
Business of Home Podcast (Business of Home, Dennis Scully)
Explore every episode of Business of Home Podcast
Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
---|---|---|---|
08 Jan 2024 | Surya CEO Satya Tiwari on why he bought Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams | 00:54:30 | |
Started in 1976, for decades Surya was a modest rug manufacturer. But when Satya Tiwari—the son of the company’s founder—joined the business in the early 2000s, he began pushing it to grow, and over the years it has become a large-scale industry player, covering multiple categories and doing hundreds of millions in revenue. Last year, Tiwari went on an acquisition spree, culminating in the purchase of the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams brand. On this episode of The Business of Home Podcast, Tiwari chats with host Dennis Scully about his plans for Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, why private equity isn’t a good fit for the home industry, and why opportunity is greatest when times are tough. This episode is sponsored by Daniel House Club LINKS
| |||
24 Mar 2025 | David Phoenix's client checklist | 00:52:01 | |
David Phoenix had a rocky youth—he left home at a young age and struggled with addiction. But once he settled into sobriety and pursued design, he’s had a charmed career, working with celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rob Lowe, his work gracing the cover of Architectural Digest several times, and lines with Hickory Chair and Kravet. On this episode of the podcast, Phoenix speaks with host Dennis Scully about why it pays to be honest about what you don’t know, the ideal number of employees in a design firm, and why he has it written into his contract that he “installs in solitude.” | |||
02 May 2024 | The Thursday Show: Will Guidara on why designers should embrace “Unreasonable Hospitality.” Plus: Does the TikTok ‘ban’ matter? | 01:15:23 | |
BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including why Williams-Sonoma was fined by the Federal Trade Commission, the latest in the Cohen Brothers real estate saga, and what a noncompete ban could mean for the design industry. Later, restauranteur Will Guidara joins to introduce his new book, "Unreasonable Hospitality." This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Annie Selke | |||
17 Aug 2023 | The Thursday Show: Why Summer Thornton is getting into the hospitality business, the dorm room boom and more | 00:58:58 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including why Amazon is quitting the furniture business, AI-generated building materials, and what dorm room shopping means for retailers—and designers. Later, designer Summer Thornton discusses the debut of Casa Rosada, her new hospitality project in Mexico. LINKS | |||
20 Apr 2018 | Why Direct-to-Consumer is the Future of Furniture | 00:57:55 | |
With stints at McKinsey, Google and Birchbox, Maiden Home founder Nidhi Kapur has applied her digital brand-building skills to upholstery—sofas and chairs. On this week’s episode, she shares the good, the bad and the ugly of creating a direct-to-consumer custom furniture company—from sourcing and product development to marketing. This episode is sponsored by Fuigo. | |||
30 Dec 2019 | [Rebroadcast] How Ralph Pucci Became the Master of Visual Merchandising | 01:13:20 | |
Whether it’s preserving his iconic mannequin label or curating his next gallery exhibition, Ralph Pucci leads by one rule: “If everyone’s going left, I’m going right.” It worked in 1985, when Pucci successfully debuted the collection of designer Andrée Putman with no industry experience, and it continues to work today, as the company now boasts galleries in New York, Los Angeles and Miami. In this week’s episode, Pucci takes us through the remarkable timeline of Ralph Pucci International and reveals his visual merchandising secrets. | |||
27 Jul 2018 | How Ralph Pucci Became the Master of Visual Merchandising | 01:13:51 | |
Whether it’s preserving his iconic mannequin label or curating his next gallery exhibition, Ralph Pucci leads by one rule: “If everyone’s going left, I’m going right.” It worked in 1985, when Pucci successfully debuted the collection of designer Andrée Putman with no industry experience, and it continues to work today, as the company now boasts galleries in New York, Los Angeles and Miami. In this week’s episode, Pucci takes us through the remarkable timeline of Ralph Pucci International and reveals his visual merchandising secrets. This episode is sponsored by Fuigo. | |||
27 Feb 2025 | The Thursday Show: Lindsey Adelman makes a change. Plus: Will Wayfair ever be profitable? | 01:01:01 | |
Host Dennis Scully and BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus discuss the biggest news in the design world, including Wayfair’s latest numbers, a new tech tool for showrooms, and a critique of the blandness of Zillow. Later, lighting designer Lindsey Adelman joins the show to talk about a major change at her studio. This episode is sponsored by Jaipur Living and Hector Finch. | |||
14 Mar 2022 | Summer Thornton starts with a dream and designs backwards | 00:57:02 | |
A rising star of Chicago’s design scene, Summer Thornton has won national acclaim for her bold, playful take on traditional style—her work has been featured extensively in top tier shelter magazines, and she’s on the verge of debuting her first book: Wonderland, Adventures in Decorating. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about her ‘five F’ system for vetting potential clients, what she’s hoping to get out of publishing a design book, and why she’s taking a careful approach towards growing her firm in a time of booming demand. This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and Crypton. | |||
19 Dec 2024 | The Thursday Show: Looking back on the biggest stories of 2024. Plus: RH picks up steam | 01:05:37 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including layoffs at Sotheby’s, RH’s latest earnings report, and the return of colorful bathrooms. Later, editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen and retail columnist Warren Shoulberg join the show to recap 2024. This episode is sponsored by Kohler | |||
03 Feb 2020 | Sheila Bridges is always reinventing herself | 00:47:12 | |
Designer and author Sheila Bridges started her career in fashion, but soon found her true calling in interiors, where she rose to prominence and went on to host one of the first TV shows dedicated to high end design. Over the span of two decades, she’s authored several books, worked with celebrity clients including former president Bill Clinton, and created the renowned pattern Harlem Toile du Jouy. On this episode of the Business of Home podcast she spoke with host Dennis Scully about how boundaries between disciplines are breaking down, diversity and inclusion in the design world, and why relationships are the most important part of the business. This podcast is sponsored by Buildlane and Dedon. | |||
