Design Curious | Interior Design Podcast, Interior Design Career, Interior Design School, Coaching Rebecca Ward, CID | Interior Designer, Interior Design Mentor, Designers Coach

Are you interested in becoming an interior designer but don't know where to start?

Don't worry, I had a great conversation with Debbe Daley, a seasoned mentor and interior design expert, who shares her inspiring story, starting from her childhood fascination with sewing and DIY projects to her eventual foray into interior design. Despite initial hurdles and societal pressures, she persevered, leveraging her passion and resourcefulness to pave her way into the field. From self-taught window treatments to working multiple jobs and running her boutique, Debbe's story highlights the importance of determination, self-belief, and continuous learning in pursuing your passion.

Whether you're considering a career change or exploring your creative side, Debbe's wisdom will inspire you to take the leap and pursue your dreams in interior design.

Tune in and take that first step towards a rewarding future in interior design today!

Featured Guest:

Debbe Daley is an award-winning published interior designer with 30-plus years of experience in the design industry. She is CEO and owner of Debbie Daly Design serving Boston Lowell, Massachusetts, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and the New England Seacoast area.

She has practiced in the furniture, flooring, and wallpaper industries, space planning, and home renovations all while owning her custom drapery workroom. She is also an educator of interior design, providing new students and change of career-minded individuals with education to begin their career in interior design.

Debbe is also the published author of her first book Interior Motives, Designing A Career With Passion. She is a member of IDS, the Interior Design Society, and holds a seat on the IDS National Board of Directors and president of the Interior Design Society, New England Boston chapter. She is also a member of ASID, the American Society of Interior Designers, and an educator of interior design at Middlesex Community College.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:


Learn the importance of seeking opportunities, building relationships, and embracing continuous learning.
Be empowered to turn your passion into a fulfilling career.
Get practical tips and advice for navigating the challenges of starting a business in interior design.

Check out the show notes >>> Expert’s Advice on Building a Career in Interior Design With Debbe Daley

Links Mentioned:


Interior Motives, Designing A Career With Passion
Interior Design Classes
Middlesex Community College Interior Design 101

NEXT STEPS:


Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style
Interior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!

Grab your freebies:


Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.

Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business!

Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Are you a design enthusiast itching to give your home a makeover but need help figuring out where to start? Do you find yourself captivated by Pinterest boards and HGTV shows, dreaming of creating stunning spaces like a professional interior designer?

Look no further! In this episode, I introduce you to my DIY furnishing and remodeling courses and downloads to help you bring your design ideas to life.

Whether you are looking to furnish your home like a pro, revamp your living space, or explore interior design as a hobby, I've got you covered.

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your home decor skills and unleash your creativity. Tune in!

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:


Dive into the world of interior design without committing to a career, perfect for those who love design but are still determining if it's the right path for them.
Explore a range of courses and downloads tailored for DIY enthusiasts, offering practical tips and expert guidance to curate your space like a pro.
Equip yourself with essential purchasing tips and tricks to stay within your budget while achieving magazine-worthy results.

Check out the show notes >>> Design Your Dream Home: DIY Courses and Downloads for Design Enthusiasts

Links Mentioned:


Create the space of your dreams with the Home Design Coach Course
Create your master remodeling plan with the Shifting Spaces Course
Need some information on your remodeling journey, check out the Remodel Survival Guide

NEXT STEPS:


Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style
Interior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!

Grab your freebies:


Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.

Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business!

Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Exciting news for the design industry! High Point by Design is revolutionizing the way interior designers experience High Point.

In today's episode, I share my captivating conversation with Jane Dagmi, the managing director of High Point by Design (HPXD). She shares her journey into the design industry, from her early days at Country Living magazine to her role at High Point by Design. She discusses the mission of HPXD and how it supports High Point as a year-round design destination. Jane also highlights the benefits of visiting High Point off-season, the opportunities for students and design enthusiasts, and the exciting events and initiatives planned for the future.

Jane also unveils plans for HPXD, including exclusive events like the Vacation Rental Design Summit and initiatives to promote inclusivity in design, such as exploring the correlation between design and autism. With HPXD, designers gain access to a supportive community, tailored experiences, and invaluable resources to fuel their passion for design.

If you are a designer looking for inspiration and resources to improve your craft, you won't want to miss this episode.

Featured Guest:

Jane Dagmi is the managing director for ⁠High Point by Design⁠, a nonprofit organization that champions High Point as a year-round destination for design and creativity by uniting and promoting the city's rich creative and manufacturing ecosystem.

