The Business of Beautiful Spaces Podcast for Interior Designers

Laura Thornton, Interior Designer
  • 4.9 (31)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Business of Beautiful Spaces, the podcast where interior design matters! As Interior Designers, we understand the power of creating beautiful and functional spaces that not only look good, but also enhance our daily lives. Join us on this journey as we explore the ins and outs of the interior design industry and dive into the business side of things. From one interior designer to another, we'll share our experiences, insights, and lessons learned as we strive to create spaces that not only make a statement, but also make a difference. So sit back, relax, and let's get started on The Business of Beautiful Spaces. The Business of Beautiful spaces Freebie:  https://the-business-of-beautiful-spaces.ck.page/ Mentorship One on One : https://theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/mentorship The Profit Academy for Interior Designers Online Course: https://theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com You can find us at  www.thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com, email us at hello@thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com or any social media platform @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.

  1. 3D AGO

    158- Let's Talk: Fireside Chat with the SheEO's in My Life (Part 2)

    Send a text Part 2 of this conversation goes deeper into the internal side of long-term entrepreneurship. Less about tactics, more about judgment, intuition, systems, relationships, and the realities that only show up after decades in business. The group explores how decision-making evolves with experience, when to trust your gut versus your data, and why profitability, not optics, is what actually sustains a business. They also talk candidly about seasons of life, goal setting in mid-career, building trusted teams and vendor networks, and what truly keeps people excited after 25–30 years of work. This episode is a masterclass in earned wisdom. It’s about making better decisions, protecting your energy, and building a business that supports your life, not just your ambition. 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 thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com 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

    1h 1m

  2. FEB 9

    157 - Let's Talk: Fireside Chat with the SheEOs in My Life (Part 1)

    Send us a text In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura sits down with three long-time colleagues and friends from very different industries to talk candidly about what entrepreneurship actually looks like over decades, not highlight reels. Together, they unpack the misconceptions people have about their businesses, the pivotal career moments that changed their trajectories, and the real trade-offs behind growth, scaling, and balance. The conversation moves beyond hustle culture and into lived experience, touching on leadership, team building, motherhood, resilience, mentorship, and the power of community. This episode is an honest, unscripted look at what it takes to build something lasting, and why success often looks quieter, messier, and more intentional than people expect. 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 thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com 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

    1 hr

  3. FEB 2

    156- Let's Talk About Client Relationship 101

    Send us a text Client Relationships 101: How to Set Boundaries, Stay in Control & Create Happy Clients Strong client relationships don’t come from being overly flexible or available 24/7. They come from clear leadership, well-defined processes, and confident boundaries. In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura breaks down exactly how interior designers can stay in control of their projects from day one without sacrificing warmth, professionalism, or client trust. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by constant client communication, unclear expectations, or decision fatigue, this episode will show you how to fix the process so your client experience feels seamless, elevated, and referral-worthy. ✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why most client issues are actually process problemsHow to set the tone before the first client conversationWhy a Welcome Guide is one of the most powerful tools in your businessWhat to include in a “What to Expect” PDF to protect your time and energyHow to clearly define client vs. designer responsibilitiesWhy renovation projects require their own expectation-setting documentsHow to stay in control of scheduling while still appearing flexibleThe importance of weekly client check-in emails, even when nothing has changedHow limiting choices leads to better client decisions and less overwhelmPro-level systems that create happy clients who refer you again and againBe 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 thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com 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

    16 min

  4. JAN 26

    155 - Let's Talk About Resilience with Andria Cowan Molyneaux from AMC Designs

    Send us a text In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, I sit down with Andria Cowan Molyneaux, founder and principal designer of ACM Designs, for a deeply honest conversation about what it truly takes to build a design business that lasts. Andria is a designer who leads with integrity, intention, and quiet confidence. She’s built a respected, enduring firm grounded in exceptional client service, thoughtful design, and a commitment to lifelong learning. She’s also the current president of the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada, where she continues to champion community and professionalism within our industry. This episode is all about resilience, not the hustle-for-the-sake-of-hustle kind, but the steady, grounded resilience that comes from experience, education, and connection. We talk about Andria’s journey into design, her specialization in aging in place, how she’s navigated decades of market shifts, and why community has played such a pivotal role in her success. And I’ll share this openly, after we stopped recording, Andria and I stayed on the call for another hour, continuing the conversation about our businesses, shared experiences, and personal connection points. That’s the magic of community. That’s where resilience is reinforced. And it’s exactly why this podcast exists. This is an open, thoughtful, and genuinely fun conversation, full of wisdom, perspective, and encouragement for designers at every stage of business. Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com 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

    57 min

  5. JAN 19

    154 - Let's Talk About How to Protect your Calendar and Time

    Send us a text In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura dives into the real-world lessons behind building a profitable, sustainable interior design business—without sacrificing creativity or personal boundaries. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, she shares candid insights into what designers often get wrong, what actually moves the needle, and how small mindset and strategy shifts can create major business breakthroughs. Listeners will walk away with practical takeaways around decision-making, client relationships, and running a design firm with confidence and clarity. This episode is a reminder that success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things intentionally, pricing with purpose, and designing a business that supports the life you want. Whether you’re early in your design career or scaling an established studio, this conversation offers encouragement, clarity, and actionable wisdom to help you move forward with confidence. A free way to support our show is by leaving it a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps other designers discover it, too. 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 thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com 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

