Two years ago at one of our Winter Conferences, I spoke of a "thaw" for interior design services that I saw as just around the corner.

In some parts of the country, it came fairly soon while others may still be waiting. But there's no doubt that I'm hearing from designers from Florida to northern California—and points in between—about a resurgence in business.

And that's just the beginning. For the first, time, some true "leading indicators" are starting to emerge. For example, in the January jobs numbers, we learned that more than 7,000 architects and engineers were hired. And why would someone hire architects and engineers? Because they're getting ready to start building again.

And after they've built, what will they need? (Or during.) I hope you said interior design services.

And that's not all. Property owners are staring to spend on renovations. That's the point I was making years ago. Carpet wears. Fabric fades. Paint peels. Trends change. Decision makers can (and have) deferred design decisions, but they cannot avoid them forever.

There is pent up demand. Hotels spent 30% more on renovations in 2011 than 2010, and are projecting another 50% increase this year!

While it's easier to get numbers for the commercial side of things, there's no doubt that the same factors hold true for residential home owners. And with the stock market up 5,000 points, a bit of optimism returning to the market, and spring coming, now is the time to make sure you are there when they decide to make a move.

Get your share by being there!