Characteristics of a High-Value Client in Interior Design Business
Someone who nickel-and-dimes you
A DIYer fishing for ideas
Someone who sees interior design as a “luxury splurge” rather than an investment
A “difficult” client with unrealistic expectations but no budget to match
Anyone looking for the lowest price over best value
Quick Example: Meet Cameron Westwood
Owns a $3M home
Understands quality takes time and money
Cares about aesthetics, resale value, and hosting their network
Seeks a designer they can trust — not control
Will gladly pay more for less hassle and better results
“High-Value Clients = Fewer Projects, Higher Profit, and Less Stress.”
– That’s why your website and messaging should filter for them — and repel the rest. –
Why High-Value Homeowners Walk Away from Interior Designers?
No. 1
You Don’t Get My Life or My Standards
Why I Walk Away:
Your portfolio looks nice, but I can’t tell if you design for people like me. I see trends, not legacy work. I need to know you understand how I live — my art, my lifestyle, my expectations.
What I Look for on Your Website:
Projects that feel like homes, not staged showrooms
Mentions of entertaining, collecting art, multi-generational living
Clear positioning: “We design for discerning homeowners who expect more.
No. 2
Your Online Presence Feels… Small
Why I Walk Away:
If your website looks DIY or clunky, how can I trust your taste? Bad photos, dated design, or vague copy? I’m gone.
What I Look for on Your Website:
Elegant, modern design
Professional photography
Copy that reads like you know who you’re talking to — me
No. 3
I Don’t Trust You Can Handle a Project Like Mine
Why I Walk Away:
No proof you’ve managed projects at my scale — or that you know how to protect my investment.
What I Look for on Your Website:
Case studies on full-home projects, multi-million budgets
Mentions of collaborating with architects, builders, specialty trades
Risk mitigation: “We manage the details — and the headaches — so you don’t have to.”
No. 4
Your Aesthetic Feels Like a Poor Fit
Why I Walk Away:
If your portfolio feels “one-note” or trendy, I worry you’ll push me into a look that doesn’t suit my home or style.
What I Look for on Your Website:
Range of styles executed at a high level
Philosophy like: “Our role is to elevate your taste, not impose ours.”
No. 5
You’re Not Upfront About Money
Why I Walk Away:
Vague pricing signals trouble. Am I paying for value or for markups? Surprise costs kill deals.
What I Look for on Your Website:
Clear guidance on investment levels
Philosophy around transparency: “Our fees are clear. No surprises.”
No. 6
I Worry About Privacy and Discretion
Why I Walk Away:
Oversharing past clients or flaunting projects online makes me think: Will they do that with my home?
What I Look for on Your Website:
A privacy pledge: “Your home, your story — kept private.”
Discretion as a selling point, not an afterthought
No. 7
Your Process is Unclear or Overwhelming
Why I Walk Away:
I don’t want to project manage you. If I can’t see how you’ll handle the timeline, vendors, and budget — I pass.
What I Look for on Your Website:
Project management details
Phrases like: “From concept to completion, we handle everything — beautifully.”
No. 8
I Don’t Feel Confident You’ll Protect My Time
Why I Walk Away:
My time is my most expensive resource. If your discovery process feels bloated, if you ask for too many meetings before showing value, or if I sense I’ll have to chase you for updates — I’m out.
What I Look for on Your Website:
A clear, streamlined client onboarding process
Time-respectful communication promises like: “We keep decisions focused, timelines tight, and you out of the weeds.”
Language that acknowledges my schedule: “We respect your time as much as your taste.”
A well-structured website suggests a well-structured process. If your site feels chaotic or overly wordy, I assume that’s how our project will feel too.
No. 9
We Just Don’t Click
Why I Walk Away:
If you seem rigid, rushed, or overly rehearsed, it’s a no. I invest in people, not just design.
What I Look for on Your Website:
Warm, human tone
Founder’s story
Values — not just services
No. 10
You Don’t Convince Me Why You’re the One
Why I Walk Away:
If you can’t answer: “Why you?” — I’ll find someone who can.
What I Look for on Your Website:
A unique value proposition (UVP) that speaks to me
Proof that design is an investment — in lifestyle, value, legacy
Your website must tell me why you’re worth it — before we ever speak.
No. 11
My Gut Says No
Why I Walk Away:
Sometimes it’s just a feeling: You’re not “my people.” Could be your photos, words, or the way you handle our first call.
What I Look for on Your Website:
Authenticity, not ego
Clean, confident design that reflects who I am, not just who you are
“High-Value Clients = Fewer Projects, Higher Profit, and Less Stress.”
– That’s why your website and messaging should filter for them — and repel the rest. –