Shira Gill Home is a boutique lifestyle brand with a “less is more” philosophy that offers on-site, full service home organization and styling as well as online resources and inspiration to help you design a clutter-free life. Shira believes that in order to create the home you want, you must start by eliminating what you don’t want. Whether you want to reclaim your cluttered closets or reorganize your entire home, Shira will help you transform your living spaces and simplify your life, one project at a time.

Shira’s efforts are exceptionally helpful for interior designers who take on new projects. Shira is the master at creating a new slate for designers, clearing the way so a designer can walk into the space and get started right away, rather than navigating the chaos. Here, Shira shares with us her go-to products for keeping organized, common problem-areas in a home, and key ways to control family clutter.

Shira – how did you get where you are today?

I am a bit of an accidental entrepreneur. After years of working in event planning and in the entertainment industry, my husband and I moved from LA back to our native Bay Area (I’m from San Francisco) to start a family. I had my daughter, Chloe, soon after, and knew I didn’t want to go back to such a frenetic work schedule. At the time I was involved in several new moms’ groups and we took turns hosting get-togethers. I noticed that most of the women were overwhelmed by clutter and disorder in their homes, and realized that I could help them.

At the encouragement of my girlfriends, I put the word out that I was available for home makeover sessions, and suddenly my business was born! The business grew quickly through word of mouth, and expanded over the following years into a full-time career dedicated to helping busy families de-clutter and streamline their living spaces. I have also become known for my signature closet makeover package which helps busy women edit, organize, and style their entire wardrobe in a single day. My favorite!

Currently I divide my time between working one-on-one with clients in their homes, and leading my newly launched group program. I’m so excited about the program because I can serve a broader audience, and start to grow a community where people can share their challenges and successes.

Content, organization + styling by Shira Gill Home (@shiragill). Photography by Vivian Johnson Photography.

In your opinion, how does conquering clutter restore your energy, reduce stress, and maximize productivity in a space?

Simply put, clutter holds people back in all aspects of their lives. It is draining to be surrounded by physical clutter and stressful to have to navigate through piles of stuff to find what you need each day. After I help clients de-clutter and organize their living and working spaces, they have so much energy freed up to focus on the things they deeply care about: They can host and entertain with pride, tackle work projects and pay bills more efficiently, and feel pride in their surroundings instead of frustration and shame.

“After I help clients de-clutter and organize their living and working spaces, they have so much energy freed up to focus on the things they deeply care about.”

Content, organization + styling by Shira Gill Home (@shiragill). Photography by Vivian Johnson Photography.

What are your go-to products for keeping spaces organized?

There is no magical product, but hooks and bins are pretty high on my list of organizing essentials. I use hooks in almost every project – perfect for hanging robes, handbags, jewelry and towels. Open bins and baskets are ideal for storing toys, mementos, linens and magazines.

There is beauty in utilitarian products so I try to get rid of packaging whenever possible. Using glass jars for Q-tips, metal canisters for markers, and wooden bowls for hair ties help to maximize space and elevate every day objects.

Content, organization + styling by Shira Gill Home (@shiragill). Photography by Vivian Johnson Photography.

Based on your experience, what do space owners tend to collect/have a hard time getting rid of?

Most people tend to hang onto gifts from friends and family as well as items that they invested a lot of money in. There is this “sunken cost syndrome” I try to free my clients from. To me it doesn’t make sense to keep something you don’t like or use just because your Aunt Bertha gave it to you or you blew a lot of money on it!

Content, organization + styling by Shira Gill Home (@shiragill). Photography by Vivian Johnson Photography.

Which rooms tend to be the “problem spaces” in homes (the rooms that get the most cluttered)?

A home’s entry area is generally the first space I tackle with clients because it’s the first impression of the home and tends to be a magnet for clutter. I also see a lot of clutter on kitchen counters, playrooms and stuffed into closets.

Content, organization + styling by Shira Gill Home (@shiragill). Photography by Vivian Johnson Photography.

How can families realistically apply a minimalist design concept to the home?

The idea of minimalism is having what you need and eliminating the excess. Creating a vision of how you want your home to look and feel and sticking to it is, essentially, taking ownership and being the gatekeeper of your home. I believe in respecting the physical boundaries of your space and practicing the one-in, one-out rule to prevent clutter from accumulating. In my home, we donate toys, books and games to local charities before holidays and birthdays to make space for the new gifts that will be coming in. Likewise, if I go on a shopping bender, I will pick some clothes and shoes to sell or donate so I ensure my home stays streamlined.

