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

What are you practicing every day—and is it helping you become a stronger design professional?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon challenges interior designers to take a closer look at the habits and behaviors they repeat daily—and how those patterns shape confidence, decision-making, and business success.

Mastery doesn’t come from perfection, but from consistent practice. Whether it’s setting boundaries, communicating with clients, or standing behind your design decisions, what you practice becomes your default.

If you want to lead with more confidence and clarity, this episode will help you rethink what you’re reinforcing in your business.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why your daily habits shape your confidence and professional growth

• How to set clear boundaries without over-explaining or justifying

• The power of practicing saying no with confidence

• How to defend your design decisions without needing to “win”

• Why standing by your first choice builds authority and trust

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you learning new strategies—but not actually implementing them in your business?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Jodie Carter to share how committing to implementation can completely transform your interior design business. After struggling, Jodie turned things around in less than a year by fully embracing proven systems and processes.

It’s not about knowing what to do—it’s about doing it consistently, even when it feels uncomfortable. This episode highlights what happens when you stop hesitating and start executing.

If you’re ready to see real results in your business, this episode will challenge you to take action.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why implementation—not information—is the key to business success

• How adopting structured systems can quickly improve your results

• The importance of transitioning existing projects to better processes

• Why trusting the process leads to long-term gains

• How proper contracts and retainers support profitability

• Why tracking every hour worked gives you clarity and control

• How knowledge becomes powerful only when applied

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are your client gifts memorable—or just another forgettable gesture?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Porsche Williams to explore how interior designers can use strategic gifting to elevate the client experience, strengthen relationships, and generate more referrals.

Thoughtful, well-timed gifts aren’t just a nice touch—they’re a powerful business tool. When done right, gifting becomes part of a seamless, high-end client experience that sets your design firm apart.

If you want to create lasting impressions and deepen client loyalty, this episode will show you how.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why strategic gifting creates a more consistent, elevated client experience

• How to choose meaningful, high-quality gifts that clients actually use

• Why personalized gifts outperform generic branded items

• How gifting during off-peak times helps you stand out

• Why gifting should be relationship-driven—not transactional

• How to build gifting into your overall client experience system

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

How can interior designers create spaces that truly reflect culture, identity, and lived experience?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason, founders of AphroChic, to discuss the importance of representation, cultural storytelling, and inclusivity in interior design.

Their work highlights stories that have long been overlooked—bringing attention to the meaning of home, the barriers many families have faced, and the role designers can play in shaping more inclusive environments.

This conversation challenges designers to think more deeply about the spaces they create and the impact those spaces have on the people who live in them.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why “home” holds deep cultural and emotional meaning

• How interior design can reflect identity and lived experience

• The historical barriers to homeownership for Black families

• Why representation matters in design and storytelling

• How shared human needs connect us despite perceived differences

• The role designers can play in creating more inclusive spaces

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What does strong leadership actually look like inside a successful interior design business?

In this special episode, Kimberley Seldon reflects on 15 years of working alongside Cheryl Horne, sharing the leadership qualities, habits, and “superpowers” that have helped shape a high-performing, values-driven business.

From making tough decisions to building trust and staying focused on what matters most, these lessons offer practical insight for interior designers who want to lead with clarity, confidence, and integrity.

If you’re growing a team or stepping into a leadership role, this episode will give you a powerful framework to guide your decisions.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why making difficult decisions is part of strong leadership

• How transparency and honest feedback build trust within your team

• Why hiring people who challenge you leads to better outcomes

• The importance of saying hard things clearly and directly

• How to stay focused on goals without getting distracted by unnecessary change

• Why systems often matter more than goals alone

• How to manage priorities and stay on track in a busy business

• The role of integrity in building a sustainable, successful company

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you building your interior design business intentionally—or simply reacting to what’s in front of you?

In this episode, Cheryl Horne is joined by Sierra Collins to explore how interior designers can align their personal and professional goals to create a more focused, fulfilling, and successful life.

Using practical tools and guided reflection, Sierra shares how clarity around your values, priorities, and long-term vision can help you make better decisions, reduce distractions, and move through your business with greater intention.

If you feel pulled in too many directions or disconnected from your bigger goals, this episode will help you refocus.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why identifying your core values leads to stronger business decisions

• How clear priorities help reduce distractions and overwhelm

• Why every interior designer should have a personal purpose statement

• How the “Wheel of Life” can reveal imbalances affecting your success

• The importance of creating a clear vision for your future

• How intentional goal setting creates more alignment in business and life

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you building the industry relationships that can help grow your interior design business?

In this episode, Cheryl Horne is joined by Marla Baker to discuss the power of networking, industry events, and meaningful connections within the design community.

From High Point Market to educational conferences and speaking opportunities, Marla shares how interior designers can use in-person events to build confidence, create valuable relationships, and open doors to new opportunities.

If you’ve ever wondered how to become more visible and connected in the design industry, this episode will show you where to begin.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why attending industry events in person can accelerate business growth

• How promoting yourself professionally builds visibility and opportunity

• Why speaking opportunities often begin with simply showing up

• How to build confidence when networking or speaking publicly

• The importance of asking for help and building genuine industry relationships

• How strong connections can elevate your interior design business

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

How do you build a strong working relationship with a contractor—without losing control of the project?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Ryan Rodrigues to discuss how interior designers and general contractors can work together more effectively to create smoother, more successful projects.

From communication and decision-making to client management and project flow, this conversation highlights the importance of partnership, leadership, and staying proactive throughout the renovation process.

If you want stronger contractor relationships and fewer project headaches, this episode will help you lead more effectively on site.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why designers should make key decisions instead of deferring to clients

• How bringing clients solutions—not problems—builds trust and confidence

• Why staying ahead of the contractor keeps projects running smoothly

• How proactive communication improves project outcomes

• Why negotiating contractor pricing can create unnecessary tension

• When to educate the client versus adjusting the scope of work

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What do you do when things start going wrong on a project site?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon brings listeners behind the scenes as she works through real job site challenges with her trusted team. From delays and installation issues to difficult client conversations, this episode offers practical insight into how experienced interior designers solve problems under pressure.

No project is ever completely smooth—but how you respond to challenges can determine the success of the entire job. Learn how to stay proactive, communicate clearly, and lead with confidence when problems arise.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by job site issues, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and give you tools to handle them more effectively.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why tackling the hardest task first keeps projects moving forward

• How involving trades in difficult client conversations improves communication

• Why asking suppliers the right installation questions prevents costly mistakes

• How proactive planning reduces job site surprises

• The importance of teamwork when navigating project challenges

• Why every interior designer faces setbacks—and how to manage them professionally

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

How can interior designers create spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Laura Kohler to explore the growing role of sustainability in interior design and why designers have a responsibility to help clients make smarter, future-focused choices.

From water conservation to healthier living environments, this conversation highlights how thoughtful design can positively impact wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and the way we live and work.

If you want to better understand how sustainability is shaping the future of interior design, this episode is essential listening.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why sustainable design is becoming essential in modern interiors

• How to design compact, livable spaces that conserve water and energy

• Ways interior design can support healthier environments and improved wellbeing

• How thoughtful spaces can better support work, home, and daily life

• Practical steps designers can take to address environmental challenges

• Why designers play a critical role in influencing client decisions

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com