19 Dec 2022 | Looking back on an eventful year in the design industry | 01:02:34 | |
This week on the podcast host Dennis Scully is joined by BOH’s editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen and executive editor Fred Nicolaus. Together they look back on an eventful year in the design industry and ahead at what’s to come in the new year. Topics include the two companies that will determine the future of the industry, which tech innovations actually matter, and why, despite economic stormclouds, 2023 might be the year to fall back in love with design. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Las Vegas Market LINKS
| |||
26 Oct 2020 | The founders of Aphrochic on putting the mission first | 01:02:06 | |
Originally started by academics Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason as a blog in 2007, over time Aphrochic has grown into a lifestyle and media brand including an interior design studio, product lines, a podcast and a magazine that celebrates black creatives in the home industry and beyond. On this episode of the podcast, they spoke with host Dennis Scully about how their growth has been organic—not easy, their new book project, and whether the national reckoning on race will lead to real change in the design industry. This episode is sponsored by Universal Furniture and Resource Furniture. | |||
17 Mar 2025 | Nick Olsen is proud to call himself a decorator | 00:59:03 | |
A former protégé of design legend Miles Redd, Nick Olsen has built a thriving career blending classical references with bold colors, playful patterns, and a signature sense of wit. In this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about how his first apartment ended up on the cover of Domino, why he proudly calls himself a decorator, and why, despite all the pressure to build a social media following, he’s perfectly content not being the next Instagram star. | |||
03 Apr 2023 | The Modern House publishes beautiful homes—then sells them | 00:46:53 | |
Originally a design and architecture journalist, in 2005 Matt Gibberd and his childhood friend Albert Hill started building a site that not only profiled exceptional British homes, but sold them too. Part media platform and part real estate agency, The Modern House has become a truly unique business, and a thriving one, fielding 90 out of a London office and looking towards international expansion. On this episode of the podcast, Gibberd speaks with host Dennis Scully about the emotional power of houses, how English taste in design is changing, and why 3D renderings and virtual reality will never replace good old-fashioned photography. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Four Hands | |||
27 Apr 2020 | "Nimble, humble and aggressive." How one design firm is navigating the pandemic. | 00:47:38 | |
Andrew’s Kotchen’s design and architecture firm, Workshop/APD, has always taken a creative and thoughtful approach to business—and a pandemic is no exception. On this episode of the Business of Home podcast, Kotchen speaks with host Dennis Scully about how the crisis has changed his preconceived notions about company culture, what lessons he learned from the 2008 recession, and what opportunities might emerge from this uncertain time. This episode was sponsored by Rebecca Atwood Designs and Universal Furniture. | |||
19 Oct 2020 | Six months later, how have makers and manufacturers weathered the pandemic? | 01:09:42 | |
Back in April, when the coronavirus pandemic was still in its early stages, host Dennis Scully spoke to three makers and manufacturers to hear how they were weathering the disruption. Six months later much has changed. In this episode, he checks in with the same three—Sara Fritsch of lighting and lifestyle brand Schoolhouse, Jonathan Glatt of handmade furniture company O&G studio and Andrew Crone of furniture maker Chaddock—to find out what they’ve learned from an unprecedented time and what lessons they’re carrying forward. This episode is sponsored by Resource Furniture and Universal Furniture. | |||
22 Feb 2024 | The Thursday Show: Havenly's Lee Mayer on why she acquired The Citizenry. Plus: The "Wild West" of online photo theft | 01:06:13 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to go over the biggest news in the industry, including the launch of Fred Segal Home, a look at the “Wild West” of online photo theft, and why “unexpected red” has gone viral on social media. Later, Havenly CEO Lee Mayer discusses her purchase of The Citizenry and her plans to build a millennial-focused house of brands. This episode is sponsored by Loloi | |||
13 Nov 2023 | Robert Stilin means business | 00:54:25 | |
The son of an entrepreneur, Robert Stilin was raised to go into business—as a boy, he read the Wall Street Journal and dreamed of a career in private equity. But when he moved to Palm Beach as a young man, he found himself drawn instead to design, opening a shop and taking on local projects. Decades later, Robert is one of the industry’s most celebrated talents, regularly featuring on Elle Decor’s A-List and the AD100. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about how he gets around the problem of clients not wanting their homes photographed, how he made art a crucial part of his business, and why a small firm is perfect for high-end projects. This episode is sponsored by Universal Furniture and Hooker Furniture | |||
14 Dec 2023 | The Thursday Show: Stark Carpet CEO Chad Stark on selling to consumers while sticking with designers. Plus: This year's AD100 is unveiled | 00:52:26 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the industry, including this year’s AD100, a brutal quarter for RH, and change at the top for Food52. Later, Chad Stark discusses why his company's latest moves around pricing transparency don't mean Stark Carpet is going all in on DTC. LINKS | |||
30 Nov 2020 | Barry Dixon sees everything as a learning opportunity | 00:50:47 | |
For an interior designer known for classic American style, Barry Dixon’s childhood was surprisingly international—his father’s career took the family all around the world, and as a young man he lived everywhere from India and Pakistan to South Africa and New Caledonia. Today Dixon is one of the profession’s most respected designers, with high-profile collections through Arteriors, Fortuny, Vervain and others. In this episode of the Business of Home podcast, he chats with host Dennis Scully about the COVID adaptations he’s planning to keep forever, his unique philosophy on product licensing, and what it’s like to work for both republicans and democrats in a charged political atmosphere. This episode is sponsored by Rebecca Atwood Designs. | |||
04 Nov 2024 | How Roche Bobois blends furniture, fashion, and the French 'Art de Vivre' | 00:49:18 | |
