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

What if better systems could transform not just your business—but your life?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Holli Appelquist to share what happened after she implemented the Business of Design® structured systems in her interior design business. The results? Increased profitability, improved team performance, and finally achieving the work-life balance that once felt out of reach.

This conversation shows how systems aren’t restrictive—they’re the foundation for freedom, confidence, and sustainable growth.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How implementing systems can increase profit and reduce overwhelm

- Why defining your mission and values strengthens your business decisions

- The role integrity plays in building a successful design firm

- How systems create space for more time off and better work-life balance

- Why delegation becomes easier—and more effective—with clear processes

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What if starting over was exactly what your interior design business needed?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Holli Appelquist and her team to share how implementing Business of Design™ systems completely transformed their company—in just one year. From increased profitability to better team performance and more personal freedom, this is a powerful example of what’s possible when you stop guessing and start following proven processes.

If you’ve been working hard but not seeing the results you expected, this episode will challenge you to rethink how your business operates.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How to intentionally target and achieve higher profitability

- Why defining your mission and values creates stronger business decisions

- How systems simplify hiring, onboarding, and team training

- Why hiring adjacent roles can strengthen your design firm

- How systems allow you to take on more projects while working less

- Why structure and process lead to greater confidence as a business owner

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Designing a beautiful kitchen is one thing—designing a kitchen that actually works is another.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Chef Maddy Goldberg, who brings a unique perspective from cooking in hundreds of homes. Together, they explore how interior designers can create kitchens that are not only visually stunning but highly functional for real life.

If you design kitchens and want to better serve your clients, this episode will help you think beyond aesthetics and focus on how the space is truly used.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- The key questions to ask clients before starting a kitchen renovation

- How to design kitchens that function efficiently for everyday use

- Common kitchen design mistakes (and chef pet peeves) to avoid

- Why understanding how clients cook improves your design decisions

- How saying yes to opportunities can grow your design business

- Tips for staying consistent and motivated with social media

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Nervous about speaking on camera or presenting your work?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Jennifer Convy to share practical media training tips for interior designers who want to show up confidently—whether on stage, on camera, or in client presentations.

Because visibility grows your business—and confidence is a skill you can learn.

If you’ve ever felt anxious about being in the spotlight, this episode will give you simple techniques to turn nerves into energy and show up with authority.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- A simple technique to manage nerves and reduce fear instantly

- What to practice before speaking or presenting

- How to prepare for media appearances with confidence

- Why visibility is key to growing your interior design business

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Dreaming of an assistant who can finally get you out of the weeds?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Gina Cotner to break down what it really takes to hire and work with an assistant in your interior design business. Because the goal isn’t just getting help—it’s creating the capacity to grow, stay organized, and focus on higher-value work.

If you’re overwhelmed, overworked, or unsure when to hire, this episode will help you take the first step toward effective delegation.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How to identify which tasks to keep—and which to delegate

- Why outsourcing tasks you dislike can free up time and energy

- How to prepare for hiring by creating training systems in advance

- Why recognizing your team helps retain great staff

- How to delegate even the tasks you enjoy to focus on growth

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What does it really mean to be the expert in your interior design business?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon breaks down why expertise isn’t about experience alone—it’s about mindset, leadership, and the systems you rely on to guide your decisions.

Because when you truly step into your role as the expert, everything changes: your confidence, your client relationships, and your profitability.

If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself or struggled to lead clients with authority, this episode will help you shift your thinking.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why expertise starts with mindset—not years of experience

- How systems support confident decision-making and leadership

- Why you must see yourself as the expert (and the value)

- How leading your clients creates better outcomes

- Why not every client will follow—and why that’s okay

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What if your clients could feel like they’re living in a luxury hotel—every single day?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Darcy Guttwein to explore how interior designers can elevate their projects by drawing inspiration from high-end hotel experiences. From thoughtful details to intentional design moments, this approach transforms everyday living into something memorable and meaningful.

If you want to create standout spaces that go beyond aesthetics and deliver a true lifestyle experience, this episode will inspire a new way of thinking.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How to translate luxury hotel experiences into residential design

- Why acting as a “concierge” elevates your client experience

- How to extract design inspiration from travel and hospitality spaces

- Why entryways set the tone for the entire home

- How to design every space with intention—even the overlooked ones

- How to create emotional impact through daily rituals and thoughtful details

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Design projects don’t always go as planned—and sometimes, that’s where the best lessons come from.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon takes the stage at KBIS 2024 for a lively panel discussion on the humorous (and painful) realities of running an interior design business. From unexpected client requests to project mishaps, this conversation highlights the unpredictable side of design—and what experienced professionals have learned along the way.

If you’ve ever faced a design disaster or needed a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode delivers both insight and a few laughs.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Real-life interior design challenges and how professionals handle them

- Common client scenarios that test your patience and creativity

- Lessons learned from project mistakes and unexpected outcomes

- How humor and perspective can help you navigate difficult situations

- Why experience—and resilience—are key to long-term success

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What if real change in your business didn’t come from doing more—but from thinking differently?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Cortney McDermott to explore how shifting your attention and awareness can transform both your life and your interior design business. From mindset to client relationships, this conversation highlights how small internal shifts can create powerful external results.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, distracted, or overwhelmed, this episode offers a different way forward—one rooted in clarity, focus, and intention.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why what you focus on expands—and how to use that to your advantage

- How to direct your attention to improve business outcomes

- Why active listening leads to better client results

- How a client’s environment impacts their well-being and productivity

- Strategies for managing comparison and social media pressure

- How decluttering your space can help declutter your mind

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Is your interior design business stuck in a feast-or-famine cycle?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Danielle Hendon to break down how designers can manage inconsistent revenue, reduce financial stress, and build a more stable, profitable business.

Because fluctuations are normal—but financial chaos doesn’t have to be.

If you’ve ever felt anxious during slow periods or unsure how to prepare for them, this episode will help you take control of your numbers and plan ahead with confidence.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How to manage cash flow through feast-and-famine cycles

- Why ignoring your financials puts your business at risk

- The importance of tracking real numbers—not relying on gut feelings

- How your balance sheet reveals the true health of your business

- Tax strategies to discuss with your CPA for better financial outcomes

- The three profit levers you can pull during slower periods

- How to create financial safety nets (savings, lines of credit, etc.)

- Which financial tasks should be done regularly to stay on track

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com