Business of Design® Podcast | Grow a Profitable Interior Design Business with Kimberley Seldon

What happens when your client wants everything—but their budget says otherwise?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon tackles a common challenge in interior design: clients with unrealistic expectations. When the wish list doesn’t match the budget, it’s up to you—as the professional—to lead the conversation, protect the project, and guide better decisions.

Through a real project example, Kimberley shares how to navigate these situations without losing control, profit, or client trust.

If you’ve ever felt pressured to “make it work” when it simply doesn’t, this episode will give you a smarter way forward.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why interior designers—not clients—must lead project decisions

- How to guide clients toward smarter spending choices

- Why indecision costs clients time and money

- How to prioritize spending for maximum impact

- Why the budget and wish list rarely match—and what to do about it

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

When a client says, “That’s more than I expected…”—what do you do next?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Sam Trattles to break down how interior designers can handle pricing conversations with confidence. Because negotiating your fees isn’t about reacting in the moment—it’s about preparation, positioning, and knowing your value.

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable discussing your fees or unsure how to respond to pushback, this episode will help you approach those conversations strategically—and protect your bottom line.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why preparation is the most important part of successful negotiation

- How to define your ideal client—and when not to negotiate

- Why clear positioning makes pricing conversations easier

- How to confidently communicate your value

- Why negotiation is a skill you can learn and improve over time

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Avoiding your numbers? That’s costing you more than you think.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Nolan Bradbury to break down the key financial metrics every interior designer needs to understand to run a profitable business. Because success isn’t just about intuition—it’s about knowing your numbers and using them to make smarter decisions.

If accounting feels overwhelming or confusing, this conversation will help you simplify the process and focus on the few metrics that actually matter.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why avoiding financial data limits your business growth

- How to work with an accounting partner who speaks your language

- The 3–5 key performance indicators (KPIs) that reveal business health

- Why data-driven decisions lead to better outcomes than intuition alone

- How aligning your business with your personal goals improves clarity and direction

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Sometimes the biggest shifts in your interior design business come from small, uncomfortable truths.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares real insights pulled from recent coaching calls and client projects—covering the patterns she sees over and over again in design businesses that are stuck, stalled, or underperforming.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “fine” but not growing the way you want to, this episode will challenge your thinking and push you toward better decisions.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why making bold changes is often the key to real growth

- How “good enough” holds your business back from greatness

- Why even the best contract won’t protect you if you don’t follow your own process

- How to step into your role as the expert and guide client spending decisions

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Great design isn’t just seen—it’s felt. And the way you communicate that feeling is through storytelling.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Kasper Sierslev to explore how interior designers can use storytelling to market their services, connect with clients, and sell their ideas more effectively. Because marketing isn’t just promotion—it’s the story you tell about the experience you create.

If you’ve ever struggled to explain your value or stand out in a crowded market, this episode will help you rethink how you present your work.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in interior design marketing

- How to use story to sell your projects and services more effectively

- Why marketing is fundamentally about creating a compelling narrative

- How to present a vision and experience—not just a design

- Techniques to stay creative and consistently generate new ideas

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What does it mean to design with intention—for your clients and the planet?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Beth Maricic to explore how interior designers can align their work with sustainability, circular design, and regenerative practices. Because designing for the future isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making thoughtful choices at every stage of a project.

If you want to create spaces that reflect both your values and your client’s needs, this episode will expand how you approach design decisions.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How to incorporate sustainable and regenerative design principles into your projects

- Why choosing recycled, biodegradable, and eco-conscious materials matters

- The importance of sourcing certified organic textiles

- How deconstruction can replace demolition to reduce waste

- How to manage site waste through sorting, donating, and repurposing

- Why repainting, refinishing, and redesigning can extend the life of materials

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Why does your interior design business sometimes feel like feast or famine?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Jameelah Watkins-Mallett to explore how designers can create more consistency, confidence, and abundance—by being intentional about what they say yes to.

Because growth isn’t just about more opportunities. It’s about choosing the right ones.

If you’ve been overcommitting, undercharging, or struggling to set boundaries, this episode will help you step into your role as a business owner with clarity and control.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How small “yeses” shape bigger opportunities over time

- When saying no is the smartest business decision

- Why standing in your power from your first project matters

- How setting minimum design fees protects your time and profit

- How better boundaries lead to stronger, more aligned clients

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Finding your niche in interior design can transform your business—but it rarely happens overnight.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Denean Jackson to share her journey from home staging to specializing in kitchen and bath design. Her path is a powerful reminder that building a successful design career often involves experimentation, self-reflection, and the courage to pivot.

If you’re unsure how to stand out in a crowded market or wondering whether it’s time to specialize, this episode will help you think more strategically about your direction.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why self-assessment is the first step to finding your niche

- How to identify your strengths, passions, and unique expertise

- How to spot opportunities and gaps in the design market

- Why understanding your ideal client shapes your specialization

- How client feedback can guide your business direction

- Why experimenting with different services helps you refine your niche

- The importance of ongoing education and industry learning

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Think 1% doesn’t matter? Think again.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Danielle Hendon to explore a simple but powerful habit that can transform your financial stability: saving just 1% of your revenue.

For interior designers, profitability isn’t just about earning more—it’s about building habits that protect your business long-term. This conversation breaks down how small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful financial growth and reduce burnout.

If you’re tired of working hard without feeling financially secure, this episode offers a practical place to start.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why saving 1% of your revenue can significantly improve financial stability

- How to build the habit of saving without impacting day-to-day operations

- Why training your brain to operate without that 1% strengthens your business

- How to gradually increase savings as your business grows

- Why neglecting savings can lead to stress and burnout

- The three key profit levers you can use to improve your business performance

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Dreaming of taking your interior design business beyond your local market?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Christina Richardson to explore what it really takes to work on design projects in different cities—and even different countries. While out-of-town and international projects can expand your opportunities, they also require stronger systems, better planning, and sharper business practices.

If you’re considering remote or overseas projects, this episode will help you approach them with confidence and strategy.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How to manage interior design projects across multiple time zones

- Why strong systems and procedures are essential for remote work

- How to build a presence in new markets and locations

- When to use PR and communications support to expand your reach

- How distant projects improve efficiency and project management skills

- What to consider when working internationally, including codes, taxes, and regulations

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com