The Chaise Lounge Podcast

ICFF and Coming to America

This is the third and final show coming from ICFF NYC. Nick chats with CEO Richard Munao of NAU Designs and designer Kenneth Cobonpue. As Nick walked through ICFF, these two booths stood out to him. Let's find out why.

Meet Richard, Meet Nau

Nau (pronounced n-o-w) is a brand new collection, but Richard has been in the industry for around 30 years. He got his start as a cabinet maker. Richard has been to ICFF before, but only as an onlooker to observe to study how the show works. This year though was Nau's international debut and their first foot into the U.S. Richard's hopes to champion Australian design and bring his passion to the world. Nau makes tables, sofas, beds, and chairs out of walnut, oak, and ash, and are testing Australian timbers as well, to see how well they would work exported.

Right now the most difficult part of launching Nau is navigating the different distribution network in the United States compared to Australia, and working out who is who in this large country of 50 states. Richard is figuring out the best places to market and ICFF is definitely one of them. He worked with Australian designers and photographers to design their stand and photograph it to make it stand out.

Nau's collection integrates an acoustic material to create a quieter environment and weaved screen-like walls which light can pass through.  Their aesthetic creates organic shapes opposed to rectilinear modernity; it's created to be a visual piece within a room. Originally the products were planned to be for the workplace but wineries and jewelry stores have reached out to use them to create intimate spaces. They would also be great in a coffee shop or an airport.

Learn more at naudesign.com.au

Kenneth Cobonpue

Kenneth Cobonpue creates unique handmade furniture that is inspired by nature. He uses sustainable materials, organic fibers and recycled polyethylene for outdoor pieces. He creates indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting, installations, and art. He's been doing this professionally for 15 years but really, it all started when he was just a kid.

Kenneth grew up in the Philippines where his mother was a furniture designer from the back of their home. He grew up surrounded by craftsmen who taught him how to use the materials so he could build his own toys and bridges. Later, Kenneth left for Pratt in NYC to study industrial design and then returned to the Philippines to design his own collections, with the same people who made his mother's furniture. His first piece is the yin and yang, a simple cubic chair, which he designed with an open weave for air to flow through littleview obstruction. He has developed this open weave aesthetic and now uses it in all of his products. Kenneth's inspiration comes from nature; if you look through a tree you can see the light passing through its branches and leaves, just like in his frames.

ICFF is where Kenneth and his team meet clients, retailers, new designers, and the press. Also, it is where they introduce their new products into the American market.

Learn more at kennethcobonpue.com

Porcelanosa has started a new trend in hospitality: taking carpet out of rooms and people are LOVING it. Carpet is the culprit that traps and keeps odors so it's a good idea to get rid of it. The only problem though is that when you walk on hard surfaces though, it creates lots of noise for your neighbors. So, Porcelanosa has created a sound underlay system that deadens noise and sound! Virgin Hotels in Chicago have been named the number one hotel in America by because of Porcelanosa's floor system is in every room.

If you want to learn more about it visit porcelanosa.usa

The Las Vegas Market LIVE Chaise Lounge show is coming soon at a different showroom location each day of Market at 4 pm PT.

ICFF with Chad James

On this episode of The Lounge, Nick meets with Chad James at ICFF NYC to talk about long time client, friend and country singer-songwriter Luke Bryan; PR; and Chad's progress since their last interview about a year ago. It's Chad's first time at ICFF and he is very excited about the unique vendors and getting small glimpses into each one's best work. Later, Nick talks to Shell Broadnax of RESA who will be speaking at Las Vegas Market about whether or not you might want to become a home stager.

Special thanks to Benjamin Moore for making this week's show possible. Walls By Design exclusively uses Benjamin Moore paints which can be bought online at Guiry's. This week in the office we did a paint test between Benjamin Moore and Sherman Williams' four lowest end products, as they're the most commonly bought paints. Hang tight for a link to the video on the Walls By Design Facebook. Also, Lindsay Paoli of Design Manager just featured us in her article, 11 Binge-Worthy Design Shows That Aren’t on HGTV, which talks about the top design movies, TV shows, books and podcasts to check out this summer. Design Manager is the best way for your business to stay organized, get rid of spreadsheets and Microsoft documents, and put all your projects, accounting, and inventory in one place.

