Kathleen DiPaolo

Designer, expat, seeker of beauty, creator of Return on Interiors, traveler

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

99% of us are perfectionists! We love all things detailed orientated and we are passionate about our work.

This makes us exceptionally good at what we do, but exceptionally bad at letting go - am I right?

Problem is, you cannot scale and grow your busi… https://t.co/UFQ12gAxcF

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

Delegating tasks can sometimes be scary, especially if you feel as though you can do the tasks faster than anyone else so you “may as well just do it yourself!”.

Letting go by allowing other people to help you is hard, but the tough pill to swallow … https://t.co/FGeDspL6tu

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

Need we say more?

#clientexpectationsvsreality #interiordesignhumor #interiordesign #interiordesigner #interiordesigners #interiordesignerslife #lifeofaninteriordesigner #dayinthelifeofaninteriordesigner #interiordesignersofinsta #interiordesignersofin… https://t.co/UxgHEHajJr

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

I've been in this industry for quite some time now, and I wanted to share a piece of advice that I learned the hard way.

When I started out, I was so eager to get my hands on every project that came my way. I was caught up in the excitement and the crea… https://t.co/QNsNiZVGk5

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

If only I could jump into the mind of my clients and see what they’re thinking and expecting of me!

If - like me - mental telepathy isn’t one of your superpowers, there are a few steps you can take to build an effective line of communication with your … https://t.co/eo9Rb2hQZB

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

There's been a trend away from formal employee reviews with the long documents and the metrics. And I understand that - it can be a pain and it seems weird to do in a small office - right?

BUT - it is actually critical that you have a performance review… https://t.co/tIIJe2Bf8b

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

More and more scents are being used to relay a full sensory experience to clients and customers (in fact, there is an entire trend of “scent marketing” these days!)

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love to incorporate scent in my client's home t… https://t.co/hKVbae0QB6

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

Think about all the time, energy, and expertise that you've put into getting to where you are …

You've honed your craft, built your business, and made a real impact in your clients' homes and lives.

And even if you’re ​​confident in your skills and… https://t.co/PoUIvsNKrZ

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

Too often we wish things in our businesses could be one-and-done. But that is never the case! 🥴

Whether it's your financials, your business practices, or your client pipeline, you want to schedule regular times to review and refine.

It’s especially… https://t.co/i1i8Rmfj2Y

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

Anyone else around here get totally struck when looking at nature, and at how much human design and architecture draw inspiration from its forms?

I mean, how gorgeous are these gardens? 💚🌳🌷🌼

#natureindesign #naturephotography #natureforms #designin… https://t.co/HJjxPMdL20

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

A recent study of over 18,000 business owners showed that having a disorganised company can cost six working hours per week. ⏰

WOW! That's almost an entire day just wasted.😳

Having systems, processes, organised files, and templates can make a BIG d… https://t.co/aGXgGIsYJG

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

A HUGE talking point in the interior design industry is over how much to tell your clients (or show them) when it comes to fees and pricing.

And like a lot of things in our world, for me, it all comes down to communication.

Working with a client is a … https://t.co/8rPZ2ZLH4e

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

Working as part of a build team can be amazing, or it can be a disaster!

But a lot of what determines which way it goes is in OUR hands.

We need to be just as responsible for making sure things move along smoothly as anyone else on the team. After all,… https://t.co/BDpbqIrznZ

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

The single issue that has brought down huge companies - especially when bills have come due before there are funds to pay them - Cash Flow! 💸💸💸

Whether you're the owner of a big design agency with an extensive team, or a small one woman show - it's … https://t.co/IgdLM7x2WF

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

There is something about the clothing details in paintings that is so inspiring.

The airy lace (which is probably starched 😂), the opulent fabrics and silky pearls.

It’s like adding a trim or tape to a sofa or pair of curtains.

It takes something … https://t.co/sZYGMANRHg

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

The end of March not only means that it's finally spring, but it's also time to do a little spring cleaning in your business.

An organized business is a more profitable business! Period!

The more efficient and effective that you can be in everything yo… https://t.co/qZtaSs1dp9

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

Do you already know the answer?

This is one of the hardest boundaries to keep in place as a small business owner!

You really shouldn't be friends with your employees, but in a small business, it can be really hard to avoid blurring the lines.

And OF… https://t.co/HXkKcZi5WH

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

Be still my beating heart!

Drop a ❤️ if you appreciate this architecture and design as much as I do!

📍 These are from one of my favorite buildings, Samode Palace in Chomu, Rajasthan. It was built in the 16th c and incredible Mughal and Rajasthani a… https://t.co/VxhWbKggez

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

That headline may seem like a trick question - but this is actually something that a LOT of designers can't answer.

You may think that because you hired the photographer and you designed the interiors, that the photos belong to you!

Nope.
Surprised?

… https://t.co/qUVXC20oJF

[Kathleen DiPaolo @Kathdipaolo]

The more repeat clients, the more projects, the more growth, the more opportunity.

The key is keeping your clients happy throughout the process, so you always leave them wanting to work with you again...as well as wanting their friends to work with you … https://t.co/2Lzs6qdOXR