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

Are you truly in control of your interior design business finances — or just reacting to them? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by financial planner Brad Clinard to discuss why understanding your finances is essential for creating stability, reducing stress, and building a stronger future for both your business and personal life. Many interior designers avoid financial planning because...

How do interior designers move beyond surface-level conversations to truly understand their clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Julia Feldmeier to discuss the importance of uncovering a client’s authentic lifestyle, emotional connection to home, and personal style — beyond what they think they should like. In today’s world of social media inspiration and curated online aestheti...

Looking for the best business books to help grow your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Business of Design® member Emma Navajas to share recommended reading for interior designers who want to strengthen their business skills, improve communication, and develop a more confident mindset. With so many business and self-help books available, it can be difficult t...

Why do so many interior design business owners feel stuck — even when they’re working harder than ever? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by author and entrepreneur advocate Mike Michalowicz to discuss how interior designers can identify the real problems preventing growth and profitability in their business. Many business owners rely on instinct when solving challenges, but focusing on...

Have you ever dreamed of writing a book about your interior design work and philosophy? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by designer Anna-Carin McNamara to discuss the process of writing Make a Home to Love and why publishing a book can become a powerful business and branding tool for interior designers. More than just a portfolio, a well-crafted design book communicates your expertise,...

Successful interior design projects begin with a clear vision of the final result. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Nicole McGuire to discuss why interior designers must “start with the end in mind” by leading projects strategically, building strong trade relationships, and guiding clients through a well-managed process from beginning to completion. Designers are uniquely positioned...

Could working remotely actually make your interior design business stronger and more efficient? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by interior designer Rebecca Ward to discuss how embracing technology and remote work systems can improve efficiency, flexibility, and business growth for interior designers. What began as a forced shift for many design firms revealed unexpected advantages, in...

What if the “new normal” could actually create new opportunities for your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon discusses the major shifts impacting the design industry and why interior designers who embrace change, improve systems, and rethink relationships may emerge stronger than before. Rather than waiting for business to return to the way it was, Kimberley encourages des...

What if taking responsibility for every challenge in your business was actually the key to growth? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Washington DC designer and BOD™ member Christie Leu to discuss the mindset shift that helps interior designers build stronger systems, improve communication, and create more successful projects. Christie shares why adopting an “it’s all my fault” mentali...

What if slowing down was actually the perfect opportunity to strengthen your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon encourages interior designers to use periods of uncertainty and slower business activity to reassess, refine, and improve the way they operate. Instead of waiting for things to “go back to normal,” Kimberley explains how intentional reflection and strategic impro...

When was the last time you carefully reviewed the expenses in your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Business of Design™ member Lindsay Kjellberg to discuss why periods of uncertainty are the perfect time for interior designers to reassess spending, improve financial awareness, and make more intentional business decisions. By taking a closer look at expenses...

What if this was the perfect moment to completely rethink your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon encourages interior designers to see periods of disruption as an opportunity to make bold, necessary changes that improve profitability, client relationships, and overall business health. Instead of holding onto outdated systems, underperforming relationships, or unprofitable...

What helps interior designers succeed when business feels uncertain or overwhelming? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by BOD™ member Nikki Fisher to discuss resilience, community, and the mindset required to keep moving forward during challenging times. Running an interior design business comes with constant highs and lows, and long-term success often depends less on avoiding obstacles...

Are you chasing revenue in your interior design business — or building real profitability? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares hard-earned lessons from past economic downturns and explains why interior designers should focus on profitability, not simply generating more income. During uncertain times, it can be tempting to say yes to everything or delay difficult decisions. Kimberley discusses...

How should interior designers communicate with clients during times of uncertainty and change? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks directly with client Maricke Emanoilidis to better understand what clients are thinking, feeling, and needing from their designers during challenging times. Rather than making assumptions, Kimberley explores how honest communication, empathy, and thoughtful leader...

How can interior designers strengthen their business during uncertain economic times? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by designer Alexa Ralff to discuss why refining systems, improving communication, and staying visible are essential strategies for navigating economic slowdowns and preparing for future growth. Rather than reacting out of fear, Alexa shares practical ways interior desig...

How should interior designers prepare their business for an economic downturn? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by entrepreneurial expert David C. Baker to discuss the critical business decisions designers must make during uncertain economic times. When fear and uncertainty rise, many business owners instinctively react in ways that weaken their positioning and profitability. David shar...

In response to the rapidly changing realities facing interior designers during the COVID-19 shutdown, Business of Design® is launching a special series of BOD™ Business Alert episodes focused on timely business advice, operational strategies, and practical support for the design community. These shorter, more frequent episodes were created to help interior designers navigate uncertainty, make info...

How did Kimberley Seldon transform years of hard-earned lessons into Business of Design®? In this episode, Andrew Mitchell interviews Kimberley Seldon about her journey as an interior designer, the challenges she faced early in business, and the experiences that ultimately inspired the creation of the Business of Design® community. From costly mistakes to breakthrough systems, Kimberley shares the...

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of changing how you run your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares practical advice for designers who are new to Business of Design® or unsure where to begin when implementing better systems and processes. Making changes in your business can feel intimidating, especially when projects, clients, and daily responsibilities already feel ove...

Why do some interior designers stay focused and grow their business — while others feel stuck and overwhelmed? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by design coach Andrew Mitchell to discuss the power of strategic goal setting and how clear direction helps interior designers navigate challenges, stay motivated, and build long-term success. Running a design business comes with constant press...

What makes the relationship between interior designers and architects successful? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Ramona Albert to discuss how interior designers and architects can collaborate more effectively to create stronger projects and better client experiences. While architects and designers bring different expertise to a project, misunderstandings around roles, leadership, a...

Can interior designers charge what they’re truly worth — and still earn the trust of clients and trades? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon continues her conversation with Pricing Creativity author Blair Enns about value-based pricing, profitability, and why creative professionals must confidently lead clients through the design process. While charging appropriately can feel uncomfortable, Blair ex...

Can social media actually help interior designers attract better clients and grow their business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by marketing expert Kate the Socialite to discuss how interior designers can use social media strategically to create visibility, build trust, and generate qualified leads. Posting beautiful images alone is no longer enough. Kate explains how a clear niche,...

How can interior designers charge premium fees without losing the respect of clients or trades? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon begins a two-part conversation with Pricing Creativity author Blair Enns about value-based pricing, positioning, and the mindset required to build a more profitable interior design business. Many creative professionals struggle with pricing because they undervalue their...