When to Move Your Interior Design Business from Home Office to Studio Space

The Signs It's Time to Take Your Design Business to the Next Level

Episode 104

In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest decisions you'll face as your design business grows: when to move out of your home office and into a dedicated studio space. Learn the key signals that it's time to make the move, how to budget for this significant investment, and why a studio space can transform both client perception and team dynamics.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

As an interior designer, I've seen first hand how the right workspace can transform not just how you work, but how clients perceive your business. One of the biggest decisions you'll face as your design studio grows is when to move from your home office into a dedicated studio space.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the signs it's time to make the move, how to budget for this significant step, and the ways a professional studio space can elevate your business to new heights.

The Home Office Reality Check: When Working from Home No Longer Works

Let's be honest, working from home has its perks. You're in comfy clothes, coffee is always on hand, and it can feel incredibly efficient. Until it isn't.

There comes a moment where the dining table setup or that spare bedroom studio just doesn't support the business you're building anymore. You might be starting to feel scattered, struggling to separate home life from work life, or finding that client meetings in cafes no longer match the professionalism of your work.

I've worked with countless designers through this transition, and these are the most common signs that it's time to consider a dedicated studio space:

1. You're Constantly Rearranging Around Home Life

When you find yourself:

• Clearing design samples off the dining table before family meals

• Struggling to find quiet space for client calls

• Having deliveries, pets, or family members interrupt your workflow

• Working odd hours to accommodate household activities

Your environment is no longer serving your workflow, and it's time to consider a dedicated space.

2. You Hesitate to Host Client Meetings

If you're avoiding bringing clients to your workspace because:

• It doesn't reflect the level of design you deliver

• There's no professional meeting area

• You're embarrassed about the home office setup

• You're constantly meeting in cafes or at client homes

A professional studio space could transform how you present your business and interact with clients.

3. You're Growing Your Team

When you're:

• Hiring or planning to hire team members

• Lacking space for collaboration

• Missing the creative energy of in-person teamwork

• Finding remote management challenging

A central, functional space for your team becomes essential for growth.

4. You Want to Create a Brand Experience

If you're realizing that:

• Your physical space should reflect your aesthetic

• Clients would benefit from experiencing your design sensibility firsthand

• You need a space to showcase material samples and design concepts

• Your brand has evolved beyond what a home office represents

It might be time to create an environment that embodies your design philosophy.

The Emotional Shift: Becoming a Studio Owner

Moving to a dedicated studio space isn't just a logistical decision—it's an identity shift. You're not just moving locations; you're stepping into a new identity as a business owner who is investing in space, presence, and scale.

This transition brings up big questions:

• Am I ready for this financial commitment?

• How will this change how I work with clients?

• What kind of team culture do I want to create?

• What does this space say about my brand?

I've found that designers who acknowledge this emotional component make more confident decisions about when and how to make the move.

The Financial Reality: Budgeting for Studio Space

Let's talk numbers. Studio space isn't cheap, and it's not just rent you need to consider. The full financial picture includes:

• Rent or lease payments

• Security deposit

• Utilities (electricity, water, internet)

• Furniture and décor

• Technology and equipment

• Insurance

• Cleaning and maintenance

• Signage and branding elements

• Potential renovations or customizations

I always recommend looking at this decision through the lens of revenue per square meter. What will this space help you generate? Could it allow you to:

• Bring on another team member?

• Raise your fees due to enhanced professional presence?

• Streamline your workflow to take on more projects with less stress?

• Create additional revenue streams like workshops or events?

There are also tax implications to consider. Office expenses are deductible, and separating your business from your personal life can help with tax clarity. I suggest working with your accountant to model out what you can afford now and what your revenue needs to look like to sustain the space for 6, 12, and 18 months from now.

The Perception Factor: How Studio Space Elevates Your Brand

A studio space isn't just functional—it tells a story about your business. It communicates to clients, suppliers, and collaborators that you are established, trustworthy, and in this for the long game.

When clients walk into your curated environment, they're experiencing your process before you even open your mouth. This elevates everything:

• Your confidence in presenting your work

• Your ability to command professional rates

• Your position in the market relative to competitors

I've seen designers transform their businesses after moving to a studio space, not just because of the practical benefits, but because of how it changed their own perception of their business and the value they provide.

Team Dynamics and Studio Culture: Building Something Bigger

If you're planning to grow your team, having a studio can be a game-changer. It creates:

Clear Boundaries

Work is work, and home is home. This separation is healthy for you and sets expectations for your team.

Real-Time Collaboration

There's something magical about the creative energy that happens when designers work together in the same space, bouncing ideas off each other and solving problems collaboratively.

Studio Culture

Perhaps most importantly, a physical studio creates a culture where people feel proud to come in, aligned with your values, and invested in the long-term success of your business.

However, if you're transitioning from having everyone working remotely to an office environment, think carefully about that transition. Consider how to balance hybrid options or create a workspace that people genuinely want to be in.

Practical Tips for Making the Leap

Ready to consider a studio space? Here are my practical tips for making this transition successfully:

1. Start Small

You don't need a hundred square meters in the trendiest suburb. A small, well-located, beautifully styled space can be incredibly impactful. You can always grow as your business expands.

2. Think About Client Flow

Make sure the space accommodates how clients will interact with you:

• Is parking available?

• Is the entrance clearly marked?

• Is there a comfortable meeting area?

• Do you have space to display materials and samples?

3. Do a Cost-Benefit Review

Work with your accountant to understand the full financial picture:

• What's the total monthly cost including all expenses?

• How many additional projects or higher fees would cover this cost?

• What's your break-even point?

• What's your exit strategy if things don't work out?

4. Get Support

Connect with designers who have made this transition before. Their insights on location, lease negotiations, and space planning can be invaluable.

Is It Time for You to Make the Move?

If you're in the middle of this decision or just starting to consider it, know that you're not alone. This is a huge step, but it can also be one of the most empowering ones you'll make as a studio owner.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Is my home office limiting my business growth?

• Am I ready for the financial commitment of a studio space?

• Would a dedicated space enhance my client experience?

• Could a studio help me build the team and culture I envision?

• Does this move align with my long-term business goals?

Remember, there's no single right time for every designer. The decision depends on your unique business model, financial situation, and vision for the future.

The Bottom Line: A Space That Works for You

The most important thing is that your studio works for you, not the other way around. Whether you decide to make the move now, plan for it in the future, or continue optimizing your home office setup, the key is creating a workspace that supports your creative process, enhances your client experience, and aligns with your business goals.

If you're ready to take this step, start by exploring spaces in your area, talking to your accountant about the financial implications, and envisioning how a dedicated studio could transform your design business. This isn't just about getting a new office—it's about creating the foundation for the next phase of your business growth.