I Thought I Was a Design Chameleon… Till I Got a 2-Star Yelp Review. 🥺

When I first started as a designer I thought I could design anything for anyone.

In fact, I thought being a design chameleon was a strength, allowing me to cater to every client’s needs. Over time I learned that this approach was a bad idea for a lot of reasons (it kept me from being the design expert my clients deserved, and kept me from being as streamlined and profitable as I deserved), but it didn’t hit home until I got a painful 2-star Yelp review. This experience taught me a critical lesson: no matter how versatile you think you are, every designer has an Aesthetic POV, and aligning that with your clients’ expectations is key to your success and their happiness.

The Hard Lesson: My 2-Star Yelp Review

So what was the the project that opened my eyes to the importance of understanding and communicating my Aesthetic POV? A couple of years into my business, I took on a project in Seattle’s historic Queen Anne neighborhood. My client owned a beautiful Craftsman home with breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest. She was eager to create a vibrant, colorful interior but was unsure how to do so without clashing with the natural beauty outside her windows.

When we first discussed her vision, she showed me inspiration photos filled with clear Caribbean colors—a palette more suited to Florida than the misty, earthy tones of the PNW. I thought I could help her find a balance by incorporating richer, PNW-aligned colors that still reflected her love of vibrant hues. I was confident that this approach would give her the best of both worlds.

However, after the project was completed, I received feedback that was both disappointing and eye-opening. She said the design was “very pretty,” but it wasn’t what she had really wanted. Ouch. 😭 My natural design instincts, which leaned toward the PNW palette, didn’t align with her true desires. While the space turned out beautiful, it didn’t resonate with her on the level I had hoped. This 2-star review made me realize how vital it is to align my design POV with my clients’ expectations.

The Power of Transparency: Turning a Bad Review into a Positive

After receiving the review, I had a good cry. But once I pulled myself together, I knew I had to respond thoughtfully. I took responsibility for the aspects that were my responsibility and used the opportunity to reinforce what I was really good at—the types of projects and clients I could best serve. Much to my surprise, several clients who reached out to me afterward told me that my answer to that bad review was the key reason they chose to contact me. They appreciated my transparency and responsibility, and they could see that I was the right designer for their project. Whew!

Why Your Aesthetic POV Matters

Getting clear about your Aesthetic POV isn’t just about avoiding disappointing clients and negative reviews. It’s about understanding your design identity and how it influences every project you take on. Embracing your unique aesthetic means you’ll:

• Establish a Strong Visual Brand: When your aesthetic is consistent, it’s easier to create a recognizable brand identity. Your portfolio, website, and marketing materials will all tell a cohesive story that attracts clients who love what you do.
• Streamline Sourcing and Processes: When you know your design lane, you can focus on the vendors, materials, and resources that align with your aesthetic. This not only saves time but also positions you as an expert in your specific style. (This is true about picking your luxury level, too!)
• Become a Trusted Media Source: Designers with a clear aesthetic POV are more likely to be featured in media outlets. Editors and publishers are always on the lookout for trend-setting designers who bring a distinctive style to the table.

How to Uncover and Embrace Your Aesthetic POV

If you’re still discovering your design identity, here are some questions to help you uncover your Aesthetic POV:

• What are your natural design instincts? Think about the projects that have brought you the most satisfaction. What design elements, colors, or styles are you naturally drawn to?
• What kind of projects do you enjoy the most? Consider the types of homes and spaces you love working on. Are you more comfortable with modern, minimalist designs, or do you thrive in traditional, layered environments?
• How do you want clients to feel when they see your work? Your design POV isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about the emotions your spaces evoke. What feelings do you want your designs to inspire?
• Is there a common thread in your work? Look at your portfolio and identify any recurring themes, colors, or design elements. This through-line is often a strong indicator of your Aesthetic POV.

Aligning Your Aesthetic POV with Your Business

Once you’ve defined your Aesthetic POV, the next step is to market yourself for the types of projects you truly want. Use the images, graphics, fonts, and colors on your website to establish your brand identity. This will help attract clients who resonate with your style and are excited to work with you.

Need Help Defining Your Aesthetic POV?

Discovering and embracing your Aesthetic POV is a journey that can take some time and experimentation. But once you’ve nailed it, you’ll start to magnetically attract clients who love what you do and are eager to hire you. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about how to define and communicate your Aesthetic POV, I’m here to help. As a business coach for residential interior designers, I offer 1-1 coaching to guide you through this process and help you create a design business that reflects your unique talents and passions.

Reach out today, and let’s work together to define your Aesthetic POV and build the design business of your dreams.

Like this, and want more?

I help residential interior designers set clear expectations with their clients and contractors so they can give their clients fantastic design experiences. If you’re looking for a residential interior design business coach who’s been in the trenches, I’ve got 15 years in the biz. Reach out and let’s chat – I might be the coach for you! 😀

Be brave, and may your business always be seriously happy!