Turnkey Design Talk
Hosted by interior designer Adam Scougall, Turnkey Design Talk is a podcast for solo interior designers and decorators who want to run calmer, more controlled businesses — and finish projects properly.
The show focuses on what actually makes the difference in a design career:
how projects are led, how boundaries are set, how decisions are made, and how work is brought to a confident, photo-worthy close.
This isn’t about trends or overnight success.
It’s about taking responsibility for the outcome — from the first client yes through to the final reveal.
If you care about delivering beautifully finished homes, creating genuine wow moments for your clients, and building a business that works on your terms, you’re in the right place.
https://www.instagram.com/adamscougall
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Turnkey Design Talk
5 Ways Interior Designers Are Actually Making Money in 2026
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Episode Overview
What do you do when the projects slow down—and the income feels uncertain?
In this episode, I’m breaking down five practical, real-world ways interior designers are making money right now in 2026. These aren’t fluffy ideas or “just post more on Instagram” suggestions—these are structured income streams you can actually implement in your business.
From high-value consultations like the Two Hour Design Power Plan, to finish selection packages, drawing services, and even the reality of part-time work—this episode is about creating stability, not relying on hope.
I also talk about one of the biggest mistakes designers make when things feel tight… discounting—and what to do instead.
If you’ve ever had that moment where things go quiet and you’re wondering what to do next, this episode will give you clear direction.
Before we jump into today’s episode, I want to share something that I think is going to be really eye-opening for you.
It’s called the Turnkey Truth Test.
It’s a short self-assessment — just 15 quick questions — designed to show you where your design business might look fine on the outside… but is actually leaking time, confidence, or profit behind the scenes.
If you love decorating — furnishings, fabrics, pulling beautiful rooms together — but you
So as you’re listening to this — you might already be recognising parts of your own business in what we’ve talked about today.
Where things feel harder than they should…
Where projects drag…
Or where you’re putting in a lot, but not seeing the return.
That’s exactly why I created the Turnkey Truth Test.
It’s just 15 quick questions, and it will show you where your business might look fine on the surface… but is actually leaking time, mone
Take the Turnkey Truth Test at turnkeydesignsuccess.com/quiz — a quick 15-question assessment designed for interior designers and decorators. In just five minutes, you’ll receive a personalised report highlighting where your business is strong, where it may be leaking time, money, or confidence, and what to focus on next to move forward with clarity.
If this episode raised questions for you, or you’re feeling stuck in your solo design business, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I offer a 30-minute clarity session where we can talk through where you’re at, what’s getting in the way, and whether I can help.
Email me at askadam@turnkeydesignsuccess.com