jeni used whole ingredients and no artificial flavors.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery LA – This bakery can accommodate most food allergies, including gluten, wheat, and dairy. Many times, I’ve stopped by to help vegan friends. It is also incredibly adorable.

Wine and Cheese:

Larchmont Wine and Cheese – Although you may think this place is obvious, it’s actually quite the hidden gem. Sandwiches are made until the bread is gone. There is always a queue so get there early.

Shop:

Buck Mason My husband’s favorite store for men’s clothing, featuring a carefully curated selection of classics.

Larchmont Beauty is the best beauty supply shop in Los Angeles. It’s the perfect place for beauty lovers, offering everything from high-end skincare such as Natura Bisse to hair products that are just right for you.

Blue Mercury – If it isn’t available at Larchmont Beauty you will find it here. You will find a wide range of high-end makeup, skincare, and hair products.

Malin + Goetz – All-natural, neutrally-sex skincare products that bring a luxurious hotel atmosphere to your bathroom.

Diptyque – High-end intoxicating candles that are perfect for gifts.

Chevalier’s books – They moved to a smaller location across the street from their original location. It is the oldest independent bookstore in Los Angeles.

Eat:

Great white – This all-day cafe in Venice was opened in the former Cafe Parisienne. They offer comfort food as well as healthier options. Reservations are highly recommended for this hot spot.

Le Petit Greek I have been going to this restaurant ever since I moved to LA. A great patio on the sidewalk that serves authentic Greek food. This is a regular spot for us. Unfortunately, the restaurant was forced to close half its doors due to skyrocketing rents at Larchmont. Support this local gem! *Indoor and outdoor dining.

Vernetti is a beautiful Italian spot that you can either sit down on the sidewalk and enjoy a glass or wine, or go for lunch or dinner. *Outdoor dining

Village Pizzeria is the closest thing to New York-style pizza in Los Angeles. They are open from 3:00pm to 8:30pm on Wednesday through Saturday. Sundays are 3:00pm-8:30pm. *Takeout available. Only limited menu.

Le Pain Quotidien They are now open for outdoor and indoor seating.

Sam’s bagels There are a lot of bagel shops out there now, but Sam’s is still a great option. *Takeout only

Kreation If you are looking for a $14 smoothie, or water with CBD, this place is for you! Who isn’t? !

CafeGratitude is a popular vegan restaurant located at the Melrose end Larchmont. The food is great, and the place is very trendy if you are looking for healthy options.

Meet you at Larchmont

Photos of me by Ashley Burns

PS. The definitive guide to Silver Lake

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