Business of Design® Podcast | Grow a Profitable Interior Design Business with Kimberley Seldon — Podcast

EP 503 | How Interior Designers Can Grow Their Business by Publishing Their First 100 Videos with Daniela Furtado 20.10.2026 30m

You know social media can help grow your interior design business, but getting comfortable on camera and posting consistently can feel like a project of its own. Marketing expert Daniela Furtado has a practical challenge for interior designers: publish your first 100 videos. Not to achieve perfection, but to find your voice, build confidence, and learn what connects with potential clients. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon talks with Daniela about creating a manageable social media content strategy for your interior design firm. From filming simple iPhone videos to planning a content calendar around your projects, expertise, and ideal clients, Daniela explains how to make video marketing more sustainable—and how to measure success beyond likes and views. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why your first 100 videos are practice, not perfection - How to overcome camera shyness and start posting - What interior designers should share to attract ideal clients - How to plan a content calendar without overwhelming your schedule - Why simple iPhone videos can outperform polished productions - How to measure social media results and turn visibility into business opportunities If you’re ready to stop overthinking your social media strategy and start building a consistent marketing system for your interior design business, this conversation will help you take the first step.

EP 502 | The Procurement Problem: How Interior Designers Can Protect Profit with Kathy Kuo 13.10.2026 23m

High Point Market is where interior designers discover what’s new, meet vendors, and source the pieces that bring projects to life. But what happens after the order is placed? Procurement, freight, receiving, storage, damages, and installation can quickly become some of the most time-consuming—and expensive—parts of a project. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon talks with Kathy Kuo, founder of Kathy Kuo Home and one of this year’s High Point Market Trend Spotters, about the business side of procurement. They discuss the hidden costs of shipping and receiving, why drop-shipping directly to clients can create major headaches, and how better systems can protect both the client experience and your profit margin. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why drop-shipping directly to clients can create costly problems • The hidden costs of freight, receiving, storage, damages, and claims • Why procurement needs to be part of your project pricing strategy • How outsourcing procurement can give interior designers valuable time back • How to protect your profit margin without giving up vendor relationships • Why better procurement systems create a better client experience

EP 501 | Why Interior Designers Never Feel Caught Up with Sierra Collins 06.10.2026 32m

Why do interior designers always feel like there’s more to do? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon talks with Sierra Collins about why even highly motivated, successful designers can struggle to stay on top of their work. The problem isn’t a lack of effort—it’s often a lack of structure. For interior designers juggling clients, projects, sourcing, emails, contractors, team members, and the countless details of running a design business, it’s easy to spend the day reacting instead of making meaningful progress. Sierra shares practical strategies for taking back control of your workday, protecting your focus, and creating systems that help you get important work done. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why interior designers feel perpetually behind - How task switching drains productivity - How to structure your workday around your energy - Why vague to-do lists create decision fatigue - How to identify your “Big Three” priorities - Why goals need systems to succeed

EP 500 | Can Good Interior Design Save Lives with Kimberley Seldon 29.09.2026 18m

500 episodes. One big question: Can good interior design save a life? To celebrate this milestone episode of Business of Design®, Kimberley Seldon takes a playful, detective-style look at what interior designers really do. Because clients may think they’re hiring you to choose finishes, but the clues in their homes often reveal much bigger problems: stress, disconnection, sensory overload, conflict, and spaces that simply aren’t working for the people who live in them. From meaningful art and neurodivergent-friendly environments to thoughtful planning and the impact of cared-for spaces, Kimberley explores the powerful ways design can influence mood, behavior, connection, and wellbeing. The goal isn’t just to create beautiful rooms—it’s to create better human experiences. And as we celebrate 500 episodes of Business of Design®, we’re reminded why this work matters. Interior design isn’t superficial. The spaces you create can change how people feel, how they interact, and how they experience their everyday lives. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why interior designers are really problem-solvers—and how to look for the clues your clients may not see themselves - How meaningful art and personal objects can create emotional connection, belonging, and a sense of calm - How thoughtful design can support people with neurodivergent and sensory needs without attempting to diagnose or “fix” them - Why neglected and thoughtfully cared-for spaces can influence behavior, safety, and connection - How better space planning can reduce everyday stress and improve the way families live together - Why designers may be underestimating the profound impact their work has on the lives of their clients

