77: The 2025 State of the Design Industry (And What You Need to Do About It)

Send Katie a Text Message!! Hey designers, it’s Katie Decker Erickson, and today I’m giving you something totally different — no fluff, no hype, and no sugarcoating. This is your five-minute State of the Industry for interior designers, and a heart-to-heart about what’s really going on behind the pretty photos and Pinterest boards.Because let’s be honest — the economy isn’t doing us any favors right now. Margins are tight, clients want miracles for pennies, and too many designers are drowning in ideas instead of action. So today, I’m breaking down what’s actually happening, why inspiration alone won’t save your business, and what it’s going to take to not just survive, but win in this season. IN THIS EPISODE, I TALK ABOUT:The real numbers behind the 2025 design economy (spoiler: it’s not great)What the data from Barron’s, the Wall Street Journal, and the NFIB optimism index really means for usWhy “attitude + affirmation” isn’t a business strategyThe biggest traps I’m seeing designers fall into right now — undercharging, over-consuming, and constant pivotingHow I’m shifting my own business to adapt (and how you can too)A preview of my upcoming 3-part series and live workshop to help you implement — not just learn — strategies that work in this market We don’t need more motivation. We need clarity, accountability, and a plan that actually makes money. This industry is at a crossroads — and if you’re ready to stop waiting for things to “get better” and start taking control, this is where it starts.Connect with KatieLinkedInBusiness Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers Free Resources for scaling your interior design firmWebsite