“I believe in respecting the physical boundaries of your space and practicing the one-in, one-out rule to prevent clutter from accumulating.”

Content, organization + styling by Shira Gill Home (@shiragill). Photography by Vivian Johnson Photography.

What are some key ways to control everyday family clutter with kids at home?

Systems! Kids love systems and are great at maintaining them. I always use the analogy of a kindergarten classroom: When you walk into the classroom it’s very obvious where everything is stored – art is in the art corner, books are in the book nook, backpacks go on hooks by the door. Make sure you have clear and intuitive systems set up for your kids to follow at home. They should have a place for backpacks and lunchboxes, homework, art supplies, toys and games, etc. I also created a DIY guide, Clutter-Free With Kids, that’s available on my website which has tons of tips on this subject.

Content, organization + styling by Shira Gill Home (@shiragill). Photography by Vivian Johnson Photography.

How do you typically work with interior designers?

Collaborating with designers is such a win-win! My job is to create a clean slate and clear the way so that a designer can walk into a space and hit the ground running, rather than having to navigate through clutter and disorder. In addition, I partner with both the client and designer to ensure the space is not only stylish but functional, from an organizational perspective.

Content, organization + styling by Shira Gill Home (@shiragill). Photography by Vivian Johnson Photography.

Can you offer interior designers some tips of best practices for de-cluttering a client’s space before starting a project?

With any organizing project, it’s always best to start with a serious editing session. First, help your client identify what they truly use and love and then help them discard or donate the items they can live without. You can also use clutter as information – i.e if mail is always dumped in the kitchen is it because it doesn’t have a clear home in the entry or office area? If so, setting up a simple basket to collect mail can be an easy fix.

“My job is to create a clean slate and clear the way so that a designer can walk into a space and hit the ground running, rather than having to navigate through clutter and disorder.”

Content, organization + styling by Shira Gill Home (@shiragill). Photography by Vivian Johnson Photography.

How can an interior designer de-clutter their work/office space to maximize productivity and efficiency? 

I’m a big fan of a clean work surface and suggest storing office supplies and files in concealed storage for a streamlined look. Designers are generally working on multiple projects at a time, so it’s hugely beneficial to set up a simple system like magazine files to house notes and reference materials for each project. I also advocate for practicing good daily habits like putting things away at the end of each work day so you can return to an inviting work space and a clean slate each day.

Content, organization + styling by Shira Gill Home (@shiragill). Photography by Vivian Johnson Photography.

What’s the next area you plan on de-cluttering in your own home?

My house is pretty well edited, but I’ll confess I have this ridiculous goal of having nothing in my basement! I have always believed that basements are just graveyards for stuff. Aside from some house paint and a few boxes of mementos from my father, I think I could happily let the rest go.  

~

Shira is the founder of Shira Gill Home a boutique lifestyle brand with a “less is more” philosophy. She offers on-site and virtual home organization and styling, as well as online resources to help you design a clutter-free life. Follow Shira on Instagram or her blog for weekly tips and inspiration.

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Ivy Design Firm Spotlight: Saffron + Poe – San Francisco, CA

Johanna and Fiona – how did you get where you are today? 

We are both originally from the Bay Area and currently live in San Francisco. We started working side by side in 2013 at a high-end residential interior design firm in Pacific Heights and immediately became friends. One night last March, after one too many Moscow Mules, we started talking about our dreams and aspirations. Although we loved the company we were with and were collaborating with truly talented designers, we felt that something was missing. We discovered that we had the same unfulfilled dreams – traveling the world, pursuing our passion for design & photography, and most of all, finding some small way to make a difference in the world. After some soul searching, we decided to launch a global sourcing company that is also a boutique interior design firm. One month later, we found ourselves on a one-way flight to Bali to begin seeking out beautiful handcrafted pieces and the amazing artisans behind them!

Torrey Fox

Saffron + Poe is on a mission to globally and ethically source traditional, handcrafted goods for the modern home. How do you make that happen?

We are currently partnering with artisans in Bali and Morocco to create one-of-a-kind pieces for the authentic modern home and plan on expanding to a new country each year. We strive to uplift our artisan partners and their families by providing a steady flow of business, and eventually, we’ll be giving back a percentage of the proceeds to the artisan communities.

How do you balance running a retail business and interior design business at the same time? 

