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

Is disorganization holding you back from growing a more profitable interior design business?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Helen Austen to explore how interior designers can build the systems, structure, and habits needed to run a more organized—and more successful—business.

Creativity and disorganization often go hand in hand, but without clear systems in place, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stuck. Learn how to simplify your processes, stay focused on your goals, and create a business that runs with greater ease and efficiency.

If you’re ready to move from chaos to clarity, this episode will show you where to start.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why creative professionals often struggle with organization

• How to implement systems one step at a time without overwhelm

• Why every part of your business needs a clear, documented process

• The importance of committing to systems—and evaluating what works

• Why simple, broad systems are more effective than overcomplicated ones

• How to manage overwhelm when building or refining your business systems

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you managing your time—but still feeling overwhelmed and unproductive?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Angela Kristen Taylor to explore how interior designers can improve productivity by focusing on what really drives results: emotion, energy, time, and focus.

Productivity isn’t just about managing your schedule—it’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. When you align your focus with your true goals and manage your energy effectively, you can work more efficiently and with far less stress.

If you’re feeling stuck in cycles of overwhelm or distraction, this episode will help you reset and refocus.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The four key elements of productivity: emotion, energy, time, and focus

• Why focusing on end goals (not just means goals) leads to better results

• How misaligned focus creates time management challenges

• The connection between emotional patterns and energy levels

• How limiting beliefs from past experiences can impact your business

• How to identify your true priorities and allocate your time more effectively

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Want to avoid costly mistakes and keep your interior design projects running smoothly?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Kylee Dean to share how proactive planning and clear processes can help interior designers prevent problems before they happen.

From managing trades to setting expectations and staying ahead of potential issues, Kylee outlines a practical approach to running projects with more control, clarity, and confidence.

If you’re tired of reacting to problems instead of preventing them, this episode will help you take a more strategic approach to project management.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How detailed weekly planning keeps projects on track

• Why anticipating problems helps you avoid costly delays and mistakes

• The importance of setting clear expectations with clients and trades

• How to train trades and contractors to follow your process

• Why checking orders and details is critical to project success

• How clear communication (verbal and written) prevents misunderstandings

• Why regular site visits are essential to ensure your design is executed correctly

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you helping your clients make the right investment decisions—or just presenting options?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Daniel House Club to explore how interior designers can confidently guide clients on where to splurge, where to save, and how to choose the right vendors for every project.

Great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making smart, strategic decisions that align with your client’s priorities and budget. Learn how to navigate vendor categories, manage budgets effectively, and position yourself as a trusted expert.

If you want to increase client trust and deliver better outcomes, this episode will sharpen your decision-making process.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to identify where clients should splurge for maximum impact

• Why staying on top of your project budget is critical to success

• How to evaluate whether a higher-cost option is truly worth it

• The role of the designer in guiding client investment decisions

• How choosing the right vendors impacts quality and client satisfaction

• Why investing in your own business growth leads to better decision-making

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

How can innovation and sustainability shape the future of interior design?

Recorded live at KBIS 2023 in Las Vegas, this episode features Kimberley Seldon in conversation with Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainability and DEI Officer at Kohler. Together, they explore how one of America’s most established companies continues to evolve through bold innovation, design leadership, and a commitment to sustainability.

From product development to big-picture thinking, this discussion offers valuable insights into how interior designers can stay relevant, responsive, and forward-thinking in a rapidly changing industry.

If you want to understand where design is headed—and how to align your business with emerging trends—this episode is essential listening.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How innovation drives long-term success in the design industry

• Why sustainability is becoming a critical focus for interior designers

• How major brands like Kohler adapt to changing client needs and lifestyles

• The role of design in shaping how we live and work

• Why staying ahead of trends is essential for business growth

• How to think bigger about your role as a design professional

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What does it really take to become a BOD™ BOSS—and are you closer than you think?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Cheryl Horne and Janeen Laudenback to break down what it means to reach BOD™ BOSS status and how interior designers can position themselves for that level of success.

It’s not about years in the industry or the size of your team—it’s about mindset, ambition, and your willingness to grow. This conversation offers insight into the standards, expectations, and opportunities available to designers ready to step up.

If you’re serious about elevating your interior design business, this episode will help you understand what’s possible.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What defines a BOD™ BOSS in today’s interior design industry

• Why success isn’t tied to experience or team size

• The role of drive and ambition in business growth

• How to assess your readiness for the next level

• What opportunities come with stepping into a leadership role

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What would you do if your career suddenly changed direction?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Julie Dasher to share how a forced career pivot led to a purpose-driven and profitable creative business. After an unexpected setback, Julie leaned into her passion and built a rug company that supports both her creativity and a global network of artisans.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that challenges can become opportunities—when paired with strong business skills and persistence. For interior designers, it’s also a lesson in expanding your creative path and building a business aligned with your values.

If you’re considering a shift or looking to reconnect with your purpose, this episode will inspire you to take action.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to turn a career setback into a new business opportunity

• Why passion must be paired with strong business skills

• How purpose-driven work can create deeper fulfillment

• Why every creative has the potential to find their unique medium

• The role of visualization and persistence in building a business

• How supporting others can strengthen your brand and impact

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

How do you keep moving forward when faced with setbacks, rejection, or uncertainty?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Mairlyn Smith for a candid conversation about navigating adversity—from career challenges to larger issues like ageism and sexism—and finding the resilience to keep going.

While not specific to design, the lessons in this episode are deeply relevant for interior designers building a business in a demanding and ever-changing industry. Success isn’t a straight line, and learning how to adapt, reflect, and move forward is essential.

If you’ve ever faced a setback or questioned your next step, this episode offers perspective and encouragement.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why putting major decisions in writing can protect your future

• How journaling can help you gain clarity and uncover your next move

• Why setbacks and failures can lead to better opportunities

• How to navigate challenges like ageism and sexism in your career

• The importance of resilience when building a long-term business

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you running your interior design business—or are your clients running you?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares what it really takes to move from the early stages of business to a mature, profitable interior design firm. Through real-world insights and experience, she reveals the patterns that hold designers back—and the leadership mindset required to move forward.

Success isn’t about time in the industry—it’s about how you lead, the standards you set, and the systems you follow. Learn how to take control of your projects, your clients, and your business trajectory.

If you’re ready to grow into a more confident, profitable business owner, this episode is essential listening.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why clients will follow the rules you set—so set better ones

• Why years of experience don’t automatically lead to success

• The importance of saying no early to protect your projects

• How client-led projects can derail profitability and outcomes

• What it takes to run a more mature, structured design business

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Do you second-guess your decisions—or stand firmly behind them with confidence?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Eric McClelland to explore how confidence impacts every aspect of your interior design business—from client communication to project execution and profitability.

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a skill you develop. Learn how to stay decisive, manage client expectations, and lead projects without backpedalling or losing control.

If you’ve ever struggled to hold your ground with clients, this episode will help you strengthen your confidence and authority.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why confidence is essential to success in interior design

• How to keep projects on track when clients request changes

• Why a clear, concise concept reduces client-driven distractions

• How standing by your decisions builds trust and authority

• The importance of saying no early in the project

• How to use budget as a framework for design decisions

• Why pricing multiple options should come with additional fees

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com