Most interior designers want more profit, more stability, and less financial stress—but the idea of “saving more” often feels overwhelming. In this episode, Danielle Hendon breaks down a simple, sustainable strategy that any design professional can start today: saving just 1% of all revenue and putting it out of sight, where it can quietly grow into a real financial buffer. It may sound small, but this habit builds confidence, financial resilience, and a margin of safety your business desperately needs. Danielle explains how this 1% shift changes your behavior—helping you become more intentional with spending, more strategic with pricing, and more disciplined in how you manage cash flow. If you’ve ever avoided looking at your numbers or felt anxious about unexpected expenses, this conversation offers a doable first step toward a more profitable, stable design business. In this episode we learn: - How taking 1% of all revenue and putting it in a separate account builds financial strength - Why training your brain to operate without that 1% increases creative problem-solving - How to build a consistent savings habit—even if you’ve struggled with it before - When (and how) to increase from 1% to 2% once the habit feels easy - Why always putting your own needs last leads to burnout and financial vulnerability - The three profit levers you can pull in your interior design business to increase sustainability

What would it take for your interior design business to run smoothly—without you being involved in every decision, every email, every crisis? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares how she went from burnout and bottlenecks to spending a full month in Barcelona while her business continued to operate beautifully in her absence. This is not a story about working harder. It’s about installing repeatable systems, clear responsibilities, and structured communication so your firm stops depending on you for every answer. Kimberley walks through the exact frameworks that replaced overwhelm with clarity and turned a chaotic workflow into a consistent, predictable, profitable design business. If your goal next year is more freedom, less micromanaging, and a business that finally supports the life you want, this episode offers both inspiration and practical direction. In this episode we learn: - How systems—not hustle—took Kimberley from burnout to a month of freedom in Barcelona - How the BOD™ 15 keeps every interior design project on track without constant oversight - How the Trade Partner Agreement eliminates confusion, empowers trades, and reduces interruptions - Why a Client Communication Framework is the secret to repeat work, referrals, and conflict-free projects - The essentials of a profit protocol that ensures sustainable earnings on every job - Why your business can’t thrive until you stop being indispensable—and how systems make that possible

If your marketing plan for your interior design business feels like “post more” or “try harder,” this episode is the reset you need. Kimberley Seldon and marketing strategist Daniela Furtado break down a practical, high-impact 12-month marketing plan designed specifically for interior designers who want more visibility, more ideal clients, and more consistent inquiries. This roadmap cuts through the noise and replaces random, reactive marketing with a clear, strategic approach you can actually maintain. From choosing a profitable niche to improving your Google Maps ranking, optimizing your website, and turning case studies into client-magnet content—Daniela and Kimberley show you what to do, when to do it, and what you can safely ignore. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start marketing like a CEO, this episode gives you the structure and clarity you’ve been missing. In this episode you will learn: - Why most marketing plans fail after 3.7 months—and the simple fix - How to analyze past clients to identify your most profitable niche - The easiest way to increase visibility using Google Maps reviews - How to design a service page that Google actually ranks - Why case studies are your most powerful tool for attracting better clients - What to focus on each month to build steady, predictable growth - How to forecast your marketing plan like a CEO—not a guesser

What if the key to earning more in your interior design business was doing less? In this electric conversation, Kimberley Seldon sits down with entrepreneur and former Google Ads mogul Kasim Aslam, who scaled and sold an eight-figure business by mastering one skill designers desperately need: making himself irrelevant. Kasim explains why most creative professionals trap themselves in jobs instead of building real companies—and how to break that cycle by letting go of control, leveraging your team, and building systems that generate revenue without your constant involvement. His take is blunt, funny, and packed with insights that will challenge everything you believe about work, success, and growth. If you’ve ever said, “I can’t find good help,” “no one works like I do,” or “I don’t have time to scale,” this episode will shake you awake and show you a different path—one where your business thrives because you’re no longer in the center of every task. In this episode we learn: - Why you must stop trading time for money to grow your design business - The four leverage points that create scalability: programs, processes, people, and products - How to hire top talent without fearing they’ll outgrow you - How to build systems that generate revenue while you’re away - Why the goal isn’t to be “redundant” but to become irrelevant in the best possible way - How to negotiate more boldly—in business and in life