EP 499 | How to Make Small Interior Design Projects Profitable with Miranda Cullen 22.09.2026 40m

Not every client needs a whole-house renovation—but that doesn’t mean you have to turn them away. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon talks with interior designer and entrepreneur Miranda Cullen about her approach to “micro design” projects: smaller jobs that can easily become a lot of work for not enough money. Miranda shares how she created a separate line of business for these projects, allowing her firm to capture revenue, serve clients at different stages, and give designers on her team more opportunities to lead. They also explore how small projects can become future larger projects, why creating structure around your services matters, and how delegating smaller work can help business owners step away from working in the business and start building a company that can thrive without them. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How to determine whether small interior design projects can be profitable for your firm - Why creating a separate service or division can help you protect your high-end brand while capturing additional revenue - How to use smaller projects to develop designers, increase their client-facing experience, and create leadership opportunities - Why serving clients at different price points can lead to repeat business and larger projects in the future - How strategic delegation can free the principal to focus on higher-value work and build a business that doesn't depend entirely on them

EP 498 | How Interior Designers Can Make Better Business Decisions with Jodi Cook Monts 15.09.2026 37m

Indecision is expensive—and in an interior design business, it can cost you far more than time. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon talks with interior designer Jodi Cook Monts about the power of making decisions quickly and confidently. They explore how hesitation can affect profitability, project timelines, client relationships, and business growth—and why indecision is often a symptom of a deeper lack of trust and confidence. Jodi also shares how she expanded her design business beyond her local market, why existing clients are one of the best sources of new opportunities, and how a collaborative mindset can transform relationships with builders and other project partners. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why indecision is often a trust and confidence problem—and how it can cost your interior design business time and money - How making decisions earlier can protect project timelines, profitability, and client relationships - Why your existing clients may be the best source of second homes, vacation properties, and commercial design projects - How to successfully work on projects outside your local market—and why strong systems become even more important as you expand - Why approaching builders and project partners as collaborators, rather than adversaries, can lead to better projects and stronger relationships

EP 497 | 4 Hidden Business Leaks Costing Interior Designers Time, Profit, and Clients with Sheilah MacSporran 08.09.2026 39m

Where is your interior design business leaking time, profitability, and client trust? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Sheilah MacSporran, CEO of DesignFiles, to uncover four common business leaks that quietly create chaos for interior designers. From starting every project from scratch to juggling disconnected tools, these inefficiencies can cost you hours, reduce profitability, and create unnecessary stress for you and your clients. Drawing on more than a decade of experience observing how interior designers work, Sheilah shares practical ways to plug these leaks through templates, connected systems, automation, and streamlined workflows. Kimberley also shares a hard-earned lesson from her own design career: difficult clients aren't always the problem. Sometimes, it's the chaos created by a business without consistent systems. If you're spending too much time on busywork, managing too many tools, or answering questions your systems should answer, this episode will help you identify what's slowing your interior design business down. In this episode, you'll learn: - The four common business leaks that cost interior designers time, profitability, and client trust - Why starting every project from scratch is a major efficiency and profit killer - How disconnected software and repetitive data entry create unnecessary work - Why templates, systems, and automation create consistency and protect profitability - How better systems create a better client experience—and a more efficient, profitable interior design business

EP 496 | Why Every Interior Designer Needs a Lighting Designer with Sarah Richter and Guest Host DuVäl Reynolds 01.09.2026 42m

Lighting is one of the most powerful design tools available—yet it's often one of the most overlooked. In this guest-hosted episode, DuVäl Reynolds sits down with architectural lighting designer Sarah Richter to explore how thoughtful lighting transforms the way clients experience their homes. Together, they unpack the difference between decorative and architectural lighting, explain why layered lighting is essential to great design, and discuss how interior designers and lighting designers can collaborate to create more beautiful, functional spaces. If you've ever wondered whether bringing a lighting designer onto your project is worth it, this conversation may change the way you approach every project going forward. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why layered lighting creates homes that are both beautiful and highly functional - The difference between decorative lighting, architectural lighting, and lighting design - Exactly where a lighting designer fits into the BOD™ 15 Step Project Management Strategy—and why involving them early leads to better project outcomes - How interior designers and lighting designers work together to elevate a project - Why lighting should be considered from the earliest stages of the design process - How thoughtful lighting enhances architecture, showcases interiors, and improves everyday living - Practical ways to incorporate lighting expertise into your next residential design project