Founded in 1960, over the decades Roche Bobois has become synonymous with chic contemporary design. The first furniture brand to advertise in fashion magazines, today Roche Bobois’s hit products include the iconic Mah Jong and Bubble sofas, and hundreds of the brand’s showrooms are spread out all over the world. On this episode of the podcast, the brand’s international director Martin Gleize speaks with host Dennis Scully about why the post-COVID landscape is fraught with confusion for furniture companies, the opportunities and challenges in China, and why the biggest mistake for any brand is to try to be two things at once. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Annie Selke | |||
01 Mar 2021 | Business of Home's editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen thinks the design industry deserves great journalism | 01:00:39 | |
On this episode of the podcast, host Dennis Scully speaks with Business of Home’s editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen. Petersen began her career in journalism covering everything from food and culture in Chicago, to true crime in Texas. She ended up in New York in the design media world at Hearst, working for Veranda and helping to relaunch Metropolitan Home before decamping to BOH. Now Kaitlin is launching a podcast of her own, Trade Tales, focused on great stories and business lessons from working designers. In the show, she talks about the out-of-control lead times plaguing the industry today, what it’s like to cover RH up close, and the challenges of bringing real journalism to the design trade. This episode is sponsored by Serena & Lily and Baker+Hesseldenz Links | |||
26 Jun 2023 | Tim Butcher of Fromental on finding a niche and owning it | 01:00:49 | |
Tim Butcher, founder and creative director of wallpaper company Fromental, runs a truly international operation: Based in England, he and partner Lizzy Deshayes work with a team of artists in China to produce intricate custom hand painted wallpaper at scale. Over the past two decades, the business has expanded to do business all over the world—including a new corporate showroom in New York opening this month. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about the complex cultural history of Chinoiserie, why the rise of digital printing is both a blessing and a curse, and how smaller brands can win by finding a niche and owning it. This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Room & Board | |||
04 May 2023 | The Thursday Show: Sophie Donelson wants to free the kitchen, the AI interior design gold rush and more | 00:46:23 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, from Tiffany's new headquarters to the AI interior design gold rush. Later, former House Beautiful editor in chief Sophie Donelson chats about her new book, Uncommon Kitchens. This episode is sponsored by Daniel House Club. | |||
05 Aug 2024 | How Hector Finch is winning on the 'slow and steady' route | 00:46:24 | |
Hector and Emma Finch are the married couple behind the British lighting company Hector Finch. Started as an antiques business, the two have stayed true to their roots, producing a line of lighting inspired by classic early 20th century pieces. Today, the company's products are sold all over the world, including top showrooms in the U.S. In this episode of the podcast, host Dennis Scully speaks with the Finches about not getting hung up on knockoffs, the challenge of connecting with young designers, and why, no matter what the economic conditions, they’re focusing on slow-and-steady growth. | |||
05 Feb 2024 | Zak+Fox's Zak Profera: 'You have to struggle a little bit' | 00:56:58 | |
The last time Zak Profera was on the podcast, he told the story of building a beloved brand, step by meticulous step. Two years later, after grappling with personal loss, he’s back with an ambitious new collection, Harvest. On this episode of the podcast, Profera speaks with host Dennis Scully about using fiction and film to tell the story of his work, why finding a manufacturing partner is like dating, and why a little bit of struggle is a healthy part of the creative process. | |||
16 May 2024 | The Thursday Show: What's behind the custom furniture boom? Plus: Wayfair opens its first store | 00:56:57 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including earnings reports from Arhaus and 1stdibs, highlights from Legends, and what’s behind a surge in custom furniture. Later retail columnist Warren Shoulberg joins the show to chat about Wayfair's first venture into physical retail. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Annie Selke LINKS | |||
26 Jul 2021 | How David Kleinberg learned from the best to build his own institution | 00:52:33 | |
Though David Kleinberg came from humble beginnings in suburban Long Island, an early interest in interiors and a chance encounter with decorators Robert Denning and Vincent Fourcade soon sent him on a journey alongside the most influential names in the New York interior design world. Kleinberg went on to work for renowned designers Albert Hadley and Sister Parish, spending 16 years at the pair’s firm before departing to build an institution of his own. Since founding David Kleinberg Design Associates in 1997, he’s used his insider knowledge of the industry as a foundation for a business that’s willing to adapt to changing client behavior. This episode is sponsored by The House of Rohl and the Future of Home conference. | |||
09 Nov 2023 | Does subscription furniture have a future? Plus: The Dallas Kips Bay Decorator Show House and more | 01:05:49 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including an uptick in luxury home sales, a look at the Dallas Kips Bay Decorator Show House, and an update on the legal battle between artists and AI. Later, Vesta founder Julian Buckner explains why he thinks subscription furniture has a future. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Annie Selke LINKS
| |||
13 May 2019 | Wendy Goodman and the power of yes | 00:50:34 | |
Wendy Goodman is the poet laureate of Manhattan’s design world. As the longtime design editor of New York magazine, for decades she’s chronicled the lives and homes of the city’s most interesting people, alongside its most exciting artists and makers. On this episode of the Business of Home podcast, Goodman spoke with host Dennis Scully about her culture-rich childhood, working for Anna Wintour early on in both their careers, and why sometimes the best job is the one you’re most afraid of. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Design Within Reach’s new Upper West Side studio. Sponsored by Design Within Reach. | |||
16 Aug 2021 | The architect's perspective with Tom Kligerman | 00:47:00 | |
