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Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into the powerful partnership between interior designers and trusted vendors—and how that collaboration can elevate not just your design vision, but your bottom line. Joining us is Idilia Lucente, Sales Manager at Decor-Rest, a family-run Canadian furniture company known for their commitment to quality, customization, and the kind of customer care that makes doing business feel more like working with family.

With over four decades of experience and deep Italian roots, Decor-Rest has earned a reputation for award-winning, bench-made upholstered furniture that blends timeless craftsmanship with the latest trends. From sourcing exclusive fabrics across the globe to tailoring each piece with precision, Decor-Rest offers designers a one-stop solution for custom luxury that’s both stylish and smart. Idilia brings her passion for building relationships and supporting designers in creating beautiful, profitable spaces—with the added bonus of saving time, avoiding competitive shopping, and delivering peace of mind with Canadian-made quality and warranties that practically sell themselves.

Whether you're an established designer or just starting out, this conversation will give you valuable insights into how partnering with a vendor like Decor-Rest can help you streamline your process, impress your clients, and build a more profitable business. Let’s dive in!

Website: https://www.decor-rest.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decorrest/

🎉 You’re Invited: Designer Day at Decor-Rest!
📅 Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 511 Chrislea Road, Woodbridge, Ontario, L4L 8N6

Join us for a fabulous morning at the Decor-Rest showroom and factory in Woodbridge! This exclusive in-person event kicks off with a delicious continental breakfast and the chance to connect with fellow designers. I’ll be there as a special guest speaker, sharing real-world strategies for building a profitable interior design business—no fluff, just what works.

You’ll also get a sneak peek at the latest trends from the Milan and High Point Furniture Markets, an exclusive plant and showroom tour, and we’ll wrap up with prizes, photos, and fun! This is your opportunity to learn, laugh, and network with some of the best in the biz.

💥 Space is limited and the Marzilli family at Decor-Rest goes all out—so if you sign up, please show up! Can’t wait to see you there.

RSVP for Designer Day Event: [email protected]

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us [email protected] or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign

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In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, I sit down with Ronniesha Armstead, founder and CEO of Vetted By Design, to tackle one of the most common questions in the design industry: How do you know when it’s time to hire help? If you’re feeling overwhelmed with admin work, spending more time managing orders than designing, or simply questioning if you need support—this episode is for you. We discuss how outsourcing tasks like accounting, renderings, AutoCAD drawings, and procurement can free up your time and boost profitability. Ronniesha shares how Vetted By Design simplifies the hiring process by connecting interior designers with pre-vetted professionals, making it easier than ever to get the help you need. Tune in to learn how a virtual design assistant could be the first step in scaling your business!

Website: https://vetted-bydesign.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us [email protected] or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign

Send us a text

As the visionary founder of Brenda Brix Consulting and AMR Design, Brenda leads an exceptional team, collaborating with ideal clients to transform her long-standing dreams into reality.  Despite facing health challenges and experiencing burnout early on, Brenda's transformative journey led her to create a streamlined and repeatable business structure that allows her the time and mental space to pursue her passions. Brenda has launched a furniture line, has projects across western Canada, and is thrilled to work with other interior designers to create a business supporting the life they want.  As an award-winning entrepreneur, Brenda offers invaluable insights and strategies, promoting collaboration over competition and an abundance mindset that fosters growth and unity. Committed to lifelong learning and giving back, Brenda seeks to pave the way for aspiring women in business by sharing her knowledge and expertise.