We won’t lie, running two businesses simultaneously is hard work! We often forget to eat, sleep, or sometimes breath. The main thing that gets us through it is having a solid partnership; we would not be where we are today without each other to uplift and support one another. Even though obstacles are often thrown our way, we continually receive signs from the universe that we are doing exactly what we should be doing, and always remember to listen.

Johanna Vente

Where was the last place you traveled for business and what were your favorite finds? Which country is next on the list?

We recently returned from Morocco where we found the most stunning rugs handwoven by women in the High Atlas Mountains. These rugs are unique to any we have seen on the market and we can’t wait to launch or Morocco Collection soon! Next, we hope to partner with artisans in Ecuador and Peru, seeking goods such as beautiful Alpaca throws and unique handwoven rugs.

In all of your travels, which country is your favorite for sourcing and working with local artisans?

We have had the most amazing experiences and met such talented artisans in both Bali and Morocco, there’s no way to choose a favorite! We feel so fortunate to have been able to visit and experience these incredible cultures (even if we were working around the clock most of the time, and sometimes pulling all-nighters).

San Francisco is where you’re based – who are your favorite local vendors to source from and work with?

We have been working with local artist and woodworker Aleksandra Zee to design and commission several beautiful pieces for our residential projects. We love coming up with unique custom installations for her wood creations such as a barn door and/or a headboard. We also frequent places like the West Coast Craft Fair or Alameda Flea Market to discover and support local makers, finding one-of-a-kind pieces for our clients.

What projects are you currently working on?

In order to balance managing both a retail business and a boutique interior design firm, we take on only two projects at a time. We are currently putting the finishing touches on our Contemporary Cottage project in Mill Valley, and our Wishing Tree House project in San Francisco. Because of amazing clients who have given us the flexibility to express our design vision and aesthetic, these projects have been a dream! We are gearing up for our next projects (a San Francisco home and start-up office), and can’t wait to see how they come together.

Robert Vente

How does designing make you feel? 

Design gives us all the feels! It makes us feel alive, passionate, invigorated, and at times, overcome with anxiety (we’ve all been there!). When we are in the depths of the design phase of a project, it is hard to think about anything else. Sometimes we catch ourselves half asleep in the middle of the night designing a project in our heads. Often our best ideas come to us in these late hours of the night, or even in the shower!

What’s your business mantra?

In our design business, we strive to create a balance and communication between objects, a balance between the elements, and a balance between the past and present. Our goal is to create livable, timeless spaces that tell a story about their inhabitants. We love the thought of mixing the old world with the new, incorporating layers of texture and history. In our own lives, we are constantly seeking a balance between work and life, but the fierce passion and love we have for what we do blurs the line between the two.

Robert Vente

Why did you join Ivy?

We have both worked extensively with pretty much every software for interior designers out there, and each one has been time consuming and convoluted. Ivy is extremely intuitive and lets us spend more time on design, and less time on the paperwork and accounting!

What have you learned from the Ivy Designer Network?

We just attended the first Ivy Designer Meet Up and were blown away by the network of inspiring designers all wanting to collaborate together. In the past, we have found the design industry to be very closed off and secretive, but Ivy has created a supportive community of designers wanting to help each other out (and even share their sources!). We are so happy this is the direction the design world is moving, and are excited to ask questions and share our insight on the Ivy Facebook group.

Robert Vente

How does Ivy help streamline your day-to-day workflow as an interior designer?

We used to use multiple programs each day for time tracking, proposals/purchase orders, invoicing, image boards, etc. Ivy has made it so we only have to open one program for all of our needs, and complete them quickly and efficiently. It doesn’t hurt that the graphic design is so pleasant – we are designers and like to look at pretty things!

What’s an Ivy feature you can’t live without?

We love the Ivy Product Clipper – being able to grab the images and information for an item with the click of a button makes the specifying process fun and easy!

Robert Vente

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Ivy Designer Laura Thurman of Laura Thurman Design hosted a two-day Ivy Designer gathering in her Nashville home, welcoming local Ivy Designers for tasty food, learnings and conversation. After warm introductions amongst local Ivy Designers and a tasty spread by Laura, they jumped into a presentation by Amy Flurry, former editor, author of “Recipe for Press”, and PR Expert who conducted a crash course on how to pitch projects to magazine editors.

