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

In one year, BOD™ member, Juliana Olivera is enjoying explosive growth while dealing with the same pandemic issues we are all experiencing. Listen to Juliana share her thoughts on how she manages delays, deficiencies, and client expectations. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/podcast-category/mo-episodes/?ref=2&c...

Are you building the interior design business you truly want—or just reacting to client demands? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores what it takes to create a professional life that feels profitable, sustainable, and aligned with your goals. From identifying client red flags to setting stronger boundaries around shopping, pricing, and project decisions, Kimberley shares practical strategies...

Are you handling taxes in a way that protects your interior design business—and your peace of mind? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by California attorney Braden Drake to discuss practical tax and bookkeeping strategies every interior designer should understand. From managing sales tax correctly to separating personal and business finances, this conversation focuses on simple habits th...

What should you do when an interior design project starts falling apart? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon gets candid about real-life project meltdowns and invites fellow designers to share their own challenging experiences from the field. Every project problem offers an opportunity to learn, improve systems, and strengthen leadership skills. From client conflict to costly mistakes, Kimberley exp...

Sisters in business together? This should be fun! Kelcey and Tracy of Waterlily Interiors share what they’ve learned on the road to success—how they accessorize, which clients they target and even, what their take home pay looks like. And, spoiler alert, they don’t always agree! Join in on the conversation. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today:...

Are your interior design photos helping you attract the clients you actually want? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Kelcey and Tracey of Waterlily Interiors to discuss how professional photography, styling, and intentional visual storytelling can elevate your brand and grow your business. Beautiful project photography is more than documentation—it’s one of the most powerful marketing...

Why do some interior designers consistently earn repeat business while others struggle to stay connected with past clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares practical strategies for improving client retention, strengthening relationships, and creating the kind of experience that keeps clients coming back for future projects. Repeat business isn’t just about good design—it’s about communica...

Is your interior design business protected against cyber attacks and online scams? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Boris Rapoport to discuss the growing importance of cyber security for interior design firms and small businesses. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams and compromised systems, creative businesses are increasingly vulnerable to online threats. This conversation exp...

Welcome back, BOD™ members, Rebecca Ward, Lindsay Kjellberg and Cathy Tonks. These three California designers are back to offer tips on managing trades. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/podcast-category/mo-episodes/?ref=2&campaign=MOBODPodcast

Are you doing enough to legally protect your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by attorney Braden Drake to break down legal protection strategies for interior designers in a practical, easy-to-understand way. Running a profitable design business always involves some level of risk, but strong legal systems can help protect both your business and your peace of min...

What do you do when a project suddenly goes sideways with price increases, difficult conversations, or unexpected challenges? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Darcie Janzen and Beth Walther for an honest designer-to-designer conversation about navigating the messy realities of running an interior design business. From handling unexpected cost increases to delivering difficult news...

Are today’s interior design projects feeling harder, slower, and more unpredictable than ever before? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon and Cheryl Horne discuss the current state of the interior design industry and the common frustrations they’re hearing from Business of Design™ members. From supply chain disruptions and timeline delays to client management challenges, Kimberley shares candid insi...

Is it a string of bad luck, or is something else at play? Let’s ask Iris Piercey to describe what’s happening between STEP 5 the presentation and STEP 6. What’s causing project interruptus and what can be done about it? It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/podcast-category/mo-episodes/?ref=2&campaign=MOBODPodcast

How can interior designers confidently source quality artwork online for their clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Andrea Bogart of Embrace Creatives to discuss the challenges of purchasing artwork online and how designers can avoid costly mistakes when sourcing original art, textiles, prints, and paintings. Artwork plays a major role in creating layered, meaningful interiors,...

Are you unintentionally sabotaging your own systems and processes? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores why staying committed to your interior design processes is essential for profitability, consistency, and better client experiences. It’s easy to bend the rules “just this once” for a client or project, but even small deviations from established systems can create bigger problems down the l...

Can following a proven process completely transform your confidence as an interior designer? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Nigerian designer Joylene Agbamuche to discuss how implementing the Business of Design™ process helped her rebuild confidence, attract better clients, and create a stronger business foundation in less than a year. By trusting the system, charging appropriately...

What happens when your life gets turned upside down unexpectedly? Dig deeper and try new things... says our guest today, BOD™ Member Gillian Crone. She found herself with no net to fall back on and business prospects that dried up, so she pushed herself to be courageous and aim for big results. Today, she’s a living testimonial for anyone thinking it’s time to reinvent your business and maybe, you...

How do you create a memorable client reveal that feels polished, emotional, and stress-free? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Dane Austin to discuss the preparation, planning, and client communication required to deliver a successful interior design reveal. The final reveal is one of the most important moments in any project. From styling details to managing client expectations, Dane...

Why should interior designers encourage clients to “buy once, buy well”? In this episode, hosted by Australian designer Jodie Carter, Shelley Boyd of Boyd Blue shares insight into the craftsmanship, sustainability, and value behind luxury artisan furniture—and why strong supplier relationships are essential for successful design businesses. From educating clients about quality and longevity to bui...

Have you ever dreamed of writing a book to grow your brand and share your expertise? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by bestselling author Kathy Buckworth to discuss the realities of writing, publishing, and positioning yourself as an author. Whether you’re considering a traditional publishing deal or exploring self-publishing, Kathy shares practical advice for getting started, finding...

BOD™ members agree on most things…but not everything. Designer and BOD™ Member Annie Elliott explores a bit of a change to the sacred 15 STEP Project Management Strategy. Listen in. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, or log into your member dashboard to listen in: https://businessofdesign.com/podcast-category/mo-episodes/?ref=2&campaign=MOBODPodcast

How do you know when a project is the right opportunity—and when it’s a hard no? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon turns to fellow BOD™ members Laura Elliott and LeAnne Bunnell for honest advice about evaluating project opportunities, protecting your energy, and making smarter business decisions. Not every project is worth taking on. Even exciting opportunities can come with hidden emotional, crea...

What separates successful interior designers from those who struggle to grow? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Maria Viola-Kuttruff to discuss the often-overlooked qualities that build a sustainable and respected design business: discipline, consistency, and professionalism. Talent alone isn’t enough. From managing time and communication to recognizing red flags and leading projects...

What happens when a great interior design project starts going off the rails because a client wants to change the rules? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Shoshana Gosselin to unpack a “sticky” client situation that shifted from smooth and successful to stressful after changes in protocol and expectations. This candid conversation explores why strong boundaries, written procedures, an...

After listening to BOD™ EP 191 | Creating Value with Camal Pirbhai, Suzanne Manlove has a question about how to get the most out of your drapery workroom. For example, is it a good idea to schedule a meeting with the workroom as a part of the concept phase? Listen in to the conversation. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, or log into your member das...