A storyteller, educator, and design enthusiast, Jane was a career journalist and magazine editor before taking on this role in 2022. Her most recent editorial role was as Editor-in-Chief of Designers Today magazine. Beginning there in 2018, she revitalized the struggling publication. She gave it a fresh spin and built a design community around it. Her first foray into magazines was at Country Living magazine in the 90s, and it was there that she attended her first High Point market. After making more than 20 subsequent trips as a visitor, she relocated there with her partner in 2019 and enjoys being part of the city's changing landscape.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:


Discover how High Point by Design, a nonprofit organization, is revolutionizing the design industry 
Explore the diverse offerings of High Point by Design, from its curated showrooms to its innovative events like the Vacation Rental Design Summit
Get a sneak peek into HPXD's plans, including initiatives to promote inclusivity in design and special events that cater to diverse interests within the design community

Check out the show notes >>> Inside High Point by Design: A Year-Round Haven for Creativity and Collaboration With Jane Dagmi



NEXT STEPS:


Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style
Interior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!

Grab your freebies:


Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.

Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business!

Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Are you struggling to figure out what design style suits you best?

Well, I have the solution you have been searching for!

In this episode, I introduce my design style quiz, a tool designed to help you uncover your unique design identity. Whether you are a seasoned designer, a design enthusiast, or someone simply curious about interior design, this quiz is your gateway to understanding your personal style preferences. By answering just 14 questions, you will unlock valuable insights into design preferences and gain access to tailored recommendations.

I also explore the 12 distinct design styles, from traditional to glam. If you want to get familiar with all the different styles, regardless of where you are in your design story, this episode is for you.

What are you waiting for? Take the quiz now, discover your design style, and let your creativity soar! Don't forget to share your results with me on Instagram.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:


Discover your unique style and transform your space 
Understand the 12 distinct design styles so you can assist your clients in making informed decisions about their design preferences
Gain access to exclusive Pinterest boards tailored to each style

Check out the show notes >>> What's Your Design Style: Exploring 12 Interior Design Styles



NEXT STEPS:


Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style
Interior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!



Grab your freebies:


Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.

Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business!

Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Did you know you can incorporate Airstreams and trailers into your Airbnb vacation rental design area? However, designing for Airstreams and trailers is more than a job. It is an art that requires creativity with a side of engineering.

In today's episode, I sit down with Nate Stover, founder and creative force behind Innovative Spaces. He shares insights into the niche world of designing small and mobile spaces, highlighting the challenges of crafting functional Airstreams and trailers where everything from storage to power supply needs to be meticulously planned within a compact area. He emphasizes the importance of keeping builds simple, utilizing materials like ultralight plywood to withstand the rigors of travel, ensuring that the trailers last for decades.

We discuss industry challenges, such as the shortage of skilled trades and the need for more respect towards blue-collar work.

Nate also shares insider knowledge about the current downturn in van life's popularity. This means it is the perfect time to invest in your own van, RV, or trailer and start your adventure! And that's not all – he has also spotted a new trend emerging: converting vintage trailers into unique Airbnb rentals. Imagine the endless possibilities for creative design and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are an aspiring designer or a seasoned pro looking to expand your expertise, tuning in is a must!

Featured Guest:

⁠Nate Stover⁠ is the founder, owner, and head builder & designer of ⁠Innovative Spaces⁠.

From an early age, he became involved in the trades, from building furniture to building entire homes. His work has taken him through a myriad of crafts, which have constantly been stretched to new limits in the small spaces and vintage trailer world. The trailers he works on at Innovative Spaces allow him to stretch all that he has learned and acquired through his years of experience to their full potential. He does not just use his previous building skills, he is also able to exercise his creative skills to produce something truly unique and functional. Every project that leaves the Innovative Spaces yard represents their ingenuity and years of craftsmanship.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:


Learn the secrets of small and mobile space design
Discover a burgeoning vacation rental and consider adding it to your design area
Get expert insights and advice on the world of trailer design

Check out the show notes >>> How to Craft Unique Designs in Small and Mobile Spaces With Nate Stover

Links Mentioned:


Vintage Camper Trader

NEXT STEPS:

Take the QUIZ!! Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!

Grab your freebies:


Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career

Join the Design Mentor to a successful career in interior design!

Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.

Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business!

Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Is a trip to the Las Vegas market essential for interior designers?

I always make it a point to attend the Las Vegas market as an interior designer, and my recent visit in January was no exception. However, this time was special because I recorded a podcast straight from the heart of the Las Vegas winter market.

In today's episode, I share my fresh insights and takeaways from the market, uncovering the latest trends in upholstery, artwork, lighting, and more. With a keen eye for detail, I explore the rise of dimensional textures, neutral palettes, and the captivating allure of wall sconces that double as artistic adornments.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your designs and stay ahead of the curve. Tune in now to ensure that your next project dazzles with style and sophistication.

The upcoming market event is taking place in High Point this October. I will be recording a podcast during the event. If you are interested in joining the recording and sharing your input, feel free to message me for more details. Your contribution could help shape the content of the next episode!

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:


Uncover why I go down to Las Vegas market and check things out, and why you should too
Discover how attending markets like these can revolutionize your projects
Get the latest trends and innovations straight from the Las Vegas market to stay ahead of the curve

Check out the show notes >>> Trendspotting at the Las Vegas Market: Your Insider's Guide to the Latest in Interior Design Trends


NEXT STEPS:

Take the QUIZ!! Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!

Grab your freebies:


Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.

Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business!

Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...