Amber Ulmer

Amber Ulmer

Amber Ulmer

The informative presentation on how to achieve PR on your own led to a more in-depth, thoughtful discussion. Amy took the time to speak to each Ivy Designer personally and establish the “hook,” the essence of their story and the angle in which to pitch it. Ivy Designers learned that individual press is achievable on their own and felt empowered to take the first step in pitching to the publications for their next feature.

Amber Ulmer

Amber Ulmer

Part two of the Ivy Nashville gathering was led by Kathy Kinton and focused on custom window treatments and bedding. All too often designers are leaving money on the table by purchasing prefab drapes and bedding. They discussed valuable resources such as Fabricut and Cashmeres custom workrooms, drapery styles, and proper workroom order procedures.

Amber Ulmer

A special thank you to Laura Thurman for hosting, Amy Flurry and Kathy Kinton for your time and guidance, and the Ivy Designers who participated in contributing to the Ivy community, continuing education and growth in friendship and business practices.

Ivy Design Firm Thurman Design Studio is a creative interior design firm based in Nashville, Tennessee with L.A. flair., providing creative and thoughtfully executed custom interior design and e-design. They work with developers and individuals with projects both large & small, serving clients both locally and throughout the U.S. Their goal is to educate and inspire their clients as they collaborate together, to create beautiful spaces that reflect their values and personality.

Amy’s book is available at www.recipeforpress.com and her second book, Recipe for Press: Interior Designer Edition will be available in January of 2018.  Enter “ivy” at checkout for a 20% discount on Recipe for Press, on her 2017 Media List and all other products.

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

I often speak with designers who say that they don’t like marketing. However, when I ask a designer who their target market is, the reply is “everyone”. You can do better than that! If you’re in business, you should have a specific target market. You simply can’t create a strategic business plan without it.

When I started my business, I didn’t have a portfolio, so I had to get creative with marketing. I quickly learned that having a portfolio didn’t matter to me. What mattered was how I was perceived in my market and that’s what initially brought me business. I needed to learn how to effectively communicate the message of my company to acquire the clients I wanted while saying no to the projects I didn’t want. Below is a list of what I discovered and the top five things I did to get started.

Written by Ivy Designer Candace Wolfe of Candace Wolfe Design

1. Do what you love
How often do we hear “do what you love and the money will follow”? I don’t know if that is 100% true, but it’s definitely a good start for your marketing plan. If you don’t know who your target market is, make a list of the type of work you enjoy doing the most. Look at all of the tasks you do on a project, and in your business, and only write down the tasks you truly enjoy. For example, if you don’t like selecting window coverings, don’t put it on your list, and definitely do not add it to your website as a service you offer.

Once you have your list of project tasks you truly enjoy, think about the person who needs your services. That is your target market!

Dzine Photography

2. Build your muse
This is the fun part! Create an avatar of the client who is going to need your talents. Go beyond characteristics like age demographic, and profession. Where do they shop? What do they do on the weekends? What is their theme song? What kind of wine do they drink?

Get into the psyche of the person you’re trying to help. Let your imagination run with this one because the more that you can develop your ideal client, the easier marketing becomes.

Everything you put out there as a business via marketing/advertising, social media, your website, etc. will be directly speaking to your brand muse.

So often I see small business owners who have websites that only list their skills and accolades. Your business is not about you. It’s about your client and the people you serve. Talk to them!

Emilie Iggiotti

3. Create your brand

Brand has personality. Now that you know exactly who you’re talking to, you can decide how you want to talk to him/her. Consumers are not seeking to buy something but rather buy into something.

Because you know so much about your brand muse, marketing becomes easy. From the font on your website, to the language that you use, to the content on your social media channels, everything you do is for your muse. It becomes a question of ‘does this fit with my brand?’

By knowing your target audience, you will also start to recognize where to spend your time. As a designer, this is your most valuable asset, so it’s crucial to not waste your time networking and marketing where you shouldn’t be.

Crystal Blond

4. Pick one social media outlet and do it well
It can be very overwhelming to have to set up an Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter page all at once. So my advice is to pick one and do it well! The most common outlet for interior designers is Instagram. Instagram is also the easiest because you don’t necessarily need a lot of content under each photo. But, I challenge you to take Instagram to the next level!

I was once told that your Instagram matrix of 9 is the deciding factor of whether or not someone will follow you. These pretty square images are more than just eye candy – they’re a way to target your ideal market, create a visual portfolio, and develop your brand. These 9 photos should be curated and should be a snapshot of what your business is all about. I plan all of my Instagram content in advance on Later so I know exactly what my grid will look like when put together.

