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

Are you committed to success—or committed to habits that are holding your business back? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon challenges interior designers to examine the systems, behaviors, and assumptions they may be clinging to, even when those practices are no longer serving them. While change can feel uncomfortable, recognizing when it's time to pivot is often the key to growth, profitability, a...

Does your interior design business support the life you want—or are you building a business around work you don't enjoy? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Claire Jefford about creating a design business that aligns with your strengths, interests, and goals. Claire shares how she built a successful model focused on design planning while allowing clients to manage renovations themselves,...

What if one of the best ways to grow your interior design business is to help other designers succeed? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Leah Ansel and Maury Riad about the power of collaboration within the design industry. Together, they explore how sharing knowledge, resources, and relationships can strengthen individual businesses while elevating the profession as a whole. For inter...

How can interior designers reduce risk and deliver safer, more successful renovation projects? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Steve Smith of the Electrical Safety Authority about the critical role electrical planning plays in residential renovations. From permits and product compliance to trade collaboration and lighting decisions, Steve shares practical advice that helps designers...

Every interior designer makes mistakes. The key is learning from them before they become expensive lessons. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Business of Design™ member Kirsten McCoy about challenges she encountered in her design business and the lessons that emerged from those experiences. Through honest reflection and practical solutions, Kirsten shares how stronger systems, clearer...

What if confidence doesn't come from success—but is actually what creates success? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon continues her conversation with confidence coach Kara Loewentheil about the mindset shifts that help entrepreneurs overcome self-doubt and perform at a higher level. Kara challenges the common belief that confidence is earned through accomplishments and explains why true confidence...

Are your business policies protecting your time, profitability, and peace of mind? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explains why clear policies are one of the most powerful tools an interior designer can have. Whether you're managing client expectations, collecting payments, setting business hours, or working with trades, strong policies create consistency and reduce unnecessary stress. For inter...

How do interior designers help clients understand the difference between price and value? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Joanna Goodman about the importance of educating clients on quality, craftsmanship, and long-term value. While beautiful aesthetics may capture attention, clients also want products that perform well, last longer, and enhance their daily lives. For interior design...

What if confidence isn't something you earn—but something you create? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with confidence coach Kara Loewentheil about one of the most important skills for entrepreneurial success. Many interior designers believe confidence comes after achieving goals, landing great projects, or earning more money. Kara explains why the opposite is often true: confidence comes...

Are you holding clients back from choosing the best option because you're afraid to show them the splurge? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Cecil Adams about bravery, confidence, and the value of strong trade relationships in an interior design business. From presenting luxury products to discussing money clearly, Cecil shares practical advice for helping designers lead clients with g...

Are you unknowingly holding yourself back from the success you deserve? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon continues her conversation with Laura Martin Bovard about confidence, communication, and leadership. Together, they explore how designers can stop playing small, navigate difficult client situations with confidence, and create better outcomes through preparation and clear communication. For in...

Motivation is great—but what if your interior design business needs more than inspiration to grow? In this solo episode, Cheryl Horne explores why successful designers need more than good intentions to build a profitable, sustainable business. Just like physical fitness requires consistent training, business success requires systems, structure, accountability, and ongoing education. For interior d...

What separates a busy interior design firm from a mature, profitable, and scalable business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with LuAnn Nigara for a conversation about their favorite topic: systems. Together, they explore how clear processes, strong communication, and defined core values help design firms operate more efficiently, deliver a better client experience, and increase profit...

Are you busy growing your business—or just busy? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a series of coaching conversations with Lori Pedersen and her team as they work through one of the most common challenges facing interior design firms: bottlenecking. Together, they explore the gap between knowing what to do and actually implementing the changes required to grow. For interior designers who fe...

What if the biggest factor influencing your success isn't your talent—but your belief in your own value? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Laura Martin Bovard about confidence, self-worth, and the mindset required to become a mature business owner. Together, they explore how designers can stop playing small, embrace their value, and create businesses that support both their financial a...

What are the biggest questions interior designers have about clients, contracts, hiring, and project management? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares insights from a live Business of Design® meet-up in Los Angeles, answering real-world questions from designers facing common business challenges. From turning down projects and hiring team members to managing supplier relationships and reducing r...

When is the right time to grow your interior design business—and what does sustainable growth actually look like? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Sabrina Colosimo about the power of incremental growth. Rather than chasing rapid expansion, Sabrina shares how thoughtful planning, strategic hiring, delegation, and continuous improvement can help designers build stronger, more profitable...

Is talent enough to succeed as an interior designer? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Steven Gurowitz about the realities of building a successful design business. While creativity and talent may open doors, long-term success requires systems, structure, discipline, and business acumen. Steven shares lessons learned from years in the industry and explains why great designers must also...

Are you charging enough—and more importantly, are you actually billing for all of your time? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares highlights from a lively roundtable discussion at High Point Market, where more than 100 interior designers gathered to discuss pricing, profitability, and client communication. The conversation explores some of the most common challenges designers face when it come...

What happens when manufacturers start selling directly to consumers and product margins continue to shrink? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Leslie Carothers about one of the biggest challenges facing interior designers: changing product distribution models. While direct-to-consumer sales may seem threatening, Leslie explains why designers who clearly define their value and market the...

Are you attracting the right clients—or just posting content and hoping for the best? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Natalie Norcross about strategic marketing for interior designers and how to reach ideal clients more effectively. From social media planning to relationship-building and audience growth, Natalie shares practical tactics that help designers market with purpose rather...

Have you ever felt successful one moment and uncertain about the future the next? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Christine Horne about the reality of building a creative career. Whether you're an actor, entrepreneur, or interior designer, success rarely follows a straight line. Together, they explore the emotional highs and lows of professional life, the challenges of comparison, an...

Why do so many beautiful interior design projects stall when it comes to selecting artwork? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Katharine Earnhardt about the important role art plays in creating finished, meaningful interiors. While purchasing artwork can feel intimidating for both clients and designers, Katharine shares practical strategies for making the process approachable, enjoyable...

How do you stop clients from shopping your recommendations online? The truth is, you probably can't stop it entirely—but you can dramatically reduce it. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares practical strategies for building trust, strengthening your professional image, and creating a client experience so valuable that clients rely on your expertise rather than searching for the lowest price. F...

What if the key to growing your design business isn't getting more clients—but getting better clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Carly Waters about building a focused brand that attracts ideal clients. Through strategic marketing, thoughtful portfolio development, and a clear point of view, Carly has created a business that prioritizes quality over quantity. For interior design...