How to End the Year Well as an Interior Designer
How to End the Year Well as an Interior Designer
Why is it that the end of the year sneaks up on us every time? One minute you’re knee-deep in install season, and the next, it’s December and you’re supposed to somehow close out the year, finish all the projects, pay your taxes, plan for next year and still be present for your family and yourself.
That is a lot of weight to carry in a season meant for reflection and gratitude.
Ending the year well doesn’t mean checking every single box on our imaginary “if I get all of this done by this date I will finally be able to slow down” list. It doesn’t mean hustling your way through December until you collapse into the holidays. It means being intentional about how you spend your time, your energy, and your focus. Because how we end the year directly impacts how we start the next one.
Let’s talk through how to do that well with real purpose and intentionality.
Before we start, what does it even mean to say “I just want to end the year well.”
It’s different for each of us. For one person, it’s closing out all open invoices and projects. For someone else, it’s updating financial reports, wrapping up vendor payments, or getting a strategic plan in place for the new year.
For me, I always start with a gut check by asking myself what will feel like a chain around my neck if I have to carry it into the new year?
And what can wait?
That one question helps me draw a line. Anything above that line is essential. Anything below it is a bonus. Here are a few common things I have my clients review to end the year well.
Review Every Client and Project
Start with your current client list. What have you promised? What’s still pending? And most importantly, have you communicated your holiday schedule and expectations?
Don't assume your clients know when you’ll be taking time off. Send them a quick note with your closure dates, any last action items, and reassurance that their project is still on your radar. Vendors and subcontractors should get the same clarity. If you need deliverables from them before the break, speak up now!
Reflect on Your Financials
This doesn’t have to be scary! You can’t change what you don’t monitor.
Look at your revenue. Review your cost of goods sold. Calculate your gross profit. Ask yourself:
Did we hit our numbers?
Are we on track with our margins?
Are there any financial surprises that need attention?
Talk to your accountant before year-end to make any necessary decisions about income or expenses that impact your tax strategy. And if you’re not measuring your KPIs yet, now’s the time to start.
Evaluate Team and Roles
Are your team members doing work that lights them up? Are they clear on their responsibilities? Are they growing or just getting by?
Check job descriptions and update them where needed. Ask your team what parts of their role feel outdated or unclear. Then, don’t forget yourself!
What do you want to take off your plate next year? Write your 2026 job description now. Then work backwards to plan how that shift can happen.
Audit Your Processes and Systems
Think about what worked smoothly this year and what didn’t.
Are your SOPs up to date? If someone had to step into your role tomorrow, could they follow the systems you have in place? Identify what needs to be created, updated, or delegated.
Also review your tech. Are you still using software that overlaps or no longer serves you? This is a great time to streamline.
Review Marketing Performance
What actually worked this year? What generated leads, nurtured your audience, or boosted visibility?
If you’re working with a marketing team, do you have a scorecard or performance plan? Are you tracking list growth, engagement, or lead conversions?
Remember marketing should be purposeful. If it’s not tied to clear goals, it’s time to recalibrate.
Assess Client and Vendor Relationships
Who brought ease and collaboration into your business this year? Who created stress or roadblocks?
Your clients, vendors, and subcontractors all impact how your business runs and how it feels. Use this time to evaluate those relationships and plan accordingly for the new year.
If you’ve outgrown certain clients or services, that’s okay. Let this review guide your direction moving forward.
Check in on Your Energy and Joy
This one matters more than you think. Where did your energy go this year? What types of work gave you life and what drained you? Are you spending your time in a way that reflects your values and goals?
I often ask clients, what kind of work would bring you joy next year? That’s where you should be putting your energy.
Make a Plan for 2026
Don’t wait until January to create a plan. Do it now, so you can start the year with clarity.
Define your mission and vision.
Set specific goals for the year.
Break them into quarterly targets.
Identify the people and resources you need.
Schedule review checkpoints to track progress.
This is your roadmap. Make sure it aligns with what matters most to you. If you want more guidance on how to create a business plan, read my blog on “The Importance of Building a Business Strategy”.
Start Somewhere!
You don’t have to do everything but you definitely need to do something.
Pick one area, your financials, your team, your operations, and take the first step. When you move with intention, even small steps create big momentum!
Join the 8-Week Strategic Planning Program
If you want to take everything in this blog and turn it into an actionable plan, with expert support and accountability, join me in January for our 8-Week Strategic Planning Coaching Program.
This group experience is designed specifically for interior designers and workroom professionals who are ready to:
Clarify their business vision and goals
Align their operations and team with their strategy
Build a detailed quarterly roadmap for 2026
Stay accountable to follow-through
I’ll walk you through it step by step. By the end of the program, you’ll have a complete, customized strategic plan that sets you up for success. Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Let’s end this year with intention and walk into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and joy!