Tom Kligerman is a co-founder of the award-winning architectural firm Ike Kligerman Barkley. His work, often on shingle style homes, has been featured in countless publications—including a 26 year run on Architectural Digest’s AD100 list. On this episode of show, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about the pros and cons of being known for a particular design style, how he experiments with client presentations, and how even prestigious architects land clients on Instagram. This episode is sponsored by SideDoor and Moore & Giles Leather. LINKS | |||
06 Jul 2020 | How R. Hughes became the coolest showroom in America | 01:02:04 | |
Ryan Hughes and Steven Leonard are the creative team behind Atlanta showroom R. Hughes. In a time when some in the industry are questioning the multiline model, Ryan and Steven have created a destination that does everything showrooms are supposed to do—showcase product in new ways, inspire designers, and draw visitors from near and far. In this episode of the Business of Home podcast, they tell host Dennis Scully why they moved from a new development to a design center, the importance of putting their own brand first, and how everything from hardwood flooring to the right Spotify playlist can make all the difference. This episode is sponsored by Henrybuilt's Primary Objects and Industry West. | |||
20 May 2019 | Peter Sallick on how to future-proof design | 00:54:35 | |
Peter Sallick doesn’t have a lot of free time. A restless innovator, savvy dealmaker and the wearer of many hats, being the CEO of Waterworks is only one of Sallick’s many roles. He also co-founded online marketplace Dering Hall and created one of the industry’s premier professional groups, the Design Leadership Network. In this episode of the Business of Home podcast, Sallick shares how Waterworks weathered the financial crisis, why he partnered with RH, and what lies ahead for a rapidly changing industry. This episode is sponsored by Design Within Reach. | |||
12 Apr 2021 | Meganne Wecker of Skyline Furniture thinks we're living through an e-commerce tipping point | 00:45:34 | |
Founded in 1946 in the suburbs of Chicago by Meganne Wecker’s grandfather, Skyline Furniture has always been a family business. It’s also always stood a little bit apart from the crowd for a willingness to try new things. Wecker joined at an opportune time, just as e-commerce was beginning to take off—ever since, she’s pushed Skyline to master the nuances of making furniture to sell online. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about why she launched a startup— Cloth and Company—within Skyline; why she’s betting on digitally printed fabrics; and why she thinks we’re living through a major tipping point for e-commerce. This episode is sponsored by Serena & Lily and Artistic Tile. | |||
20 Nov 2023 | Decorating may be dying, but David Netto is thriving | 01:09:52 | |
The last time interior designer David Netto was on the Business of Home Podcast, he spoke about the changing state of design media, and the importance of books. Now he’s got a book of his own to discuss, a monograph covering twenty projects from the full scope of a celebrated career. On this episode of the show, he chats with host Dennis Scully about why it’s better to have no projects at all than too many, ignoring the beige-ification of the contemporary aesthetic, and why the young designers at his firm give him hope for the future. This episode is sponsored by Universal Furniture and Hooker Furniture | |||
25 May 2018 | Hem Wants to be the High-End IKEA | 00:49:41 | |
IKEA is the only furniture brand that is truly global, notes Petrus Palmér, founder of modern furniture brand Hem. The designer-turned-entrepreneur sees white space for high-end brands to reach global scale, and is growing Hem with that in mind. Hem was among the first to sell direct to consumer, disrupting the traditional structure for furniture distribution and catching the attention of Fab.com, which acquired it in 2014. Palmér bought it back in 2016, and took investment from Vitra in 2016. This year, he grew the business by 135%, to $6 million in revenue. In this episode he shares how “resimercial” has become a sweet spot for Hem and why companies like Facebook, Uber and Pinterest offices are outfitted with his furniture. This episode is sponsored by Fuigo. | |||
10 Sep 2018 | Why the Home Industry's Retail Strategy Isn't Working | 00:47:26 | |
There are few, if any, retailers in the home category that haven’t been under the journalistic microscope of Warren Shoulberg. In this episode, the trade media veteran shares his findings, offering RH, Bed Bath & Beyond, The Home Depot and others as case studies for what is and isn’t working in the modern retail environment. Tune in as he reveals which retailer is “one of the greatest in the world right now and” why he’ll never bet against RH CEO Gary Friedman, and exposes the “dirty little secret” of the furniture industry. This episode is sponsored by Fuigo. | |||
27 Mar 2023 | The mother-daughter duo behind Sister Parish Design are putting "faith over fear" | 01:07:09 | |
Sister Parish was one of the 20th century’s most iconic designers. Working for presidents, celebrities, socialites and titans of industry, she and her partner Albert Hadley crafted a uniquely American style, and their firm, the legendary Parish-Hadley, was a proving ground for a generation of future stars, from Bunny Williams and David Kleinberg to Thomas Jayne and David Easton. Now Parish’s legacy is being carried on into the 21st century as a fabric and wallpaper brand run by her granddaughter Susan Crater and great granddaughter Eliza Harris. On this episode of the podcast, they chat with host Dennis Scully about why Sister Parish was an entrepreneur ahead of her time, why they’re embracing both consumers and designers alike, and putting faith over fear as the industry enters a new era. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Four Hands | |||
19 Feb 2024 | Suchi Reddy is exploring the science behind why good design is good for us | 00:48:30 | |
Architect, designer and artist Suchi Reddy is devoted to the study of neuroaesthetics—the science of how art and design affects the brain and body. Through collaborative installations with Google and Johns Hopkins University, she’s brought real data to the big questions about whether good design is good for our wellbeing. On this episode of the podcast, Reddy speaks with host Dennis Scully about why “style” is the wrong way to think about what works about a room, how AI will help eliminate mediocrity, and why our homes make us who we are. This episode is sponsored by Minted | |||
08 Apr 2024 | From Soho House to star designer: Vicky Charles's charmed career | 00:55:07 | |