What if the secret to a more profitable interior design business is doing less, not more? In this inspiring episode, Kimberley Seldon reconnects with designer and former BOD™ member Lori Steeves, who made a bold shift: stepping away from high-stress renovation projects and choosing the work she genuinely loves. The result? More creativity. More joy. More profit. Lori shares how she reframed success, stopped glorifying busyness, and rebuilt her business around fulfillment, not frenzy. With systems that support her, a team she trusts, and the courage to say no strategically, she created a design practice that protects her time, energy, and passion. For interior designers who feel stretched thin, burned out, or stuck in the cycle of “more, more, more,” this conversation will show you a new model of success—one where your business works for you, not the other way around. In this episode you will learn: - Why busyness is not a badge of honor—and how to stop measuring success by hours worked - How focusing on the work you genuinely love increases profitability and joy - Why systems are not constraints but the foundation for creative freedom - How strategic delegation frees your time and empowers your team - Why saying no is a business superpower - How profitability relies on margin, not top-line revenue - How to design a business that supports the life you want

Great clients don’t want endless options—they want a confident expert who can guide them to the right solution. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with celebrated designer Laura Stein to explore why offering too many choices dilutes your authority, slows down projects, and leaves clients feeling overwhelmed. Laura shares how narrowing your focus, standing firmly behind your design decisions, and aligning your brand voice with the clients you want to attract can completely transform your client experience. From asking smarter questions to understanding true motivations, this conversation shows you how to lead with clarity, conviction, and professionalism. If you’ve ever struggled with clients second-guessing you, requesting endless revisions, or treating you like a decorator instead of a strategic partner, this episode will give you the tools to step into your authority—without sacrificing warmth, creativity, or collaboration. In this episode you will learn: - Why clients want solutions, not a buffet of options - How to stand confidently behind your design choices - How to align your brand voice with your ideal client - The questions that reveal a client’s true motivations - How to build systems and hire to complement your weaknesses - Why guiding—not overwhelming—your clients leads to smoother projects and stronger relationships

In the interior design industry, clarity is power—and a well-built operations manual may be the most valuable asset in your entire business. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by design duo Marli Jones and Michael Kreuser, who share how clearly defining roles, documenting responsibilities, and building strong systems has allowed their firm to function smoothly and creatively. Whether you're running a partnership, leading a team, or operating solo, the way you divide tasks determines everything: profitability, stress levels, project quality, client satisfaction, and your ability to scale. Marli and Michael reveal how they delegate procurement and project management, maintain clean boundaries with contracts and agreements, and empower their team with trust and accountability. This is a must-listen for designers who want fewer bottlenecks, stronger collaboration, and a business that can grow without relying on them for every decision. In this episode you will learn: - Why establishing clear roles and responsibilities eliminates confusion - How to define ownership and decision-making authority from the start - Why contracts and agreements keep partnerships clean and professional - How to build systems before you delegate to ensure consistent results - Why separating creative work from operations increases efficiency and balance - How to foster a culture that accepts mistakes and learns from them - How to choose clients based on fit—not just budget or project size - How process and structure create more space for creativity - How to empower your team with trust, autonomy, and shared accountability - Ways to nurture strong relationships with clients, trades, and vendors

Professional photography isn’t a luxury for interior designers—it’s a growth strategy. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon and interiors photographer Candice Brooke dive into the transformative power of high-quality imagery and how it impacts everything from client attraction to project visibility to your firm's perceived value. Candice shares expert insights on preparing your space for a shoot, creating a strategic shot list, and collaborating effectively with photographers who understand the interior design industry. You’ll also learn how to maximize your images across platforms—from your portfolio and website to social media and press opportunities—so your work gets the attention it deserves. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just beginning to build your portfolio, this conversation will show you why investing in photography is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your brand, credibility, and business growth. In this episode you will learn: - How professional photography drives business growth and client acquisition - Essential tips for preparing a space for a photo shoot (lighting, styling, decluttering) - How to build a strategic shot list tailored to each project - The value of working with photographers who have industry connections - How to leverage your images for maximum exposure across social media and your website - The evolving role—and current limitations—of AI in interior design photography - Practical advice for new designers working with limited budgets

