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

Are your interior design projects dragging on so long that clients — and your team — feel completely exhausted? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a practical 5-step strategy to help interior designers reduce project fatigue, improve the client experience, and keep projects moving efficiently from concept to completion. Long timelines, constant revisions, decision fatigue, and unclear expect...

Is social media replacing traditional media for interior designers? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by design journalist Virginie Martocq to discuss how marketing, visibility, and credibility have evolved for today’s interior design professionals. There was a time when being featured in a magazine instantly elevated a designer’s reputation and attracted new clients. Today, interior des...

Do you say “we” when talking about your interior design business — even when the work was primarily yours? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores a surprisingly important communication habit that affects confidence, credibility, and leadership for interior designers. Joined by sales expert Nikki Rausch, Kimberley discusses why many women instinctively use “we” language, how it impacts client p...

What does it really take to transform your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Lisa Laliberte-Alle to discuss why true transformation requires more than simply working harder at outdated systems and habits. Many interior designers stay stuck because they continue repeating ineffective processes instead of implementing meaningful change. Kimberley and Lisa expla...

How do you build a compassionate, high-performing interior design business during challenging times? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with business partners Dave Shove-Brown and Dave Tracz of 3877 about leadership, workplace culture, and creating an award-winning team environment through transparency, accountability, and trust. Strong leadership is about more than managing projects — it’s...

What can difficult clients teach interior designers about running a better business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Virginie Martocq to discuss the lessons Virginie learned after transitioning from the world of interior design publishing into working directly with design clients. While editing shelter magazines gave Virginie deep insight into beautiful interiors, working with real-...

How do interior designers stay resilient when business and life feel overwhelming? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with interior design coach Andrew Mitchell about developing resilience through gratitude, empathy, mindfulness, and intentional self-care. Running a successful interior design business requires more than creativity and technical skill. Designers also need emotional resilience...

Want to run your interior design business with less chaos and more control? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Sydney-based designer Jodie Carter to discuss why documented systems and an operations manual are essential for growing a profitable, scalable interior design business. Many interior designers struggle with delegation, inconsistent processes, and feeling trapped in day-to-day...

How do interior designers consistently deliver exceptional quality and value to clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with soft furnishings expert Camal Pirbhai, one of Kimberley’s trusted A Team partners, about the critical role trades, suppliers, and fabricators play in creating successful interior design projects. From custom window treatments to expert installation, the details beh...

What are the toughest lessons interior designers learn when starting a design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by designer Courtney Otte to discuss the real-world mistakes, growing pains, and business lessons that shape successful interior design professionals. Starting an interior design business at a young age — or at any stage — comes with challenges that no classroom can f...

Want your interior design projects to stand out in publications and attract ideal clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by stylist Margot Austin to discuss the art of creating compelling interior design photography that tells a story — not just documents a space. Beautiful project photography is one of the most powerful marketing tools available to interior designers. Margot explain...

Can interior designers successfully build friendships with their clients — without damaging the business relationship? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Belgian designer Isabel Gomez to discuss the complexities of client relationships, setting boundaries, and why identifying your ideal client is essential for building a profitable and fulfilling interior design business. Strong client...

Are your words working as hard as your interior design portfolio? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Margot Austin and Hillary Smyth to discuss how strong copywriting helps interior designers attract ideal clients, strengthen their brand, and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Beautiful photography may capture attention, but compelling copy helps build trust, communicate expertise, an...

Do you struggle to confidently close sales with interior design clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by sales coach Nikki Rausch to discuss how interior designers can improve their sales process, build stronger client relationships, and confidently ask for the business. Many designers feel uncomfortable with sales because they associate it with pressure or persuasion. Nikki explain...

Interior design is about more than creating beautiful spaces — it’s about improving the way people live. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by designer Isabel Gomez to discuss the deeper impact interior designers have on their clients’ lives and why thoughtful design creates meaningful, lasting change. From homes and workplaces to restaurants and hospitality spaces, designers shape how pe...

Why do so many interior designers feel unprepared when they first enter the industry? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with architect and design-build expert David Supple about the realities of learning on the job, building expertise over time, and creating successful projects through collaboration and preparation. Formal education provides a foundation, but true expertise comes from exper...

How did the COVID-19 pandemic change the way interior designers manage projects, clients, and job sites? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon, Cheryl Horne, and Janeen Laudenback discuss the operational changes interior designers were forced to make during the COVID-19 pandemic — and the strategies that helped businesses continue serving clients safely and professionally. From delayed timelines and d...

What are the biggest challenges interior designers face when managing clients, fees, and projects? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon opens the mic during a Business of Design® member discussion to answer real-world questions from interior designers navigating the complexities of running a profitable design business. From purchasing and pricing strategies to client communication and website messagi...

How do interior designers confidently handle pricing, project management fees, retainers, and difficult client situations? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon opens the mic during a Business of Design® member discussion to answer real-world business questions from interior designers navigating the operational and financial side of the industry. From consultations with developers to project managemen...

Whether you realize it or not, your interior design business already has a brand. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with branding expert and Consumer Republic author Bruce Philp about why branding is essential for interior designers who want to attract ideal clients, build trust, and position themselves for long-term success. Clients don’t simply hire designers for beautiful rooms — they hi...

No interior designer succeeds alone. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon discusses the power of building a trusted A Team — the skilled trades, suppliers, vendors, and specialists who consistently help interior designers deliver exceptional results project after project. A reliable team doesn’t just support your work; they strengthen your reputation, improve the client experience, and help your busi...

Are you undercharging for your interior design services without even realizing it? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon tackles one of the most common challenges creative professionals face: charging appropriately for their expertise, time, and resources. Many interior designers struggle with pricing because they lack clarity around costs, profitability, and the true value of their services. Kimberle...

Are you leading your interior design business with confidence — or letting fear make the decisions? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores the mindset, leadership, and support systems required to run a successful interior design business. Joined by Holly, Phoebe, and Justine, Kimberley discusses the importance of confidence, delegation, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Running a...

Beautiful design is important — but meaningful design creates lasting impact. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by guests Fritz Mesenbrink and Melinda Turner of OMFGCO to discuss how interior designers can create work that goes beyond aesthetics to truly connect with clients and solve meaningful problems. By choosing aligned clients, staying curious, and embracing collaboration and unexp...

Feeling stuck in outdated systems, frustrating projects, or unprofitable ways of working? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares personal lessons from the early days of her interior design career and explains why meaningful business growth requires the courage to change. Many interior designers continue operating in ways that create stress, overwhelm, and financial struggle simply because “that’...