If you’re someone who’s in the beginning years of your interior design business and you’re overwhelmed by the decision on where to invest next, this post is for you.
I’m excited to share a closer look at my semi-custom brands for the interiors industry, specifically. What exactly does semi-custom mean? How do you know if it’s right for you? What’s typically included? And honestly, why did I pour so much time and energy into creating this offering? I’m answering all of it – and more.
First, what’s a semi-custom brand?
A semi-custom brand means the foundational decisions have already been made by a professional designer – such as the aesthetic, ideal user of the brand, and sophisticated typography pairings. From there, the elements are customized to make it your own: from your business name to your colour selections, logo variations, and refined letter spacing.
Really, it’s premium branding made practical. You receive designer-quality work with meaningful personalization, delivered in TWO weeks at an investment that makes sense for your current season of business.
When Semi-Custom Might Be the Right Fit for You
Semi-custom branding tends to resonate most with those who are:
In a season of intentional growth and change.
You have a great picture of your ideal client and what sets you apart, but you’re not yet in a place where a five-figure investment fits your budget. Still, your visual presence hasn’t caught up with you, and your growth and evolution call for an upgrade.
Feeling held back by current branding.
You’ve held back from pitching that dream project, applying for that feature, or showing up more boldly on social media – all because your brand doesn’t feel ready. You’re leaving money and visibility on the table. A semi-custom process gets you to a brand you’re proud of quickly enough to capitalize on the opportunities in front of you.
Confident in design instincts, not in execution.
You know what looks good, you can spot quality design when you see it, and you have clear preferences. What you don’t have is the technical branding skills or time to piece it together yourself. A semi-custom brand lets you select the style that resonates and have it expertly customized to fit your business.
Wanting a predictable outcome.
You’d rather refine something beautiful that already exists than build from the ground up. Semi-custom respects that by presenting the complete design direction upfront – what you see is what you’ll get, customized for your business.
Working with a tighter budget.
Fully custom branding is the gold standard. And eventually, it might be right for you. But at the moment, the $8K+ investment can feel like a major barrier. Not because you don’t value professional design, but the stage of business you’re in calls for careful decision-making about where every dollar goes.
What Semi-Custom Gets You
Now, if you’re convinced, you’re probably wondering what typically comes with an investment in semi-custom branding.
Here’s what’s often included:
Customization where it matters.
You’re collaborating with a brand designer to ensure every element aligns with how you want to be perceived. The foundation provides structure, but the details are completely yours. The customized elements include: your business name, your brand colours, and which initials or text elements are used throughout your logo variations and monograms.
A streamlined creative process.
You won’t navigate multiple rounds of creative exploration or revisions (even though that’s part of the fun with fully custom work). Instead, the semi-custom branding process is focused, efficient, and designed to get you to a finished brand you love.
A cohesive visual identity that works everywhere.
You’ll receive a complete logo system with thoughtfully designed variations for every use case – from your website header to your Instagram profile to printed materials. Your typography pairings will feel polished and complementary. Everything is designed to work together, so nothing feels disjointed, inconsistent, or like an afterthought.
Ongoing clarity.
You’ll receive all your brand files, including a style and application guide, helping you apply your new identity consistently across your website, social platform(s), client materials, and more. No guesswork, no inconsistency.
How to Select the Right Semi-Custom Brand for Your Business
- Do thorough research into the designer(s). Have you been admiring the maker of a semi-custom brand for a while, and you’re already sold on your decision? Great. If not, spend time browsing their socials, testimonials, and portfolio to determine if they’re a good fit for you. The more streamlined nature of semi-custom doesn’t change the fact that you want the designer to be invested in you and your business.
- Assess the strategic fit. What are your business goals? Who is your ideal client, and what do they resonate with? What do your competitors look like – any similarities? You want a brand that distinguishes you while connecting with those you want to serve.
