Christina Kim, founder of Christina Kim Interior Design. Once an aspiring actress, her obsession with design and her innate curiosity led her to the world of interiors. Based in Manasquan, New Jersey, Christina has interior design projects across the U.S.. Christina's work is influenced by scenes from LA, NYC, and Paris (all places she has lived), bringing both a West Coast sensibility and the East Coast into her designs. Christina is known for her warm yet modern interiors with a distinctive edge and specializes in the ground-up construction of modern homes.

Noteworthy achievements include serving as an ambassador for the New York Design Center and her participation in the Kips Bay Decorator's Showhouse Dallas, where her captivating ombre pink stairway design made a memorable entrance moment.

Get inspired as Tori shares her innovative approach to storytelling through photography, unveiling the power of capturing emotion, authenticity, and the essence of design in every frame.

[5:29] THE CHALLENGES INTERIOR DESIGNERS FACE

Design today is an exciting challenge as we navigate the ever-growing influence of AI and new tools that are reshaping our creative landscape. We're in a race to keep up with the pace of innovation, all while global uncertainties touch our economy and client behavior. Budget-consciousness is becoming a trend, and large projects can sometimes feel daunting. You've got this! In our post-pandemic world, clients are eager for quick results. This may seem at odds with the thoughtful and deliberate process of interior design, but it's an opportunity for us to flex our creative muscles without compromising quality.

Christina believes in a touch of authenticity and a nod to the roots of design. She underscores the need to take a breather in the creative journey to allow innovative and personal ideas to bloom. Striking this harmony between tech-brawn and human creativity could be our secret sauce in standing out in a bustling market.

[7:57] EMBRACING CHANGE IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN INDUSTRY

The post-COVID-19 era has brought about a paradigm shift where clients are increasingly prioritizing:

1. Cost
2. Speed
3. Efficiency

Christina realized that this change was more than a trend; it was a signal that her brand needed to evolve. Her clients were not just looking for design services; they were seeking solutions aligned with their new priorities. This realization sparked Christina's journey towards transforming her brand.

Christina's "Andre pink moment" project at the Dallas Kips Bay Show House is a key part of her brand. This work showed off her skill with bright colors and big patterns. She felt these elements were missing in her other work because of current trends towards white and minimalism.

So, stay true to your core while being open to change. It's about saying "loudly and proudly" who you are as a designer, not conforming to trends or client demands that don't align with your vision.

"I wanted to figure out how I could create that for myself and let my clients and potential clients know I am interested in this. I do want to explore color, pattern, and other things." - Christina Kim

[10:44] THE REBRANDING PROCESS IN INTERIOR DESIGN

At the heart of any successful branding or rebranding endeavor lies the designer's ability to introspect and...

Meaghan Shanley, Design Publicist and PR Consultant

Meaghan Shanley is the founder of Evergreen PR, a boutique agency driven by her desire for a more personalized approach to client relationships. Her goal is to ensure clients feel seen, heard, and celebrated while providing invaluable support in achieving their business goals. With over a decade of public relations expertise, Meaghan is a highly experienced PR consultant specializing in interior design. Her impressive track record demonstrates her ability to connect designers with the right audiences and showcase their work in the best possible light.

Throughout her extensive PR career, Meaghan has collaborated with iconic design luminaries, including Sasha Bikoff, Plain English, de Gournay, and Hollywood's go-to interior designer, Brigette Romanek, for her vintage-inspired furniture line with Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Founding Evergreen PR in 2022, Meaghan drew from her experience in both boutique and large-scale PR agencies, recognizing the importance of a genuine connection with clients. Working one-on-one with interior designers, her approach is collaborative, educational, and sustainable for long-term success.

Get inspired as Meaghan shares her expertise in interior design PR, her strategies for connecting designers with high-net-worth clients, and her passion for elevating brands through creative storytelling and strategic public relations.

When it comes to PR, it's not just about the numbers or the media coverage; it's about the people behind the brand. Meaghan points out that your ideal client should be someone with whom you share a connection, mutual trust, and respect. These qualities form the foundation of a successful partnership.

