Becoming the Dominatrix of Design

I absolutely love Interior Design.  I love making spaces beautiful.  I love shopping.  I love colors, patterns, and fabrics.  Did you notice that I didn’t mention that I love clients?  Working over 20 years as an interior designer, I am happy to report that I do love most of them.  But many of them need what I call “The Dominatrix of Design” treatment.  I’ll explain below.

All designers have been asked “what is your ideal client?” and I’m always shocked to hear answers that only describe budget or scope of work.  Am I the only designer who defines my ideal client as being psychologically well?  Because let’s be honest, so many are not!

I believe our clients should: treat us well, pay us well, and respect what we bring to the table. The current profession of interior design has a challenge on our hands. 

We are selling a luxury service to a coupon world.

As a Design Dominatrix… I’d be able to shut down their unreasonable and unrealistic requests with just a look.

As a Design Dominatrix… I’d “whip” their princess behavior into shape and have them thanking me for my strict and authoritative treatment.

As a Design Dominatrix… I would declare “if you insist on shopping online and “helping” me do my job, there will be consequences!” 

I’ve got the answer! 

To match our client’s expectations of working with a design professional, I would love to bill each client on a sliding scale.  Who is with me?  This certainly would help offset our headaches and ulcers for the more time-eating clients. The message would be clear - “Hey client, cease your involvement or you will be charged accordingly!”

Just a thought…