@candacewolfedesign

Your matrix should be aesthetically pleasing, show a bit of your personality, highlight work you’ve done (or reflect your style if you don’t yet have a portfolio), and most importantly, speak to your avatar.

Note: While it’s important to show personality and be relatable, this is not the place for wine memes, photos of your kids in the bath, and/or a dumping ground for you to complain about work/life balance. You want your avatar to hire a professional, so be one.

Emilie Igiotti

5. Put yourself out there

When I first started my business, I created a blog to gain more traffic to my website. Because I posted all of my blog content on social media, I was able to get a lot of traction to my site. Someone noticed me on social media and I was asked to speak on the Main Stage at the local home show. You have to put yourself out there because no one will know you exist if you don’t!

I found out that I actually enjoy public speaking and I had a blast doing it. The bonus was that I was once again seen as the ‘expert’ in my field. So moral of the story: It’s scary to put yourself out there, but if you want to be successful, you have to get over yourself.

Photo by @204park

I remember when I first hit publish on my website. I was so excited because I was officially in business! Then, nothing happened – radio silence! Little did I know that the real work came after that moment.

Identifying who to target your marketing towards is crucial to running a successful business. This understanding aids in recognizing opportunities and being able to say no to the projects you don’t want. So get out there by building your brand muse and creating a brand so you can start working with your ideal clients!

Emilie Igiotti

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Ever wonder what the office of an interior designer actually looks like? Even the most have-it-all-together designers are organizationally-challenged. From the guest room-converted office space to the stacks of loose fabrics and tiles piled up in the garage, interior designers continue to impress us with their creative ways to design a workspace.

Take a look at how Ivy interior designers organize their samples, store client project binders and materials, and setup workspaces for daily tasks and meetings.

“We hang our fabric books so we can flip through them as needed…it’s easy to unhook the ones we need. I had the maple “bookcases” custom built (and they’re tapered). My carpenter attached the chrome closet Hardware Resource rods and holders at varying heights based on the different book sizes. We use the simple stainless circle shower curtain rings to hang the books by their cord handles. We store loose samples in “Multi-Purpose Bins” by the Container Store.” – Ivy Designer P.D.

Ivy Designer Office P.D.

“I find my Ikea pieces have worked no matter where I move and a big statement light makes it fun!” – Ivy Designer H.M.

Ivy Designer Office H.M.

“I outgrew the home office a couple years ago. I share this space with an architect. We use Ikea bookcases for catalogs. The wood bins on top hold tile. Fabrics are stored in decorative baskets on the other side and fabric books live on another bookcase unit.” – Ivy Designer S.P.

Ivy Designer Office S.P.

“At first my office was a small room in our house with samples overflowing into our dining room and garage. Now, my studio is a work in progress and is not styled or finished. Our Kallax by Ikea unit houses all of our fabric swatches, tile samples, rug samples, etc. Our large table is where we host meetings and work daily. I used the Alex by Ikea for basic stationary. I use my row of cupboards and long countertop to hold pretty much everything else such as job binders, cabinet samples, countertop samples, exterior sample, etc.” – Ivy Designer S.B.

Ivy Designer Office S.B.

Ivy Designer Office S.B.

“I currently work out of our small guest room! I have samples I use frequently on the shelves and the rest of them are in our basement 😩.” – Ivy Designer J.K.

Ivy Designer Office J.K.

Ivy Designer Office J.K.

“I have three of these lateral files. One has plastic client bins that I use to store their folders, samples, etc. Another is for my business-related documents including receipts, taxes and such. The third holds my catalogs and samples, etc. This system works beautifully for me. I bought each used for $70 and had them powder coated in white.” – Ivy Designer K.S.

Ivy Designer Office K.S.

“My office is currently in progress. I’ve had this small office in the same building as my husband for years now, this way, we’ve been able to commute together (occasionally) and see each other when working long hours. I got a little frustrated working from home and I felt uncomfortable having employees at home. Best of all, no more vendors or clients in my house. Almost everything is from Ikea except the table is from West Elm which is where we work/host meetings for 4 and lay out floor plans and samples. I recently purchased 2 additional office chairs for the table. It’s important for us is to have the wall TV for presentations. All of this is possible within a very limited space and low rent!” – Ivy Designer M.G.

Ivy Designer Office M.G.