Website: https://www.brendabrix.com/

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us [email protected] or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign

Send us a text

I’m excited to introduce you to Porsche Williams, the founder of The Prototype, a concierge service that helps interior designers streamline their businesses and elevate their client experience. Porsche specializes in providing unique, done-for-you gifting solutions that seamlessly integrate into a designer’s process—going beyond the expected holiday season to create meaningful touchpoints throughout the client journey.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into elevated gifting strategies for interior design firms—how and when to use gifting to strengthen relationships, reinforce your brand, and add a personal touch that sets your business apart. Porsche will share insights on selecting thoughtful, high-impact gifts that align with your firm’s identity and client experience, as well as how The Prototype can handle the execution on your behalf. If you’ve ever wanted to incorporate gifting into your process but weren’t sure where to start, this conversation will provide the clarity and strategy you need. 

https://www.theprototype.net/about

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us [email protected] or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign

Send us a text

In this episode, I sit down with Cathy Tonks, a seasoned interior designer who is transforming the industry with her innovative designer co-op. This collaborative workspace provides designers with shared office space, meeting rooms, and a full showroom featuring access to over 200 vendors. With the collective buying power of over 21 designers and growing, members gain exclusive discounts and vendor relationships that would be difficult to secure independently. Beyond the resources, Cathy has fostered a true design community where professionals can collaborate, learn, and grow through vendor presentations, idea-sharing, and ongoing support. We discuss how creating a strong design network can elevate your business, why community over competition is the future of the industry, and how this one-stop-shop concept is making waves. If you’re ready to explore new ways to grow and connect as a designer, this episode is a must-listen!

https://www.designswithyouinmind.net/about

https://www.instagram.com/designswithyouinmind/

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us [email protected] or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign

Send us a text

What does it take to build a design business that stands the test of time? 

In this episode, I sit down with Margaret Donaldson, a seasoned interior designer with over 30 years of experience, to uncover the key principles behind creating a sustainable, profitable, and long-lasting design firm. 

We discuss how to evolve with industry trends without losing your brand identity, the importance of client relationships, referrals, and reputation, and the strategies for growing and leading a strong, committed team. 

Margaret also shares her best advice on scaling, delegating, and staying inspired through the years, ensuring your business not only survives but thrives for decades. 

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to solidify your firm's legacy, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you build a business that lasts!

https://margaretdonaldsoninteriors.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mdiluxurydesign/

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us [email protected] or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign

Send us a text

What’s next in the world of interior design? In this episode, I sit down with Stacy Garcia, a globally recognized trend forecaster, product designer, and industry visionary, to explore the future of design and how interior designers can stay ahead of the curve.

Stacy breaks down the 6 key design trends for 2025, sharing insights into the colors, materials, and styles that will define the industry in the coming year.

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us [email protected] or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign

Send us a text

Feeling busy but not productive? As interior designers, we juggle endless tasks—client meetings, site visits, vendor calls, and team management—while battling constant distractions. In this episode, I’m breaking down practical strategies to help you stay focused, eliminate distractions, and finally feel like you’re making progress in your business.

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us [email protected] or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign

Send us a text

In this episode, I’m joined by sales specialist Nikki Rausch, a master in recognizing and responding to buying signals. With 25+ years of experience selling to prestigious organizations like The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and NASA, Nikki shattered sales records and received “top producer” awards along the way.

Today, entrepreneurs and small business owners hire Nikki to show them how to sell successfully and authentically.

Nikki has written 3 books, all available on Amazon. And she has a podcast called Sales Maven which you can find on your favorite podcast platform.

instagram: @your_sales_maven

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us [email protected] or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign

Send us a text

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Lucy Lagana, a distinguished homeopath and holistic health expert who travels the world sharing her knowledge, including extended stays in exotic locales like the Maldives. Lucy, with her extensive background in homeopathic medicine, holistic nutrition, and allergy clearing, has been a crucial part of managing the host's health for over a decade. Today, we dive into the topic of cortisol—the notorious stress hormone—and its impact on women running their own interior design businesses. We explore how the multifaceted roles of business ownership can silently ramp up stress levels, affecting both mental and physical health. Lucy provides practical advice on recognizing the signs of elevated cortisol and shares non-medical strategies to manage and reduce its effects. Tune in to discover how you can start tuning into your body's needs with the same keen attention you give to your clients, making 2025 a year of health as well as success.

Instagram: @lucylagana
website: www.rootstohealing.com

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us [email protected] or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign