Planting Laughter: How to Use Humor to Build Interiorscape Client Relationships

Have you ever noticed how kids find joy in the simplest things, while as adults, we often forget to laugh and have fun? Lately, I’ve been watching my granddaughter light up over little things like playing in clover and banging pots and pans. It’s made me wonder why those moments of joy and laughter seem to fade as we get older. It’s easy to get bogged down by the demands of family, work, and daily stress as we age, but injecting a little humor into our lives can go a long way toward boosting morale and productivity.

When I was a sophomore in college, I worked at a Levi’s store and loved playing practical jokes on new employees. One of my favorite pranks was pretending to be a customer and asking for jeans that didn’t exist, just to watch them search the store. Looking back, I realize it was a bit unkind, but it was still amusing to see their reactions. That playful streak followed me outside of work, too. Once, I packaged a cactus and addressed it to an ex-boyfriend with a note that said, “This plant reminds me of you and how you can be such a prick.” After some reflection, I decided to keep the plant and name it after him instead.

In my younger years, I found it easy and natural to have fun. These days, I have to be a bit more mindful and maintain a professional demeanor. Still, there are moments when I let a little humor slip through—something that’s surprisingly helpful when it comes to building interiorscape client relationships.

Turning Unexpected Moments Into Interiorscape Client Connections

When I’m servicing interiorscape clients, I always chat with the employees to get to know them better. During one visit, while changing out an areca palm for a client, one of the employees shared a hilarious story about a disastrous blind date. Just as she was in the middle of telling me, a tree frog leaped out of the plant and landed on her shoe! She screamed and flicked her shoe off, but the frog started climbing up her leg. Eventually, she flung the frog onto her boss’ desk, and I quickly trapped it between my fingers to contain it. We all had a good laugh, and now there’s an ongoing joke about frogs jumping out of plants around the building.

To keep the joke going, I took it a step further and created a Mexican frog planter filled with colorful succulents that looked like a frog. Everyone loved it, and it’s just one of the ways I try to establish a fun and lighthearted atmosphere when I’m working with building staff. I truly enjoy these routine service appointments because they allow me to build and strengthen interiorscape client connections.

Using Creative Touches to Strengthen Client Relationships

I once visited a client and suggested an upsell for a holiday design. Instead of sending a picture, I decided to show up with a life-sized reindeer made of fake fur, resin antlers, and glass eyes. Unfortunately, the decision maker had already left for the day. Jokingly, I said, “I’ll just leave it in her office.” To my surprise, the building manager allowed me to do just that. Before leaving, I strung colored lights around the reindeer’s antlers and created a sign that said, “Hi, I’m Bucky. I got separated from the herd and would love to spend the holiday in this beautiful building with you.” I only wish I could’ve seen her face when she opened the office door!

To my surprise, Bucky turned out to be a huge success, and the company even offered to buy him. I assumed he’d be put away after the holiday season, but to my amazement, he was decorated for Valentine’s Day, then the Gator Bowl, and St. Patrick’s Day! Despite being in an upscale business environment, I took a chance with humor, and Bucky has since become the beloved mascot of the floor. This became one of my most memorable client service moments—and a great example of how small creative risks can lead to deeper client engagement and retention.

Balancing Humor and Professionalism in Interiorscaping

As we go through our busy lives, it’s important to have moments of joy and humor to help relieve stress. However, when it comes to the professional world, it’s important to strike the right balance. Blending professionalism with humor can be tricky, but when done well, it helps build stronger, more meaningful client relationships. So, if you find an opportunity to bring a little laughter into your workday, seize the opportunity. Just remember to tread carefully so you don’t offend anyone or disrupt the flow of work.