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In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Marcy Sagel, founder and principal of MSA Interiors. Since launching her firm in 2004, Marcy has led her team with a strong belief in collaboration—partnering with developers, architects, and builders to create spaces that are both beautiful and deeply functional. With a portfolio that spans multifamily housing to healthcare environments, Marcy shares how design becomes a powerful tool for transformation, connection, and lasting impact.

We dive into the evolving conversation around designing for aging in place—why it’s not just about seniors, but about creating accessible, thoughtful spaces for all stages of life. Marcy brings her global experience, her work with top manufacturers, and her trend-forward insights to this important discussion. This episode is packed with wisdom on future-proofing your design work and thinking beyond the now.

Connect with Marcy on Instagram @msa_interiors

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.

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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Too often, interior designers fall into the trap of undervaluing themselves and, by extension, our entire industry. In today’s episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, I’m opening up about why it’s time to change that narrative—because we aren’t just creating beautiful spaces, we’re building businesses that deserve respect, profitability, and longevity.

I’ll share a personal story about the moment I chose design over law school—and how even my father, a successful high-end builder in Toronto, doubted whether this could be a lucrative career. At the time, he wasn’t wrong. But the world has changed. From TV and magazines to social media, design has taken center stage. And today, I can proudly say not only has my father changed his mind, but the next generation in my own family is pursuing design as a career—because they can see the opportunity for real wealth and success.

This episode is about embracing that opportunity, raising the bar for our industry, and paving the way for the next generation of designers. Because profitability isn’t just about paying yourself a salary—it’s about building wealth, creating freedom, and setting new standards so that no designer is ever asked to justify their rates or share their discounts again.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why undervaluing ourselves hurts the entire design industry.
• The mindset shift from “earning a salary” to “building wealth.”
• How to embrace profitability as a creative without guilt.
• Why community, mentorship, and accountability are key to raising industry standards.
• The legacy we can leave for the next generation of designers.

It’s time to stop apologizing for our value, start setting new standards, and create thriving businesses that reflect the true worth of our work.

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.

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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Entrepreneurship in interior design is exciting but let’s be real, it can also feel overwhelming and lonely. The truth is, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. In this episode, Laura Thornton shares why mentorship and community are essential for building a thriving design business and how they can help you skip years of trial and error.

Laura dives into:
✨ The real perks of mentorship, speed, accountability, perspective, and confidence
✨ Why entrepreneurship can feel isolating and how to find your community of like-minded designers
✨ Eye-opening stats on how mentorship impacts business survival and growth
✨ The “Valley of Death” in business and why so many companies never make it to $1 million in sales
✨ Her own experience with mentors and why she now offers private mentorship for interior designers

If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels, second-guessing every decision, or wondering how to break through to that next level—this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.

Laura offers private mentorship sessions for designers and decorators who are ready to elevate their business with expert support:
✔️ 60-minute private Zoom call
✔️ Tailored guidance for your specific business goals
✔️ No ongoing commitment, book sessions as needed
✔️ Expert advice on pricing, processes, attracting high-end clients, and more
✔️ Perfect for both new and scaling interior design businesses

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.

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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If you’ve ever second guessed your pricing, shaved hours off an invoice, or wondered how other designers confidently charge what they’re worth, you’re not alone.

In this special episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, I’m pulling back the curtain on Profit Academy for Interior Designers, my 6-week online course designed to help you master the financial side of your design business.

But this isn’t just about pricing. It’s about building a business that not only pays you a salary but also creates wealth, stability, and freedom for your future.

I’ll share:

• Why I created Profit Academy (including the personal wake-up call that changed everything for me).
• The exact modules and lessons you’ll find inside the course.
• How live weekly sessions and a supportive community of designers add even more value.
• The exclusive bonuses you’ll get when you join (think photo presets, email templates, and more).

This episode is for you if you’re ready to stop doubting, start charging with confidence, and build a profitable, sustainable design business that truly supports your life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why pricing is the biggest stumbling block for so many designers—and how to overcome it.
✔️ The 6 core modules and 47 lessons included in Profit Academy.
✔️ How live Facebook sessions create powerful peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
✔️ Why building business wealth matters just as much as paying yourself a salary.
✔️ The freebies and bonuses you’ll get when you sign up (and how they’ll save you time and stress).

Exclusive Profit Academy Bonuses:

• 📸 Mobile photo presets for Instagram-worthy feeds without expensive photo shoots.
• ✉️ 75+ email templates from my own design business, covering every stage of the client process.
• 🍴 Kitchen design checklist so you never miss an element in your projects.

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.

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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From Start-Up to Profitability with Suzanne Robson

In this replay episode, Laura sits down with interior designer Suzanne Robson, one of the very first students of The Profit Academy for Interior Designers. Together, they dive into the real challenges of launching and running an interior design business—from navigating pricing to setting boundaries with clients—and how Susan was able to build a profitable practice right from the start.

You’ll hear Suzanne's perspective as a brand-new business owner alongside Laura’s hard-won wisdom from decades in the industry. Their conversation uncovers the surprising commonalities that all designers face, whether they’re just starting out or have been in business for years.

This episode is packed with practical insights, encouragement, and proof that profitability is possible at every stage of your design journey.

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.

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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Today, we’re talking about one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of running a design business: contracts. I’m thrilled to have Erica Canas, Esq., a Florida licensed attorney and interior design enthusiast, join us for this important conversation.
Erica is the founder of ID Law Shop, where she creates “best-practices” legal templates specifically for interior designers and architects. Her journey began when she couldn’t find legal templates that were actually tailored for her clients. She saw outdated forms, generic templates, and resources that weren’t created by real lawyers. With 16+ years of contract drafting experience under her belt, she’s made it her mission to provide legal resources that are actually useful for interior designers.
From contracts to intellectual property matters, Erica’s expertise is vast. She also offers full-service copyright and trademark registration to protect your designs and branding assets. And if you’re looking for custom drafting services, her flat-fee rates ensure you’re protected without the fear of runaway legal fees.
It’s an important episode today as we discuss legal protection for designers, how to structure your contracts, and why having the right legal documents in place can protect your business and help it thrive. Let’s dive in!

