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New data on higher-income consumers reveals strong intent — and the one friction point worth understanding.
Amid ongoing economic noise, new Consumer Insights Now research offers a clear-eyed read on the clients most likely to be sitting across from you this year. Higher-income households — those earning $150,000 or more annually — are feeling good about their finances, with more than three-quarters rating their own financial situation as excellent or good. For designers whose practices run on this demographic, the pipeline looks solid.
What makes this series worth a close read: 91% of high-income consumers view designers as style experts and 82% see them as furniture experts — strong validation of the professional case you're already making. At the same time, 67% describe designers as too expensive, even as 73% say the investment is worth it. The gap between perceived value and price sensitivity is where the opportunity lives, and the research goes deep on what moves the needle.
Exclusive Research: High Earners Still Feeling Flush
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The opening installment of the CIN spring research series establishes the baseline: high-income consumers are outpacing the broader market in financial confidence and home furnishings spending plans. A useful macro read before diving into the designer-specific findings.
The Importance of Designers
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This installment goes deeper on how high earners actually think about working with designers — their expectations, their level of involvement, and how they weigh expertise against cost. The nuances here are worth the read.
High Earners Value Designers, Worry About Expense
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From Florida to the Carolinas, shifting domestic migration is redrawing design demand; this article explores how and where to meet emerging markets.
High-Income Consumers Reveal Their Thoughts on Home Design
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The final installment shifts from the business case to the aesthetic one — what high earners actually want in their homes, broken down by style preferences and priorities. Useful context for where your clients' heads are as projects get underway.
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