Personal Branding for Interior Designers
Your clients aren’t just investing in your expertise, they’re investing in the experience of working with you. In a crowded industry, standing out to the right people is essential. That’s where personal branding comes in. It’s one of the most powerful ways to build a professional reputation, attract your dream clients and set yourself apart in a competitive market.
In this article, we’ll explore what personal branding really means, why it’s so important for interior designers and how you can build a personal brand that complements your business brand.
What is personal branding and how is it different from business branding?
Personal branding is the intentional effort to shape the way people perceive you as an individual. This includes your reputation, personality, values and unique point of view. It’s how your audience connects with you beyond your company name or logo.
Business branding focuses on your company’s identity — your studio’s mission, visual style, service offerings and the overall promise you make to clients.
To summarise:
Business branding is about your studio as an entity.
Personal branding is about you as a designer, creative and thought leader.
Both are important, but personal branding brings a human element to your work that clients increasingly want to see. People hire people, not just companies. Especially in interior design, where trust, style and personal connection are everything.
What you’re missing out on if you don’t build your personal brand
If you only focus on your business brand and neglect your personal brand, you could be missing out on:
Stronger client relationships
Clients love to know the person behind the work. A personal brand gives them someone to trust and relate to.
Increased referrals and collaborations
When peers and clients feel they know you, they’re more likely to recommend you.
Recognition beyond your business
A personal brand can grow independently of your company. This means speaking engagements, press features, or partnership opportunities may come your way because of who you are, not just what your studio does.
Future-proofing your career
If you ever pivot, expand, or create new offerings (like courses, books, or product lines), a personal brand makes it easier to bring your audience along with you.
How to build a personal brand alongside your business brand
Ready to start building your personal brand? Here are some practical ways to do it:
1) Show your face and share your story
People connect with people. Include photos of yourself on your website, social media and proposals. Share why you started your business, what inspires you and what matters to you beyond design.
2) Develop a signature point of view
What do you believe about design? Let your unique philosophy shine through in your captions, blogs and conversations.
3) Be consistent with your visuals
While your personal brand can be more relaxed or intimate than your business brand, keep your style cohesive. Use similar colour palettes, fonts and photo styles to maintain a professional, polished look.
4) Create personal content
Alongside sharing your projects, mix in posts that feature behind-the-scenes moments, your creative process, or even snippets of your daily life. This helps clients see the real person they’re hiring.
5) Engage as yourself
When commenting online, networking, or speaking at events, lead with your personal voice. Don’t hide entirely behind your studio name. Use “I” as well as “we” to remind people there’s a human behind the brand.
The impact of building a personal brand
When you invest time in growing your personal brand, you’ll notice:
1) More qualified leads
You’ll stand out to the right people. Clients who resonate with you as a person are more likely to trust your expertise. You’ll naturally draw in people who align with your aesthetic, values and working style.
3) Premium pricing opportunities
A strong personal brand justifies higher rates because demonstrating your expertise elevates your perceived value.
4) Client loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals
When people connect with a person, they become emotionally invested in your journey, not just your services.
5) Partnerships and press features
Media outlets and collaborators prefer to work with designers who have a visible online presence.
6) Feel more fulfilled
When your business reflects you, work becomes more authentic and enjoyable.
Most importantly, a strong personal brand helps your business brand feel more approachable and memorable. This can be used to your advantage on a competitive field like interior design.
Final Note
Committing to a personal brand can transform your business in many ways. It isn’t about turning yourself into an influencer or putting your life on display. It’s about thoughtfully sharing who you are, what you stand for and why you do what you do.
When paired with a strong business brand, your personal brand becomes a powerful tool that not only attracts ideal clients but also builds long-lasting trust and connection.
Want help building your personal brand? Get in touch here.