1. Optimism can get you through the fire swamp. of design and Furniture

Just because you’ve encountered an interior design problem that you have never seen before, doesn’t mean there is no solution. (Even for P.O.U.S.’s – Problems of Unusual Size.) Interior design at its heart, is problem solving. Approaching new challenges armed with optimism will help you see new and innovative solutions. The world of commercial furniture is always evolving and coming up with new solutions to challenges. If 2020 taught me anything, it is that we are resilient and able to handle more than we ever imagined.

2. Having a target will help you stay focused.

You don’t have to have the energy or resources to tackle every interior design challenge that is in front of you at once. (And there will be many!) Find your six-fingered man, prioritize your goals, work out which of those you can tackle, and then pursue that with everything you’ve got. Be relentless in your focus.

3. If you rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles.

Be patient. Change and growth takes time, and there are no corners to be cut. I had been working at my first interior design job for a commercial furniture dealership, for 2 years, when I saw a job posting that I thought I was interested in. Unfortunately, they wanted someone with a minimum of 10 years of experience. I remember telling a friend – I will never have that much experience! And yet, here I am, with over 26 years in this industry. Speaking of rushing a miracle man, the same holds true for commercial furniture lead times. You may think you need it sooner, but it does take time to create quality furniture. Be as patient with those manufacturers as you would like your clients to be with you. Good solutions take time.

4. Don’t believe the hype.

There are people who make a lot of money from letting you believe in the Dreaded Pirate Roberts. Quality is always more important than saving a little money up front. Good product design, that is well thought through and provides solutions that are great, should be what we all strive for. Sustainable, well made, end results should be our goal – not a fast and inexpensive solution.

5. Never start a land war in Asia.

Well, that’s just good advice, but the point is, choose your battles wisely. Compromise is an important part of good relationships, and relationships will help you in your career more than anything else. You never know when you will need assistance from a rep, fellow interior designer, or even client. Cherish those relationships and develop them. You will never regret it. Friendships I have made over the years with people in this industry are some of my most cherished relationships. People who, on the surface, I might have thought I had nothing in common with have become some of my very best friends and I will never regret having spent time developing those friendships. You might think you don’t have time (or energy) to attend industry events, but you really can’t afford not to. Make those connections and develop those relationships.

6. There's not a lot of money in revenge.

What works for one person, might not be the answer for you. Don’t spend your time feeling bitter, it’s a fruitless and costly waste of energy that can be directed toward more productive things. And again, maintain every relationship, even ones you think you dislike. You never know when you might need them!

7. Inconceivable doesn't mean impossible.

This is just good interior design, and life advice all around. You will achieve things beyond what you ever expected or imagined. I promise. Interior design is all about solving those inconceivable problems – and solving them in unexpected and beautiful ways.

8. You may already have a wheelbarrow.

It’s easy to focus on liabilities, but don’t forget to utilize your assets too. Part of the process is evaluating the challenges and looking for the hidden wheelbarrow solutions. Your commercial furniture manufacturer reps are some of the best assets you have at your disposal. They know their product lines inside out and can point out the wheelbarrow that you forgot was right there all along. Make sure you reach out to them for help!

9. Sometimes words don't mean what you think they mean.

Be open to new ideas and new ways of thinking about space, work, play, wellness, change, etc. Following trends will only get you so far – be innovative and always push yourself to look at things from a new point of view.

10. Wiggling a finger is worth celebrating.

Make sure you celebrate and enjoy even your smallest accomplishments. They were hard earned and are signs of better things to come. Celebrate your colleagues and their accomplishments too. The more support and knowledge you share will come back to you in unexpected ways.

11. Mostly dead is slightly alive.

Even when you’re too tired to breathe and the odds stacked against you seem enormous, you will survive to fight another day. Being a commercial designer can sometimes feel exhausting – I get it! The reward when you see your interior design completed will be well worth it. My favorite moments in my career have been times when I have been able to visit a space I designed, and just sit back and watch the users in the space, using it as I envisioned and appreciating it. At the end of the day, the reward is so worth it.

12. Have Fun Storming the Castle!

Sure, there will be laughs, adventure, pain, and tears but at the heart of it all, it’s about changing spaces, impacting people, and creating beauty. Enjoy the journey. You’re in it, so you might as well have fun while you are at it.

AUTHOR:

Julie Barfuss

| NCIDQ, IIDA | Interior Designer | VA SLC Health Care System

12 Things the Princess Bride Taught Me About Interior Design & The Commercial Furniture Industry

1. Optimism can get you through the fire swamp. of design and Furniture

2. Having a target will help you stay focused.

3. If you rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles.

4. Don’t believe the hype.

5. Never start a land war in Asia.

6. There's not a lot of money in revenge.

7. Inconceivable doesn't mean impossible.

8. You may already have a wheelbarrow.

9. Sometimes words don't mean what you think they mean.

10. Wiggling a finger is worth celebrating.

11. Mostly dead is slightly alive.

12. Have Fun Storming the Castle!

AUTHOR:

Julie Barfuss