Building confidence as an Interior Designer

Build Confidence as an Interior Designer

5 Ways to Step Up with More Confidence

You probably don’t need me to tell you that a lack of confidence can hold you back as an interior designer. 

Your role is to be the confident guide for your clients, help them navigate challenging decisions, and design for their specific taste and lifestyle. Confidence is key to success when you’re constantly putting your ideas into the world (never mind trying to hold boundaries, charge your worth, and operate a profitable business). 

More Confidence Doesn’t Just Happen Overnight 

The good news is that confidence is a muscle you can strengthen. With the right support, you can gain more confidence quickly! Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, here are five powerful ways to grow your confidence and keep it strong. 

1. Build Confidence By Celebrating Your Wins

I’m not only referring to the big ones, either! Celebrating your wins, big and small, can help you notice what’s working, what you’re doing well, and how far you’ve come. Keep a “win list” (yes, an actual list) and write down every time you: 

• Finish a tough project
• Land a new client 
• Publish that blog post or send the email you were nervous about 
• Forge a new collaborative connection 
• Get a positive review from a client 

Don’t forget to look back on it at the end of the year to see just how much you accomplished and reach for it anytime you have a day where imposter syndrome starts creeping in. I also recommend having a section for “positive client words,” where testimonials, kind words, project praise, and social proof live. There’s nothing more confidence-boosting than hearing “We couldn’t have done this without you!” and knowing your work is making an impact. 

1. Build Confidence with a Strong Business Foundation 

Having clear processes, organized finances, solid contracts, and a streamlined onboarding system helps you walk into every job with confidence and clarity. You free up your brain to focus on the design work and clients, not the logistical chaos. Your attentive presence will help you and your clients feel more confident. 

1. Build Confidence by Choosing to be a “Lifelong Learner” 

There’s always going to be more to know! Design trends, technology, and you evolve. Instead of that nagging feeling of “always being behind” or not knowing all you should, shift into a mindset of a student. Sign up for webinars, read books, take that course you’ve been eying, or learn new design tools. The more you learn and add to your toolbelt, the more confident and capable you’ll feel. 

1. Build Confidence by Quieting the Noise of Comparison 

Quiet, or even better… quit the comparison game! 

It’s easy to scroll Instagram and wonder if you’re doing enough, if you’re good enough, and compare yourself to all the other designers you see. Confidence can’t grow in a garden full of weeds, and comparison is exactly that, a weed. Mute or unfollow accounts that drain you instead of inspire you. Focus on your unique style, journey, and growth -not someone else’s highlight reel. 

1. Build Confidence by Working with a Coach 

Sometimes the best way to increase confidence is to have someone in your corner who sees your vision, your potential, and helps you build the confidence you need to get where you want to go. Especially when you struggle to see these things for yourself! 

A business coach can help you set goals and shift your mindset. They point out your blind spots (yes, the good ones you’re not seeing too!), hold you accountable, and even more important, remind you you’re more capable than you think you are. 

At Vetted By Design, we recommend Rebecca West of Seriously Happy Consulting & Coaching. Rebecca works specifically with interior designers to inspire confidence that sells. So you can stop second-guessing and get to where you want to go. Learn more by checking out Rebecca’s Vetted By Design profile here. 

You Don’t Have to Have it All Figured Out 

Remember, confidence is a muscle and skill to build and nurture. You don’t have to have it all figured out, no matter where you are in your business journey! Growing your confidence as an interior designer takes intention, reflection, and support. You don’t have to know all the answers, and you don’t have to do it alone.