Catching up with Chad

Currently, Chad is on a 12-week travel schedule so he hasn't spent much time at his home in Nashville, Tennessee. When he does make it to his lakehouse though, he enjoys wake surfing from his boat.

Chad is always very private about who he works with but once a client's project is published, he's able to talk about it. Two years ago he designed Luke Bryan's Florida beach home and recently, his work was picked up and put on the cover of Traditional Home, so Nick dug in to learn all about it. Check out the article here. His photographs (featured below) were done by architectural photographer Alyssa Rossenheck who will be on the show this month!

Chad gives us some insight into the pros and cons of PR in the interior design industry and how he is able (or unable) to get his work out there. He tells us, after spending so much time on a beautiful project, often times the only people who get to see and enjoy it are the homeowners. From the very beginning of a project, he and his client talk through his photographic rights and come to an agreement about what this means. He will always respect a client's privacy even if he is disappointed he doesn't get to show off his work. His firm never talks about a project due to the fact that with social media and digital press, information spreads quickly... no one wants what they're doing and spending to be in the public eye. All of his employees sign a confidentiality agreement. Occasionally though, he get's to take photos of a project and send it out to multiple avenues in order to see who will 'bite,' just like with Traditional Home and Luke Bryan.

Last time Nick and Chad chatted, at Highpoint, he told us that he hired a PR company to encourage his business and his work. Before that, Chad just kept his head down, took pictures, put them in his portfolio, and that was it. He never was a self-promotor so his PR took away the burden and discomfort of having to promote himself. Now, he's has participated in speaking engagements and has traveled to Italy, to Paris, and all over the U.S. His PR handles all online and print media, gained him name recognition, and created a BRAND- the only way to make your business grow.

Lastly, Chad talks about his new house, which he closed on his birthday, but is only just now starting to design the space. He has decided to publish his home when 's finished because this house is very different than anything he's ever done before - it's contemporary! He describes it as a 'modern box' and so, he wants to let his pendulum swing in the other dir...

Kim Vance: Creating Color in a Whole New Way

On this episode of The Lounge, Kim Vance of Whyte and Company joins us from Dallas to talk about creating color in a whole new way: in sinks! Kim discovered a niche that didn't previously exist and then filled it by manufacturing colorful sinks. Nick and Kim originally met at ICFF.

How it all started

Kim didn't have any sort of background in plumbing but was actually a marketing person. One day she and her girlfriend started talking about how fun a colorful sink would be and googled 'purple sink', but nothing came up!  Unless it was glass or old, a purple sink was nowhere to be sold in the USA or in Europe. Kim pondered why we can order a spatula from Amazon and receive it on the same day, but we can't buy a purple sink. The sink industry's colors were so limited that they were essentially black, white, gray, beige, beige, and beige. So why was no one doing it?

Kim decided to take matters into her own hands. Now for the first time in 40 years, color is taking over plumbing in over 30 standard colors, but this time in an updated, clean, European inspired look. And people are ready for it. Not only do designers LOVE it but the clients are reaching out to designers because they HAVE to have it.

The Logistics

With no plumbing background, Kim had to learn all about sinks, sink manufacturers, and all of the who? what? where? when? how? questions of the sink industry. Today, she can't believe how fun product design really is and loves inventing amazing colors with her "colorista" team (including Kerrie Kelly, and Michel Boyd).

Originally, Kim dove right in and began manufacturing in Mexico but after realizing how important quality control is, she moved her team to the U.S. All of the sinks are made to order with only a 4 week turn around, and while there are standard designs and colors, Kim says,"if you can dream it we can make it." Custom is the word. If there are quirky spaces and niches to fill, she can do it and at the SAME price point. The solid surface material that they use is so malleable that it costs the same to manufacture, meaning there's no upcharge on them or YOU. Their style suits contemporary to transitional.

