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

High Point Market is where interior designers discover what’s new, meet vendors, and source the pieces that bring projects to life. But what happens after the order is placed? Procurement, freight, receiving, storage, damages, and installation can quickly become some of the most time-consuming—and expensive—parts of a project. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon talks with Kathy Kuo, founder of Kathy Kuo Home and one of this year’s High Point Market Trend Spotters, about the business side of procurement. They discuss the hidden costs of shipping and receiving, why drop-shipping directly to clients can create major headaches, and how better systems can protect both the client experience and your profit margin. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why drop-shipping directly to clients can create costly problems • The hidden costs of freight, receiving, storage, damages, and claims • Why procurement needs to be part of your project pricing strategy • How outsourcing procurement can give interior designers valuable time back • How to protect your profit margin without giving up vendor relationships • Why better procurement systems create a better client experience

500 episodes. One big question: Can good interior design save a life? To celebrate this milestone episode of Business of Design®, Kimberley Seldon takes a playful, detective-style look at what interior designers really do. Because clients may think they’re hiring you to choose finishes, but the clues in their homes often reveal much bigger problems: stress, disconnection, sensory overload, conflict, and spaces that simply aren’t working for the people who live in them. From meaningful art and neurodivergent-friendly environments to thoughtful planning and the impact of cared-for spaces, Kimberley explores the powerful ways design can influence mood, behavior, connection, and wellbeing. The goal isn’t just to create beautiful rooms—it’s to create better human experiences. And as we celebrate 500 episodes of Business of Design®, we’re reminded why this work matters. Interior design isn’t superficial. The spaces you create can change how people feel, how they interact, and how they experience their everyday lives. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why interior designers are really problem-solvers—and how to look for the clues your clients may not see themselves - How meaningful art and personal objects can create emotional connection, belonging, and a sense of calm - How thoughtful design can support people with neurodivergent and sensory needs without attempting to diagnose or “fix” them - Why neglected and thoughtfully cared-for spaces can influence behavior, safety, and connection - How better space planning can reduce everyday stress and improve the way families live together - Why designers may be underestimating the profound impact their work has on the lives of their clients

Indecision is expensive—and in an interior design business, it can cost you far more than time. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon talks with interior designer Jodi Cook Monts about the power of making decisions quickly and confidently. They explore how hesitation can affect profitability, project timelines, client relationships, and business growth—and why indecision is often a symptom of a deeper lack of trust and confidence. Jodi also shares how she expanded her design business beyond her local market, why existing clients are one of the best sources of new opportunities, and how a collaborative mindset can transform relationships with builders and other project partners. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why indecision is often a trust and confidence problem—and how it can cost your interior design business time and money - How making decisions earlier can protect project timelines, profitability, and client relationships - Why your existing clients may be the best source of second homes, vacation properties, and commercial design projects - How to successfully work on projects outside your local market—and why strong systems become even more important as you expand - Why approaching builders and project partners as collaborators, rather than adversaries, can lead to better projects and stronger relationships