- Look for style alignment. If you’re naturally drawn to minimalism, don’t force yourself into something ornate just because it looks “impressive.” If your work is warm and personal, avoid choosing something bold because it may seem more “powerful.” The best brand feels like a natural extension of you and your business.
- Consider compatibility with your business name. If you select a semi-custom brand with a one-word business name but yours has three, it’s important to understand that yours will likely appear differently in terms of layout and visual balance. That’s not to say it can’t work, but it’s worth thinking through those factors upfront.
- Clarify what’s included (and what’s not). Review the package details thoroughly before committing – including turnaround time, which elements can be customized and which are fixed, whether revision rounds are included, payment plan options, and the file formats you’ll receive. These details make it more likely that your expectations will be met.
Introducing Duelle Made’s Inaugural Collection of Semi-Custom Brands
I’ve worked with enough interior designers to know the tension between wanting a professional brand and navigating realistic budgets and timelines. And I wanted to create a solution that honours both. You’re getting my care, my expertise, and my commitment to ensuring your brand reflects the quality of your work — just within a more accessible framework. My hope is that if you’re looking, you find something that fits you.
What Makes Duelle Made’s Semi-Custom Brands Different?
Meaningful customization, not just surface changes.
We’ll work together to refine your logo, select a colour palette that feels true to you, and ensure every element aligns with your vision. Your personal qualities and preferences shape the final result just as much as the design foundation we start from.
Made for the interiors industry.
The Styled & Set collection offers thoughtfully designed brand systems created by someone who understands what interior designers need to show up with confidence in their market. You’re getting designer-quality work at a price point that honours the season you’re in.
Efficient process, uncompromising quality.
You’ll have your completed brand in hand within a few weeks. But that speed doesn’t mean we’re rushing through or cutting corners – it means the process is focused and efficient, so you can move forward without unnecessary delays.
True one-on-one collaboration.
Even within a streamlined framework, you’re working with me (Tia!) directly. I care deeply about getting the details right, and I’m personally committed to ensuring your brand reflects the quality and intention you bring to your work.
Access to a well-rounded experience.
Your visual identity is just one part of your brand presence. For interior designers who want professional messaging that matches their new designs, Duelle Made partners with Carrie at Woven Copy Studio.
Semi-custom brand clients receive $50 off Woven’s Mini Brand Messaging service with code DUELLEMADE at checkout. You’ll walk away with refined brand positioning language, a signature tagline that captures what sets you apart, core messaging pillars for consistent storytelling, mini brand and founder bios, and a custom ChatGPT tool to maintain your voice when writing your own content.
What’s the Process?
Here’s what you can expect:
- Browse the collection and select a semi-custom brand that resonates with your aesthetic and vision.
- Complete the brand questionnaire so I can understand your business, your ideal clients, and your design point of view. Then select your preferred customization day.
- Before your customization day arrives, I’ll send you an email to clarify any details and align on what’s to come so we can have a seamless experience.
- Thoughtful customization and (subtle) refinement will take place over the course of two focused weeks to give you a brand identity that feels completely yours.
- You’ll receive your final brand files, along with a comprehensive Brand Application & Style Guide, to use your new identity with confidence.
Not Fully Ready To Commit?
I understand – this is an important investment, and you want to feel completely sure.
Here’s something I’ve noticed working with interior designers over the years: many wait for the “perfect” moment to invest in their brand – when revenue is steadier, schedules are calmer, or portfolios feel more robust. The timing never seems 100% ideal.
Meanwhile, you might be showing up with a visual identity that doesn’t match your growth. Potential clients may not immediately see the sophistication you bring. You might hesitate to be more visible – holding back on Instagram, second-guessing press opportunities, or feeling less confident in presentations.
The cost of waiting isn’t always obvious, but it adds up.
A semi-custom brand lets you move forward now, giving you the clarity, cohesion, and assurance to position yourself exactly where you belong in your market.
Ready to explore more of the collection and make your decision? Visit the Semi-Custom Brands page.