AI is no longer a futuristic idea—it’s a practical tool reshaping how interior designers work, create, and deliver value. In this forward-thinking episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Nithya Subramaniam, an architect turned product and experience designer, about the real ways AI can transform your design practice today. Rather than replacing designers, AI has the power to enhance creativity, reduce repetitive tasks, improve decision-making, and streamline entire workflows. Nithya breaks down how AI tools can generate spatial concepts, evaluate environmental conditions, integrate data for smarter solutions, and help designers iterate in real time. From climate adaptation to sustainable materials, AI is unlocking new levels of insight and efficiency. If you’ve been wondering how AI will impact your business—or how to start using it confidently—this episode will give you the clarity and inspiration you need. AI is here to stay, and the designers who embrace it early will have a major advantage. In this episode we learn: - Why AI supports rather than replaces designers by automating routine tasks - How AI tools generate spatial solutions based on real design project needs - How real-time iteration enables faster, more creative design development - How integrated data powers future-focused design, from sustainability to climate adaptation - How AI agents optimize resources, track carbon impact, and streamline timelines

Originally aired in 2017, this classic conversation with branding expert Bruce Philp remains just as relevant today. In Part 2 of You Are a Brand, Bruce Philp and Kimberley Seldon explore what happens when interior designers stop minimizing their value and fully step into the authority their clients are looking for. As Bruce says, “Taking yourself seriously has power. It says you are playing a longer game.” When you embrace your brand with intention, you signal confidence, clarity, and leadership—qualities clients instinctively trust. And when you allow imposter syndrome to run the show, you risk sending the opposite message. This episode dives into the mindset shifts, practical habits, and brand-building strategies that help design professionals move past self-doubt and into a more powerful, more profitable version of themselves. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Practical ways to combat and outsmart imposter syndrome - What it looks like when clients fully trust your expertise - Why clients want you to step confidently into the role of “the answer” - How intentional brand development strengthens your leadership - Why striving to learn beats striving for perfection - How to create a positive client experience that builds loyalty - Why your stories matter—and how they reinforce your credibility

Upselling and cross-selling aren’t pushy sales tactics—they’re powerful tools that allow interior designers to elevate the client experience and grow revenue without adding more hours to their workload. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon breaks down how to confidently recommend premium products, enhancements, and complementary services that genuinely improve project outcomes. You’ll learn how to identify high-impact opportunities within your existing projects, how to present upgrades with integrity, and how small suggestions can turn modest jobs into remarkable results. With the right mindset and language, upselling becomes an act of service—helping clients get the best version of their project while increasing profitability for your firm. If you want to maximize value, strengthen client relationships, and generate more revenue without taking on more clients, this episode will show you exactly how to do it. In this episode, you will learn: - The difference between upselling and cross-selling—and when to use each - How to confidently present premium upgrades without feeling pushy - Why integrity is essential when recommending enhancements - Real examples of turning small projects into significant opportunities - Strategies to grow revenue without increasing your workload - How to unlock the potential of your current client relationships

Originally aired in 2017, this foundational conversation with branding expert Bruce Philp remains essential listening for any interior designer wanting to strengthen their identity, increase client trust, and build a brand that stands out. As Bruce puts it, “People don’t buy our product. They buy the belief that we can create and deliver the product. They buy our brand.” In Part 1, Kimberley Seldon and Bruce Philp explore why branding is far more than a logo or tagline—it's the belief system your clients choose when they hire you. You’ll learn the core elements of a healthy brand, how small business owners can borrow cues from big companies to establish credibility, and the subtle ways entrepreneurs unintentionally undermine their own authority. This episode will help you step into your brand with clarity, intention, and the confidence clients expect from a professional. What you’ll learn in this episode: - The three components of a healthy brand every business needs - Why outsourcing parts of your brand experience can strengthen client perception - How adopting the appearance of a corporation builds client confidence - The three common ways entrepreneurs give away their power - How to use purpose, positioning, and character to build a recognizable, trustworthy brand - Why clients choose brands based on belief—not just the work itself