I use the Ikea Fjalkinge shelves to flank a custom desk and an Ikea large sawhorse leg table for a standing worktable. I’m definitely bursting at the seams of my home office. I need more closed storage, etc.” – Ivy Designer A.G.

Ivy Designer Office A.G.

“I rent an office on the waterfront in my town. It is very small – 167 square feet with 8′ ceilings. I use Ikea bookshelves and I had a custom desk made.” – Ivy Designer A.M.

Ivy Designer Office A.M.

Ivy Designer Office A.M.

“I love Ikea cubbies, they pretty much line my garage and I have rows for certain clients.” – Ivy Designer S.W.

Ivy Designer Office S.W.

“We LOVE our tile and paint wall in our studio! It’s so easy to see and pull everything.” Ivy Designer K.F.

Ivy Designer Office K.F.

“During projects, I use these scrapbook cases from Michaels. They stack on top of each other, latch closed, have a handle, and fit a paint deck or two perfectly! They are great because they keep all of the samples neat, organized, in good condition, and out of my bag. File folders fit perfectly as well.” – Ivy Designer A.P.

Ivy Designer Office A.P.

Ivy Designer Office A.P.

“I decided that this was my space, my office, and my business so it was going to look like I wanted it to look: fabulous, just like my design style…I wanted to make sure that if I had reps or clients come over that I would be able to take meetings. I needed to make sure it was functional; interior design samples can be a nightmare to keep organized. I also needed a space that was beautiful and that I was proud of, that my creativity was not constantly interrupted by an unsightly view.” -Ivy Designer Sarah O’Dell, Owner/Designer of Dwell Chic Interiors

Office of Ivy Designer Sarah O’Dell, Owner/Designer of Dwell Chic Interiors

Office of Ivy Designer Sarah O’Dell, Owner/Designer of Dwell Chic Interiors

“We have a big wardrobe for fabric, wallpaper catalogs, drawers with tiles, wood samples, and PAX from Ikea (inexpensive magic). We have an Ikea kitchen island with drawers storing more sample goodies. We also have wall bookshelves housing books, catalogs, client binders, etc., all organized by subject.” – Ivy Designer L.C.

Ivy Designer Office L.C.

Ivy Designer Office L.C.

Ivy Designers’ Go-To Products for Organization

Multi-Purpose Bins – The Container Store, $3.99 – $6.99

KUGGIS – Ikea, $6.99

KALLAX – Ikea, $109.00

ALEX – Ikea, $119.00

FJÄLKINGE – Ikea, $210.00

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

This summer at Las Vegas Market, Ivy joined the Soft Design Lab and Abbyson in a panel discussing technology utilization and community building in the design world. Ivy Co-Founder Lee Rotenberg, Jackie Von Tobel and Deb Barrett of Soft Design Lab, and Kelli Ellis and Joseph Haecker of Abbyson raved about the power of harnessing your connections with fellow designers to build design collectives, design tribes if you will, to exchange insight, ask questions and share resources. As a member of the design community, it’s crucial to tap into your network of supporters, collaborators, and suppliers to help you navigate the new world of design.

There’s always something new to learn from a fellow designer, from navigating design dilemmas and managing client expectations to building trade relationships. A well-seasoned designer can learn from a new designer, perhaps how to tackle the e-design world or social media marketing. An established designer can advise new designers on product mark-ups, trade-only vendors, and other industry secrets. Each individual designer has unique knowledge that others are eager to know about. As a member of the design community, it’s in your best interest to have the self-confidence to share your experience – your story feeds into the larger knowledge exchange at hand to empower the industry at large.

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Ivy Designer Spotlight: Amanda Barnes of Amanda Barnes Interiors – San Francisco, CA

Amanda – how did you get where you are today?

My path to design was a little unconventional. I graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in Biopsychology. After that, I spent the next thirteen years in biotech primarily focused on Neurosciences. I could never get enough of design I read about in books, magazines and anywhere I could get my fix. I spent many years helping friends and family on the side with their projects and handled several construction projects from start to finish while I was working full-time in corporate America. After getting married and starting a family, I finally found the courage to follow my heart into design and founded Amanda Barnes Interiors.

Alyssa Rosenheck

Amanda Barnes Interiors strives for function and client satisfaction with timeless designs. How do you tailor each space to a client’s needs?

