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

Kimberley Seldon
  • 4.6 (200)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Business of Design® is the leading business training platform for interior design professionals. Our proven programs give you the systems and structure you need to run a profitable, process-driven design business. Ready to build a business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com

  1. 2d ago

    EP 487 | Systems Create Freedom for Design Professionals with Ellie Black

    What if the key to greater creativity, profitability, and peace of mind isn't working harder—but creating better systems? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Northern Virginia landscape designer Ellie Black to discuss what changed when she stopped reinventing the wheel and started implementing proven processes. Together, they explore why so many creative professionals resist structure, how boundaries improve the client experience, and why systems are essential for sustainable growth. Whether you specialize in interiors, landscapes, or both, this conversation will help you create a business that supports your creativity instead of draining it. In this episode, we learn: • Why systems and processes create more freedom, creativity, and profitability • How the BOD™ 15-Step Process helped Ellie transform her landscape design business • Why boundaries, policies, and clear communication increase client trust • The difference between being busy and working strategically • How delegation frees up time for higher-value creative work • Why outdoor spaces should be designed as a natural extension of the home • Practical tools for reducing overwhelm, improving focus, and avoiding burnout

    34 min

  2. Jun 23

    EP 486 | Working With Builders as an Interior Designer with Jen Dean

    Want to take on larger, more profitable renovation projects with confidence? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Jen Dean about one of the most valuable relationships an interior designer can build: the relationship with a trusted builder. While many designers feel intimidated by construction projects, Jen explains why learning to collaborate effectively with builders can lead to smoother projects, stronger client experiences, and greater profitability. For interior designers looking to expand their expertise, improve project execution, and confidently navigate construction environments, this episode offers practical strategies for building successful partnerships with contractors and trades. In this episode, we learn: - Why some builders hesitate to work with interior designers—and how to earn their trust - How learning to "speak builder" improves communication and collaboration on site - Why every project benefits from a builder kickoff meeting at the outset - What builders need most from designers: clear drawings, documentation, and timely decisions - How strong drawing packages reduce confusion, delays, and costly mistakes - Why asking for feedback strengthens long-term builder relationships - How to navigate preferred trades and vendor relationships professionally - Why documenting questions, decisions, and contractor notes protects the project and everyone involved Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com

    26 min

  3. Jun 16

    EP 485 | How Interior Designers Handle Budget Shock Without Compromising the Design with Kimberley Seldon

    What happens when a renovation budget jumps from $2 million to $5 million? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a recent client presentation that forced her to confront one of the biggest challenges facing interior designers today: skyrocketing construction and furnishing costs. Rather than panic, value engineer too soon, or compromise the design, Kimberley prepared two thoughtful options and helped her client make an informed decision. For interior designers navigating rising costs, client sticker shock, and difficult budget conversations, this episode offers practical strategies for leading with confidence, expertise, and integrity. In this episode, we learn: • How to prepare clients for budget realities before presenting your design recommendations • Why every designer should consider having a thoughtful Plan B when costs exceed expectations • How to avoid compromising quality while still helping clients make smart financial decisions • Why leadership, confidence, and expertise matter more than ever in today's market • How to manage your own money mindset when presenting high-budget projects • Why clients value honest advice and strategic alternatives more than endless value engineering • How presenting options strengthens trust and positions you as a true advisor, not just a designer Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com

    17 min

  4. Jun 9

    EP 484 | Why Your Photos Are Costing You High-End Design Clients with Candice Brooke

    You already invested in the project. You hired the photographer. The installation is complete. Then, like so many interior designers, you treat the photoshoot as the final checkbox instead of what it really is: a marketing asset designed to attract your next ideal client. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Candice Brooke to discuss why photography is far more than documentation—and how strategic visual content directly impacts the quality of clients and projects you attract. From editorial planning to SEO, Pinterest, social media, and relationship marketing, this conversation reframes photography as a long-term business growth strategy rather than a one-time expense. If you’ve ever wondered why your projects aren’t attracting the level of client you want, this episode may completely change how you approach photography and content creation. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why iPhone photos often attract lower-budget, less committed clients - How professional photography impacts the quality of inquiries you receive - The difference between simply “taking photos” and building a marketing strategy - How to create an editorial calendar that extends the life of one project for months - What designers should plan before a photoshoot to maximize ROI - How to capture content for your website, Pinterest, SEO, and social media simultaneously - Why answering client questions through visual content increases engagement - Why social media is only one part of an effective marketing strategy - How relationship-building and strategic outreach continue to outperform posting alone Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com

