HOT this July: Stay Cool with these Design Tips and more!
HOT this July: Stay Cool with these Design Tips and more!
DSA Insider: Contracts Tips, Events and Fresh Reads
Design Contract Tip From Attorney Wendy Estela:
Tip No. 3: Define the Scope — Clearly and Completely
Include a detailed scope of work in your contracts that clearly outlines deliverables, the number of revisions included, and what constitutes additional billable work. If you are using a flat rate/fixed fee model, be sure to explicitly state what work is NOT included in the flat/fixed price.
One of the most common causes of client confusion (and potential conflict) is a vague or undefined scope of work. In your contracts, be sure to outline exactly what services you’re providing, what deliverables your client can expect, and how many revisions are included. This not only sets realistic expectations, but also protects your time and boundaries. If you're working under a flat rate or fixed fee model, it's especially important to spell out what isn't included—like additional site visits, rush work, or major design changes—so clients understand when extra charges will apply. The more detailed your scope, the smoother your project will run.
Held at the Javits Center, NY NOW is one of the largest and most influential wholesale markets in the U.S., featuring a curated selection of home décor, gifts, accessories, wellness, and lifestyle brands. This vibrant summer event connects interior designers, retailers, and industry tastemakers with emerging makers and established names. Attendees can explore new collections, discover sustainable and design-forward products, and engage in trend-focused experiences that inspire creativity and connection. Learn more HERE.
Décor Tours
2025 Travel Lineup; DSA Member Discounts
Décor Tours, a travel experience company created by interior designers for interior designers, has announced its fall 2025 lineup of international design tours AND DSA members are eligible for exclusive discounts.
These curated trips offer participants the opportunity to explore celebrated and emerging design destinations through a professional lens, combining education, cultural immersion and elevated travel experiences.
2025 tour highlights include:
Paris (September): A longtime favorite, the Paris tour includes access to lesser-known ateliers, flea markets and design landmarks.
Provence (September): Explore charming towns, regional markets and authentic French countryside design, all set against a scenic backdrop.
New York City (November): Discover some of the best design resourcing, inspiration and build-your-business information the city has to offer.
Décor Tours is extending a 10% discount on any 2025 tour package to current DSA members. To redeem the offer, members can use the code DSA25 during registration.
Founded over a decade ago by designers Deb Barrett and Susan Schultz, Décor Tours was established with the goal of “showing, not telling” fellow professionals the depth and breadth of design inspiration available beyond traditional showrooms and sample books. Since then, the company has led small-group tours to Paris, London, Venice, Provence, and Portugal, consistently prioritizing meaningful connections, hands-on exploration, and unexpected inspiration. Learn more.
Fresh Reads:
Embracing Beauty by Beth Webb
Step into a world of serene sophistication with Embracing Beauty: Serene Spaces for Living, the second book from acclaimed interior designer Beth Webb. Known for her ethereal, light-filled interiors, Webb invites readers into fourteen breathtaking homes across the country—from Sea Island to Jackson Hole—each infused with texture, elegance, and soul.
Drawing on her background as an art dealer, Webb blends light, shadow, and touchable materials to craft living spaces that feel both grounded and graceful. With insights inspired by art, travel, and nature, this book is a true celebration of home as sanctuary—offering inspiration for those who believe in the transformative power of beauty.
Marketing Tips with Ericka Saurit: Why marketing is like dating…
By Ericka Saurit
Why defining your ideal client, considering how you show up to attract them, and all the things you say as you get to know each other… is a lot like falling in love.
Last month, we explored what really motivates people to hire you (ie, the emotions behind their decision to work with you or buy from you). This month, we’re getting even more personal: your relationship with your audience.
Because whether you’re happily coupled, or currently navigating the sea of love, this metaphor brings it into focus fast:
AI in Design: Episode 6 — What’s New and What’s Worth Trying
This month, Jenna dives into what’s new in the ever-evolving world of AI—and how interior designers can start where they are. This episode is a bit different, more candid and conversational, as Jenna shares her favorite tools, what’s working for her, and practical ways you can begin experimenting today. Instead of chasing the latest flashy tool, Jenna suggests a more grounded approach: explore what’s already in your business suite. Think Gmail, Google Drive, Microsoft, or Dropbox—and start testing tools like Google Gemini or integrating AI through platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity.
Whether you’re brand new to AI or looking to refine your workflow, this conversation is full of approachable tips to help you get started.
Get 30% off a subscription to The DAIly—a premier AI training program designed for creative professionals. Gain access to bite-sized daily lessons, expert insights, and live events to help you integrate AI into your business with confidence. No coupon needed—just sign up and start transforming the way you work with AI today!
Strategy Was Key When Cheryl Luckett Launched Her Design Business
By Lindsay Field Penticuff
“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.” –Peter F. Drucker, Austrian American Management Consultant, Educator and Author
Most people don’t typically fly by the seat of their pants when starting a business, whether it’s launching a new app, opening a bakery or starting a design firm. But many people probably aren’t as organized as Cheryl Luckett was when she developed a plan to shift her profession to interior design.
Luckett, the principle designer who owns Charlotte, North Carolina-headquartered Dwell by Cheryl, studied family and consumer science, with a concentration in nutrition, at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. She says it was a dream job, but it just never felt right for her.
“After being at a company for 15 years, I just started to feel like I couldn’t keep up the charade any longer,” Luckett shares. “I was being tapped for opportunities and to climb the corporate ladder, and I just didn’t feel right about it.”
She took a career pivot, of sorts, taking a job that gave her a little more free time to do what she truly loves—interior design—and she ended up taking design classes at a junior college.
Luckett knew she wanted to jump into interior design full time, but she also knew she personally would need a successful plan to make that happen.
“I wanted to make sure I was well-prepared and positioned for success,” she says. “I had a 36-month exit strategy called Project 36. It gave me 36 months to get ready to make that leap, and I think that is what helped me make the leap with complete peace and to feel good about it and to not have that anxiety and nervousness about transitioning from my security’ to this wild world of entrepreneurship.”
Since then, Dwell by Cheryl has grown by leaps and bounds, and she’s even been successful at collaborating with top-name brands.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Luckett recently, learning about what makes her tick, her advice for transitioning careers and what’s it’s been like for her to collaborate with major brands in our industry.
Stay up-to-date on all things Cheryl by following her Instagram!
Held at the Javits Center, NY NOW is one of the largest and most influential wholesale markets in the U.S., featuring a curated selection of home décor, gifts, accessories, wellness, and lifestyle brands. This vibrant summer event connects interior designers, retailers, and industry tastemakers with emerging makers and established names. Attendees can explore new collections, discover sustainable and design-forward products, and engage in trend-focused experiences that inspire creativity and connection. Learn more HERE.
Fresh Reads:
Why defining your ideal client, considering how you show up to attract them, and all the things you say as you get to know each other… is a lot like falling in love.