The hardest thing early on was figuring out the properties of the materials. Making sure they are durable and won't chip was very important to Kim, so she had to figure out what could and couldn't be done with the materials from both a color and a design perspective.

Why Whyte?

Kim tells us that the color white is the encapsulation of all color- she wanted a name with meaning that felt relatable. Growing and getting your name out there is definitely a challenge. She was nervous about being able to sell color to the clients and not just to designers, but clients have been the ones most excited about it. A lot of people find them through Instagram.

Breakfast at Tiffany's is Kim's favorite color, it's the first color she fabricated and a customer favorite. The most sought after color though is Sweet Plum by Lisa Escobar which is very popular for small urban spaces. Shay Blue is a cobalt blue and also very popular. Blush is the most requested sample, and not just for kids spaces.

What the business looks like today

Whyte and Company have only been selling since January so 6 months in, it's still early. She's thrilled that people are stopping in their tracks at the showrooms to look at the sink. People are very excited about using color and having another dimension to it. No one can compete with it! People are actually getting excited about plumbing, who knew that would ever happen? Kim's advice? Don't install these sinks in your bathroom if you don't want everyone who goes through to take a sink selfie.

Whyte and Company sell to the trade, so not directly to clients, but they are carried by build.

Miami Interior Designer: David Charette

Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with David Charette, one half of the Miami based design firm Britto Charette, from the Porcelanosa flagship building in NYC. Learn about David’s early days as a designer, his journey to Miami, and the lessons he learned from opening a design firm shortly after an economic recession.

Getting to Know David

David, a Michigan native, loves: to travel, shoes and Tesla. Unfortunately, he doesn’t drive a Tesla (he drives a land rover) but he finds himself drawn to the environmentally conscious concept and brand behind Tesla. His favorite accessory is shoes, Jimmy Choo being his brand of choice as they have a lot of options for men and garner lots of compliments. David’s parents were school teachers who taught him the importance of education, tenacity and to never give up. They also instilled his love of travel. He has been traveling since the age of two. Some of his favorite places are Florence, Berlin, Paris, and Hong Kong. In the US, he is drawn to the excitement of Manhattan and its many skyscrapers.

One of David’s strengths has been drawing and sketching. Growing up, he found that he was always putting together spaces, shapes and volumes and building models with Legos. He also had strong drawing and hand sketching abilities, which he now uses as a tool to communicate with clients to articulate his ideas. David began studying Fine Arts and Sculpture at Aquinas University in Grand Rapids. However, after receiving feedback that most of his work was architectural in nature he transferred to the University of Detroit where he received a Bachelor of Architecture (professional architecture degree). He taught 3rd-year studio at the University before he departed to focus on his professional work.

Although David is passionate about core and shell architecture, he found himself drawn to interior design due to the project time frame and increased client connection. When constructing a new building from the ground up, the process could take between 3-4 years. There is immediacy to interior design, where a project could be complete in around 6 months. With interiors, David found much more client contact and interaction with the end users. There was also more of a personal connection since people typically experience a building from the inside.

Professional Life

David began working at Smith Group where he focused on higher education, corporate projects, and top secret spaces. After this, he moved around a bit interning in Cleveland and Chicago before landing at the San Francisco office of Perkins and Will. At Perkins and Will he worked on one of his largest projects, Princess Nora University, for 45,000 students in Beirut. It was a fast-track project, going from design to completion in 4 years. Working on this project allowed him to live and work in Beirut as a member of the design team and also travel to Miami and Chicago for various team meetings.

At a trip to Chicago for NeoCon, a trade show for commercial interior design, David met his future business partner, Jay Britto. After a series of casual conversations, David noticed that they had similar tastes and he found himself growing increasingly frustrated with his experience in large corporate environments. Fueled by a lack of recognition for his participation in an industrial design project on display at NeoCon, Jay and David decided to work together and create their own firm: Britto Charette. As designers, they are both equally creative. They work organically; sharing most of the work and naturally dividing project demands. David calls his move to Miami a calculated risk. It is a very architectural city with large room to grow and invest.

