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

How do you create interiors and landscapes that feel authentic, timeless, and deeply connected to the client?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by landscape architect Lanson B. Jones to explore the “3 Ps” of great design: the personality of the client, the personality of the site, and the personality of the architecture.

Rather than forcing a style or trend onto a project, Lanson explains how respecting these three elements leads to more harmonious, meaningful spaces that truly resonate.

If you want to create more intentional and distinctive design work, this episode will expand the way you approach projects.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why clients’ natural preferences should guide design decisions

• How working with—not against—the architecture creates better results

• Why respecting the site is essential to achieving harmony

• How starting small can help you develop stronger overall concepts

• Why unique details elevate memorable design projects

• How repeating architectural patterns strengthens cohesion

• Why touring historic homes and gardens sharpens your design eye

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are your vendors helping your interior design business grow—or creating unnecessary stress?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Peter and Alex Spalding of Daniel House Club to discuss why choosing the right vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers is critical to building a profitable and professionally satisfying design business.

Your vendor relationships impact everything from project efficiency to client satisfaction and profitability. Learn how to identify reliable trade partners, avoid costly mistakes, and focus your energy where it matters most.

If you want a stronger “A Team” behind your projects, this episode offers practical advice every interior designer should hear.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why chasing small discounts often costs more in time and frustration

• How trade-focused vendors improve project outcomes and efficiency

• Why reliable suppliers are essential when problems arise on projects

• How smarter purchasing decisions protect your profitability

• Why vendor relationships are a key part of your business success

• How controlling unnecessary expenses improves long-term growth

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

How do you confidently communicate your value—and win the right interior design projects?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Heather Ferreras-Tokan to discuss how overcoming fear, improving communication, and trusting your expertise can transform your client interactions and business results.

Heather shares how she learned to confidently present the flat fee she needed to do her best work, along with practical communication strategies that help designers build trust and lead projects more effectively.

If you struggle with confidence during consultations or client conversations, this episode will help you communicate with more authority and clarity.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why discipline and consistency are key to long-term business success

• How using the phrase “in my experience” builds authority and trust

• Why tracking tasks on project log sheets improves profitability awareness

• How the READ method strengthens client communication

• How confidence impacts pricing and project outcomes

• Why clear communication helps position you as the expert

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Is your interior design marketing getting ignored?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by entrepreneur and author Mike Michalowicz to explore how interior designers can stand out in a crowded market by creating marketing that actually gets attention.

Most marketing fails because people naturally filter out what feels generic or irrelevant. Mike shares practical strategies to help designers identify their ideal clients, market more strategically, and build a brand that feels distinctive and memorable.

If you want your marketing to generate stronger leads and better client connections, this episode will help you think differently.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to identify your best clients based on revenue and relationship quality

• Why understanding where your ideal clients gather improves marketing results

• How to avoid creating “highly ignorable” marketing

• Why studying successful marketing examples can sharpen your own strategy

• The importance of leaning into your authentic personality and brand

• How to choose the right marketing platforms and tactics for your audience

• Why creative, unexpected outreach can make you more memorable

• How to use measurable “keys” to track marketing effectiveness

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Should your interior design firm take on both residential and commercial projects?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Veronica Martin and Carrie Stinson of Two Fold Interiors to discuss the realities of managing both residential and commercial design work within one business.

From client expectations and timelines to proposals and project management, commercial and residential projects require different approaches, systems, and communication styles. This conversation offers valuable insight for designers considering expanding into commercial work.

If you’ve wondered whether commercial design could be the next step for your business, this episode will help you weigh the pros and cons.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The biggest differences between commercial and residential design projects

• Tips for transitioning from residential into commercial work

• Why responding to RFPs requires significant time and strategy

• The pros and cons of commercial versus residential clients

• How to land your first commercial interior design project

• The difference between designing for an individual versus a committee or company

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

How well do you understand your own strengths—and the blind spots holding your business back?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Sierra Collins, with insights from Cheryl Horne, to explore how personality assessments like DISC can help interior designers improve communication, decision-making, leadership, and goal setting.

Understanding your personality traits isn’t just helpful for team dynamics—it can also help you identify the work you’re naturally suited for, recognize areas where you need support, and create a more intentional path for growth.

If you want to lead your business with greater self-awareness and confidence, this episode offers valuable perspective.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How personality traits influence strengths and weaknesses in business

• Why self-awareness improves leadership and communication

• How to think beyond day-to-day work and focus on long-term career growth

• Why successful business owners build support around their weaknesses

• How personality insights improve goal setting and decision-making

• Why actionable planning is essential for personal and professional growth

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you playing the “let’s see what I can get away with game” when it comes to product markups? No judgement, it’s a popular method. However, there is a better way to maximize profitability when it comes to dealing with discounts, premium pricing, and trade incentives. A method that allows you to behave with integrity. Louisiana interior design and BOD™ member, Beth Walther, has done the math and will reveal her findings.

It’s time to take control of your business.

Become a member of Business of Design®, today:

https://businessofdesign.com/podcast-category/mo-episodes/?ref=2&campaign=MOBODPodcast

What if one simple shift in thinking could change the way you run your interior design business?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a powerful New Year reflection centered around a single word—and how intentional thinking can influence your decisions, mindset, and future success.

As business owners, it’s easy to rush from one task to the next without stopping to reflect. This conversation encourages interior designers to think more deeply about their habits, goals, and the direction they truly want for their business and life.

If you’re feeling stuck, distracted, or simply ready for a reset, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on moving forward with greater intention.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why mindset plays a critical role in business growth

• How one intentional shift can influence your decisions and actions

• The importance of reflection in creating meaningful change

• Why slowing down to think can improve clarity and focus

• How intentional habits shape your future success

• Why personal growth and business growth are deeply connected

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Is your content marketing actually helping you attract better interior design clients?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Salimah Mamdani to discuss how interior designers can create strategic content that builds visibility, attracts ideal clients, and supports long-term business growth.

From social media and blogs to podcasts and websites, your content is often the first impression potential clients have of your business. But creating effective content doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Learn how to simplify your strategy, stay consistent, and create content that works harder for your brand.

If you want more qualified leads and a stronger online presence, this episode offers practical marketing guidance for busy designers.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why content creation is essential for attracting new design clients

• How marketing your content increases its effectiveness

• Why consistency matters more than perfection in content strategy

• How to create “anchor content” that generates multiple future posts

• Why simplifying your marketing approach can improve results

• How active participation and visibility grow your business

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Before you set new goals for your interior design business, have you taken time to evaluate where you are now?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Christina Falzano to discuss the importance of reflection, self-assessment, and intentional planning at the start of a new year—or any new season in business.

Growth doesn’t happen by accident. Before moving forward, successful business owners take time to review what’s working, what isn’t, and where they want to go next. This conversation encourages designers to step outside their usual routines and think more critically about their future.

If you’re ready to create stronger goals and more meaningful progress in your business, this episode is a great place to start.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why honest self-assessment is the first step toward growth

• How reflecting on past performance improves future decision-making

• Why expanding beyond your usual “knowledge bubbles” matters

• The value of seeking new ideas and perspectives both online and in person

• How intentional planning supports long-term business success

• Why growth requires curiosity, awareness, and ongoing learning

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com