    19 min

  6. JAN 12

    153 - Let's Talk about AI and How You Can Integrated it into Your Design Business in 2026

    Send us a text In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura breaks down how interior designers can begin using AI in a practical, ethical and non-intimidating way in 2026. Whether you are AI curious, quietly resistant, or already dabbling, this conversation is designed to help you see AI as a supportive team member rather than a threat to your creativity or value. AI cannot replace your intuition, your eye, or the human connection you build with clients, but it can absolutely remove the repetitive, time consuming work that keeps you out of your creative zone. Laura walks through simple, starter level ways to introduce AI into your business right now – from drafting client emails and summarizing meetings to supporting social media content, refining website copy, organizing project communication and assisting with early concept exploration. From there, she explores more advanced strategies for designers who are ready to integrate AI deeper into their workflow, including AI assisted design development, procurement support, predictive project planning, business intelligence analytics and client style profiling. Finally, she offers a future focused look at where AI is heading in the design industry, and why designers who learn to partner with it will be able to work with more ease, clarity and profitability. In this episode, you will learn: How to think about AI as a tool that supports your business, not a replacement for your talentSimple, beginner friendly ways to use AI for admin, communication, content and client supportHow more advanced AI tools can streamline design development, procurement and project managementWhy AI will increasingly become a core business support system while designers remain at the heart of the creative processA free way to support the show is by leaving a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more designers discover The Business of Beautiful Spaces and step into their role as confident, profitable CEOs. 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 thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com 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

    23 min

  7. JAN 5

    152 - Let's Talk How to Price your Services Correctly with Raising Costs

    Send us a text Laura breaks down why most designers do not have a pricing problem, they have a scope and structure problem. She walks through practical strategies to increase profitability at your current rates, including tightening and clarifying your scope, reclaiming billable hours you are already working, streamlining your process for efficiency, and shifting from selling hours to selling outcomes and expertise. She also walks you through a powerful breakdown of what your hourly rate actually has to cover and why 200 dollars an hour is not what you think it is once overhead, taxes, and business costs are accounted for. You will leave this episode with a clearer understanding of how to protect your fees, honour your time, and run your design business like a true CEO, without feeling guilty for charging appropriately or afraid of client pushback. In this episode, you will learn: Why “pricing correctly” is not always about raising your ratesHow loose scope and fuzzy boundaries quietly erode your profitSimple ways to clarify what is included, what is not, and when additional fees applyHow to reclaim billable hours you are already working but not charging forProcess shifts that make your existing pricing more profitableHow to position your expertise and the transformation you provide, not just your labourWhat your hourly rate really has to cover and why your take-home is a fraction of that numberThe most common mindset blocks designers face around pricing and how to reframe themA free way to support the show is by leaving a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more designers discover The Business of Beautiful Spaces and step into their role as confident, profitable CEOs. 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 thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com 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

    26 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    150 - Let's Talk About my Favourite Books and Podcasts for 2025

    Send us a text 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 sellHow to turn book insights into systems you use dailyHow AI can help implement the concepts instantlyBook #1: Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller Why StoryBrand is the clearest messaging framework for 2025The shift from talking about yourself to spotlighting your client as the heroHow to rewrite your homepage, services page, bio and scripts with StoryBrandHow pairing StoryBrand with AI becomes a messaging powerhouseBook #2: The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes The power of focus and consistent actionWhy the Dream 100 strategy works for designersUpdated insights from Amanda HolmesHow AI can rewrite scripts, create outreach plans and build sales systemsBook #3: Scorecard Marketing How to use quizzes to attract qualified leadsWhy scorecards reveal buying intent and segment your audienceHow AI can write your quiz, interpret results and automate follow-upLaura’s 2026 Reading List They Ask, You Answer by Marcus SheridanGood Strategy Bad Strategy by Richard RumeltThe Sales Playbook by Jack DalyThe 48 Laws of Power by Robert GreeneLaura’s Top Podcasts for 2025 The StoryBrand PodcastThe Game with Alex HormoziDiary of a CEO with Steven BartlettAspire 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 thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com 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

    21 min
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About

Welcome to The Business of Beautiful Spaces, the podcast where interior design matters! As Interior Designers, we understand the power of creating beautiful and functional spaces that not only look good, but also enhance our daily lives. Join us on this journey as we explore the ins and outs of the interior design industry and dive into the business side of things. From one interior designer to another, we'll share our experiences, insights, and lessons learned as we strive to create spaces that not only make a statement, but also make a difference. So sit back, relax, and let's get started on The Business of Beautiful Spaces. The Business of Beautiful spaces Freebie:  https://the-business-of-beautiful-spaces.ck.page/ Mentorship One on One : https://theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/mentorship The Profit Academy for Interior Designers Online Course: https://theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com You can find us at  www.thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com, email us at hello@thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com or any social media platform @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.

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