Creating and Maintaining the Business

 

David accredits three steps to creating his business: a strong business plan, staffing, and technology.

Photography by Joshua McHugh

Blaze Makoid Architecture

On this episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick chats with Blaze Makoid of Blaze Makoid Architecture. Blaze shares with us the challenges of starting his own business, how he get’s the word out about his firm, and what’s on the horizon.

Getting to know Blaze

Blaze Makoid is joining Nick in The Lounge from Sag Harbor, NY in the Hamptons, where he looks forward to the beautiful weather and social seasons. Blaze also looks forward to vacations with his daughter. They travel out of the country on winter vacations for skiing trips. Blaze also enjoys a good cocktail - Manhattans, martinis, and tequila.

How Blaze got into architecture

Blaze showed interest in architecture as early as 4th grade. He always wanted to draw. Later on, Blaze attended the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Classes were set up as trimesters and students were encouraged to take classes outside of their focus over the winter session (like furniture making, glass blowing, painting, and more), which he did. Blaze worked at GBQC Architect Firm in Philidelphia for a year in order to save up to travel to Europe.

After school, Blaze moved back to Boston, where he worked for Kallmann McKinnell & Wood Architects. Then he worked for two Alumnus of the firm and began in high-end luxury residential design. He very much enjoyed the vibe and intimacy of being in a small office. Blaze continued to excel in his career and found himself at a larger company as a director of design for Hillier and ECCB. He was building college academic and institutional buildings but hated what he was doing because he was doing very little design but instead doing lots of managing. Blaze was faced with the challenge to overcome his fear of the unknown by starting his own firm. He couldn't reboot and get excited about managing long projects once again. Blaze recalls wearing many hats including being an architect, a consultant, an accountant, a salesperson, an HR person and more. He had no training and had to learn everything on the fly. Blaze also discusses the difficult task of not being shy and "talking money" with clients so you can be paid for the work you do.

Blaze's firm downsized during the economic downturn, but they survived. Blaze mentions that the firm was reduced down to one. He didn’t even take a salary for a while and accepted payment plans from clients. This turn of events allowed Blaze to slowly hire people who were excited, ready to work, and talented. Blaze continued to only focus on modern architecture, which was hard at the time, but now the firm has an identity.

What the business looks like today

Blaze Makoid Architecture focuses on residential architecture, with most of their work in the Hamptons. The business has grown steadily and Blaze has a goal of one project outside of the Hamptons per year. Blaze also has an office in Tahoe. This remote employee was ready for a change. Since Blaze trusts him completely, he was able to offer this opportunity.

Getting the word out

Blaze recently hired a PR firm in order to get maximum exposure for promoting three different projects he was working on. He also runs advertisements in various print publications during the summer based on competition. Blaze has formed strong relationships with real estate agents, attorneys, builders, and surveyors. He's started networking at social events and parties, invests time combing through newspapers every week and pouring over real estate ads, and even writes letters to brokers.

What's next?

Blaze and his company moved into a new space six weeks ago, where they are focusing on bringing in new work. The firm continues to expand by growing by a third over the last five months.

Learn more about Blaze Makoid Architecture on their website and Instagram.

Upcoming Events

Anthony Michael: Chicago Designer of High-end Homes and Yacht Design

On this episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick chats with Anthony Michael of Anthony Michael Interior Design. Anthony is passionate about design and shares his 30+ history in the industry, how he manages clients and his enthusiasm for yacht projects.

Getting to know Anthony

 Anthony Michael is calling in from Lincoln Park, but didn’t grow up far from there. He loves Romantic Comedies, especially Under the Tuscan Sun. Anthony loves bracelets, shoes, and sunglasses - and owns an abundance of all three! Though Anthony can’t even think about not being a designer, he imagines that he would be a teacher, writer, chef, or even an archaeologist.

