How to Create a Five-Star Luxury Client Experience
Back in college, I had a friend with impeccable taste. Her apartment felt fresh, perfectly tied together, and… well, luxurious — not exactly the norm for a student space.
One day, in true admiration, I asked her: “Your apartment is gorgeous. Where did you learn to decorate like this?”
With a shy smile, she answered: “Five-star hotels.”
When she was little, her mom married a wealthy partner, and their world shifted to include exciting and lavish luxury travel. With wide eyes, she soaked in every detail of those legendary hotels — the textures, the lighting, the service. Years later, she recreated the look on a student budget.
Her secret wasn’t money — it was awareness. She paid attention to the way luxury made her feel, and then brought those feelings into her own environment. As creatives, we can do the same. By observing how high-end experiences are designed, we can borrow those cues to elevate our own client journey.
The Good News
Maybe you and I didn’t grow up staying at The Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles or the Aman in New York. (I can tell you I did not!)
But here’s the good news: you can absolutely learn what it takes to deliver a luxury client experience in your own business.
Melissa Galt, a renowned business coach for interior designers, recommends something bold: book a solo stay at a five-star hotel.
Why?
You’ll experience luxury service with all five senses.
You’ll bring that same level of kindness, listening, and attention into your own client work.
No Hotel? No Problem
I hear you — maybe your business wheels are just starting to turn and you’re not ready to invest in a $1,500 weekend just yet.
Here’s the next best thing: head to the nearest high-end luxury retailer and make it an assignment.
Stroll slowly through Saks Fifth Avenue (or a similar luxury store) and pay close attention:
How are you greeted?
How does the staff move?
What level of care do they offer each person who walks through the door?
The Truth About Luxury Clients
Serving high-end clients isn’t only about flawless execution. It’s about making people feel genuinely special.
And if that doesn’t come naturally yet, it’s a skill you can build — one observation, one thoughtful interaction, and one elevated experience at a time.
Translating Luxury Into Everyday Service
Think back to your last “Wow” service experience.
What made it so special?
How did you feel?
Did someone take the extra time to ask how your day was going — and mean it?
Find ways to bring that same thoughtfulness into your client relationships. Personalize beyond the project. For example, ask where your client is from and take the time to learn something about that place. When you reference it later in conversation, it shows that you genuinely listened and remembered.
Incorporate these gestures with genuine sincerity:
Notice what matters most to them. If they mention their dog by name, their daughter’s college, or their favorite weekend activity, weave it naturally into your follow-up. Remembering these details makes clients feel valued as people, not just as projects.
Elevate the welcome. Instead of a generic “Glad you’re here,” consider offering a small touch that reflects your brand. A handwritten note, a curated coffee table book that aligns with their taste, or even the tone of your onboarding email can set the stage for an elevated experience.
Be intentional in the moment. Invite depth over speed. During client meetings, listen actively. Respond to what they’re saying in real time, rather than rushing to the next point. That genuine presence builds more trust than a perfectly polished presentation.
Close with care. At the end of a project or meeting, take an extra moment to reflect on what’s been accomplished together. A thoughtful recap, a few words of appreciation, or even a gesture like sending a behind-the-scenes photo can leave a warm, lasting impression.
✨ Takeaway:
The client experience you offer doesn’t need to cost thousands to feel five-star. With small, intentional touches, you can create the kind of elevated experience that keeps your interior design business thriving and your calendar booked with dream clients.
💡 Want a fresh perspective on your client experience? In one hour, we’ll uncover what may be keeping your best clients from saying yes — and refine your messaging and service touchpoints to match the five-star service you already deliver.
