Mistakes New Interior Stylists Make That Cost Them Clients

Let’s get straight to it – this industry is much smaller than you’d think. Clients talk. PRs chat. Stylists notice EVERYTHING. So when someone new shows up and gets it wrong, it doesn’t take long for word to get around.

If you’re just getting started, or looking to take things up a level, here are the mistakes I see far too often. The kind that quietly cost you repeat work. Learn them now, and you’ll be miles ahead.

1. Turning Up Unprepared

You cannot wing it on a styling shoot. Not even a little. Arriving without a planned out shoot list, not knowing what’s being delivered or where that key prop is – or worse, having boxes you haven’t even wrapped? – Christmas shoots anyone? That’s a fast track to not getting asked back. Prep is everything. It’s 80% of the job. Do the work before you get there.

2. Overstyling Everything

A layered shelf is lovely, yes. But if every surface is jam-packed, you’re not hero-ing the product – you’re drowning it. Learn to edit. Give things space. Breathing space is powerful. Use it.

3. Ignoring the Brief

I’ve seen beautifully styled shots that had nothing to do with the brand they were for. When I looked at the images I had no idea which item was the product and which was the prop. It doesn’t matter how gorgeous it is – if it doesn’t fit the brief, if it’s overshaddowing the prodfuct it’s wrong. Ask who the customer or reader is. Understand the vibe. Know the story you’re telling.

Years ago I was booked to do a Christmas shoot for a budget brand in a very grand shoot location. Think 12” skirting boards and very expensive furniture. Huge doors with layer upon layer of architrave – the kind seen in stately homes. Not the kind of property their customers could relate to. The shots looked great, but the “aspiration” I was hired to achieve did not go down well with the CEO, and the marketing manager found more “realistic” properties in the future. The product looked great but it alienated the customer. Big shame as they were fab shots.

4. Getting Defensive About Feedback

Everyone gets their styling style rejected from time to time. Even after decades in the business. If you can’t take feedback without getting arsy, clients won’t want to work with you. Take it on board. It’s a team effort. And yes, sometimes they’re right.

I saw this first hand on my very first magazine job very early in my career. I was assisting a freelance interior stylist (Alison Davidson – who is now Editor of Period Home Magazine) and she had spend the whole morning setting up and styling the cover feature. The edtor arrived after lunch and moved things and said “I don’t like that” “Move that over there” in a really direct way. To me is sounded really rude but Alison just moved things around until the editor was happy.

I was packing props up in another room and when Alison came in I mentioned how shocked I was at how the editor spoke to her about all her hard work. She simply replied “Its just her personal option. It’s not personal” and got on with the job. To this day I still have those words in my mind whenever a client is abrupt or overly direct.

The thing to remember is that everyone has their own idea of how a shot should look. Everyone brings their own style to a shoot. The key is to know when to agree and move things and when to push back – gently. At the end of the day we all want our clients to be happy and does it really matter if the vase is on the left not the right? Choose your battles.

One last word about direct clients

I worked with a marketing manager from a brand for a few years, and she was always very direct in her feedback on the shots I styled. What began as criticism eventually turned into a lasting friendship. People who can truly say what they mean and mean what they say are rare. You always know where you stand with people like that. I must say, I now appreciate this kind of energy on set. When she looks at a shot and says, “I love it,” I know she genuinely means it.

5. Not Asking Enough Questions

If you’re unsure what the client wants, ask. It’s always better to come across as curious and switched on than vague or disinterested. When I’m on a call and we’re talking through the brief, I’ll often repeat it back to check I’ve understood. I’ll say something like, “So what you’re looking for is something light and textured, but no reindeer at the Christmas table – is that right?”

Saying it back in your own words gives them a chance to clarify or add more context. And often, they do – which makes your job so much easier.

It’s also worth remembering that clients have usually been discussing the shoot with their team for weeks. By the time the brief reaches you, key points can get lost. If something doesn’t make sense, speak up. It’s far better to ask than to style something that misses the mark.

Make sure you get to know the brand properly, too. Who are their customers? What do they care about? What’s the brand known for – and what are they trying to say with this shoot? The more you understand, the stronger your styling will be. And when you show that thinking to the client, they’ll see you’ve taken the time to get it right – and that matters.

6. Underestimating the Physical Side

Styling looks glamorous from the outside. But let’s be honest – it’s physically demanding. There’s heavy lifting, ironing, steaming (always on the hottest day of the year!), unpacking, repacking, and lugging props across town. Into your car, out of your car. Into the van, out of the van. If you’re not up for that, this might not be your scene.

7. Disappearing After the Shoot

I don’t mean disappearing at the end of the photoshoot day. One of the worst things you can do is go quiet once the shoot is done. Follow up. Send through your returns list. ALWAYS thank everyone involved, especially the photographer (that’s just good manners), but make sure you thank the brand for asking you to be part of their team and share how much you enjoyed it. Make it personal. Comment about something you liked about the day. Keep the conversation going. It shows you’re professional and easy to work with. We all know that people like to work with those they know, like and trust. Make sure that’s you!

8. Not Building a Network

This industry runs on relationships. If you’re not putting yourself out there – online, in person, at events – people won’t know who you are. Be visible. Show up. Say hello.

You may find this blog post about getting out of the house a good listen about this topic.

We all get things wrong when we start out. But the stylists who keep getting booked? They listen, they adapt, and they always show up prepared. And I know you can be one of those too.

If you’re just starting out or feeling a bit stuck, I share tips like this every week in the Inside Stylists newsletter. It’s honest, practical, and full of behind-the-scenes know-how. Sign up here