As a young woman, Vicky Charles chanced into a job as a waitress at what was then London’s newest, coolest private club, Soho House. As it grew and expanded internationally, Vicky grew with it, eventually becoming the company’s design director and helping to shape its signature look. In 2016 she left to open an independent firm with partner Julia Corden—the two have enjoyed sparkling success and earned a spot on the AD100. On this episode of the podcast, Charles speaks with host Dennis Scully about what it was like to have George and Amal Clooney as her first residential clients, why slow periods can help strengthen a firm, and why the perfect apprenticeship for aspiring designers might just be working behind a bar. This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and Hartmann&Forbes | |||
04 Jul 2022 | Brigette Romanek on a rocket-fueled design career | 01:00:08 | |
The daughter of singer Paulette McWilliams, interior designer Brigette Romanek was always destined for a creative path, but it was a winding one. She tried her hand at music and fashion before finally landing on interior design—ever since, she’s been on a tear, landing celebrity clients, a spot on the AD100 and a major collection with Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about the complications of working for celebrity clients, why she invested in buzzy startup The Expert, and why, economic stormclouds or no, she’s choosing to be optimistic about the future. This episode is sponsored by Serena & Lily and the Future of Home conference | |||
21 Dec 2020 | "The Frank Sinatra of lighting" — Visual Comfort and Circa have no plans to slow down | 00:48:40 | |
Tapping into an overseas manufacturing boom, Andy Singer started Visual Comfort in the mid 80s, but it wasn’t until he partnered with master lighting designer Sandy Chapman ten years later that the company took off—now it’s one of the industry’s most recognizable brands, producing well known collaborations with designers like Thomas O’Brien, Alexa Hampton, Kelly Wearstler and many more. His sister Gale worked with Andy in the early days, but in the 90s split off to form Circa as a separate showroom business, which has also grown explosively—she’s opened eight new locations in 2020 alone. In this episode of the podcast, the Singers discuss using data to make design decisions, the opportunities and challenges of selling trade products online, and why Visual Comfort wants to be the Frank Sinatra of lighting companies. This episode was sponsored by Rebecca Atwood Designs. | |||
07 Nov 2024 | The Thursday Show: How Dan Rosen became TikTok's favorite design critic. Plus: Who will take the helm at Elle Decor? | 01:02:21 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including more Charles Cohen drama, changes at the top for several shelter publications, and a look at Kravet’s latest tech experiment. Later, comedian Dan Rosen joins the show to talk about his accidental career as a design critic. | |||
21 Jan 2019 | How Anna and Gregg Brockway became digital leaders in home | 01:03:10 | |
When Anna and Gregg Brockway launched vintage and antique furniture e-marketplace Chairish, people told them consumers would never buy furniture online. Six years and roughly $30 million in funding later, the platform and its higher-end sister site, DECASO, receive more than 2,000 new items listed daily from a community of 10,000 sellers. With its recent acquisition of Dering Hall, Chairish Inc. is now one of the largest digital platforms for high-end home furnishing products with nearly half a million items across the three platforms. The Brockways share how the company that began at their dining room table has grown, what the Dering Hall acquisition means for its future, and what’s to come in the digitization of design. This episode is sponsored by DCOTA. | |||
09 Sep 2024 | Nicole Hollis's superpowers | 00:55:55 | |
A veteran of the hospitality world, Nicole Hollis was part of the team that developed the W Hotels before going out on her own and pivoting to residential work. Over the course of two decades, Hollis built up an impressive firm, with a team of nearly 100 working out of her San Francisco office. Hollis herself has won numerous accolades for her work, including regular appearances on both Elle Decor’s A-List and the AD100. On this episode of the podcast she speaks with host Dennis Scully about how she built a big firm, step by step; why residential projects are more lucrative for her firm than commercial work; and why so much of her work with clients is about communicating the most information in the least amount of time possible. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Rowe | |||
27 Aug 2018 | Industry West’s Secret to Scaling—Without the Help of VCs | 00:41:17 | |
When it comes to furniture companies, commercial design favorite Industry West is an anomaly. Since its launch in 2009, the Jacksonville, Florida-based, direct-to-consumer brand has been profitable. Husband and wife co-founders Jordan and Anne England’s bootstrapped efforts have led to a growth of nearly 70 percent each year—a rate that, Jordan says, shows no signs of slowing down. Now, the couple reveals the challenges of being an e-commerce early adopter, why they’re opening a SoHo showroom, and how they’re working offline to acquire new customers. This episode is sponsored by Fuigo. | |||
31 Oct 2024 | The Thursday Show: What happened at High Point? Plus: Why Williams-Sonoma is suing Dupe.com | 01:12:52 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including Design Manager’s new acquisitions, why Williams Sonoma is suing Dupe.com, and Amazon’s rumored $20 sofa. Later, BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen joins the show to recap High Point Market. | |||
29 Jun 2018 | How Data Helped 1stdibs Dominate the Luxury Market | 00:48:19 | |
Before becoming CEO of 1stdibs, David Rosenblatt spent more than a decade heading up an internet company that, in 2008, sold to Google for $3.2 billion. It’s no surprise that one of his first moves as CEO of 1stdibs was to upgrade the technology platforms. In 2016, he overhauled the business model to a commission one (from a monthly fee) and grew the offerings to include more new and custom, which he says represents the biggest opportunity. In this episode, he shares how he uses data to inform his decisions and why it’s working. This episode is sponsored by Fuigo. | |||
04 Jan 2021 | Alessandra Branca is trying something new | 01:01:42 | |
For decades, Alessandra Branca has been a fixture in the upper echelons of the interior design profession, with her buoyant style gracing shelter magazines and showhouses alike. Now she has a new venture, Casa Branca, a brand and e-commerce platform that sells fabric, wallpaper, tableware and vintage pieces. In this episode of the Business of Home podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about what it’s been like to launch a new business in the midst of a pandemic, why the convenience of online shopping can’t replace personal relationships, and why she advises young designers to slow down, take their time, and learn something new every day. This episode is sponsored by Chairish and Universal Furniture. To stay up to date with design industry news, browse jobs or check out the latest product, visit us online.