In this episode of the Business of Design® Podcast, Kimberley Seldon sits down with interior designer and bestselling author Erin Gates to explore the principles behind Elements of Timeless Style. Erin shares how to create interiors that feel fresh today while aging gracefully—spaces rooted in quality, personal story, and thoughtful design rather than fleeting trends. From navigating the emotional experience of building a home to fostering a smooth and collaborative client process, Erin offers practical insights for designers who want their work to feel meaningful, enduring, and deeply personal. You’ll learn why flexibility matters, how to plan for inevitable changes, and why investing in the right team and materials leads to better outcomes every time. Whether you're designing a client’s forever home or simply striving to produce work that lasts, this episode will help you refine your approach to timeless, story-driven design. In this episode we learn: - Why timeless design matters—and how it naturally evolves with the homeowner - How a smooth, collaborative design process enhances the final result - The emotional side of building a home and honoring the client’s story - Why embracing flexibility is essential—because things will change - Why quality over quantity is the foundation of timeless style - How to design a space that feels like a forever home (even if the client isn’t staying forever)

Some of the most valuable business lessons come from hard-earned experience—and in this episode, interior designer Diana Wagenbach shares the insights that transformed her business from overwhelmed to overjoyed. Kimberley Seldon sits down with Diana to break down five game-changing takeaways that every designer can apply, no matter where they are in their journey. Diana talks about why waiting for the “perfect system” only slows you down, and how starting with the tools you have can spark real momentum. She sheds light on one of the biggest profitability killers in the industry—not tracking your time—and explains how consistent time-tracking leads to accurate estimating, healthier margins, and fewer surprise losses. The conversation also includes a candid look at saying no to the wrong projects, hiring with intention, and letting go of the myth that doing everything yourself is a badge of honor. If you’re ready to streamline your workflow, increase profitability, and build a business that feels lighter and more joyful, this episode is packed with honest, practical advice you can use right away. In this episode you will learn: - Why you shouldn’t wait for the perfect time or system—start where you are - The financial cost of underestimating time and failing to track your hours - How consistent time-tracking protects your profitability and improves project estimating - Why you must stop saying yes too soon (and too often) - How hiring without defined roles leads to confusion and costly mistakes - Why “doing it all” isn’t a badge of honor—and what to focus on instead

Procurement shouldn’t be a financial burden—it should be one of the most profitable parts of your interior design business. In this episode of Business of Design®, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Jennifer VanderMeer, a longtime interior designer who now works on the supplier side with Aquavato, a global leader in luxury plumbing. Jennifer shares the procurement strategies that allow designers to offer concierge-level service while increasing profitability—not sacrificing it. From understanding MAP vs. MSRP to strengthening vendor relationships, Jennifer reveals the insider knowledge most designers never get access to. You’ll learn how trade pricing really works, how strong supplier partnerships can help you avoid costly mistakes, and why procurement is ultimately about delivering exceptional value through solutions, relationships, and expertise. If you’ve ever struggled with pricing, felt unsure how to protect margin, or wondered how to deliver white-glove service without eroding profit, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need. In this episode you will learn: - How understanding MAP vs. MSRP can transform your pricing and profitability - Why trade pricing doesn’t mean trade-offs - How strong supplier partnerships prevent mistakes, speed up sourcing, and improve outcomes - Why procurement is fundamentally about solutions, service, and value - How to deliver concierge-level service and remain profitable - How disbursements can create an additional, transparent profit center in your business

What happens when interior design meets entrepreneurship, experimentation, and bold creative vision? In this inspiring episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Christina Samatas and Renee DiSanto, the powerhouse duo behind Park & Oak, to explore their ten-year journey from independent designers to leaders of a thriving design, retail, and event brand. Their story is a masterclass in taking risks, embracing pivots, and building multiple income streams that support and elevate their core design business. Christina and Renee share how they followed intuition rather than a traditional roadmap, why collaboration became their competitive advantage, and how saying yes to new opportunities—even imperfect ones—helped them grow faster and smarter. For interior designers dreaming of expanding their business, diversifying revenue, or stepping into larger possibilities, this episode offers real-world insight into scaling with creativity, courage, and intention. In this episode you will learn: - Why the path to your ideal design business is rarely straight - How multiple revenue streams can complement and strengthen your design firm - Why experimentation, failure, and refinement are essential to growth - How partnering with people who complement your strengths creates true synergy - Why memorable design experiences can lead to your next best clients - Why rolling up your sleeves, learning as you go, and making mistakes is part of the entrepreneurial process