EP 495 | The Profit Killers Hiding in Your Interior Design Business with Erin Hackett Nordholt 25.08.2026 41m

Are you running a profitable interior design business—or are you simply hoping you are? In this candid conversation, Kimberley Seldon sits down with interior designer and former financial advisor Erin Hackett Nordholt to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing design firm owners: protecting profit. Together, they unpack the hidden habits that quietly erode profitability—from underestimating freight and absorbing unexpected costs to avoiding project post-mortems and convincing yourself that "breaking even" is good enough. If you've ever hesitated to look closely at your numbers or assumed a project was profitable because it felt successful, this episode will challenge you to think differently. Because building a thriving interior design business isn't about staying positive—it's about facing the numbers, learning from every project, and creating systems that protect your bottom line. In this episode we learn: - Why "toxic positivity" may be the biggest threat to your interior design business - How hidden costs like freight, tariffs, and procurement mistakes quietly destroy profit margins - Why every design firm should conduct a post-project financial review to improve future profitability - How understanding your numbers leads to better pricing, stronger systems, and more confident business decisions - Why profitable interior designers stop apologizing for making money—and start protecting their margins - How small financial improvements compound into a stronger, more sustainable design business

EP 494 | How to Build an Interior Design Team That Doesn't Depend on You with Shelli Warren 18.08.2026 39m

Building a successful interior design business isn't just about attracting great clients—it's about building a team that allows your firm to grow without relying on you for every decision. In this candid conversation, Kimberley Seldon sits down with leadership coach Shelli Warren to explore what it really takes to lead a high-performing interior design team. From hiring and delegation to defining roles, building trust, and creating systems that support long-term growth, this episode is filled with practical strategies for designers who want to scale their business without becoming the bottleneck. If you're ready to step out of the day-to-day, empower your team, and lead your interior design firm with confidence, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why so many interior designers become accidental leaders—and how to lead with confidence - How to hire the right people and build a team that supports business growth - Why delegation and clearly defined roles are essential for scaling your design firm - How to create systems that maintain quality without micromanaging your team - The mindset shifts that help you stop being the bottleneck in your business - Why great leadership leads to stronger teams, higher profitability, and a more enjoyable business

EP 493 | Why Your Interior Design Business Isn't Changing (And How to Fix It) with Cheryl Horne 04.08.2026 25m

You've read the books. Listened to the podcasts. Taken the notes. So why doesn't your interior design business feel any different? In this episode, Business of Design® Director of Operations and Business Coach Cheryl Horne explores one of the biggest obstacles keeping interior designers from building more profitable, organized, and enjoyable businesses: confusing learning with progress. Drawing on nearly 20 years of coaching hundreds of interior designers, Cheryl explains why information alone won't transform your business—and how small, consistent actions create lasting change. If you've been searching for better systems, higher profits, stronger boundaries, or more control over your time, this episode will help you turn knowledge into results. What you'll learn in this episode: - Why learning more doesn't always lead to business growth - How implementation—not information—creates a more profitable interior design business - Simple strategies for turning ideas into systems you actually use - Why accountability is essential for lasting change - How small, consistent improvements lead to better projects, happier clients, and greater profitability - The one question every interior designer should ask before consuming more business advice

EP 492 | How to Build a Scalable Interior Design Firm with Rebekah Zaveloff and Nick Nichols 04.08.2026 37m

What separates a busy interior designer from the owner of a thriving, scalable design firm? It isn't better clients or bigger projects—it's strong systems, clear boundaries, and the ability to build a team that doesn't rely on you for every decision. In this candid conversation, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Rebekah Zaveloff and Nick Nichols, co-founders of Imparfait Design Studio, to discuss what it really takes to grow an interior design business. From pricing and client expectations to hiring, delegation, and leadership, they share the lessons they've learned while building a successful design firm that can scale without sacrificing creativity or profitability. If you're ready to stop operating like a solo designer and start leading your interior design business like a CEO, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why building systems is the foundation of a scalable interior design business - How to hire and delegate without sacrificing quality or creativity - Why clear contracts and client boundaries lead to more profitable projects - How empowering your team creates better designers and a stronger firm - When to walk away from the wrong clients—and why it's good for business - Why protecting your design process is the key to long-term growth and profitability

