Design Curious | Interior Design Career and Business Podcast

Many interior designers spend years honing hard skills like CAD drafting, space planning, and material selection—yet still feel stuck when it comes to client relationships, confidence, or stepping into leadership. I see this all the time, and it can be incredibly frustrating when you know you’re talented, but something still feels like it’s holding you back. The truth is, talent alone rarely sets...

If you’re an interior designer who feels deeply creative but secretly anxious about sales, pricing, or talking about your value, this episode is for you. Too many designers believe that great work should “sell itself,” only to find themselves undercharging, overdelivering, and wondering why their business still feels financially fragile. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable talking about money, strug...

Every December, I sit down with a cup of coffee, my Full Focus Planner , and a quiet moment to breathe. Because if there’s anything I’ve learned in my 20+ years in interior design, it’s that the goals we don’t set end up shaping our lives just as much as the ones we do. And when you’re building a design business—or simply trying to thrive as a creative human—intentionality matters more than anythi...

Have you ever felt uncomfortable talking about money with a client—even when you know your work is worth every dollar? Maybe you’ve said yes when you wanted to say no. Maybe you’ve underpriced a project just to avoid conflict. Or maybe you’ve worked twice as hard for half the pay and wondered why running your interior design business still feels exhausting instead of empowering. In this episode, I...

Starting your own interior design business sounds exciting… until you sit down to actually do it and wonder, Where do I even begin? Maybe you’ve dreamed about launching your business for years, but the legal setup feels overwhelming. Maybe you’ve done a few side projects, but don’t feel “official” yet. Or maybe you’re terrified of getting your first paid client, pricing your services, or setting u...

“I just want to design, but why is this so hard?” I get it! You love creating beautiful spaces, choosing finishes, and watching your vision come to life — but when it comes to running your design business, you suddenly feel lost. Pricing, contracts, permits, marketing, and systems aren’t what you signed up for. You became a designer because you love design, not because you wanted to be an entrepre...

Starting your own interior design business can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff—exciting, but also terrifying. You know you’re meant to design beautiful spaces, but when it comes to business setup, contracts, pricing, or branding, everything suddenly feels overwhelming. You may even wonder, “Can I really do this on my own?” Well, you don’t have to! The smartest and most successful designe...

When you're first stepping into the interior design world, choosing a business name can feel like the defining decision of your entire future. Many designers freeze because they feel pressure to land on the “perfect” name—one that will carry them for decades. But here's the real truth most new creatives don't hear: you grow, and your business grows with you. Your brand name should have...

Starting your interior design business can feel like pure chaos. You’re excited to finally design for real clients, but behind the scenes, you’re juggling endless tasks: client emails, project notes, contracts, invoices, and oh—remembering who said what about that sofa fabric. Without systems, it’s easy to feel disorganized and unprofessional. The truth is, having solid business systems doesn’t bo...

We’ve all been there — you start a remodel excited and full of vision, and then reality hits. A wall isn’t where you thought it was, a material is delayed, or something totally unexpected pops up once construction begins. Suddenly, your dream design feels like it’s slipping away. In this episode, I chat with the multi-passionate designer and entrepreneur Julie Stevens , whose creative journey span...

Does the business side of design intimidate you? Many creatives dream of launching their own interior design business but freeze when it comes to legal paperwork, contracts, licenses, or financial planning. It feels complicated—almost like a foreign language that wasn’t covered in design school. The truth is, understanding the legal and financial setup isn’t as scary as it sounds. When you have a...

Starting an interior design business is exciting—but if you’re like most designers, the legal side of things can feel overwhelming. Should you stay a sole proprietor, form an LLC, or register as an S Corp? What does any of that even mean for your taxes, liability, or peace of mind? In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Feniak, attorney and co-founder of LLCAttorney.com , to talk about how to c...

