Design Biz Survival Guide

186: The Art & Impact of Styling with Dorothea Coelho


Listen Later

Today we welcome LA-based interior designer and stylist Dorothea Coelho to the podcast. Dorothea shares her remarkable journey from stand-up comedy to working with one of LA’s top designers and ultimately creating a unique design business model that includes professional styling services. We explore the often-overlooked art of styling, from the thoughtful editing of a space to the logistics of collaborating with photographers and designers. Dorothea offers invaluable insight into the stylist’s role in the design process and shares tips on sourcing, storytelling through objects, and the power of collaboration. If you’re curious about how to level up your next photoshoot or are considering bringing a stylist onto your team, this episode is for you.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

  • Dorothea’s unconventional path from comedy and acting to interior design and styling
  • What it’s like to learn design on the job and the value of mentorship in the field
  • The emotional and visual impact of styling and how it enhances a space
  • Tips for curating vintage and second-hand items with intention
  • The stylist’s role in a collaborative photoshoot and how it differs from a designer’s
  • Sourcing secrets and styling staples that bring a space to life
  • Why kindness, collaboration, and curiosity are essential for success
  • Advice for designers thinking about hiring a stylist for the first time

NOTABLE QUOTES

  • "Every designer is a stylist, but this was like the pressure… everything had to be done. It was like being at the Olympics."
  • "A room is like a song. What the songwriter intended might be one thing, but how we interpret it could be another."
  • "Just remember that we’re here to help. It’s not a competition—it’s a collaboration."
  • "You have to love your space. If you don’t love it, take it out of the shot."

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

  • Dorothea Coelho on Instagram
  • Brave Used World on Instagram
  • Register for Design Biz Retreat

SPONSOR LINKS

  • Design Manager — Project management and accounting software for interior designers
  • Daniel House Club — Trade purchasing from 150+ vendors with exclusive pricing
  • Hooker Furnishings — High-quality furnishings and personalized design support
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Design Biz Survival GuideBy Design Biz Survival Guide

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

62 ratings


More shows like Design Biz Survival Guide

View all
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design  Business Podcast by LuAnn Nigara

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

767 Listeners

How to Decorate by Ballard Designs

How to Decorate

830 Listeners

Business of Design ® | Interior Designers, Decorators, Architects & Landscapers by Kimberley Seldon

Business of Design ® | Interior Designers, Decorators, Architects & Landscapers

205 Listeners

Business of Home Podcast by Business of Home, Dennis Scully

Business of Home Podcast

424 Listeners

Profit Is A Choice by Michele Williams | Business Coach | Podcaster |Speaker

Profit Is A Choice

55 Listeners

Designed by Wingnut Social | Interior Design Business by Darla Powell

Designed by Wingnut Social | Interior Design Business

243 Listeners

Dear Alice | Interior Design by Alice Lane

Dear Alice | Interior Design

1,492 Listeners

Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast by Hot Young Designers Club

Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast

113 Listeners

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay by Rebecca Hay

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

44 Listeners

Designed for the Creative Mind by Michelle Lynne

Designed for the Creative Mind

46 Listeners

Only Girl On The Jobsite by Renee Biery

Only Girl On The Jobsite

70 Listeners

Trade Tales by Business of Home, Kaitlin Petersen

Trade Tales

72 Listeners

The Interior Collective by IDCO Studio

The Interior Collective

284 Listeners

Designer's Oasis by Kate Bendewald

Designer's Oasis

59 Listeners

Ideas of Order by California Closets and SURROUND Podcast Network

Ideas of Order

125 Listeners