Website: https://www.idlawshop.com/about

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.

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

Welcome to the grand finale of our four-part Profitable Design Series with Laura Thornton!

In this essential episode, Laura helps you shift from just designing beautiful spaces to designing a truly profitable business. Learn why reviewing your numbers regularly is more important than any brand board—and how to spot what’s really working for your bottom line, even if it’s not the “sexiest” project in your portfolio.

Discover how small, simple jobs can sometimes pay more than those big, glamorous renovations—and how to stop running your business on chaos and crossed fingers. Laura shares real-life examples, practical strategies, and her favorite questions for post-project reviews so you can lean into what actually grows your business.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why regular profit reviews (by project, product, and service) are your business superpower.
• How to spot patterns and double down on services that are truly sustainable and scalable.
• Why custom and curated pieces often yield higher profits than retail products—and how to talk about this with clients.
• How a simple “post-mortem” after every project can boost your efficiency, margin, and joy.
• How to create a business blueprint—not just a beautiful brand board.

Listen to the full series:

• Listen to Part 1 - Know your numbers. The Foundation of Profitability
• Listen to Part 2 - Time is Money, literally
• Listen to Part 3 - Efficiency gains, they belong to you

If you loved this series and are ready to master the art of pricing your design services, I've created the thing just for you! The Profit Academy for Interior Designers. 

This course is your ultimate guide to mastering the financial side of your design business. You’ll gain th

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.

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

Welcome to Part Three of our special four-part series on building a profitable interior design business with Laura Thornton!

In this episode, Laura brings together everything you’ve learned so far—understanding your numbers, tracking your time, and getting lean on spending—and reveals how to turn efficiency into profit that’s yours to keep. If you’ve invested in your systems, process, and team, you deserve to be rewarded. Laura shows you how efficiency and smart procurement are not reasons to lower your fees, but the very foundation for sustainable, scalable growth.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why efficiency gains and streamlined systems are your business’s reward—not a discount for clients.
• How investing in tools, team, and technology pays for itself through better margins and less stress.
• Why procurement is the untapped profit center that can transform your business—and how to claim it.
• How strong vendor partnerships (like Laura’s experience with Decor-Rest) can help you avoid client “comparison shopping” and elevate your value.
• How to communicate the true worth of your service and confidently charge for your expertise and streamlined process.

Key Takeaways:

• Efficiency and time-saving systems aren’t “extra”—they’re built-in investments you deserve to profit from.
• Procurement offers scalable income and supports a seamless client experience.
• Your profit covers more than just your paycheck—it pays for your business’s foundation: rent, insurance, software, team, and more.
• As you grow, tracking your profits by project type and revenue stream helps you see what’s truly sustainable—and what’s not.

Ready for the next episode in the series?

• Listen to Part 1 - Know your numbers. The Foundation of Profitability
• Listen to Part 2 - Time is money, literally

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.

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 of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura Thornton sits down with financial therapist Aseel El-Baba to dive deep into the hidden challenges creatives and designers face around money, self-worth, and pricing. Aseel shares her inspiring personal journey from growing up in Lebanon and immigrating to Canada, to becoming a Bay Street financial advisor, and ultimately shifting to a holistic practice as a financial therapist. Through her story and expertise, Aseel reveals why so many designers—especially women—struggle to charge what their work is truly worth, and how money taboos and deep-seated beliefs from childhood and culture continue to impact our businesses today.

Together, Laura and Aseel explore practical tools and mindset shifts to help designers build confidence with money, reframe their relationship with wealth, and weather the inevitable feast-or-famine cycles of the industry. The conversation covers the power of somatic practices, emotional literacy, and the importance of making financial decisions from a grounded, empowered place rather than fear. Listeners will leave with actionable advice and the inspiration to redefine wealth and value in both their business and personal lives.

Holistic Optimal Wealth: https://www.holisticoptimalwealth.com/

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.

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

Welcome back to The Business of Beautiful Spaces! This is Part 2 of our special four-part series on building a profitable interior design business with Laura Thornton.

In this episode, Laura shares why tracking your time is one of the smartest—yet most underused—profit strategies for designers. From eye-opening stories about flat fees gone sideways to actionable tips on building better habits, Laura breaks down how understanding where your time really goes can transform both your business and your sanity.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why flat fees without time tracking are a hidden danger for your profit
• The real reason time tracking isn’t “micromanagement”—it’s smart business intelligence
• How to spot inefficiencies and bottlenecks (and fix them for good)
• The tools and habits Laura uses for herself and her team (no fancy tech required!)
• Why increased efficiency should increase your profit—not lower your fees
• How to make time tracking a regular, stress-free part of your business

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t let “invisible” hours eat away at your flat fees—measure what matters!
• Time tracking helps you quote confidently, spot patterns, and work smarter.
• The reward for efficiency is higher profit, not lower pricing.
• Reviewing your tracked time regularly is the secret to less stress and more money.

Ready for the next episode in the series?

• Listen to Part 1 - Know your numbers. The Foundation of Profitability
• Listen to Part 3 - Efficiency gains, they belong to you
• Listen to Part 4 - Follow the Profits, not all projects are sexy

If you loved this series and are ready to master the art of pricing your design services, I've created the thing just for you! T

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.

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