The Power of Personal Branding for Interior Designers
- Brenna Knight
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
In the world of interior design, your work speaks volumes, but so do you. The choices you make, the way you communicate, and even how you show up online are all part of your personal brand. For many interior designers, personal branding feels like a buzzword, but it’s quickly becoming a powerful way to stand out in an increasingly saturated market. The question is: should every designer cultivate a personal brand alongside their studio’s identity, or are there times when it isn’t necessary? Let’s explore what personal branding really means for interior designers, why it matters, and how to begin building one that feels both authentic and strategic.
Design: Danielle Rose Design Co | Photography: Brittany Ambridge
What is a Personal Brand?
At its core, a personal brand is the unique way you present yourself to the world. It encompasses your personality, voice, values, and expertise, and it shows up in everything from how you write Instagram captions to how you speak at client consultations. Unlike your studio’s brand, which may focus more on your firm’s services, design philosophy, and visual identity, your personal brand highlights you as the designer, thought leader, or creative entrepreneur behind the work.
For interior designers, this distinction matters. Your studio brand may be polished, elevated, and timeless, but your personal brand might highlight your approachable nature, your bold creative perspective, or your passion for sustainable design. When the two work together, they create a layered identity that clients can connect with on both a professional and personal level.
How a Personal Brand Complements Your Studio Brand
Think of your studio brand as the umbrella under which your services and design projects live. It communicates what your firm does, how it does it, and who it serves. Your personal brand, on the other hand, is the voice and personality behind that umbrella. It humanizes your studio’s identity and gives potential clients a chance to connect with the person leading the work.
For example, your studio website might showcase refined photography and an elevated design portfolio, while your personal Instagram Stories share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your design process or snippets of your daily life. Both are aligned, but they serve different purposes: the studio brand builds trust and credibility, while the personal brand builds connection and relatability.
Design: Erin Sander Design | Photography: Nathan Schroder
Do You Really Need a Personal Brand as an Interior Designer?
Not every designer needs to build a personal brand, but for many, it can be a game-changer. If your business model relies heavily on word-of-mouth referrals or local reputation, a strong studio brand alone may be enough. But if you want to expand your reach, attract press opportunities, or position yourself as a thought leader, developing a personal brand is worth considering.
A personal brand becomes especially powerful when:
You want to build visibility beyond your local market.
You’re looking to diversify your business with speaking engagements, collaborations, or product lines.
You want clients to feel a stronger personal connection to the designer behind the studio.
On the flip side, if your studio is designed to be a multi-designer firm that doesn’t hinge on your identity as the founder, you may not need to heavily invest in personal branding. In those cases, clients are buying into the firm’s expertise as a whole rather than one individual.
The Benefits of a Personal Brand
Adding a personal brand to your marketing strategy can feel like extra work, but the rewards can be significant:
Differentiation in a crowded market: When multiple studios have similar aesthetics, your personality and perspective become the deciding factors.
Deeper client relationships: Clients want to feel like they know and trust you. A personal brand helps build that connection.
Expanded opportunities: Media outlets, brand collaborations, and podcasts often look for individuals—not just businesses—to feature.
Future-proofing your career: A personal brand can evolve with you, even if your studio’s structure, services, or offerings shift over time.
When a Personal Brand Isn't Necessary
There are instances when focusing on a personal brand might not make sense. If you’re building a studio with the goal of scaling into a larger firm where multiple designers carry equal weight, positioning the studio brand as the main identity may be more effective. Similarly, if you’re in the early stages of business and struggling to establish a clear studio identity, it’s wise to get your foundational branding in place before layering on a personal brand.
Remember: a personal brand is meant to amplify your studio brand, not replace it. If building one feels forced, confusing, or disconnected from your larger goals, it might not be the right time.
Design: Studio Ashby | Photography: Kensington Leverne
5 Actionable Steps to Build Your Personal Brand
Ready to explore your own personal brand as an interior designer? Here’s how to start:
1. Define Your Brand Values
What do you stand for, and how do those values show up in your work and life? Whether it’s sustainability, craftsmanship, or client relationships, your values should anchor both your studio and personal brand.
2. Craft Your Signature Voice
How do you want to sound when you show up online or in person? Are you polished and authoritative, or approachable and witty? A consistent voice builds recognition and trust.
3. Show Up Authentically Online
Choose one or two platforms where you feel comfortable sharing content as yourself. This could be Instagram Stories, LinkedIn articles, or even a podcast. Share insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal reflections that align with your brand.
4. Align Visual Elements
Your personal brand doesn’t need a full logo suite, but it should feel visually cohesive with your studio’s aesthetic. This might mean using a consistent color palette in your social media or professional photography that matches your studio’s tone.
5. Start Small and Stay Consistent
You don’t need to launch a new website or rebrand overnight. Begin by layering in personal touches to your current marketing—like sharing your design journey, spotlighting your creative process, or speaking on topics you’re passionate about. Over time, these small efforts will add up to a recognizable personal brand.
Personal branding isn’t just about self-promotion. It’s about connection. For interior designers, it can be the bridge between a polished studio brand and the human side of your business. Whether you decide to invest in building a personal brand now or later, the most important thing is that it feels authentic to you and aligned with your long-term business goals.