| |||
24 Jun 2019 | Amanda Lindroth on the challenges of turning a design business into a brand | 00:38:53 | |
Nassau-based interior designer Amanda Lindroth has a knack for evoking the breezy elegance of island life, wherever she goes—including Guangzhou, China. A few years ago, she and her CEO, Austin Painter, embarked on a road trip to various factories in Asia to produce her debut line of accessories and decor. Since then, she’s been busy, fine-tuning her collection and growing her brand. In the latest episode of the Business of Home podcast, she chats with host Dennis Scully about her picturesque Florida upbringing, her hiring strategy, and why it’s not what goes wrong—it’s how you react that’s most important. This episode is sponsored by Datacolor. | |||
31 Aug 2020 | Retelling the story of leather with Sackett Wood of Moore & Giles | 00:45:37 | |
Forty years ago, Moore & Giles was supplying the material to make shoes. But after the footwear industry disappeared abroad, the company reinvited itself and pivoted to the furniture business. Now, it’s a major force in the design industry, supplying leather to everyone from Universal to Steelcase to RH. On this episode of the Business of Home podcast, president Sackett Wood tells host Dennis Scully why he’s reconsidering the impact of trade shows, what the next big market for his product is, and how he’s choosing to focus on leather as a sustainability product. This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and Universal Furniture.
| |||
18 Mar 2019 | David Sutherland on where opportunity exists today | 00:44:15 | |
Since opening his first multi-line showroom more than 40 years ago, David Sutherland has had a front-row seat to industry shifts and emerging opportunities. The Dallas-based entrepreneur is a pioneer of the outdoor furniture category, and along with wife Ann, launched performance fabric maker Perennials. The industry veteran shares his take on selling direct to consumers, partnering with Restoration Hardware and the state of the multi-line showroom. This episode is sponsored by Universal Furniture. | |||
12 Feb 2024 | Marmol Radziner became builders and it made them better architects | 00:55:07 | |
Ron Radziner and his partner Leo Marmol started in the late 1980s as young residential architects with a somewhat novel approach: They would not only design homes, but build them too. Thirty years later, Marmol Radziner has 200 employees, and Ron and Leo are both in the Interior Design Hall of Fame. But they still do as much in-house as possible, from design and construction to producing a line of furniture and even jewelry. On this episode of the podcast, Radziner speaks with host Dennis Scully about the Richard Neutra house that jump-started their career, working with fashion designer Tom Ford, and the risks and rewards of doing every element of a project yourself. This episode is sponsored by Minted. | |||
19 Sep 2022 | Billy Cotton tried to quit interior design. The universe had other ideas | 01:00:44 | |
From creating a line of tableware to design projects that landed him on the AD100, Billy Cotton’s career has seen him apply his talents to a wide range of pursuits. Recently, after a short stint as Ralph Lauren Home’s creative director, he’s returned to the role that keeps calling him back —interior designer. On this episode of the show, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about why he likes to hire former waiters for his firm, how perception doesn’t always match reality in the design industry, and why he’s always counted on hard work to get him through difficult times. This episode is sponsored by Crypton | |||
27 Jul 2020 | Mikel Welch on bridging the gap between TV and high end design | 01:08:34 | |
The world of high-end design can feel very far apart from the big-tent appeal of home makeover shows, but interior designer Mikel Welch has managed to break through in both. His work has been featured in premier showhouses around the country, and he’s a regular on TV, with appearances on everything from TLC’s Trading Spaces to Good Morning America to a new show for Quibi with a premise that has to be seen to be believed. On this episode of the podcast, he chats with host Dennis Scully about his circuitous career path, the surprising economics of design on TV, and the industry’s long-overdue reckoning with race. This episode is sponsored by The Urban Electric Company. | |||
12 Dec 2024 | The Thursday Show: Who gets to call themselves a designer? Plus: Why Elizabeth Ralls bought Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles | 01:03:28 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including the new AD100, a potential TikTok ban, and the age-old debate about who gets to call themselves a designer. Later, publisher Elizabeth Ralls joins the show to explain why she bought Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. This episode is sponsored by Kohler | |||
10 Aug 2018 | Inside Parachute Home’s Community-Focused Expansion Plans | 00:55:39 | |
The term ‘retail store’ isn’t in Ariel Kaye’s vocabulary. The founder and CEO of Parachute Home prefers to use “community centers” when referencing the digital-first bedding and bath brand’s physical locations. In true clicks-to-bricks fashion, Parachute is focused on cultivating its consumer community and providing value outside of just its European-made product. In this interview, Kaye shares how she built Parachute and its cult-like following, while also acknowledging the challenges of running a startup and the isolation that can come with being a sole founder. This episode is sponsored by Fuigo. | |||
08 Jun 2023 | The Thursday Show: RH England is unveiled, a London designer showhouse and more | 00:52:46 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including home insurers pulling out of California, the acquisition of cookware brand Great Jones, and RH’s British invasion. Later, the managing director of Chelsea Harbor, Claire German, discusses the new showhouse in London’s design center. This episode is sponsored by Crypton. | |||
18 Nov 2019 | From artists to entrepreneurs: The founders of Fort Street Studio share their story | 00:40:46 | |
Janis Provisor and Brad Davis were established artists, displaying their work in museums and galleries across the world. Then a recession hit in the nineties, and they took a sabbatical in China, which led to an experiment with silk weaving, which, 25 years later, has led to an acclaimed luxury hand-knotted carpet company. In this episode of the Business of Home podcast, Provisor and Davis chat with host Dennis Scully about the ups and downs of doing business in China, why they needed to create their own brand, and treating entrepreneurship like an artistic challenge. This episode is sponsored by Chairish and Google. | |||