With my clients, I strive to cultivate elegant living for everyday life. I take a practical approach to selecting fabrics, layering textures and picking pieces that will transition with the family as they grow. Some families are really focused on incorporating sustainable materials into their home. For these clients, we focus on using pieces with low to no VOC finishes, organic wools and FSC certified woods. Other clients put attention on pieces that will survive the most talented of sofa jumpers and fort builders. In this situation, we focus more on incorporating things like solution-dyed acrylics, a lot of round pieces without sharp corners and washable fabrics that survive budding artists. Whatever is the most important priority for my client, we work from there to build the concept and layer in pieces that blend together now and will function well for years to come. I also love to include very personal pieces such as souvenirs from traveling, old family photos and other heirlooms as part of the design process to ensure the clients feel like the final look we are working toward is curated just for their home and their family.

Alyssa Rosenheck

Who are your favorite local vendors and people of the trade in the San Francisco/Bay Area?

I am currently coveting St. Frank on Sacramento Street and have always loved walking through Anthem a few blocks down. The ladies at Hardesty Dwyer are my favorite for all things upholstery, The Bath and Beyond Showroom is my go-to for projects under construction and Big Daddy’s Antiques is one of my favorite stops in the city. I could not get by without the beautiful selection of planters and succulents at Flora Grubb and I would be happy to move into McGuire at any time – I am obsessed with every piece in their showroom. The city is full of little gems!

Alyssa Rosenheck

Which colors, materials and textures are you particularly into right now?

No surprise here – a whole lot of neutrals! Right now, I am using a lot of blues, mushroom, beige, grays, creams, a bit of blush and whites. My favorites!

Alyssa Rosenheck

How does designing make you feel?

Grateful, inspired and very happy.

Alyssa Rosenheck

What’s your business mantra?

No regrets! I spend a lot of time outside my comfort zone.

Alyssa Rosenheck

How do you maintain a healthy work/family/life balance?

I have a two-year old and a four-year old. This is without a question the hardest topic for me. My first referral came to me when I had a six-week old and a two-year old and I was not expecting it. This referral was the launch of my business during a crazy time of adjustment for our family. I knew there was never a good time to start a business so I commenced slowly and never looked back. I continually fight the “mom guilt” but I also focus on my blessings every day. I often work very late after my kids go to bed to make up for any time I spend with them during the day. I have found that for now, staying small as a business allows me to only choose projects that keep my fire going, my design fix satisfied and still leaves me time to focus on my family. It is really hard for me to say no to projects but for my sanity and for my family this is the best solution right now. Work + life + family balance is something I work on every day but rarely feel successful at.

Your portfolio is stunning – who’s your go-to photographer?

Thank you! My one and only is Alyssa Rosenheck. She is an incredibly talented photographer and has also become a dear friend.

Alyssa Rosenheck

You have a thriving Instagram following – what’s your secret? How much time do you dedicate to social media marketing efforts per day?

Instagram is one of the many things I have had to be realistic about with my business. I know I do not have time for a blog, I cannot say yes to every project that comes my way and you probably will not see me doing Instagram Stories anytime soon (even though I love them). I decided when I started my business that I would try and commit to one photo a day up to five days a week. I do not always meet my one photo a day goal, and sometimes I post a few in a row, but they are always of my work, my daily inspiration or projects in progress. I try to keep my Instagram feed as a reflection of the moments that inspire me and keep my business thriving. Hashtags have been helpful and making sure to tag vendors allows me to connect with them directly. I wish I could give more time to Instagram but, in reality, I spend less than twenty minutes online. I also post on Facebook but not as frequently.

Alyssa Rosenheck

You’ve been featured in Architectural Digest, My Domaine and Style Me Pretty to name a few. What’s your trick to getting published?

My photographer, Alyssa Rosenheck, is a strong advocate of our collaborations and I leave it in her creative hands to handle the placement of projects.

Alyssa Rosenheck

Why did you join Ivy?

The real question is, why didn’t I join Ivy earlier? Ivy has streamlined so much for my business. I have a place to attach all of my documents for reference later, I have a website my bookkeeper can communicate with me through, and the Ivy Product Clipper is amazing!

Alyssa Rosenheck

What have you learned from the Ivy Designer Network?

This group is INCREDIBLE! I have learned some new trade resources I would never have otherwise found. I have learned that there are many ways to get the job done and there is an amazing community of small business owners who have so much to offer to each other. I have never had any formal training so I am grateful to be included in this network to collaborate.

Alyssa Rosenheck

How does Ivy help streamline your day-to-day workflow as an interior designer?

I collect a retainer up front. After presenting to a client, I can write-up a proposal and have it transformed into an invoice and then a purchase order in minutes. Hello, time management!

