The Business of Beautiful Spaces Podcast for Interior Designers | Interior Design Business Pocast

Laura Thornton, Interior Designer
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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.  AI Made Simple for Interior Design: The 2-Part Smart Business Toolkit, ChatGPT Edition https://www.theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/ai-made-simple-for-interior-designers-2-part-chat-gpt-smart-toolkit AI Made Simple for Interior Design: The 2-Part Smart Business Toolkit, Claude Editionhttps://www.theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/ai-made-simple-for-claude-the-2-part-smart-business-toolkit 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

    169. Let's Talk About Stop Giving Away Design: 12 Things You’re Doing for Free That You Should Charge For

    Send us Fan Mail If you have ever looked up at the end of a project and wondered, “Where did my time go?”, this episode is for you. Laura breaks down 12 common profit leaks that quietly drain revenue in interior design businesses, often disguised as “good service” or “just being helpful.” From extra meetings and endless revisions to showroom visits, rush timelines, and unpaid install days, Laura shows you exactly where designers unintentionally work for free, and how to set boundaries that protect both your time and your profit.  The 12 Profit Leaks Extra meetings beyond what your package includesAdditional concept directions after one has been approvedRevisions that multiply without limits or structureRush timelines and last-minute changes without rush feesVendor research spirals and “can we find a cheaper option?” detoursShowroom visits that are not priced as premium timeExtra site visits outside your agreed cadenceTrade management for teams you did not hireInstall days that you do not bill properly (or at all)Budget reworks that require redesign after approvalsEmail and communication overload without response-time policiesProcurement handling like claims, damages, and backorders without compensation Pick one profit leak from the list and implement a policy for it this week. Then, add one new policy each month until you have addressed your biggest drains. Start with the top two or three areas where you know you are currently giving away time.  Best Quote to Remember “Charging for your services is not greedy. It is how you stay in business.” 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 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

  2. APR 27

    168. Let's Talk About The Mantras That Make Money

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re breaking down the business sayings I live by, and why they work. From “speed to the lead” (because fast response wins the job) to “nobody knows you exist” (because hope is not a marketing plan), I share the real-world strategies and psychology that turn inquiries into booked consults, marketing into momentum, and effort into revenue. We’ll also talk about “return on luck,” how visibility creates opportunity, and why revenue is built through systems, not wishful thinking. Plus, we’re closing with two mindset shifts that keep you calm and profitable: “if you confuse, you lose” (clear messaging sells) and the ultimate Type A mantra, “it always gets done,” for those high-pressure seasons when deadlines stack and life keeps moving. A free way to support the 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 others discover it, too. AI Made Simple for Interior Design: The 2-Part Smart Business Toolkit, ChatGPT Edition https://www.theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/ai-made-simple-for-interior-designers-2-part-chat-gpt-smart-toolkit AI Made Simple for Interior Design: The 2-Part Smart Business Toolkit, Claude Editionhttps://www.theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/ai-made-simple-for-claude-the-2-part-smart-business-toolkit 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. Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately.  Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resources 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

    31 min

  3. APR 20

    167. Let’s talk about how to set your hourly rate as an interior designer ( replay)

    Send us Fan Mail Setting your hourly rate as an interior designer can feel confusing, emotional, and honestly a little awkward. In this episode, Laura breaks it down in plain English and shows you how to set an hourly rate that actually supports your business, not just your calendar. You’ll learn why copying what “other designers charge” is a fast track to burnout, what your rate truly needs to cover (including overhead, taxes, software, and non-billable time), and how to stop underestimating the real time it takes to deliver an excellent client experience. Laura also walks through the most common mistakes designers make when they choose a number out of thin air, and how to confidently adjust your pricing without fear, guilt, or over-explaining. If you have ever thought, “I’m busy, but the profit isn’t there,” this episode will help you reconnect the dots between your rate, your process, and your take-home pay, so you can price like a CEO and build a design business that pays you well. 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. Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately.  Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resources 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

