Hey friends, it’s Katie Decker Erickson. If you’re an interior designer feeling the pinch of today’s economy—high interest rates, cautious clients, squeezed margins—you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: you can control your pricing, positioning, and profit strategy, even when the market feels uncertain.

In the latest episode of Success By Design, I kick off a three-part series called the Interior Designer Survival Guide Through Economic Uncertainty. Part one, Pricing with Confidence in a Shaking Economy, is all about how to protect your value, know what to say no to, and structure your pricing so your business thrives—even in tough times.

Why Discounts Don’t Work

When things feel shaky, it’s tempting to lower your prices or offer free consultations—but that rarely works. Giving things away lowers perceived value and trains clients to see your expertise as optional. In this episode, I share why maintaining pricing and communicating value actually leads to better results for your business.

Smart Pricing Strategies

Hourly, lump sum, hybrid—what’s right for you? I break down how to pick the model that protects your time, profits, and client experience. Plus, I share how offering smaller defined services like “designer for a day” can open doors without undervaluing your expertise.

The Three Cs for Thriving

Even when the economy feels unstable, the designers who thrive follow the Resilient Design Trifecta:

1. Clarity – Know who you serve and the problem you solve.

2. Consistency – Keep showing up and building trust.

3. Confidence – Stand by your value.

These three principles are the difference between surviving and thriving, no matter what the market does.

If you’re ready to stop panicking about rates, start leading with confidence, and price your services with clarity, this episode is for you.