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In this fun, high value CEO-style episode, Laura shares her favourite business books, podcasts and AI tools that are shaping her strategy and success in 2025. 

Why business books matter for designers

• How the right books can reshape the way you think, market, lead and sell
• How to turn book insights into systems you use daily
• How AI can help implement the concepts instantly

Book #1: Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller

• Why StoryBrand is the clearest messaging framework for 2025
• The shift from talking about yourself to spotlighting your client as the hero
• How to rewrite your homepage, services page, bio and scripts with StoryBrand
• How pairing StoryBrand with AI becomes a messaging powerhouse

Book #2: The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes

• The power of focus and consistent action
• Why the Dream 100 strategy works for designers
• Updated insights from Amanda Holmes
• How AI can rewrite scripts, create outreach plans and build sales systems

Book #3: Scorecard Marketing

• How to use quizzes to attract qualified leads
• Why scorecards reveal buying intent and segment your audience
• How AI can write your quiz, interpret results and automate follow-up

Laura’s 2026 Reading List

• They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan
• Good Strategy Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt
• The Sales Playbook by Jack Daly
• The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Laura’s Top Podcasts for 2025

• The StoryBrand Podcast
• The Game with Alex Hormozi
• Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett
• Aspire with Emma Grede
  Plus bonus entrepreneurial listens for extra motivation.

True Crime Corner

Because designers are allowed a little guilty pleasure too. Laura shares her current binge-worthy listens.

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

Laura walks you through a guided audit of your year: your numbers, your systems, your clients, your values, and your big-picture goals for 2026 and beyond. If you have been feeling the impact of tariffs, market shifts, rising costs, or overwhelm, this episode will help you turn reflection into strategy.

Your books and your numbers

• Revenue: What came in, from which services, and which projects were truly profitable
• Expenses: Where your money actually went and where the bleeds are hiding
• How to renegotiate recurring costs and keep more of what you earn

AI in your workflow

• Where AI can streamline your admin, content, and communication
• How to use AI as a support tool (not a replacement for your design brain)
• Ideas for integrating AI in 2025 to reclaim time and energy

Tariffs, volatility and margins

• How this year’s tariff rollercoaster impacted pricing, vendors, and timelines
• What to build into your proposals and contracts going forward
• Why smart designers now plan for uncertainty instead of around it

Your favourite themes from the podcast this year

• Pricing, profitability, client experience, boundaries, leadership, and marketing
• A reflection on which episodes moved you to action and why that matters

Goals vs. actions

• The honest question: did your actions match your goals this year
• Behaviour and boundaries that may not align with what you say you want
• What needs to change in 2026 for you to achieve different results

Mission, values, ideal client, and BHAGs

• Updating your mission so it reflects who you are now
• Ensuring your core values are lived, not just written
• Reassessing your ideal client as your pricing, brand, and standards evolve
• Revisiting your 3 year, 5 year, and 10 year BHAGs

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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Gala Magrina — holistic interior designer; host of Going Beyond Spaces with Gala; creator of the Beyond Spaces methodology and a six-week online course for designers.

Gala traces her path from visual merchandising at Diesel to a holistic design practice rooted in meditation, modern feng shui, WELL, and Vastu. We unpack yin vs. yang rooms, the five elements in everyday selections, why science is finally catching up to ancient building wisdom, and how wellness real estate and client expectations have reshaped our work since 2020. Gala also shares a transparent, less-is-more billing philosophy that prioritizes healthy materials, reuse, and right-sizing over endless purchasing.

Connect with Gala:
Instagram: @GalaMagrinaDesign
Podcast: Going Beyond Spaces with Gala
Course: Holistic Interior Design for Designers (launches each September; join her list via website)

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

This week on The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura sits down with Charleston-based photographer Candice Brook, whose work behind the lens has helped countless designers turn their finished projects into powerful marketing assets.

Candice shares what really goes into a strategic photoshoot — one that not only captures the beauty of a space but also builds visibility, fuels your PR efforts, and drives business growth long after install day.

Together, Laura and Candice dive into what makes a photo truly impactful, how to collaborate with your photographer for the best results, and why waiting for “perfect” might actually be holding you back. From magazine features to Instagram reels and everything in between, this conversation is all about making your images work harder for you.

If you’ve ever wrapped a project and wondered how to get more out of your photos, you’ll love this one. It’s practical, inspiring, and full of insights to help you elevate your brand through the power of great photography.

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

Every designer knows that uneasy, nauseous feeling that shows up right before a big leap—the one that makes you question your sanity and your business plan. In this episode, Laura sits down with designer Casey FitzGerald to talk about what it really feels like to invest in growth when it’s uncomfortable… and why that “sick feeling” might actually be your best sign of progress.

