Katy Stevenson Bretton Looks Forward to Decorex 2024 

"I am so excited for Decorex 2024 - from the branding reveals, to the design collaborations, the designers who visit, the suppliers who exhibit… 

There's always an incredible energy around the show, and the Design Talks line-up is looking amazing! 

Here’s my guide to getting the most out of Decorex 2024 -"

Create Genuine Connections 

The first time I visited Decorex I confess, I felt a massive amount of imposter syndrome. I had just left my city hall career and completed a course in interior design. I was eager to meet suppliers but felt scared to talk to them for fear they uncovered my lack of experience.

The reality was I’d had plenty of construction experience and a couple of paying clients. I was at the start of my interior design business journey and connecting with suppliers was a logical and expansive step for my business. 

But I was telling myself: “You’re not good enough to be here... Everyone else knows more than you… don’t talk to anyone - they’ll realise you don’t know what you’re doing!”

But I made a commitment to myself that I will never be the one who stands in my way of being successful.  So I gathered my courage.  And what helped me to overcome my self doubt and make the most out of that first show was one of my core values, which is genuine connection.  

I decided that, whilst I may not be the most experienced designer at the show, I did have skills and was there to learn.  And everyone in the world loves a conversation that is built on genuine connection…

Meaning - when someone said “hello, how are you?” 

Instead of replying “fine thanks” and then hiding behind a display…

I would reply: “I’m good, thanks, this is my first time at Decorex - I started my interior design business last year - I’m excited to be here to meet suppliers and make new connections… how are you?”

When you lead with authenticity, and at the same time open up the opportunity for the other person to respond in an authentic way back, the whole energy of the conversation shifts; they accept the implicit invitation to have a real conversation, and your doubt disappears because you’re simply two people connecting - and there is nothing more human than that.

Why does this matter?

Well, it doesn’t matter where you are on your business journey - whether this is your first Decorex or your 40th… you will never know everything there is to know about products and design and there will always be moments where you wobble because you’re not as experienced / talented / successful as your mind is telling you that you should be.

You counter that with authenticity and genuine connection. 

Suppliers and Makers are delighted to talk to interior designers and they are there to make connections just as much as you are. Don’t just passively walk around the stands.  Talk to people, tell them who you are and what you do - if you’re still figuring that out, then be honest. Sharing something like:  “I’ve always done residential projects but now I’m looking to work more in commercial” opens up a conversation around how the products you’re looking at would be suited to commercial projects, or what experience that supplier or maker has of dealing with commercial projects and the differences they notice between resi and commercial.

If another designer or speaker inspires you then tell them. Introduce yourself. Ask questions about what they talked about. Send them a DM or tag them on social media and you’ve created a new connection. 

When I come off stage I love nothing more than meeting in person - clients, designers who follow me on Instagram - maybe you’ve only just discovered me or maybe you’ve been with me on this journey since the start. I love being able to share a hug and feel that magical exchange of energy that happens when we’re together in real life.

Expand Your Mind

The Design Talks agenda is incredible this year, if I could go to all of them I would!  But if I had to select a few that are stand-out for me, it would be - 

Anything chaired by Elspeth Pridham (The Insider) - Elspeth is a fantastic interviewer, she possesses a brilliant blend of warmth and ease, combined with an astute ability to understand the subject she’s moderating, so the discussion is always expertly steered and moved forward!  

I loved sitting down with Elspeth at Decorex 2022, talking about the strategies and the mindset you need to grow your business. We had a candid conversation about positioning, pricing and the personal leadership you have to cultivate to succeed in this industry. 

And of course I’m super excited for my talk this year! I’m going to be speaking at 11am on Monday 7th October, sharing The Secret To Success As An Interior Designer - this talk is based on 10 years of my own business experience and my work coaching hundreds of interior designers to refine and grow their business, step out of their comfort zone and reach goals they once never believed possible. Make sure you come and say hi afterwards!

I have been a long-time fan of Rory Robertson’s writing so I’d like to see him in this panel discussion, talking about how to make sustainable furniture choices and create healthy spaces.

A challenge many designers come to at some point in their business is how to design outside of your immediate area - where travel, customs, remote suppliers and contractors are part of the gig. So this conversation between Jess Salter, Nina Campbell, and others, will, I’m certain, be an insightful look into the considerations of working in different markets.

I live in an old house but sometimes I fantasise about living in a new build, with all the modern design functionality and none of the period-property maintenance!  But then there’s the challenge of injecting soul and character... Which is why this talk caught my eye!

And lastly, I always love hearing about the clever ways designers have transformed tricky spaces and turned design challenges into magical solutions, so this talk is high up on my agenda!

Whatever you do, make time to make it to as many of the Design Talks as you can squeeze in!  There are so many incredible designers, journalists and industry experts sharing their knowledge, insights and experience, there is always value to be gained, wherever you are on your business journey.

From Inspiration to Ideas

There is so much to be inspired by at Decorex… from the stands, product launches and new collections, to the show branding and design collaborations, to the Design Talks running throughout the show. 

Everywhere you look there are snippets of ideas and nuggets of inspiration. Take whatever you need to capture photos and notes, and make time to reflect on what caught your attention… what ideas it sparked… notice what resonated with you and what that says about your design aesthetic, the types of projects you’re feeling creatively drawn towards, where you’re at on your business journey and what you’re feeling called towards.

Create Growth Opportunities

There’s a saying… what you focus on expands. 

Meaning - the more attention and energy you give to something, the more it will grow.

Think of your business like a plant… it needs certain nutrients to grow. That’s what you are creating at Decorex. The connections you are making, the ideas you’re taking away, the new ideas that feed your creativity… This is all nourishment for your business.

Don’t just engage passively - browse, pick up a few business cards and then go home. That’s not going to do anything for your business. 

Be asking…

Which suppliers align with your brand and the way you design?  How can you create mutually beneficial relationships?  For example if a supplier has a showroom they’re likely to have lots of potential clients coming through their doors. What can you share with them at the show, and how will you follow up, to ensure that they will think of you first when they have a client who loves their products and needs a designer?

How can you create opportunities to raise your visibility?  If you want to be on a Design Talks panel one day,  think - what’s my specialism/ what would I talk about / who do I need to connect with to make this happen? Send personalised emails or messages, state the value you bring, lead with reciprocity. 

Arrange to meet other designers.  Yes, it’s nice to meet for coffee and a chat but also be thinking - who could I strategically align with?  Who might I collaborate with?  Who is in a similar niche or area to me and could become a mutual source of referrals or contractor recommendations? Reach out, follow up, keep expanding your network.

Don’t let your mind start talking you out of taking action.  As you’re reading this, consider what ideas are coming up for you and don’t start over-analysing them - you’ll waste way more energy overthinking it than if you just took the action and see where it leads you. 

Make a Plan to Grow Your Business

If you’re in an early phase of business (it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been going - this is about moving out of the ‘survival’ stage) -  

• Figuring out how to market yourself beyond word of mouth referrals

• Attempting to attract a more aligned calibre of client

• Trying to make money consistently

I have a free masterclass that lets you know the key steps to build an aligned, profitable interior design business:

Click to watch Katy’s interior design business masterclass

And if we’re not connected then come and say Hi on Instagram, I’d love to connect with you ahead of hopefully seeing you in person at Decorex in October!

We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article, you may also like:

• Meet Katy Stevenson Bretton 
• Meet Ellen Merchant 
• A Day in the Life of Decorex Event Director Sam Fisher
• Sustainable Design With BIID
• Best In British Lighting