05 Apr 2021 | Russell Towner of Lee Industries on lead times and the future of furniture | 00:57:09 | |
Russell Towner, the president of Lee Indstries, is a lifer in the furniture business, with almost three decades spent at companies like Henredon, Baker and Theodor Alexander. Now he’s at the helm of one of North Carolina’s most venerable brands at a peculiar time. A COVID-inspired boom in home spending has filled Lee’s order book, but the pandemic—and a shock foam shortage—has made it harder than ever to meet demand. On this episode of the podcast, Towner talks with host Dennis Scully about why the furniture business is so dependent on two chemicals, what the concept of spressetura means to Lee, and what things will look like in the design business when the pandemic is a thing of the past. This episode of the show is sponsored by Serena & Lily and Artistic Tile | |||
19 Oct 2023 | The Thursday Show: High Point highlights, Z Gallerie goes bankrupt and more | 00:58:11 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including Z Gallerie's bankruptcy, Walmart's AI design experiment, and a look at the latest housing numbers. Later, BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen and retail columnist Warren Shoulberg recap High Point Market. This episode is sponsored by Four Hands and Design Manager | |||
23 Jan 2025 | The Thursday Show: What happened in Paris? Plus: Heimtextil highlights | 01:12:39 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including the latest on the TikTok ban, LCDQ’s rebrand, and the future of home fragrances. Later, BOH managing editor Haley Chouinard joins the show to share highlights from Heimtextil, and editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen recaps Paris Déco Off. This episode is sponsored by Kohler and Loloi L.A. WILDFIRE RELIEF LINKS | |||
28 Mar 2024 | The Thursday Show: What happens when vendors have financial trouble? Plus: RH is betting on Waterworks | 00:47:56 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including the shutdown of Pirch, Burke Decor's recent issues, RH’s latest earnings call, and a look at how Paris stays Paris. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Chelsea House LINKS | |||
06 Jan 2025 | The industry has gotten more intense. Shawn Henderson has gotten more relaxed | 00:59:41 | |
Shawn Henderson cut his teeth working for established New York designers like Birch Coffey and Thad Hayes before going out on his own in the early aughts. He’s since carved out a shining career, with industry accolades, high-profile clients around the world, a monograph published by Monacelli, and his thoughtfully layered projects regularly appearing in top shelter publications. On this episode of the podcast, host Dennis Scully chats with Henderson about what being on lists like the AD100 does and doesn’t do for your career, how runaway costs have impacted the industry, and how loosening up and relaxing his style has changed his work for the better. This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Ethan Allen | |||
30 Aug 2021 | Tapping into the design zeitgeist with Minted CEO Mariam Naficy | 00:54:42 | |
A little more than a decade ago, the world of digital printing was a different place, dominated by manufacturers and largely devoid of artists and designers. In 2007, Mariam Naficy set out to change that, founding Minted as a stationery company that would use emerging tech to promote the work of independent artists and designers. Nearly 15 years later, the company continues to stay ahead of the curve through its crowdsourced design competitions—giving consumers a hand in what’s sold on the site while simultaneously offering an early glimpse into rising trends. This episode is sponsored by Crypton Home Fabrics and Hooker Furniture. | |||
19 Nov 2018 | Jonathan Adler “keeps it 100” about the struggles of running a creative business | 01:02:17 | |
Jonathan Adler went from a potter teaching night classes to a retail mogul running seventeen retail locations, a wholesale and e-commerce business, and an ever-growing list of partnerships including a recent one with Amazon. “I went from being a dude [with] mud and a potter’s wheel to a dude with the world at my fingertips,” says Adler, who shares the defining moments of his career, the challenges that came with each, and what's next on his creative horizon. This episode is sponsored by Fuigo. | |||
18 Apr 2024 | The Thursday Show: What happened at High Point? Plus: Ralph Lauren Home debuts a new partnership | 01:04:37 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including a look at why Baby Boomers aren’t downsizing, the latest with Ralph Lauren Home, and a check-in on the state of AI-powered design. Later, BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen joins the show to recap High Point Spring market. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Annie Selke | |||
28 Oct 2019 | Food52 conquered the kitchen. The rest of the home is next. | 00:41:23 | |
Founded as an online resource for recipes in 2009, Food52 has evolved into a unique and wildly popular hybrid of editorial content and e-commerce that recently attracted an $83 million dollar investment from The Chernin Group. On this episode of the Business of Home podcast, host Dennis Scully chats with co-founders Merrill Stubbs and Amanda Hesser about why their site defies easy categorization, how their readers helped them design one of their bestselling products, and why they prefer to think of Food52 as a world, not a brand. This episode is sponsored by Chairish and Google. | |||
07 Apr 2025 | Flamingo Estate takes a luxury approach to the natural world | 00:54:22 | |
Richard Christiansen started Flamingo Estate as a Covid experiment, selling local produce out of his bookstore’s parking lot. It quickly became something much more: A multifaceted brand that brings a luxury approach to the natural world, selling everything from beauty products to boxes of avocados. Along the way, both celebrity and design have played a key role: Christiansen has collaborated with everyone from Lebron James to Kelly Wearstler, and his home—a refurbished 1940’s spanish-style house in LA’s Highland Park—has been a ‘main character’ in the Flamingo Estate story. On this episode of the podcast, Christiansen speaks with host Dennis Scully about learning to love saying no, why consumers need to be tricked into embracing sustainability, and how he struggles between the pressure to get big and the need to stay small. This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Hartmann&Forbes | |||
