Design Curious | Interior Design Career and Business Podcast

During the first six years of my business, I was hoping every month that we'd have all our expenses covered. Running a business this way is not ideal. Understanding your financial statements and managing cash flow can help avoid surprises and reduce stress in your interior design business. That's why, in this episode, I've invited Danielle, a Fractional CFO and founder of 4 Corners CFO...

Do you ever struggle to explain your design ideas to clients? Do you wish you had the right words to help them understand and love your designs? I hear you! In this episode, I walk you through the must-know vocabulary words that every designer starting out needs to incorporate. These are the words I use almost every day, especially when I'm doing presentations or site visits with clients. You&...

Do you struggle with clients who have difficulty visualizing their homes? Well, I have some right now. Despite having 3D renderings of the space, it's not quite hitting the mark. Not everyone can visualize like interior designers, and that's where AI comes in to help! As the world figures out how to use AI effectively in our work, today, I chat with Kasey Hayano, CEO of HomeVisualizer. AI...

As an interior designer, you will make mistakes at some point in your career. Making mistakes is normal, but learning from them can make a huge difference in your projects. In this episode, I share my mistakes in interior design projects (hopefully you won't make the same ones!) and the lessons I have learned from them. This comes from a document called "Lessons Learned," where I kee...

Are you stuck in your interior design business, unsure how to grow or take that next big step? Are you held back by fear and uncomfortable feelings, preventing you from taking action or leaving your comfort zone? In this episode, I dive deep into thinking big with Andrea Liebross, business & life coach and the author of "She Thinks Big." Andrea explains what it means to think big, wh...

Are you doubting your decision to switch careers to interior design, thinking you'll start with a blank slate? Or are you new to the field and feel unprepared because you lack real experience? Here's the thing: you are not going into an interior design career empty-handed. You have a lot of skills and life experience that you can bring forward with you. In this episode, I explore how to tu...

If someone asks if I do staging, I would reply, "No! Only with your existing furniture. I don't have an inventory of furniture." One of the setbacks keeping me from offering a staging service is the investment and inventory, specifically managing and storing it. In today's episode, Marianne, a home stager's coach, enlightened me that staging doesn’t require a large inventory...

Travel is an essential part of a designer's inspiration process. It helps to develop observation skills and think creatively for projects. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Sydney, Australia along with other designers in a mastermind group. I arrived a bit earlier with a couple of my colleagues. We spent a few days exploring the city, taking tours, walking through beaches, snorkeling, a...

Do you ever feel frustrated trying to communicate your design vision to contractors during a renovation or remodel? Many interior designers face this challenge due to a lack of construction knowledge.  In this episode, I interview Elizabeth Lord Levitt, founder of Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design. Elizabeth shares her journey in the remodeling industry and how she developed a deep understandin...

Construction projects can be very intimidating. Understanding its nuances is crucial. In this episode, I delve into the different sizes of construction projects and what to expect every step of the way. I guide you through the process, from small-sized projects like new flooring and lighting to medium-sized remodels like bathrooms and laundry rooms, all the way to larger undertakings such as kitch...

Curious about how to build authority in the design industry through social media? In today's digital world, having a strong online presence is crucial for attracting new clients. However, many interior designers find social media marketing overwhelming. Where do you even start? In this episode, Emma Tesler who transitioned from interior design to founding a digital marketing agency discusses t...

Are you overwhelmed with the chaos of an interior design project? Juggling plans, specs, and endless details can leave you feeling lost in a maze. The solution is...the project binder – your ultimate tool for running your project smoothly from start to finish. In this episode, I discuss the importance of a project site binder and how to set it up effectively to streamline your workflow and keep yo...

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of managing your business and personal life? Or maybe you are like me who uses software and systems like Dubsado but has yet to explore all its features and capabilities. Taryn Rachelle, a seasoned systems expert, shares her journey from diving headfirst into the world of systems to becoming a certified software specialist, navigating the intricaci...

Are you struggling to manage your client's expectations, unsure of how to build a solid relationship while navigating through a project? The challenge of maintaining trust and satisfaction can be daunting, especially in the realm of design. But fear not! In this episode, I share my strategies and insights to help you conquer this hurdle and forge fruitful collaborations. Join me in this episod...

Are you interested in becoming an interior designer but don't know where to start? Don't worry, I had a great conversation with Debbe Daley, a seasoned mentor and interior design expert, who shares her inspiring story, starting from her childhood fascination with sewing and DIY projects to her eventual foray into interior design. Despite initial hurdles and societal pressures, she persever...

Are you a design enthusiast itching to give your home a makeover but need help figuring out where to start? Do you find yourself captivated by Pinterest boards and HGTV shows, dreaming of creating stunning spaces like a professional interior designer? Look no further! In this episode, I introduce you to my DIY furnishing and remodeling courses and downloads to help you bring your design ideas to l...

Exciting news for the design industry! High Point by Design is revolutionizing the way interior designers experience High Point. In today's episode, I share my captivating conversation with Jane Dagmi, the managing director of High Point by Design (HPXD). She shares her journey into the design industry, from her early days at Country Living magazine to her role at High Point by Design. She dis...

Are you struggling to figure out what design style suits you best? Well, I have the solution you have been searching for! In this episode, I introduce my design style quiz , a tool designed to help you uncover your unique design identity. Whether you are a seasoned designer, a design enthusiast, or someone simply curious about interior design, this quiz is your gateway to understanding your person...

Did you know you can incorporate Airstreams and trailers into your Airbnb vacation rental design area? However, designing for Airstreams and trailers is more than a job. It is an art that requires creativity with a side of engineering. In today's episode, I sit down with Nate Stover, founder and creative force behind Innovative Spaces. He shares insights into the niche world of designing small...

Is a trip to the Las Vegas market essential for interior designers? I always make it a point to attend the Las Vegas market as an interior designer, and my recent visit in January was no exception. However, this time was special because I recorded a podcast straight from the heart of the Las Vegas winter market. In today's episode, I share my fresh insights and takeaways from the market, uncov...

Are you curious about the behind-the-scenes of design projects? How does a design expert approach a new project from concept to completion? How does an interior designer juggle creativity with business savvy? Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Marosi White, founder and principal designer of Accent Design & Interiors based in Sacramento. She takes us on a journey through her inspiring c...

Have you ever found yourself lost in a sea of finish selections, unsure of how to choose the right elements for the space you are designing so it won't end up as mismatched puzzle pieces? I get it! Designers often find finish selection daunting, despite it being the fun part where they create the look of the home. Today, I delve into the process of selecting finishes for the spaces you design,...

Podcasting is a good marketing strategy for interior designers. As an interior designer, you are always looking for ways to increase your visibility and reach more potential clients. Have you considered podcasting? Today, I'm chatting with Zandra Zuraw, the brilliant mind behind  Slow Home Style . She highlights the transformative potential of podcasts as a tool for interior designers to showc...

Imagine the thrill of having your interior design project featured on the cover of a magazine, capturing the attention of potential clients, and elevating your professional standing. But how do you make this dream a reality? In today's episode, I share tips on getting your interior design projects published. I also guide you to overcome potential hurdles, such as the need for reshooting by lar...

Is it possible to run a successful business partnership with a family member? On today's episode, you will hear the inspiring story of Susan Hayward and her daughter, Jillian, founders of the award-winning interior design firm, Susan Hayward Interiors, just outside Boston, Massachusetts. Susan, an industry veteran, transitioned from a successful photography business to pursue her true passion...