How Anthony got into design

Growing up, Anthony’s mom always had a project going. The house was in chaos, but he was always intrigued with the process and transformation. As a young kid, he found himself reading Architectural Digest and House Beautiful, not comics like his friends.

Anthony went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in architecture and ultimately a Master’s abroad, in Paris. His mindset totally switched from survival to expanding his knowledge. After school, Anthony worked for someone else but found it difficult to not follow his own thoughts and opinions. He understood the value of working your way up in a business, as his parents always owned restaurants, but found it tough in this instance. Anthony opened his own firm with a $5000 loan. His first client, Mrs. Banks, is one of his best supporters, and the rest is history.

What the business looks like today

Anthony mentions the ebbs and flows of the business. He currently employs about 8 individuals who work on 20+ projects at a time within the US and Puerto Rico. The projects include repeat customers, high-end residential, and restoring yachts.

Anthony believes in giving clients what they want but knows to keep in mind that he was hired for a reason- his expertise. He lives vicariously through his clients. Anthony and his team do not work in phases, but rather on whole homes. His firm does not stage homes to sell, but when a home designed by him is on the market, it is often furnished and sold quickly.

Managing a client

Anthony and his team have honed in a process for interacting with clients that includes: a first meeting to get an idea of each other's personalities, budget, and expectations; then a presentation of image boards, textiles, and floor plans; next a follow up with all details, elevations, etc; followed by a budget meeting. Around week eight, project work begins. Anthony kicks the client out for about a week until the project is installed and revealed. He then meets with the client the next day to review and walk through tutorials. Anthony and his team take care of this client all year, even decorating for the holidays! The approach is very proactive and tends to eliminate issues that could pop up.

Designing yachts

Growing up, Anthony’s parents had a boat that they restored over 15 years ago, Anthony found a boat in bad condition and ended up restoring it himself over the next nine months. People noticed the boat and Anthony. He was able to make a nice profit and continue the process every year. Each year, the project grows and Anthony continues to learn more and more about the materials and design for yachts. His next boat is launching on June 15.

                         

Getting the word out

Anthony relies on word of mouth and repeat customers. He saw a need for keeping up with marketing and decided to employ an in-house team for social media, editorial content, and influencer relationship management. He cited the old adage, “Spend money to make money.”

Anthony and his business continue to evolve, and he hires people who are smarter than him! Learn more at Anthony Michael Interior Design.

Industry: Can we talk Green Design?

On this episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick chats with Phyllis Harbinger, interior design industry expert. Nick and Phyllis get into green design, what that means, and how to incorporate these design principles in residential projects.

Specifying Sustainable Products in Residential Design

Phyllis Harbinger joins Nick in The Lounge while wrapping up a busy school year at FIT. She kickstarts the conversation by informing us that clients aren’t asking for green design, and honestly, aren’t necessarily open to it either. Phyllis lets us know though that the more natural and sustainable a product is, the better off the environment and even the client is.

Phyllis and her class were recently able to visit Material Connexion, which she referred to as 'a candy store for designers.' Phyllis recalls a specific wallcovering that was a grass-like cloth which absorbed odors and even cleaned the air.

Green design and green products temd to find their way into commercial projects more often than residential, so it is important that designers start educating clients. It may take more time to discover these products and put together green spaces but it's not always at a higher cost. Green Design may be a challenge, but it’s rewarding. Resources for repurposing items include local antique stores and online sources such as 1stDibs, Previously Owned by a Gay Man, etc.

How to Know if Product is Green

Many times it can be as simple as a label on textiles stating it as a recycled good, but if not, you may need to research the content and where it was made. Often, importing from across the globe can “undo” the good of a “green” product by increasing its carbon footprint.

Phyllis notes vinyl wallcoverings and certain carpets as not environmentally friendly, while cork is a better option, or even opting to refinish wood floors rather than replacing them. She also recalls a project where it was more “green” to install a new floor on top of an old one, rather than tearing it out.

Nick also encounters environmental issues in his business. In the past, low and zero VOC products were significantly more expensive. This cost was a hurdle that prevented his customers from making the switch.

