Many showrooms have client bases representing remodeling contractors, custom home builders, and semi-custom home builders. These clients are vying for the attention of the interior design community. Basic showroom displays can accommodate the needs of most homeowners and builders by displaying your basic materials. Luxury showrooms, however, can attract the interior design community by showcasing a unique, high-quality product selection and offering personalized services.

Opening your showroom space to the design community is imperative to building stronger relationships. Assisting the design community with design spaces helps attract a clientele that encourages creativity. You can add value to your showroom by optimizing display samples for various custom looks.

24-hour access

On a recent showroom tour, I saw models you could preview and hardware you could order a free sample of. Both allow the clientele to be catered to in their home and see the possibilities on their turf. Consider adding a “check-out” program for samples.

Interior designers are visual, and so are their clients. Not all luxury clientele will be available during working hours. Offering a 24-hour check-out for a sample is achievable and will lead to more five-star reviews.

Building genuine relationships will bring repeat business and more referrals. Many interior designers are like project managers. They visit job sites and interact with all the trades. They rely on your showroom for much-needed information at times of need. Having digital commerce for 24-hour access to specific job information is also necessary in today's construction industry.

A strong online presence is essential to attracting luxury clients. You must have a user-friendly website with high-quality imagery and SEO optimization. These are a must, as most designers work 24 hours a day and must be able to enter online orders at all hours.

Customization

During a recent panel discussion, the design representatives said the best showrooms always showcase premium materials and finishes reflecting luxury aesthetics. Offering unique, customizable, or custom-made pieces or collaborations from artisans in your showroom will set your showroom apart and showcase local businesses.

Allow your design space to be completely immersive and interactive. Encourage designers to physically interact with samples, materials, and products to achieve creatively designed spaces.

Customer service

One of the most significant benefits you can offer is dedicated personnel to cater to the needs of interior designers and clients during every stage. Fostering trust and loyalty by providing personalized advice and support lets your designer know you are the best extension of their business.

On a recent showroom tour, I encountered loud laughter from a meeting area. As I rounded the corner, I was welcomed with huge smiles and a welcoming vibe. The three women eagerly encouraged me to give my opinion on color swatches, tiles, and faucet choices. After some friendly dialogue, I asked about their relationship—thinking it was family or close friends—and I was surprised to find that it was a showroom consultant, an interior designer, and a homeowner who had just met and were enjoying their first meeting.

Seeing my opportunity, I asked a few more questions, and the interior designer spoke up right away. She said, “I’m always in good hands” and that she doesn’t have to attend these appointments, but loves working with the showroom consultant. The designer said she values the opinion of the showroom consultant and loves to see her spin on new trends.

That, my friends, is invaluable. That is the showroom experience you are looking for.

Utilizing social media platforms for your showroom, client, and manufacturer engagements gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse. Make sure you create brand awareness for all. Engage your designers and manufacturers as the host of all events.

Expertise

Hosting events in your showroom for intertwining industries is always a great idea, as it brings in many trade professionals. Allowing our industry an opportunity to network in a showroom setting will not only highlight your showroom but also foster a positive, collaborative mindset.

“How-to” workshops also offer professional development and networking opportunities. Since these are your clients, you can cater to all of them at an in-showroom training session while showcasing your favorite manufacturers.

Offering opportunities for your client base to meet manufacturers and attend training is essential, and luxury designers want to be in the know. New product launches, platform changes, and designer trends in plumbing are all good occasions to host an interior designer workshop for value add.

Commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing can appeal to environmentally conscious designers, so have a “specialist” in your wheelhouse. Consider an expert in sustainability or aging in place, or a water sommelier. Any addition will expand your bandwidth of services offered.

Partnerships

Partner 100% with your manufacturers to get sponsorship for your showroom and designers to attend crucial annual events like Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), Lightovation, and other design trade shows.

Utilizing social media platforms for your showroom, client, and manufacturer engagements gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse. Make sure you create brand awareness for all. Engage your designers and manufacturers as the host of all events. Collaborating with your interior design firms, influencers, and other industry professionals on social media posts can expand your reach and credibility.

Achieving a five-star customer service standard is a must. Prompt, knowledgeable, and helpful service is crucial to building a designer's trust and repeat business.