Design Curious | Interior Design Career and Business Podcast

Did you know that remodeling your home or personal space can be the ultimate launchpad to jumpstart your career in interior design? In this episode, I share the wisdom gained from the recent renovation of my home, highlighting the significance of treating your home as a training ground to refine your design skills and to understand the project management part of an interior design project. Being y...

Can a seasoned interior designer veteran transition into eDesign? Is eDesign a viable starting point for someone new to the interior design scene? In today's episode, I sit down with Amanda Foster, an interior design consultant and brand identity mentor with a knack for helping struggling businesses flip their fortunes. Having shifted from traditional design to becoming a brand identity consul...

Color is one of the great foundations of interior design. If you understand color, then you can do great design. However, color is a tricky topic because it is subjective and changes depending on the light source.  In today's episode, I guide you through the basics of color theory and the magic that happens when colors complement or harmonize. I explore how color shapes our emotions, influence...

The most-asked question of someone new to running a design business is, "How can I attract my ideal client?" or "What is the most effective approach to attract a consistent stream of new clients?" If you don't want to miss the answers to these questions and more, tune in to today's episode. My special guest, Kate the Socialite, a renowned marketing expert in the home in...

Are you looking for a worthy podcast to binge on during the holidays or add to your playlist in 2024?  In this episode, I am sharing a snapshot of the podcasts I am currently listening. From must-listens like "The Business of Design" with Kimberly Selden to guilt-free pleasures like "The Office Ladies," you will have a playlist that can transform your commute and make the most...

It is at this time of the year when many of us think about setting goals for 2024. There is much excitement and hope in the air. But for those who struggle with maintaining focus or feel overwhelmed by the prospect of setting and achieving goals, this must be a challenging time. In this episode, I sit down with Sierra Collins, a Full-Focus Planner coach I've worked with for several years. She...

Do you struggle to identify your priorities and stay focused on achieving your goals? In this week's episode, I talk about what it means to be fully focused and its significance in achieving your career goals, especially if you are considering a path in interior design. This is a prelude to next week's interview with Sierra Collins, a seasoned full-focus planner coach, and a deep dive into...

Could landscape design be a game-changer for interior designers? Is there a common ground that brings the principles of both worlds together? In this episode, I share a fun and fascinating conversation with Steve, a seasoned landscape designer with nearly 40 years of experience. He reveals the secrets behind his journey into landscape design, emphasizing how the principles align with interior desi...

"How does the living space impact my client's daily life and mental health?" Interior Designers must ask this question before designing spaces for their clients. In today's episode, I talk about the psychology of design and environmental psychology, and its profound impact on interior design. As I unravel Maslow's hierarchy of needs , I explore how shelter is a fundamental ne...

Function plays a critical role in the creative field, where aesthetics should complement comfort and usability. Understanding your client's needs and habits to create spaces that support their purpose and lifestyles will set you apart and earn you acclaim and success. No one knows this better than today's guest, Anna Popov, who is not easily influenced by the crowd or by trends but instead...

Looking for mentorship to help you launch your interior design career or start your design business? Look no further! In today's episode, I am giving you an inside look at My Design Mentor program, a 12-module mentorship program that will guide you from being a non-designer to a successful designer. The My Design Mentor program covers topics like employee vs. entrepreneur decisions, managing f...

What does it take to become an award-winning interior designer featured in Boston's top publications? What steps are needed to easily transition from commercial to residential design services? How can you leverage your education and experience to start your design firm? My special guest, Justine Sterling, will tell you. I had a great time talking with Justine, an industry veteran with over thr...

What kind of experience do you give your clients? Building on our last episode's discussion on charging your interior design skills, I explore the crucial flip side—the luxury experience that should accompany a premium or luxury price. Charging a premium or a luxury price requires you to deliver a premium or a luxury product and service. After all, Interior Design is a luxury service. Today, o...

Are you struggling with running your interior design business successfully? Imagine having the confidence to handle any project and know exactly what steps to take. Today, I'm chatting with Laura Thornton, a renowned interior designer & podcast host, on the three fundamental pillars (and I say, a must-have!) that propelled her to run and elevate her Interior Design business. Tune in to hea...

How do you get paid for your interior design fees? How do you charge clients for your design projects? Getting paid as an interior designer, whether you are a solopreneur or working for a design firm, is a hot topic at the conventions and markets, as well as within the interior design business coaching classes and courses. The struggles of pricing your creative work and determining your value are...

Are you struggling to grow your interior design business? Are you looking for ways to be more profitable while keeping your clients satisfied? If this is you, you will love my conversation with one of my colleagues in the Sacramento area. Cathy Tonks's career path from bridal consultant to thriving interior designer is a testament to resilience, eagerness to learn new things, and creativity. S...

Is traditional schooling required to become an interior designer? This is a question I am often asked, and I asked it of my guest as well. Today, I am answering that question with clarity and inspiration, along with the other frequently asked questions I get from my listeners. And if you've ever pondered the difference between an interior designer and a decorator, I also delve into the nuances...

Do you have a passion for design but are stuck or feel trapped in your current job? In today's episode, I chat with my dear friend DeAnna Mackensen , a retired interior designer in Northern California. She shares her creative journey that started with her innate love for creativity and making things. She also shares her experience of learning from others and how it has shaped her career as an...

ONE YEAR ON THE PODCAST?! Can you even believe it? A year ago, we launched this podcast - Design Curious - and it is a whole year of incredible adventure. From figuring out how to even do podcasts to writing the episodes and interviewing people, it has all been an enjoyable process for me. I love doing it! In this special episode, I talk about the journey from the first three episodes to now, Epis...

In the world of Interior Designer websites, where a single picture can resonate with a thousand words, is copy truly essential? Or is it only a waste of resources? Yes, your photos should speak volumes. They should speak for themselves. So the question is, do you still need words on your website? Can the pictures alone grab people's attention in just a few minutes? Today on the podcast, I chat...

Interior Designers are typically perfectionists. For every design project, they spend countless hours tweaking and refining to produce the best design. Although they strive for perfection, they still feel unsatisfied. As a result, they become exhausted and frustrated, questioning whether their work will ever be good enough.  If this is you, then it's time to break free from the cycle of perfec...

Are you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the lack of success in your creative endeavors despite your best efforts?  You may be pouring countless hours into perfecting your designs but struggling to attract clients or generate sales. Maybe you're trying to navigate the complexities of running a business, but finding it difficult to make strategic decisions or manage finances effectively. T...

Did you know that wallpaper is still way in? Are you open to using wallpaper in your design projects? In today’s episode, I have a fascinating conversation with Selena Lewis, a professional interior designer known for her eclectic style. We dive into her journey in the design world, how she started her business, her unique design style, and her expertise in incorporating playful wallpapers, rich t...

Does your website leave a strong online impression and attract those premium clients you've been dreaming of? To build a website that continues to bring new & premium clients, you need to take a strategic approach. In today's episode, we delve into the key elements that can make or break your interior design website. Our special guest, Robyn White of RDW Design Studio, shares her exper...

Hey, curious creatives! I've got something exciting to share with you all. I created a fun quiz to help you find out what type of interior designer you should be. It's quick and easy, with just six simple questions, and you'll gain valuable insights into your personal style, design preferences, and the type of environments that fuel your creative fire. The quiz will ultimately lead you...