When this difference decreased, Nick and his company decided to make the change across the board - not only for environmental reasons but also for the health of his crew.

Phyllis and Nick also talk about repainting cabinets versus installing new ones, specify ultra suede green, and talk about the versatility of carpet tiles.

Send Phyllis an email to get in touch and learn more!

Upcoming Events

NeoCon - June 12 - 14

PCBC - June 26 - 28

Las Vegas Market - July 30 - Aug 2

BDNY 2017 - Nov 12 - 13

KBIS - Jan 9 - 11

Wrap Up

If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!

Sarah Wilson: Career reset into Interior Design

On this episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick chats with Sarah Wilson of Chansaerae Interior Design. Sarah shares how she restarted her career in a new industry, working for herself, and also shares her goals for 2017.

Getting to know Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson joins Nick in The Lounge from Palm Springs, California, where she owns and operates Chansaerae Interior Design. Sarah loves to vacation in St. Croix, where she grew up. Her favorite room is her bedroom, but she would love even more to have a walk-in closet. Sarah admittedly is not a pet person; she would rather have the freedom to go wherever she wants, whenever she wants.

How Sarah got into design

Interior design is Sarah’s third career. She started in school for graphic arts and worked in that field for three years. Sarah had her son, then went back to school for her Bachelor's degree. Wanting to earn more money, Sarah earned her Masters in Information Technology.

She eventually realized that she missed the design aspect of her profession. Sarah had always designed her own spaces and didn’t want to work for someone else so she made the switch. Starting next month, she will have been a business owner for two years. She loves the reaction she gets from clients when the space she designs is done.

Getting the word out

In terms of marketing, Sarah participates in both digital and traditional methods, including Instagram, local newsletters, and Facebook ads. Sarah has also had luck developing mutually beneficial relationships with contractors and joining networking groups.

Making the switch

Sarah mentioned that she embraces change. It doesn’t scare her. When she wasn’t happy with her previous job, she knew it was time for a change. It may have seemed like a quick decision, but it was on her mind for at least ten years. Sarah started with seeking out design education, then followed through with internships, and ultimately opening her own firm.

It was never her goal to work for someone else, so she used her internships to learn what she needed to open the doors to Chansaerae Interior Design. Sarah identifies with how personal design is. She wanted to do things her own, way with her own point of view.

Current projects include a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodels, a fireplace refresh, furnishing a whole home, and even home staging. In 2017, Sarah hopes to expand even more into home flipping. She knows what sells homes and wants to employ her expertise.

Learn more at Chansaerae Interior Design.

Upcoming Events

NeoCon - June 12 - 14

PCBC - June 26 - 28

Las Vegas Market - July 30 - Aug 2

BDNY 2017 - Nov 12 - 13

KBIS - Jan 9 - 11

Wrap Up

If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!

Sanja Radovanovic: Home Staging from Rome

On this episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick chats with Sanja Radovanovic on home staging, her ambassadorship with IAHSP in Europe, and what’s next for her in the world of home staging.

Getting to know Sanja Radovanovic

Sanja Radovanovic, born in Serbia, currently lives in Rome, after residing in at least eight other countries. She met Nick at the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP). Sanja speaks five languages and loves men’s watches, sunglasses, and high heels. She also enjoys Nutella and wine.

How Sanja got into design

Sanja states that interior design has always been a part of her. As a child, her mother’s job kept the family moving, which meant constant renovations and redesigns. Now, she is married to a diplomat, which keeps her family moving as well.

She has been involved with IAHSP over the last year and is on the board of directors. IAHSP is the longest running industry association and is dedicated to advancing the education for stagers and realtors. The organization provides ongoing education throughout the US and is expanding into Europe.

For Sanja, the switch from interior design to home staging came naturally. She was always attending open houses, though she mentions it's a tough market educating clients on what staging is. She prepares a home to bring in top dollar in the least amount of time.

Sanja initially established her business in Chicago but has moved, again and again, restarting from scratch, feeling like she has to work twice as hard. She relies on social networks, industry associations including IAHSP, and professional relationships to build her business wherever she is.

