In our latest podcast, our reference article offers seven tips from three interior design experts on improving a home's lighting. Layering light sources beyond a single overhead fixture, installing dimmers on hardwired lights, and avoiding excessive lightare recommended to control mood and prevent discomfort. The designers also emphasize selecting bulbs with the correct color temperature and a high Color Rendering Index (CRI) to ensure accurate color representation. Additionally, they suggest maximizing natural light from windows and caution against relying too heavily on recessed ceiling lights.

Explore strategies for navigating potential price increases and material delays in home renovations, particularly in the context of fluctuating economic conditions like tariffs. It suggests that hoarding materials might seem appealing but isn't the only solution.

Instead, this episode highlights the importance of well-structured contracts, such as "price locks" and "cost-plus" agreements, to secure material costs and provide financial certainty for homeowners. The discussion also emphasizes the value of working with transparent and experienced contractors who can offer insights into cost breakdowns and potentially leverage supplier relationships for better pricing, ultimately protecting homeowners from unexpected expenses and ensuring a smoother project.

A 2025 report from XBD Collective outlines the top ten trends shaping commercial architecture and interior design.These trends emphasize purpose-driven design focused on employee experience, environmental responsibility, and digital integration. Key themes include adaptive workspaces, emotionally intelligent design, nature-infused elements, and smart building technologies. The report also highlights the growing importance of circular design, wellness considerations, cultural identity, acoustic solutions, hospitality-inspired environments, and fluid retail experiences. Ultimately, the success of these projects in 2025 relies heavily on strong client-contractor collaboration.

Citation: Top 10 Commercial Architecture and Interior Design Trends 2025

Brought to you by: Ryan Shapiro Photography

In this episode of the Art & Business of Interior Design, our hosts discuss the article titled "Trump-Era Global Home Decor: Five Defining Shifts," analyzes the significant changes impacting the international home decor industry following the trade policies enacted during Donald Trump's presidency. The piece outlines five key shifts, including the effects of tariffs on Chinese goods, the increasing prominence of India and Brazil as alternative manufacturing hubs, currency devaluations among BRICS nations, and the reshaping of trade routes and regulations. Ultimately, the article serves to inform businesses and consumers about the new landscape of global home decor, emphasizing the need to adapt to these dynamic economic and political forces from 2024 leading into 2025.

The Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) recent federal layoffs are impacting various sectors in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region, including the interior design industry. The DMV area, home to approximately 20% of the 2.4 million civilian federal workforce, is experiencing significant changes due to these reductions.

In this episode of the Art & Business of Interior Design, learn to navigate an often difficult conversation , the art of negotiating higher design fees.  Our hosts discuss the article, Negotiating Higher Interior Design Fees with Confidence, by author Laurie Laizure.

In this episode of the Art & Business of Interior Design, hosts Ryan and Shoshanna Shapiro dive into the transformative power of interior styling for photography. Whether you’re an interior designer prepping for a portfolio shoot, a photographer capturing a client’s vision, or a homeowner showcasing your space, this episode is packed with expert tips and actionable advice to elevate your results.

Ryan shares insights from behind the lens, while Shoshanna offers a designer’s perspective on crafting impeccable details that tell a story. This episode will empower you to create stunning imagery that captures the essence of any interior.

In this episode of The Art & Business of Interior Design we provide a short recap of lessons learned in 2024 before we go silent for the holidays. As we usher in 2025, we have plans to bring you video of our podcast from our YouTube Channel.  

Subscribe now and click on the alert 🔔 bell on our YouTube Channel to start receiving podcast video alerts beginning in 2025.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanShapiroPhotography

Brought to you by Ryan Shapiro, Interior Photographer: Ryan Shapiro Photography

Co-host: Shoshanna Shapiro, Principal Designer, Sho and Co

In this episode of the Art and Business of Interior Design, Southern Living Magazine published an article featuring interviews with several interior designers. The article focuses on nine home décor trends they predict will decline in popularity in 2025. These trends include quick fixes, impersonal spaces, ubiquitous accessories, all-neutral palettes, fast furniture, excessive technology, trendy tile, overused textiles, and fleeting design choices. The designers express a desire for more personalized, sustainable, and timeless design, emphasizing quality over quantity and enduring style over fleeting trends. The article ultimately advocates for individual expression and lasting design aesthetics.

#deepdive #interiordesigners #homedecortrends

Brought to you by: Ryan Shapiro Photography

This episode's sponsor is: Sho and Co

Southern Living Magazine Article:

9 Home Trends Designers Can't Wait to Say Goodbye to in 2025

In this episode of the Art and Business of Interior Design, join hosts Ryan and Shoshanna Shapiro as they dive into the world of interior design, exploring the unexpected impact of tariffs on this creative industry.

Brought to you by: Ryan Shapiro Photography