    30 min

  4. APR 13

    166- Let's Talk About Cyber Security in your Small Business

    Send us Fan Mail Most interior designers and small business owners believe cybersecurity is something they will deal with later or that their business is simply too small to be of interest to hackers. That assumption is no longer true. In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura sits down with Jason deCourcy, founder of Xoomler, to uncover the real reason small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, and one-person design firms are now the primary target for cybercriminals. Hackers have changed their strategy. Instead of going after large corporations with robust security teams, they’re intentionally targeting small businesses that lack dedicated IT resources and ongoing security monitoring. Even more alarming, many attacks are not immediate. Hackers often gain access quietly, stay hidden, learn how your business operates, identify your clients, and wait for the right moment to exploit vulnerabilities. Jason breaks down what’s really happening behind the scenes and explains why interior designers are especially vulnerable due to the sensitive client information, financial data, and communication systems they manage every day. This conversation is not about fear. It’s about awareness, prevention, and protecting the business you’ve worked so hard to build. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why small businesses and solo entrepreneurs are the perfect target for cybercrimeHow hackers infiltrate businesses quietly and stay hiddenWhat types of data cybercriminals are really after and why your clients’ information mattersWhy basic antivirus software is no longer enoughThe real cost of downtime for a small businessPractical steps you can take to protect your business and your clientsHow proactive 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. Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately.  Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resources 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

    51 min

  5. APR 6

    165 - Let's Talk About Evolving Without Losing Your Identity: Brand Longevity with Jamie Young

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura sits down with Jamie Young of Jamie Young Co. for a conversation about longevity in business, what it really takes to build a brand that evolves through changing trends, shifting markets, and new seasons of growth while still staying grounded in timeless style and strong values. Jamie shares how she’s protected the core identity of her brand over decades, how she decides what to embrace and what to ignore, and why longevity isn’t about staying the same, it’s about evolving with intention. They dig into what makes design feel “timeless” in a world that moves fast, the role of consistency in building customer trust, and the mindset shifts that help creative entrepreneurs make smart decisions for the long game. If you’re an interior designer building a studio you want to last, this episode offers practical insight on developing a signature point of view, creating brand guardrails, and staying relevant without losing what makes your work uniquely yours. 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. Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately.  Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resources 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

    48 min

  6. MAR 30

    164 - Let's Talk About Q1 Business Review for Interior Designers

    Send us Fan Mail If Q1 felt busy but the profit did not match the effort, this episode is your CEO reset. In today’s episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura Thornton walks you through a simple, repeatable Q1 business review designed specifically for interior designers who want more profitability, better systems, and a lot less chaos. You will learn exactly what to review, what the numbers are trying to tell you, where profit leaks hide, and how to set clear goals for next month and the rest of the year. 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. Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately.  Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resources 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

    41 min

  7. MAR 23

    163- Let's Talk About from Chaos to Clients: Building sales systems that close business

    Send us Fan Mail Laura Thornton sits down with Darilyn Coles, CEO of Selocity, for a practical conversation on how interior designers can adopt AI in a way that actually strengthens their business. Darilyn explains why technology only works when the underlying process is clear first, and she shares how designers can use AI to streamline operations, improve speed-to-lead, and support stronger lead qualification without losing the personal touch clients expect. Together, they dig into modern lead generation strategies, including LinkedIn and Apollo, and why thought leadership is still one of the fastest ways to build trust and attract warmer prospects. Darilyn also breaks down what a strong proposal system looks like, including the power of video presentations, consistent formatting, and clear calls to action that guide clients to the next step. The episode wraps with actionable ways to use automation to support sales follow-up and client communication, plus how designers can work with Darilyn through Selocity to implement these systems. https://selocity.ca/ 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. Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately.  Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resources 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

    49 min

  8. MAR 16

    162 - Let's Talk About Investing In Yourself & Your Business

    Send us Fan Mail If you’re running an interior design studio, you’re not “just” the creative you’re also the CEO, the project manager, the salesperson, and the money manager. In this episode, Laura Thornton breaks down why investing in yourself and your business isn’t a luxury… it’s a strategy. You’ll learn how to spot the hidden costs of trying to do it all alone (like undercharging, scope creep, decision fatigue, and inconsistent cash flow), and how mentorship, continuing education, and community can shorten your learning curve and protect your profit. Laura also shares a simple 3-part filter to help you decide what to invest in next so you can stop guessing and start building a business that pays you like the expert you are. 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 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

    18 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.  AI Made Simple for Interior Design: The 2-Part Smart Business Toolkit, ChatGPT Edition https://www.theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/ai-made-simple-for-interior-designers-2-part-chat-gpt-smart-toolkit AI Made Simple for Interior Design: The 2-Part Smart Business Toolkit, Claude Editionhttps://www.theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/ai-made-simple-for-claude-the-2-part-smart-business-toolkit 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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