Episode Details
Back to Episodes96: Confessions from a Trade Show: Designing for the Way People Actually Live
Description
After attending Milan Design Week and then heading straight to High Point Market, I found myself sitting with a lot of thoughts about our industry, our clients, and what actually matters when it comes to design.
This episode is a very honest reflection on the contrast between those two experiences and the bigger lesson I walked away with.
I talk about:
- Why designing for real life matters more than designing for attention
- The difference between exclusive design and approachable design
- What Milan taught me about industry pressure and expectations
- Why practical, livable interiors are not less sophisticated
- The danger of designing for peers instead of clients
- How to stay grounded in your own design perspective
- Why relationships still matter in this industry
- The importance of creating spaces that support the way people actually live
I also share some behind-the-scenes thoughts from both Milan Design Week and High Point Market, including what surprised me most during both experiences.
If you have ever questioned whether you are “doing enough” as a designer because of what you see online or in the industry, this episode is your reminder that clarity, functionality, and understanding your clients will always matter more than hype.
Mentioned in This Episode
- Milan Design Week
- Salone del Mobile
- High Point Market
- ASID presentations
- Discovery calls and messaging for designers
FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:
Design feels natural.
The business side doesn’t.
Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.
👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration
🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!
Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration
📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin
Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/