    28 min

  5. Jun 2

    EP 483 | CEO Decision-Making for Interior Designers with Andrea Liebross

    How do you make smart business decisions when there’s no obvious right answer? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Andrea Liebross to explore how interior designers can make clearer, more confident decisions—even when uncertainty, fear, or overthinking get in the way. From hiring and pricing to growth and leadership, every business owner faces moments where the next step feels unclear. Andrea shares a practical framework to help you separate facts from emotion, identify your true priorities, and make decisions that support long-term growth instead of self-sabotage. If decision fatigue or second-guessing is slowing your momentum, this episode will help you think and lead more like a CEO. What you’ll learn in this episode: - How to separate facts from fear and emotion in business decisions - Why every interior design business needs one clear priority at a time - How hidden beliefs influence hiring, pricing, and growth decisions - Why confidence comes from taking action—not waiting for certainty - How to break overwhelming decisions into clear, actionable next steps - How to lead your business with greater clarity and intention Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com

    34 min

  6. May 26

    EP 482 | Interior Design Paint Color: Why It’s So Hard (Even for Pros) with Susan Jamieson

    Paint color. Clients think it’s the easiest decision. Designers know it’s one of the hardest. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Susan Jamieson, founder of Bridget Berri Designs and author of Color Rules, to unpack why paint carries so much visual weight—and why even experienced designers can struggle to get it right. From undertones to lighting to sequencing decisions correctly, this conversation reframes how to approach paint color with clarity and confidence. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why paint color is often harder than selecting furniture or finishes - Kimberley’s five key principles for choosing paint with confidence - How defining the mood of a space narrows your color options - Why fixed elements should guide your paint decisions - How undertones impact color more than the name on the sample - Why testing larger samples in the actual space is critical - Why paint should be one of the final decisions—not the first Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com

    30 min

  7. May 19

    EP 481 | Interior Design & Art Selection: Why Designers Must Lead with Sarah Hurt

    A room without art isn’t finished—it’s staged furniture waiting for a point of view. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Sarah Hurt to tackle one of the most common confidence gaps in interior design: making decisive art selections. Too often, designers defer to the client—hoping they’ll “find something meaningful”—and in doing so, weaken their authority and stall the project. This conversation reframes art as an essential part of the design process, not an afterthought. From sourcing original pieces to guiding clients with confidence, you’ll learn why strong designers don’t wait—they lead. If you want your projects to feel complete, be published, and stand out, it’s time to make the art call. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why deferring art decisions weakens your authority as a designer - The difference between decorative “tourist art” and original, collectible work - How to guide clients toward discovering their personal art preferences - Why final art decisions should happen in the home—not the gallery - How to curate multiple pieces into a cohesive, intentional collection - Opportunities in the emerging art market under $10,000 - How partnering with an art consultant can strengthen your expertise Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com

    32 min

  8. May 12

    EP 480 | Scrappy Marketing Beats Perfection: How Interior Designers Get Clients with Elizabeth Rees

    Struggling to get clients for your interior design business? You’re not alone—and it’s probably not a talent issue. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Elizabeth Rees to break down what actually works when it comes to marketing for interior designers. Because the designers landing projects aren’t necessarily more skilled—they’re simply more visible, more consistent, and more willing to take action before they feel ready. If you’ve been relying on referrals, posting on social media without results, or waiting for the “right time” to put yourself out there, this conversation will change how you approach growth. This is a practical, no-fluff look at how to build traction, generate leads, and create momentum in your interior design business—without waiting for perfection. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why referrals alone won’t sustain long-term growth in your interior design business - How to get interior design clients—even if you have no network - The real purpose of networking and how to use it to generate opportunities - Why visibility matters more than perfection in your marketing strategy - How to measure ROI beyond immediate revenue and short-term wins - The difference between being busy and being strategically visible - How to repurpose content to increase reach without extra work - Why in-person networking is still one of the fastest ways to grow - How rejection helps you build momentum and resilience - What “scrappy marketing” looks like when scaling your design business

    30 min
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4.6
out of 5
200 Ratings

About

Business of Design® is the leading business training platform for interior design professionals. Our proven programs give you the systems and structure you need to run a profitable, process-driven design business. Ready to build a business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com

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