A virtual connection can be as impactful as an in-person meeting. Being responsive and proactive is essential. The client should feel confident that their PR representative will assist them.

• One of the key insights Meaghan shares is the power of authentic storytelling. Your experiences can become valuable content for media pitches. Sharing these unique experiences can humanize your brand or persona, making it more relatable to your target audience.
• While PR professionals are experts in navigating the changing media landscape, clients should always feel comfortable expressing their preferences. Meaghan believes in the importance of having conversations about what the client wants, more or less specific publications they're keen on, and their overall goals.

PR is not a guaranteed outcome; it involves organically pitching stories to editors and hoping they'll be shared with readers. Unlike marketing, which focuses on promoting your service directly, PR relies on earned media – the result of successful storytelling. Meaghan acknowledges that while it may not always yield immediate returns, successful PR has numerous benefits:

• Word of Mouth: Over time, it increases positive word-of-mouth referrals.
• Targeted Clientele: It helps attract the right clients for your business.
• Trade Relationships: PR can lead to new trade partnerships.
• Online Presence: It drives traffic to your website and boosts social media engagement.
• Increased Fees: Successful PR allows you to charge higher fees due to your credibility.
• Marketing Material: PR results can be used in newsletters, blogs, and social media.
• Long-Term Value: It enhances your brand's reputation, aiding future business endeavors.

PR is all about how people perceive, experience, and interact with your brand. It's that elusive "buzz" that captures the...

Franziska Neumann, Brand Designer & Strategist

Franziska Neumann is a seasoned professional and the visionary founder behind FZK, a creative agency specializing in the enhancement and stewardship of online presence for professional service providers. She brings together a unique blend of aesthetics and technology, showcasing a career path that has evolved from interior design and architecture to the craft of building distinctive brands. With a notable portfolio that includes features in prominent magazines, appearances on HGTV, and recognition on the Oprah Show, Franziska's journey into online presence began when she realized the need to anchor her growing exposure.

Get inspired as Franziska shares her guide to helping her clients gain visibility, allowing them to shine, describe their passion, and see how that could be translated into a visual story.

[3:44] OPRAH MOMENT.

Franziska's story begins with a "magical moment" many of us can only dream of – the Oprah moment. While she wasn't the one gracing Oprah's stage, her connection to this iconic show began her extraordinary career shift.

Franziska and her partner then lived in a cozy 350-square-foot apartment in Chelsea. They transformed their space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing abode through creativity and resourcefulness. Their expertise quickly garnered recognition as small space experts.

Yet, amidst this setback, something remarkable emerged. Franziska discovered a new passion and skill set: web development. Armed with the ability to build websites, she embarked on a new career path. This transition allowed her the flexibility to work from home, a valuable advantage for a new parent.

[6:43] MARKETING MAGIC: KEY TRENDS FOR THE HOME INDUSTRY

Her early days were filled with hours spent browsing interior design magazines in coffee shops and bookstores—a practice that allowed her to discern emerging trends long before they hit the mainstream. Her passion for trend forecasting led her to a dream gig in the field.

Franziska shared insightful observations when asked about the key marketing trends for the home industry in 2024.

"Human interaction and in person connection is still special. And I think we have a new appreciation for being together and respecting each other and just enjoying collaboration in person."

Franziska Neumann

Franziska underscored the importance of events as a pivotal element in marketing strategy. Creating meaningful, in-person experiences for clients and collaborators can foster lasting connections and brand loyalty. In a world where kindness and respect are paramount, events can be a powerful platform for showcasing expertise and building valuable relationships.

AI can't replicate the empathy, authenticity, and relatability that real individuals bring.

[8:59] WHERE SHOULD DESIGN PROFESSIONALS INVEST FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT?

During a significant shift during the pandemic, many designers were inundated with work, leading them to halt their marketing efforts temporarily. While this response might seem intuitive at first glance, it is, in fact, counterintuitive.

Franziska passionately encourages interior designers and business owners to recognize the importance of maintaining a marketing budget even when times are good.

• Dedicating a portion of your gross revenue to marketing, typically...