Have you ever felt like your website or Instagram bio just isn’t landing with your dream clients? Here’s the hard truth: your message isn’t clear! Confused messaging is the #1 reason your dream clients scroll right past your site. You might have a stunning portfolio, a well-defined niche, and years of experience—but if your words don’t communicate your value simply and clearly, potential clients w...

Every interior designer faces this challenge: how do you create a home that looks stunning but also functions seamlessly for daily life? Too often, projects lean too heavily on aesthetics, leaving clients frustrated with inefficient layouts and cluttered spaces. The truth is, beauty without function doesn’t last. In this episode, I sit down with Whitney English, designer, entrepreneur, and author...

Wondering why your message isn’t reaching anyone? It is because you’re trying to appeal to everyone. Many interior designers run into this problem when they haven’t defined their niche. With so many designers out there, those who specialize tend to stand out, get more referrals, and often earn higher fees than generalists. In this episode, I show you how to find or refine your niche so you can sta...

“Residential was never my preference. I landed here because I graduated right as the pandemic hit, and the entire industry stalled—except residential.” Or maybe you’ve caught yourself saying, “I’m bored with residential and want to switch to commercial projects.” Many interior designers find themselves stuck in residential work—not because it’s their passion, but because it was the most accessible...

Do you ever feel like you’re running your design business on autopilot—too busy with client deadlines to pause and ask yourself if this is really the life and business you want? Many interior designers fall into the trap of working nonstop but never taking the time to reflect, reset, and plan ahead. The result? Burnout, scattered focus, missed opportunities for real business breakthroughs, and a b...

Are you tired of sourcing the same mass-produced furniture pieces your clients can find anywhere? Imagine offering them something truly unique—a custom furniture solution that not only fits their space perfectly but also reflects their personality and lifestyle. In this episode, I explore how interior designers can elevate their projects through custom furniture with builder Michael Brinkley. Mich...

Is your interior design business stuck in the weeds or stagnant? You're not alone! Many interior designers get caught up in client work and admin tasks, leaving little time to grow or dream bigger. Breakthroughs don’t usually happen when you’re stuck in your to-do list or working late at the office. They come when you intentionally step back, shift your perspective, and surround yourself with...

What if a side project could turn into a full-blown design career? In this episode, I chat with Bre Hance , founder and principal designer of InHance , who shares how she went from helping her husband with a few design projects to running her thriving interior design and build firm in Los Angeles. She opens up about the early days of her business—starting without a portfolio or website—and how she...

Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough to be a designer? Have you ever thought, “What if my clients discover that I’m not as skilled as they believe I am?” In this final episode of the Mindset Shift Series, I discuss the real struggles that new designers face, such as feelings of insecurity and imposter syndrome. These feelings are completely normal, and even experienced designers go through...

Have you always loved furniture, picking out paint colors, making spaces feel beautiful, or helping friends with their homes, but never thought you could actually get paid for it? That’s exactly how Michelle Lynne felt. In this episode, she shares how she followed a corporate path, managing restaurants and a recruiting firm, until a turning point pushed her to pursue what she truly loved: interior...

“I’m not a numbers person!”   “I just want to design, not run a business!” Does this sound like you? Many interior designers have a passion for dreaming up beautiful spaces, but stepping into the role of a CEO can feel uncomfortable, like wearing a hat that doesn’t quite fit. I understand—I've felt the same way before. In this episode, I share how I changed my mindset and embraced the CEO role...

Do you ever wonder if it’s really possible to switch careers and succeed in interior design—even without a design degree? In this 150th episode, I chat with Caron Woolsey, a self-taught designer who left her job in oil and gas to follow her love for design. What started as decorating her own home turned into a growing business, CW Interiors, with a strong and creative team behind it. Caron shares...

Do you feel nervous, unsure, or even a little awkward before meeting your first design client? You're not alone! Many new interior designers feel pressure to prove themselves; they fear they won’t be taken seriously or worry about saying the wrong thing. Some try to be extra helpful—giving away too many ideas or avoiding money talk—just to impress the client. While these feelings are completel...