EP 491 | The Secret to Building an Interior Design Team You Can Trust with Kimberley Seldon 28.07.2026 26m

What if the key to growing your interior design business isn't working harder—but trusting someone else to do the work? In this solo episode, Kimberley Seldon shares the story of Kathy, the project manager who has been at the heart of her interior design firm for more than 20 years. Through that relationship, Kimberley explores what it really takes to build a team, delegate with confidence, and create a business that runs seamlessly behind the scenes. Whether you're hiring your first employee, transitioning to independent contractors, or struggling to let go of control, this episode offers practical insights for building trust, strengthening systems, and focusing on the work only you can do. What you'll learn in this episode: - Why trust is the foundation of every successful interior design team - How delegation creates more time for business growth and client relationships - Why identifying your highest-value activities changes everything - How strong systems make your interior design business feel effortless to clients - What it takes to build lasting relationships with employees and independent contractors - Why great leadership starts with taking responsibility for your business systems

EP 490 | AI, Delegation, and Hiring an Assistant for Your Interior Design Business with Gina Cotner 20.07.2026 36m

Are you trying to do everything yourself in your interior design business? As AI tools become more powerful, many designers are wondering whether they still need an assistant or additional support. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Gina Cotner, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, to discuss why delegation remains one of the most important strategies for growing a profitable interior design business. Together, they explore how AI is changing the role of executive assistants, why accountability matters, and how the right support can help you reclaim your time and focus on the work only you can do. If you've ever said, "It's faster if I just do it myself," this episode is for you. What you'll learn in this episode: - Why AI won't replace great assistants in an interior design business - How to know when it's time to hire support for your design firm - Why delegation is essential for scaling your business and reducing overwhelm - How to create accountability without micromanaging your team - Questions that help employees and contractors think like leaders - Why giving work away creates more freedom, profitability, and growth Special for listeners of Business of Design! Receive 5 free hours of service added to your first full month of work with Athena Executive Services (AES)—a $275 value! Just mention this offer during your first call with us.

EP 489 | How Interior Designers Lead Clients and Contractors with Confidence with Ali Henrie 14.07.2026 31m

It’s easy to mistake people-pleasing for good project management. But avoiding difficult conversations doesn’t reduce project stress—it creates it. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Utah designer Ali Henrie to discuss what it really takes to lead successful projects. From managing client expectations to navigating contractor relationships, Ali shares why clear communication, documented processes, and strong boundaries are essential for keeping projects on track. If your projects have started to feel more complicated, exhausting, or unpredictable, this conversation will help you understand why—and what to do about it. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why builders and trades respect clarity more than people-pleasing - How strong communication and documentation prevent project chaos - The difference between being flexible and abandoning your process - Why establishing roles, responsibilities, and expectations early matters - How to handle budget conversations with greater confidence and authority - Why leadership—not perfection—is the key to successful project outcomes

EP 488 | Fewer Projects, More Profit for Interior Designers with Ellen Walker 07.07.2026 25m

What if the key to making more money in your interior design business isn’t taking on more projects—but taking on fewer? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with longtime Business of Design® member Ellen Walker, who recently achieved a milestone many designers dream of: $1 million in revenue and $200,000 in net profit from just three projects. After years of working hard with little financial reward, Ellen transformed her business by embracing project management, capturing every available revenue stream, and following proven systems. Today, she manages entire projects from concept to completion, works closely with trusted trades, and enjoys greater profitability, control, and satisfaction than ever before. If you've ever felt trapped by the belief that earning more requires working harder, Ellen's story will show you another way. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why taking on fewer projects can lead to greater profitability - How project management creates both control and additional revenue - The three revenue streams every interior designer should capture - Why clients often prefer having one person manage the entire project - How strong contractor relationships support long-term business growth - The value of accountability, forecasting, and sharing financial results honestly - Why it’s never too late to transform your business and increase profitability - How following proven systems creates confidence, consistency, and wealth

