EP 050 | How Interior Designers Attract Better Clients with Carly Waters

March 5, 2018

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What if the key to growing your design business isn’t getting more clients—but getting better clients?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Carly Waters about building a focused brand that attracts ideal clients. Through strategic marketing, thoughtful portfolio development, and a clear point of view, Carly has created a business that prioritizes quality over quantity.

For interior designers looking to refine their niche, strengthen their brand, and attract higher-value projects, this episode offers practical strategies for creating a business built around the clients you most want to serve.

In this episode, we learn:
• How using your own home can help build a portfolio when you’re starting out
• Why attracting better clients is often more valuable than attracting more clients
• How a clear brand vision makes it easier for ideal clients to find you
• Why being selective about projects is a worthwhile long-term goal
• How refining your social media presence strengthens your brand positioning
• Creative ways to generate referrals, including leveraging friends, family, and past clients

Take Aways

A worthy goal for your business is to have the fewest number of clients possible but make the money you need. This approach leads to a tighter look for your website, which in turn attracts those ideal clients you need.

Carly’s website is a great example of tailored simplicity. Carly Waters Style

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Working for friends: Be cautious when working for friends. Ask yourself, is this a friendship I can afford to lose. KS adds, if you do work with friends, then run them exactly like you would run any other project.

Under promise, over deliver: People pleasing hurts us in the long run. Don’t say yes when you know it’s not likely to occur.

 

After years as a practicing family law attorney, Carly Waters left the law and started Carly Waters Style in 2014.  While she doesn’t use much of her skills from her lawyer days, her experience in coaching families and couples is what she relies on when she helps her clients re-imagine their spaces. And yes, she has way more fun designing than writing legal briefs.

The real beauty in the work comes from the integration of form and function. CWS marries the analytical with the beautiful. White spaces, clean lines & layered textures. Each space feels peaceful & purposeful. Every home has an innate style, and that style should be honored by the architecture and finishes selected.

Carly Waters Style is a full-service residential design firm. Taking a hands-on approach, CWS works directly with the contractors and architects to oversee every detail in the renovation process. With an emphasis on collaboration, clients work with CWS to curate their ideal home. CWS charges hourly for design services and has a minimum project fee of $5,000.​

www.carlywatersstyle.com

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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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