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

What are the biggest business lessons interior designers need to build a more profitable and sustainable firm? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares key insights and takeaways from the Business of Design™ Conference in Las Vegas, covering the systems, mindset shifts, and operational strategies that help interior designers run stronger businesses. From creating better processes to developing gre...

Great interior design is about more than how a space looks — it’s about how it feels. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Andrew Richmond to explore how interior designers can create more immersive and memorable spaces by considering all five senses throughout the design process. From lighting and texture to scent, sound, and even taste, thoughtful sensory design helps create environmen...

Do interior designers really need a business plan — even after they’ve already launched their business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Bob Minhas to discuss how strategic business planning helps interior designers clarify their positioning, attract ideal clients, and create more profitable offers. A strong business plan is about more than financial projections. It’s about understan...

Do you own your interior design business — or does your business own you? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon challenges the romanticized idea of “being your own boss” and explains what it really takes to build an interior design business that supports your life instead of consuming it. Many designers start a business seeking freedom and flexibility, only to find themselves overworked, overwhelmed,...

What helps interior designers grow a stronger, more focused, and more profitable business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon continues her conversation with award-winning Australian designer Marylou Sobel to answer important questions about ideal clients, pricing creative expertise, and improving business systems. From narrowing your focus to gaining valuable client feedback, Marylou shares practi...

Should interior designers charge hourly fees or flat fees? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon answers questions from award-winning Australian designer Marylou Sobel about pricing structures, specialization, and how designers can create more profitable businesses by following proven systems and processes. Many interior designers struggle to choose the right fee structure and worry about positioning...

Can interior designers intentionally create environments that enhance creativity? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by architect and creativity expert Donald M. Rattner to explore the science behind creativity and how designers can optimize their spaces, routines, and environments for more innovative thinking. Creativity isn’t just inspiration — it can also be influenced by physical surr...

What separates overwhelmed interior designers from profitable, well-run firms? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Washington DC designer Annie Elliott to discuss why working ON your business — not just in it — is essential for long-term success. By improving systems, refining operations, and analyzing business performance, Annie transformed her design firm one process at a time. This c...

What if the biggest thing holding your interior design business back is the belief that change won’t work? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores why so many interior designers resist change — even when current systems, pricing, or processes are causing frustration, stress, or financial struggle. Whether it’s fear of failure, fear of the unknown, or attachment to old habits, staying stuck ofte...

Building a successful interior design business is rarely a straight path. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Sakina Khawaja to discuss the lessons, challenges, and mindset shifts that shaped her 17-year journey to entrepreneurship. From outsourcing and time management to marketing and business growth, Sakina shares practical insights that help interior designers focus on high-value wor...

For many interior designers, scope creep feels like one of the biggest threats to profitability. But what if it could actually become an opportunity? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores the hidden upside of scope creep and explains how interior designers can protect themselves financially while recognizing when expanded project scope signals deeper client trust and stronger engagement. Rath...

Are you ignoring the warning signs of burnout in your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon welcomes back Dr. Ganz Ferrance to discuss how designers and creative entrepreneurs can recognize burnout early, create healthier boundaries, and protect their emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Drawing from insights in his book The Me Factor, Dr. Ganz explains why burnout oft...

What makes an interior design business truly magnetic to clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Valerie Foley to discuss how mindset, energy, and personal alignment influence the success of an interior design business. As a service-based business owner, you are deeply connected to your brand and client experience. Valerie explains why attracting ideal clients begins internally — t...

As your interior design business grows, so do the challenges of hiring, managing, and leading a team. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Aysun Kuck, who spent more than 20 years helping manage Kimberley Seldon Design Group, including a team of 13 designers and support staff. Together, they discuss the realities of hiring, firing, performance reviews, and building a strong company cultu...

Should interior designers charge hourly rates or flat fees for their services? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon continues her conversation with marketing and pricing expert Tim Williams about value-based pricing, profitability, and how interior designers can better position their expertise. While no pricing model is perfect, Tim explains why value-based flat fees can help designers move beyond si...

What if getting organized could completely transform your interior design business — and your life? In this solo episode, Kimberley Seldon shares lessons from her personal journey toward better organization, stronger systems, and greater efficiency — the very experiences that helped inspire Business of Design™. Drawing inspiration from Confessions of an Organized Homemaker by Deniece Schofield, Ki...

Should interior designers charge flat fees or hourly rates? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon begins a conversation with marketing expert Tim Williams about pricing strategies, value-based fees, and why creative professionals should rethink how they charge for their expertise. While the debate between hourly billing and flat fees continues across the design industry, Tim explains why value-based p...

Want to become more confident selling your interior design services? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by multi-million dollar brand ambassador and author Alli Mang to discuss the psychology of sales, personal branding, and how designers can communicate their value more effectively. Drawing from her experience selling on television shopping channels, Alli shares practical techniques for...

Heading to High Point Market for the first time — or trying to make the most of your next visit? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon and seasoned market attendee Marisa Wilson share practical strategies for navigating High Point Market efficiently, productively, and without feeling overwhelmed. With more than 12 million square feet of showrooms, thousands of exhibitors, and endless networking opport...

What really happens behind the scenes during interior design install week? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a real-world look at STEP 10 of the BOD™ 15 STEP Project Management Strategy and explains how careful preparation, flexibility, and attention to detail create exceptional client experiences during installation and reveal days. Even the most organized projects come with surprises, whi...

Is partnering with another interior designer the secret to building a stronger business — or a recipe for conflict? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon continues her conversation with Abby Smith and Abbey Ragsdale about the realities of business partnerships in the interior design industry. For many solo entrepreneurs, having a trusted partner sounds ideal, but successful partnerships require clear...

What does it really take to execute a successful interior design installation? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon takes listeners behind the scenes of install week and shares how the BOD™ 15 STEP Project Management Strategy helps interior designers manage the countless moving parts involved in bringing a project to completion. Even seemingly simple projects involve hundreds of details, tight timeli...

Is finding the right business partner the key to growing a successful interior design firm? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Jessica Geller and Virginia Toledo of Toledo Geller about the realities of business partnerships, how complementary strengths create stronger firms, and what interior designers should consider before bringing someone into the business. While many solo designers...

How can interior designers create healthier homes that support wellness and well-being? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon continues her conversation with healthy building expert Allan Lopes about the growing importance of wellness-focused interior design and the practical ways designers can improve the health and comfort of the spaces they create. From air quality and water filtration to reducing...

Can time tracking actually make your interior design business more profitable and efficient? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with BOD™ member and interior design professional Nathan Vanags about the surprising insights gained from carefully tracking hours across projects and team members. Whether you charge hourly rates or flat fees, understanding how time is spent provides valuable infor...