EP 487 | Systems Create Freedom for Design Professionals with Ellie Black 30.06.2026 34m

What if the key to greater creativity, profitability, and peace of mind isn't working harder—but creating better systems? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Northern Virginia landscape designer Ellie Black to discuss what changed when she stopped reinventing the wheel and started implementing proven processes. Together, they explore why so many creative professionals resist structure, how boundaries improve the client experience, and why systems are essential for sustainable growth. Whether you specialize in interiors, landscapes, or both, this conversation will help you create a business that supports your creativity instead of draining it. In this episode, we learn: • Why systems and processes create more freedom, creativity, and profitability • How the BOD™ 15-Step Process helped Ellie transform her landscape design business • Why boundaries, policies, and clear communication increase client trust • The difference between being busy and working strategically • How delegation frees up time for higher-value creative work • Why outdoor spaces should be designed as a natural extension of the home • Practical tools for reducing overwhelm, improving focus, and avoiding burnout

EP 486 | Working With Builders as an Interior Designer with Jen Dean 23.06.2026 26m

Want to take on larger, more profitable renovation projects with confidence? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Jen Dean about one of the most valuable relationships an interior designer can build: the relationship with a trusted builder. While many designers feel intimidated by construction projects, Jen explains why learning to collaborate effectively with builders can lead to smoother projects, stronger client experiences, and greater profitability. For interior designers looking to expand their expertise, improve project execution, and confidently navigate construction environments, this episode offers practical strategies for building successful partnerships with contractors and trades. In this episode, we learn: - Why some builders hesitate to work with interior designers—and how to earn their trust - How learning to "speak builder" improves communication and collaboration on site - Why every project benefits from a builder kickoff meeting at the outset - What builders need most from designers: clear drawings, documentation, and timely decisions - How strong drawing packages reduce confusion, delays, and costly mistakes - Why asking for feedback strengthens long-term builder relationships - How to navigate preferred trades and vendor relationships professionally - Why documenting questions, decisions, and contractor notes protects the project and everyone involved Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com

EP 485 | How Interior Designers Handle Budget Shock Without Compromising the Design with Kimberley Seldon 16.06.2026 17m

What happens when a renovation budget jumps from $2 million to $5 million? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a recent client presentation that forced her to confront one of the biggest challenges facing interior designers today: skyrocketing construction and furnishing costs. Rather than panic, value engineer too soon, or compromise the design, Kimberley prepared two thoughtful options and helped her client make an informed decision. For interior designers navigating rising costs, client sticker shock, and difficult budget conversations, this episode offers practical strategies for leading with confidence, expertise, and integrity. In this episode, we learn: • How to prepare clients for budget realities before presenting your design recommendations • Why every designer should consider having a thoughtful Plan B when costs exceed expectations • How to avoid compromising quality while still helping clients make smart financial decisions • Why leadership, confidence, and expertise matter more than ever in today's market • How to manage your own money mindset when presenting high-budget projects • Why clients value honest advice and strategic alternatives more than endless value engineering • How presenting options strengthens trust and positions you as a true advisor, not just a designer Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com

EP 484 | Why Your Photos Are Costing You High-End Design Clients with Candice Brooke 09.06.2026 28m

You already invested in the project. You hired the photographer. The installation is complete. Then, like so many interior designers, you treat the photoshoot as the final checkbox instead of what it really is: a marketing asset designed to attract your next ideal client. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Candice Brooke to discuss why photography is far more than documentation—and how strategic visual content directly impacts the quality of clients and projects you attract. From editorial planning to SEO, Pinterest, social media, and relationship marketing, this conversation reframes photography as a long-term business growth strategy rather than a one-time expense. If you’ve ever wondered why your projects aren’t attracting the level of client you want, this episode may completely change how you approach photography and content creation. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why iPhone photos often attract lower-budget, less committed clients - How professional photography impacts the quality of inquiries you receive - The difference between simply “taking photos” and building a marketing strategy - How to create an editorial calendar that extends the life of one project for months - What designers should plan before a photoshoot to maximize ROI - How to capture content for your website, Pinterest, SEO, and social media simultaneously - Why answering client questions through visual content increases engagement - Why social media is only one part of an effective marketing strategy - How relationship-building and strategic outreach continue to outperform posting alone Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com