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

Is your interior design portfolio attracting clients—or just generating compliments?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Katie O’Brien to discuss how interior designers can transform their portfolio websites into high-converting marketing tools that turn browsers into paying clients.

Your portfolio is one of the most visited pages on your website, but beautiful images alone aren’t enough. From strategic copywriting to project storytelling and clear calls to action, this episode explores how to create a portfolio that works harder for your business.

If you want your website to generate better leads and attract more ideal clients, this episode is packed with practical advice.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to analyze website traffic to improve client conversions

• Why strong website copy matters just as much as beautiful images

• How dedicated project pages help tell a compelling client story

• Why professional photography elevates your brand perception

• How showcasing the right projects attracts the right clients

• Why every page on your website needs a clear call to action

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Feeling overwhelmed by your interior design business, projects, or endless to-do list?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Desi Creswell to explore the causes of overwhelm and how interior designers can recognize the warning signs before stress starts impacting decision-making, productivity, and wellbeing.

Whether you have too many projects, not enough support, or challenging client situations, overwhelm can quickly drain your energy and confidence. Learn practical strategies to regain clarity, reduce mental clutter, and move forward more intentionally.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, stressed, or mentally overloaded, this episode offers actionable tools to help you reset.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How separating facts from thoughts can immediately reduce stress

• Why strong decision-making helps prevent overwhelm and fatigue

• How to recognize and work through discomfort instead of avoiding it

• The impact of negative self-talk on your business and mindset

• Why distractions often signal avoidance of important tasks

• How to regain focus and create a calmer, more intentional workflow

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

How can custom furniture elevate your interior design projects—and your client experience?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Frank Eybsen of Buildlane to explore the value of custom furniture design, fabrication, and specification for interior designers.

From understanding construction methods and material choices to managing client expectations, this conversation offers practical insight into how designers can confidently incorporate custom pieces into their projects while maintaining quality, functionality, and profitability.

If you want to create more personalized interiors and better communicate the value of custom work to clients, this episode is full of expert guidance.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why designers should personally test and evaluate custom furniture pieces

• How strategic material choices can help control costs without sacrificing quality

• Why simpler metal fabrication methods can make custom pieces more affordable

• How to position and “sell” the custom process to clients

• Why custom furniture is an investment—not a commodity

• How custom design elevates both the client experience and your brand

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are unclear contracts and pricing practices putting your interior design business at risk?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by construction law specialist Thomas Nation of Harrison Clark Rickerbys to discuss the legal responsibilities interior designers face when managing client relationships, contracts, and money.

From disclosure requirements to enforceable agreements, this conversation highlights how clarity and proper documentation can help protect your business from disputes and litigation.

If you want to run a more professional, legally protected design business, this episode is essential listening.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why clarity around pricing and money is legally required

• How proper insurance protects your design business

• Why your contract must be both professional and legally enforceable

• The legal risks of undisclosed profits and markups

• The difference between acting as an “agent” versus a “principal”

• How stronger communication and documentation reduce legal exposure

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you doing enough to legally protect your interior design business?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Jamie Lieberman of Hashtag Legal to discuss practical ways interior designers can reduce legal risk and better protect themselves from potential litigation.

There’s no single solution to avoiding legal trouble, but layered protections—strong contracts, proper insurance, clear communication, and documented processes—can dramatically reduce your exposure. Jamie shares actionable guidance every design business owner should understand.

If you want to run your business more confidently and professionally, this episode is essential listening.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to limit liability when clients hire trades directly

• Why becoming a general contractor may help you comply with local regulations

• The importance of strong business insurance coverage

• Why most disputes offer opportunities for resolution before lawsuits happen

• How lawyers can help prevent legal issues before they escalate

• Why text messaging is risky for client communication and documentation

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Is your interior design contract actually protecting your business?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Mehnaz Malik to discuss one important contract change that can improve clarity, strengthen client understanding, and better protect your design business.

Too often, contracts are filled with complicated legal language that clients don’t fully read or understand. This conversation highlights why simple, clear communication is one of the most effective ways to reduce misunderstandings and protect both parties throughout a project.

If you want stronger client relationships and fewer contract disputes, this episode is a valuable reminder that clarity matters.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why clear, easy-to-understand contracts offer stronger protection

• How simplified language improves client communication and trust

• Why clarity reduces confusion and potential disputes

• The role contracts play in setting expectations from the beginning

• How stronger documentation supports a more professional design business

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you making business decisions based on facts—or just gut instinct?

In this repeat episode, originally aired April 20, 2021, Kimberley Seldon is joined by BOD™ CFO Larry Goldberg to discuss why tracking financial metrics is essential for running a profitable, scalable interior design business.

The numbers in your business tell a story. When you understand what to measure and how to interpret it, you can make smarter decisions, improve profitability, and identify problems before they become costly.

If you want more control over your business performance, this episode will help you understand the power of analytics and accountability.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why measurable data leads to better business management

• How financial metrics help interior designers make smarter decisions

• Why every business has its own key performance indicators

• How tracking numbers consistently improves long-term profitability

• The connection between analytics, accountability, and growth

• Why procrastination keeps business owners stuck in the past

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you waiting for permission to raise your interior design rates?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Marylou Sobel to discuss one of the biggest challenges interior designers face: confidently charging what they’re worth.

As suppliers, trades, and service providers continue increasing their rates, designers must also evaluate whether their pricing reflects the true value of their expertise, time, and rising business costs. This conversation explores how to communicate fees clearly and confidently—without apology.

If you’ve been hesitant to raise your prices or charge for services like travel, this episode will help you rethink your approach to profitability.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why raising your rates is necessary for long-term business success

• How to respond confidently when clients ask about markups

• Why travel fees should be built into your business model

• How to communicate pricing clearly and professionally

• Why confidence around money improves client trust and business health

• How strong pricing supports a more sustainable interior design business

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What are you practicing every day in your interior design business—and is it helping you grow?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon challenges designers to think carefully about the habits, behaviors, and communication patterns they repeat daily. Because whether you realize it or not, you become stronger at whatever you practice most.

From setting boundaries to standing confidently behind your design decisions, this conversation explores how intentional practice leads to stronger leadership, better client relationships, and greater professional confidence.

If you want to become more decisive and self-assured in your business, this episode offers practical mindset shifts you can apply immediately.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why practicing clear boundaries builds long-term confidence

• How to say no without overexplaining or apologizing

• Why defending your design choices strengthens client trust

• The difference between standing firm and trying to “win”

• How repeated habits shape your confidence and business success

• Why mastery comes from consistent practice—not perfection

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

How can interior designers manage client expectations during ongoing supply chain delays?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Allison Andrew-Harris to discuss how designers can navigate product shortages, shipping delays, and sourcing challenges while still delivering exceptional client experiences.

As more homeowners invest in creating comfortable, functional spaces, designers face increased pressure to manage timelines and procurement effectively. This conversation offers practical strategies for working more efficiently with suppliers, vendors, and clients during unpredictable conditions.

If supply chain issues are affecting your projects, this episode will help you stay proactive and organized.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How detailed information helps suppliers source products more effectively

• Why drawings, inspiration photos, and specifications improve communication

• How providing budget ranges supports better vendor recommendations

• Why identifying rush projects early improves planning and execution

• How to prepare clients for delays and shifting timelines

• The importance of relying on trusted “A-Team” vendors and suppliers

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com