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

24 questions for 2024. This is Part 3 of 4—focused on business. In this episode, Cheryl Horne sits down with Kimberley Seldon to answer key questions about running a successful interior design business. From contracts and systems to profitability and financial clarity, this conversation highlights the decisions and habits that separate thriving firms from struggling ones. If you’re looking to stre...

24 questions for 2024. This is Part 2 of 4—focused on projects. In this episode, Cheryl Horne sits down with Kimberley Seldon to answer key questions about managing interior design projects more effectively. From implementing new systems to avoiding common mistakes, this conversation offers practical insight into what actually works behind the scenes of successful projects. If you want smoother pr...

24 questions for 2024. This is Part 1 of 4—focused on clients. In this episode, Cheryl Horne sits down with Kimberley Seldon to answer key questions about managing client relationships in an interior design business. From setting expectations early to navigating difficult conversations, this episode offers practical strategies to help you lead with confidence and avoid common pitfalls. If you’ve e...

Recorded live at the Interior Design Show (IDS) Toronto 2024, this episode features Kimberley Seldon, Business of Design® Advocate-in-Chief, speaking to a sold-out audience on what it truly means to be the expert in your interior design business. Because expertise isn’t just about skill—it’s about confidence, leadership, and knowing your value. When you step fully into your role as the expert, you...

Struggling to delegate in your interior design business? You’re not alone—and the problem might not be your team. It might be how you’re assigning the work. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Casey Gromer to explore why so many designers struggle with delegation—and how shifting from task-based thinking to outcome-based leadership can transform your team. If you want a more efficient,...

What do clients really want when working with an interior designer? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Robin McLendon—not a designer, but a client with firsthand experience. She shares what works, what doesn’t, and why having a clear process is essential for a successful project. This conversation highlights how strong systems, clear communication, and firm boundaries create better out...

This episode originally aired as EP 314 on March 7, 2023. Running an organized interior design business isn’t about becoming less creative—it’s about building the systems, habits, and structure that support your creativity and your success. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Helen Austen, a BOD™ BOSS designer, to talk about what it really takes to run an organized business. From breaki...

This episode originally aired as EP 306 on January 10, 2023. Building a mature, profitable interior design business doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of leadership, clear systems, and strong decision-making. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares real-world insights and lessons learned on the journey from early-stage business to a more established, successful firm. From setting expectat...

Every mistake in your business is pointing to something deeper: an operational gap. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Hilaire Martin to explore how interior designers can identify breakdowns in their workflow—and more importantly, fix them with clear systems and structure. Because running a successful design business isn’t about reacting to problems. It’s about building processes that...

Can interior designers create beautiful spaces while reducing environmental impact? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Patrick Ediger to explore a practical approach to sustainable interior design. His “Rule of Thirds” offers a clear framework for sourcing that balances aesthetics, responsibility, and profitability—without compromising great design. If you’re looking for a realistic wa...

Are you fully leveraging one of the most valuable resources in your design business—your sales rep? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Carmen Reitnour to explore how interior designers can build stronger relationships with sales representatives to improve sourcing, streamline projects, and reduce overwhelm. Because the right partnerships don’t just save time—they help you deliver bette...

Can you balance creativity with structure—and still deliver exceptional design? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Alexandra Crevier, who brings a unique perspective from civil engineering and construction management into residential interior design. Together, they explore how combining process with creativity leads to smoother projects, happier clients, and stronger results. If your p...

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” — Henry Ford In this episode, Kimberley Seldon challenges the beliefs and habits that keep interior designers stuck. Because the biggest obstacles to growth aren’t external—they’re internal. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to change your business, this episode is your reminder that the shift starts now. What you’ll learn...

What if every challenge in your design business was actually an opportunity? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Joanne Swisterski to explore how innovative thinking can transform obstacles into solutions—and even new revenue streams. From small daily fixes to big-picture breakthroughs, Joanne shares how designers can become more resourceful, confident, and proactive. If you’ve ever fel...

Want more control, confidence, and better results in your design projects? It starts with one decision: take full responsibility. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Christina Kim to explore how stepping fully into leadership transforms your interior design business. When you stop deferring and start owning every part of the project, you gain the power to solve problems, lead your team,...

Struggling to get your interior design business found online? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by SEO expert Daniela Furtado to break down how search actually works—and what designers need to do to attract the right clients. Because great design isn’t enough if no one can find you. From keywords to conversion, this conversation gives you a practical roadmap to improve your visibility an...

Are you accidentally making your clients work for you? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon challenges a common mistake that undermines a luxury interior design experience: asking clients to handle tasks that should be managed by professionals. From measuring to sourcing to logistics, even small requests can shift the burden—and the perception of your value. If you want to deliver a high-end, seamles...

What would you do if you had to start over? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Ami McKay to explore what it takes to rebuild after loss—and how resilience, adaptability, and mindset can lead to something even stronger on the other side. This is a powerful conversation about reinvention, both personally and professionally, and what it really means to move forward when everything changes...

Thinking about expanding your interior design business beyond services? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Nicole Gibbons to explore what it takes to build a successful brand extension—from growing an audience to launching products and raising capital. If you’ve ever considered scaling your business or creating additional revenue streams, this episode offers a real-world look at what’s...

Your clients aren’t the only ones having an experience—your team is too. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Jessica Lackey to explore how interior design business owners can build a healthier, more sustainable company culture. Because growth without systems and balance doesn’t just create stress—it impacts your team, your clients, and the quality of your work. If you’re focused on scal...

Thinking about hiring an office manager—but unsure if your firm is ready? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Hilaire Martin to explore the role of an office manager in an interior design business. From responsibilities and compensation to timing and structure, this conversation breaks down what you need to know before making the hire. Because the right operational support can streamlin...

How complicated can a staircase renovation really be? In this solo episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a real-world project frustration that highlights a bigger truth: in interior design, there’s no such thing as an “easy” job. Even the simplest projects can unravel without the right systems, planning, and team in place. If you’ve ever underestimated a project—or been caught off guard mid-way—this ep...

Posting on Instagram—but not getting clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by SEO and UX expert Darla Powell to break down how interior designers can turn Instagram into a real lead generation tool—not just a place for likes and compliments. Because your ideal client is online. The question is: can they find you—and do they know you’re the right fit? If you want your social media to...

Are you treating lighting as an afterthought in your design projects? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by lighting expert Joe Borress to explore how better planning—and better use of technology—can dramatically improve your interiors. Because lighting isn’t just functional, it’s foundational to great design. If your lighting plans haven’t evolved in years, this episode will challenge ho...

Finding the right products for your clients isn’t just about having great taste—it’s about staying ahead. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Nicole Lashae Ben to explore how interior designers can strengthen supplier relationships while continuously discovering new products in a fast-moving market. Because relying only on what you already know isn’t enough. The best designers balance t...