Alyssa Rosenheck

What’s an Ivy feature you can’t live without?

While I would bet I am not using Ivy to its full potential (or even close), I could not live without the Ivy Product Clipper!

Alyssa Rosenheck

Are you an interior designer searching for an interior design software for your business management?

Being recognized in the competitive world of interior design is becoming an ever-increasing challenge. With the rise of free digital marketing channels, it’s more important now than ever to proactively work on building your brand on a daily basis. Even the most talented of interior designers need to get creative to build brand awareness for their firm. Publicity is essential for your brand’s health and requires strategy, dedication and consistency. Thank you to Ivy Designer Kristen Siefkin of Interior Design Alchemy for contributing to the following list of 10 useful tips to follow.

1. Lay your foundation

Develop your brand’s key messages and differentiators. This messaging will help you create the storyline that you can deliver across all of your communication channels including your website/blog, photos, social media, testimonials/projects, and videos of you speaking. Storytelling will strengthen your brand’s identity and credibility amongst your clients and new business prospects. Solidify your firm’s mission and uniqueness and consistently convey that message on all communication touch points.

2. Survey your media sources

Make a dream publication list and then actually read them cover-to-cover. Get to know these publications and learn their coverage content and style. Make note of journalists’ and photographers’ names and the types of projects they’ve covered. Consider hiring these locally-based photographers to photography your spaces – perhaps they’ll want to include your portfolio images in their portfolio!

Design by Interior Design Alchemy, Photo by John Valls

3. Pull publications’ editorial calendars

Think through the readers’ lens – what do they want to know? Think through the editors’ lens – what keeps them up at night? Get to know the seasonality of publications and consider how your brand can fit into a major publication’s content calendar. What story or project of yours is worthy of sharing to a large audience?

4. Think locally first

National media will Google you before pursuing a story. If you have a presence with local and regional media, you’re more likely to be perceived as legitimate. Make a list of all of the local publications and Instagrammers in your area and make sure to follow them.

Design by Interior Design Alchemy, Photo by John Valls

5. Flattery will get you everywhere 

Everyone appreciates a shout-out. Admire a local publication’s recent Facebook post? Share it on your Facebook page. Comment on their post either personally via email, or directly on a post so others can see your commentary. #regram a local publication’s Instagram and make sure to tag them. Not only will you be sharing the love, but you will be sharing high quality content on your own channels, giving you more credibility as well.

6. Generate consistent content and build an editorial calendar to share it

Consistency is the key to the success of your digital presence. Aim to post on Instagram and Facebook once per day. It doesn’t need to be a unique piece of content like a blog post – simply post a pretty living room that inspires you, or a palette of materials/mood board for a project you’re currently working on. Piggy back on industry events, Markets, and holidays. Create a collection of hashtags you will consistently use on all of your posts so other Instagrammers can identify with you (i.e. #maketimefordesign, #lifeofaninteriordesigner, #interiordesignermoments).

Design by Interior Design Alchemy, Photo by Heather Keeling

7. Issue press releases for real news. Nothing gets you blacklisted faster than spamming journalists.

Are you moving to a new office space? Are you tackling a huge and exciting new project? Are you on-boarding a new talented member to your team? This is buzz-worthy and the kind of news journalists want to hear about.

8. Generate your own news

Get involved. Volunteer to re-design a non-profit space. Collaborate with other creatives and makers to work on a local project. Pursue opportunities to contribute to your community which will in turn create newsworthy personal stories you can share with your following.

Design by Interior Design Alchemy, Photo by John Valls

9. Be strategic

Be honest with yourself. Not every project of yours is press-worthy, and that’s OK! It’s not worth it to spoil your chances with a journalist by sending over a project that isn’t perfect (i.e. poorly photographed) for publication. If you have a project that is great for Dwell, don’t pitch the project to every publication in your rolodex – start with Dwell. If Dwell declines, stack rank and reach out to #2 on your list. In your outreach, make sure to emphasize that your story/project is original and exclusive to the publication your are communicating with.

10. This Shit Takes Time (TSTT)

On average, it took Ivy Designer Kristen Siefkin 12-16 months to see momentum with a client, and this was a full-time effort. Be disciplined, consistent, and patient. Brand development takes times but the fruit of your labor will come!

Are you an interior designer searching for an interior design software for your business?

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Are you an interior designer searching for an interior design software for your business?