Choosing the Right Software to Support Your Interior Design Business (Without Overcomplicating It)

Choosing the Right Software to Support Your Interior Design Business (Without Overcomplicating It)

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit on a panel for a Studio Designer (backlink to Studio Designer) webinar, where we discussed how designers can wrap up their year with intention and plan ahead for business success. During the conversation, one question stood out to me and it’s a question I hear often when working with clients: “How do I choose the right software to support my business?”

The room (well, the Zoom chat) lit up because it’s something so many of us wrestle with. We’re creatives at heart, yet we find ourselves bogged down with operational tasks that don’t always feel inspiring. And when it comes to choosing software, we can easily feel overwhelmed by all the options.

I knew I wanted to unpack this further because it’s a conversation that speaks directly to the heart of what many of us want: a business that runs smoothly so we can get back to doing what we love, being creative.

Software Should Feel Like Hiring a Team Member

I would like to reframe this conversation. Choosing software is like hiring a new teammate. Ask yourself:

What do I want this role (software) to do?

What skills (features) does this role need to have?

How will this teammate help me do less of the things I dread (manual tracking, chasing vendors, endless emails, or whatever your need may be) and more of the things I love (design, strategy, vision)?

If I bring this software on board, how might it affect future hiring of staff?

When you think about software this way, it becomes less about buying a tool and more about building support systems that help you create beauty with less burnout.

Designers Love Function + Beauty—Your Software Should Too

At our core, as designers, we are wired to care about two things: how something looks and how something works. We would never specify a sofa for a client that looks gorgeous but is impossible to sit on comfortably. So why do we sometimes settle for clunky or uninspiring software just because “it’s what everyone else is using”?

The truth is, your software should feel like it belongs in the business you’ve carefully designed. It should be both beautiful and functional.

Here are a few ways to make sure the tools you choose honor your designer mindset:

Trust your gut when it comes to aesthetics.

If you open a platform and it instantly feels chaotic or overwhelming, that’s your intuition talking. Choose software with a clean interface, an intuitive layout, and a visual flow that makes sense to you. If you value beauty, let that be part of the criteria.

Pay attention to user experience (UX).

Does the navigation feel clunky or smooth? Are the buttons where you expect them to be? Do you find yourself saying, “This just feels easy”? A good UX can cut down your learning curve and make your daily work feel lighter.

Does it “think” the way you do?

Some tools are built for accountants; others are built for creatives. Look for software that mirrors how you naturally process information—whether that’s with visual dashboards, timeline views, or drag-and-drop functionality.

Look for customization options.

Can you tweak the system to fit your workflow? Whether it’s color coding, setting up project templates, or adjusting how reports are presented, having control over how your tools look and feel can boost your confidence and make the platform truly yours.

Streamline, Don’t Overload

I'm not suggesting you adopt five different platforms overnight. Less is more. The goal is to find a select few tools that work together, like a well-curated room where every piece has a purpose and complements the whole.

For many of my clients, this looks like:

A project management tool to oversee tasks and timelines.

A financial system to keep tabs on cash flow and profitability.

A time tracking solution to monitor how resources are used.

A client communication tool (or features built into your project system) to keep conversations organized.

When your business systems are as thoughtful as the spaces you design, you’ll find that running your business becomes a whole lot more enjoyable—and dare I say, even inspiring.

Well-Designed Software Options for Interior Designers

Studio Designer

An all-in-one project management and accounting software built specifically for interior designers, helping streamline procurement, invoicing, and client collaboration.

Metrique Financials (Metrique Solutions)

A financial management platform offering real-time reporting, budgeting, and forecasting tools designed to simplify financial operations and drive smarter business decisions.

Mydoma (Mydoma Studio | The Premier Platform for Interior Designers - Mydoma Studio)

A client and project management platform for interior designers that centralizes mood boards, proposals, product sourcing, and communication in one easy-to-use space.

Quickbooks

An industry-leading accounting software solution for small to medium-sized businesses, providing tools for bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting.

Asana

A flexible project and task management tool that helps teams organize work, set priorities, and collaborate effectively to meet deadlines.

ClickUp

An all-in-one productivity platform that combines tasks, docs, goals, and team communication, customizable to fit a variety of workflows and industries.

GoHighLevel

A CRM and marketing automation platform built for agencies and service-based businesses, offering lead capture, nurturing, and client communication tools in one system.

Designing a Business (and Life) You Love

I believe the most successful designers are those who create intentional businesses, not just beautiful rooms. The right software supports your creative process, simplifies your workload, and frees you to spend more time doing what you love.

So the next time you’re considering a new tool, don’t just ask “Does it work?”

Ask, “Does it work for my firm—and does it feel good to use?”

You are allowed to expect function and beauty—in your designs, and in your business.

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