What her business looks like

Sanja has never worked for someone else. She has always run her own firm. Interior design clients ask for home staging when selling, and then ask for help designing their new home after they've moved. Much of her business has been brought in through word of mouth.

Sanja mentions that interior design requires designing for someone else, which means you need to listen and understand what they need and want, whereas staging is for a home must appeal to a wide number of individuals, so it can sell, not the current owner.

What’s next

Sanja is investing a lot of time and effort with IAHSP expanding across the globe. In Rome, there is less design work currently due to economy, but IAHSP founder, Barb Schwarz, says, “The world is full of money, you have to find it.”

Learn more at Staged Homes and The Art of Staging.

Upcoming Events

NeoCon - June 12 - 14

PCBC - June 26 - 28

Las Vegas Market - July 30 - Aug 2

BDNY 2017 - Nov 12 - 13

KBIS - Jan 9 - 11

Wrap Up

If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!

Betsy Helmuth: Affordable Interior Designer

On this episode of The Louge, fellow podcaster and interior designer, Betsy Helmuth joins us to talk about Affordable Interior Design and how to design your own home on a budget, at your leisure. Her podcast, Big Design, Small Budget runs every Tuesday and is available on iTunes where she spills inside tips on design and how to do it yourself.

Getting to Know Betsy

Betsy waits all week for her Saturday night tradition of going to Outback Steakhouse with her family and ordering a martini. She recently became a suburban mom, moving her life to from NY City, where her business began, to Westchester. Her business has expanded from Manhatten to the suburbs and now, across the globe online.

Inside Affordable Interior Design

Besty's company only consists of 5 designers and 2 handymen yet they get 8-15 new clients every week, and design 500-700 spaces a year! They've worked with everyone from hoarders to billionaires.

What makes Affordable Interior Design, affordable, is offering flat rate plans that tell clients exactly what to do and buy, so they can execute it on their own time and at their own rate. The whole process only takes 6 hours! 2 hours are spent meeting in person or online, 2-3 hours are reserved for the designers to 'shop' online and build a mood board, and the last hour is to meet back up on the phone to look at and tweak items. All that is left is for the client to execute the vision! Now they can budget accordingly. 90% of Betsy's business consists of this plan that clients implement on their own, but they do offer packages where the designers do everything as well, it's just more expensive as you have to pay for their time.

Marketing

Betsy never spent a lot of time on advertising, if any at all, as her name advertised for itself. If anyone googles "affordable interior design," her website pops up. Which, is exactly what the user is looking for. Then her reviews, referrals, history, and designers' degrees and high-end experience leads people to stick around and use the service.

Recently though, for the last 3 months and for the first time in 10 years she has started marketing and hired people to help. As the company grows and more designers are added to the team, she wants to make sure clientele is still growing also.

Betsy has an impressive repertoire of PR but has never paid for any of it. Each exposure has its own story and some were as simple as a Google search. Find her on the Today Show, the Wall Street Journal, LifeTime, NBC, CNN, USA Today HGTV, the DIY Network and more here. Betsy shares with us that TV exposure doesn't really translate to clientele at the time, but instead, after the fact it gives credibility and interest. A lot of marketing is about good photography and Nick tells us his secret hack on how to get high-quality pictures for cheap.

Inside The Podcast: Big Design, Small Budget

Betsy's had her podcast now for a year and a half now. She believes that knowing how to design is a right, not a gift. You shouldn't have to hire someone. The principals of design can easily be learned by anyone, you don't need a magic eye. Betsy is passionate about giving away her design secrets and imparting everything she knows on others. You have to live in your home, so you should be comfortable doing so. Betsy also tells us how she got started in the podcast world and how it has helped reach and boost her online platform which includes design classes, design packages, and her book.

Of everything, Betsy loves that the items she chooses can really make a difference in people lives. She tells us that she truly believes furniture can change people's lives.

Contact her at [email protected] and learn more on her website www.affordableinteriordesign.com