Outdoor spaces aren’t separate from interior design—they’re a powerful extension of it. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with landscape architect Steve Griggs, who has spent more than 40 years transforming backyards into beautiful, functional sanctuaries. Steve makes a compelling case for why interior designers should integrate landscape design into their scope of work (SOW) and partner with landscape professionals from the very beginning of a project. By collaborating early with builders and landscape architects, designers can ensure cohesive, elevated results that clients are willing—and eager—to invest in. Steve shares practical insights on budgeting, hardscape planning, and how outdoor spaces can become a profitable addition to your services. If you’ve ever wondered how to expand your offerings or increase project value, this conversation will show you exactly why landscape belongs in the conversation. In this episode you will learn: - Why early collaboration between designers, builders, and landscape architects leads to stronger results - How outdoor spaces function as a natural extension of interior design - Why you should charge confidently for your expertise—clients will pay for value - How to approach a blank outdoor canvas starting with hardscape - When it’s better to delay a project than move forward with an insufficient budget

If your creative brain feels like 42 browser tabs open at once—none playing music you actually like—you’re not alone. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation, to unpack why overwhelm is so common among interior designers and creative entrepreneurs—and why most traditional productivity advice simply doesn’t work for creative minds. Skye explains why ADHD-style thinking shows up so frequently in entrepreneurship (diagnosis or not), and how understanding how your brain is wired can completely change the way you work. This conversation blends science-backed insights with practical, realistic strategies that help you stop forcing productivity—and start building systems that actually support your creativity. Expect relatable laughs, permission to work differently, and tools you can use immediately to reduce overwhelm and regain momentum (yes, including why rewards—like ice cream—sometimes come before the work). What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why ADHD strategies benefit everyone, especially creative entrepreneurs - How to start with a brain dump and narrow down what’s truly urgent - Why rewarding yourself first can create momentum and motivation - How breaking tasks into micro-steps makes follow-through easier - How dopamine affects focus—and why your playlist and workspace matter - Why you’re not lazy—your system might just be broken - How to give yourself permission to work differently and still succeed

Burnout doesn’t always arrive as a dramatic breaking point. Sometimes it shows up quietly—in the middle of a beautiful project, a full calendar, and a business that looks successful from the outside. In this candid solo episode, Kimberley Seldon shares her personal burnout moment and the pivotal shifts that helped her move from hustle to sustainability. Kimberley opens up about the emotional cost of chronic over-commitment, saying yes past capacity, and slowly losing the creative spark that drew her to design in the first place. She walks through the practical, often uncomfortable decisions required to reclaim energy, redefine capacity, and restructure a business so it supports—not drains—the person running it. If you’re exhausted, overbooked, or quietly wondering how long you can keep going at this pace, this episode offers clarity, permission, and a path forward. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why burnout doesn’t always look like a breakdown—and often hides in “successful” businesses - How sustainable change often begins with one small but bold decision - Why defining and honoring your true capacity is a strategic business move - How raising your rates can reduce workload while increasing revenue - Why a signature process saves time, builds confidence, and improves the client experience - Why protecting your energy isn’t selfish—it’s essential for creativity and long-term success

Sales is one of the most misunderstood—and unnecessarily feared—parts of running an interior design business. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with sales expert Nikki Rausch to dismantle the myth that selling is pushy, awkward, or “icky.” Instead, Nikki reframes sales as what it truly is: service. This conversation is packed with practical strategies that help designers approach sales with clarity, confidence, and integrity. From handling rejection without taking it personally, to spotting subtle buying signals and reviving quiet client pipelines, Nikki shares tools that feel good and get results. Whether your business is booming or you’re feeling a slowdown, this episode will help you reconnect with past clients, strengthen relationships, and show up to sales conversations in a way that aligns with your values—and your expertise. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why sales isn’t sleazy—it’s about solving problems your clients already have - How to reframe rejection and understand why “no” often means “not yet” - What a client’s “convincer strategy” is and how to follow up effectively - How to spot buying signals without fear or pressure - Why past clients are your most valuable sales opportunity - How to ask for referrals without feeling awkward or self-promotional - Why soft selling works—and how to always offer a clear next step