Laura and Casey dive into:

• Taking big, scary steps in your marketing and business investments
• Why you can’t stop marketing when things slow down (even when it feels counterintuitive)
• How consistency builds momentum—and cushions the slow seasons
• The power of saying “no” to the wrong clients (and how that actually attracts the right ones)
• Balancing fear, intuition, and strategy as you scale

This episode is part pep talk, part reality check, and a reminder that the discomfort of growth is often the doorway to your next level.

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

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your project pipeline full without constantly posting on social media or dropping thousands on ads, this episode is for you.

I’m joined by the powerhouse behind Designer Oasis—Kate Bendewald. Kate is a former commercial designer who left the corporate grind to build a design business on her own terms. Within her first year, she scaled to six figures entirelythrough word-of-mouth. No big budget, no trust fund—just clarity, confidence, and a network that couldn't stop talking about her.

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on exactly how Kate developed a loyal referral network—and how you can too. We talk about practical ways to nurture your network, elevate your client experience, and build a brand people are proud to refer.

Whether you’re just starting out or your leads have started to dry up, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies to help you grow your business through connection, not burnout.

Designer Oasis Freebie: https://www.designersoasis.com/spark

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

AI isn’t just for big tech companies, it’s quickly becoming one of the most powerful tools for creative businesses, including interior design firms. But with all the hype, it can be hard to know what’s real, what’s useful, and how to actually apply AI in your day-to-day practice.

In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, I’m joined by AI innovator and strategist Matt Kantor, who has spent decades helping businesses use AI to create measurable results. Together, we cut through the noise and talk about what AI really is, what it isn’t, and how interior designers can start using it right now in practical, business-focused ways.

We cover everything from project management to sourcing, marketing, client communication, and even forecasting trends—showing you how AI can save you time, reduce stress, and free you up to focus on the creative work you love. Matt also shares his human-centered approach to AI, why it should enhance relationships, not replace them and what every designer needs to know to stay ahead without getting overwhelmed.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What AI actually is (in plain English) and why it matters for designers
• Everyday ways you’re probably already using AI without realizing it
• How AI can go beyond email templates to streamline sourcing, client communication, and project management
• The role of AI in marketing, trend forecasting, and growing your design business
• How to start small and safe with AI, even if tech feels intimidating
• Why AI should enhance your client experience and your team’s workflow, not replace them

Whether you’re curious about AI, feeling overwhelmed by the buzz, or ready to start experimenting in your business, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways to help you harness AI in a way that feels authentic, strategic, and profitable.

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

Let’s talk about photography—not just taking it, but actually using it to move the needle in your design business.

In today’s episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, I’m joined by Lauren Anderson, founder of Sen Creative and a pro at helping interior designers turn beautiful images into strategic business tools. Lauren’s here to show us how to go beyond the portfolio—how to use your photos to build authority, boost visibility, and truly connect with your ideal clients.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stretch the value of a single photoshoot or how to make your work work harder for you, this conversation is packed with insight you don’t want to miss.

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, Christine and I dig into how you can build authority and visibility in your business—even if your marketing budget is limited. She shares practical frameworks, mindset shifts, and tactical tools to help you get seen, heard, and trusted in your field.

Key topics include:

• Christine’s journey: from broadcast journalist to Expert Authority Coach
• The power of authentic visibility and how vulnerability can strengthen your brand
• How to pick the right platforms (podcasting, video, social, etc.) based on where your ideal clients are
• Marketing on a shoestring: low-cost tools and strategies that deliver big impact
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and stepping into your authority
• Building a media kit, leveraging podcast guesting, and crafting content that positions you as an expert
• Branding essentials: professional headshots, unique title/positioning, and trademarking your “expert brand”
• How to repurpose one piece of content into many—stretch your effort for maximum reach
• Practical next steps for listeners who want to start building their expert authority

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

If you’re tired of chasing clients on social media and want your dream clients to come to you, this episode is going to shift the way you think about marketing.

I’m joined by Julia Bocchese, an SEO and Pinterest strategist who works with creative entrepreneurs to get their businesses found through powerful organic search tools. Julia breaks down what SEO really is (spoiler: it’s not as technical or intimidating as it sounds!) and how Pinterest can be your secret weapon for long-term lead generation—especially for interior designers.

We dive into the exact strategies designers can use to optimize their websites, blog posts, and pins so they show up right when potential clients are searching. Whether you’re brand new to SEO or want to start using Pinterest more strategically, Julia brings actionable, approachable advice you can start implementing today.

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