16 Sep 2024 | Peter Dunham takes Manhattan | 00:58:12 | |
By day, Peter Dunham runs a busy design firm, but he’s also the owner of one of LA’s most notable showrooms—Hollywood at Home. The last time Dunham was on the podcast, he was navigating the confusions of Covid. Now he’s going bicoastal and opening a new showroom in New York under his own name. On this episode of the show he speaks with host Dennis Scully about the differences between design culture in New York and Los Angeles, why textiles are like lipstick, and how he knew he was finally ready to expand. This episode is sponsored by Loloi, Crypton and Rowe
| |||
22 Jun 2018 | China is the Next Frontier for Interior Design | 00:44:09 | |
Campion Platt believes China is the land of opportunity for interior designers and furniture manufacturers—but only for the next 10 years. In an exclusive story in the summer issue of Business of Home, the designer unveiled his collaboration with a major Chinese developer on a 10.7-million-square-foot complex comprised of a luxury design center, accredited design school, performing arts center, and more. Tune in as Platt reveals how he got involved—and why it may be in other best interest to follow suit. | |||
06 Feb 2025 | The Thursday Show: Zoë Feldman is tackling the small-project dilemma. Plus: Should designers care about tariffs? | 01:04:33 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including the latest on tariffs, Instagram going vertical, and a look at the rising trend of cannabis-related decor. Later, designer Zoë Feldman joins the show to discuss her new venture, Demi, for tackling smaller projects. This episode is sponsored by Jaipur Living and Hector Finch. LINKS | |||
16 Dec 2024 | House & Garden: How a British magazine became a must-read for American designers | 00:47:53 | |
Though House & Garden is a British magazine, it has become a must-read for many American designers, who flock to the publication for its storytelling and production value, its classic English style, and its focus on great homes, not celebrities. In this episode of the podcast, House & Garden editor Hatta Byng speaks with host Dennis Scully about why she’s been embracing digital platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp, why she wants the homes in her magazine to be ‘believable,’ and how House & Garden provides comfort in a time of instability. | |||
15 Mar 2021 | Ben Soleimani built his name on rugs. Now he's going after the whole home | 00:58:24 | |
Ben Soleimani’s story is a dramatic one—the son of a prosperous rug dealer in Iran, his family escaped the country in the thick of the revolution that transformed the middle east. Soleimani eventually found himself in Los Angeles and wasted no time getting into business, first as a teenager, establishing his family’s operations in California, then branching into contemporary design and partnering with Gary Friedman to establish RH’s rug program. Now Soleimani has a whole home brand of his own, selling everything from the rugs he’s famous for to textiles, furniture and accessories. On this episode of the Business of Home podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about how the design industry’s attitude towards rugs has evolved over the years; why he thinks in-stock, quick-ship product is the wave of the future; and why he loves taking on a challenge. LINKS | |||
13 Jul 2020 | Breaking down the cost of fabric with Stephane Silverman of Castel | 01:04:28 | |
Stephane Silverman literally grew up in the fabric business—his parents brought the French textile company Boussac to America, and as a child, he would do his homework in their D&D Building showroom. A restless intellect and a critical thinker, Silverman has been experimenting with ways to modernize a distinctly old-school industry ever since he started Castel in 1999. In this episode of the Business of Home podcast, he gives host Dennis Scully a whirlwind tour through the past, present and future of fabric, explaining why the Amazon version of e-commerce doesn’t work for interior design, the future of showrooms, and the surprising reason why a yard of fabric costs what it does. This episode is sponsored by Henrybuilt and Industry West. | |||
11 Apr 2022 | Holly Hunt's second act | 00:51:18 | |
In 1983, Holly Hunt took over a struggling showroom, and over the course of three decades transformed it into a powerhouse of the industry. After selling to Knoll for 95 million dollars in 2014, she stayed on for a while, but in 2020 Hunt finally left her namesake company. Now she’s back with a new venture, House of Hunt, a design and architecture firm. On this episode of the podcast, Hunt talks about what it’s like to be a designer after so many years running a showroom business, the competition between trade and retail brands, and how she feels about the industry’s shift towards transparency. This episode is sponsored by Thibaut and Hartmann & Forbes LINKS
| |||
27 Mar 2025 | The Thursday Show: How algorithms broke design culture. Plus: Tariff price hikes are here | 01:01:53 | |
Host Dennis Scully and BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus discuss the biggest news in the design world, including tariff price hikes, a New York design show debuting this spring, and why butter yellow is on the rise. Later, New Yorker staff writer Kyle Chayka joins the show to discuss his book Filterworld—an examination of how algorithmically powered social media has flattened taste. This episode is sponsored by Jaipur Living | |||
29 Mar 2021 | You can't do high-end design online? The Expert begs to differ | 00:56:46 | |
During COVID lockdowns last year, Jake Arnold, a rising young interior designer based out of Los Angeles, teamed up with Leo Seigal, an entrepreneur. Together they built an ingeniously simple platform, The Expert, that connects clients with top designers for hour-long video consultations. So far their creation has been a hit, and designers, including Amber Lewis, Leanne Ford and Martyn Lawrence Bullard, have flocked to the site, where they charge up to $2,500 for 55 minutes of their time. On this episode of the podcast, Arnold and Seigal speak with host Dennis Scully about the story behind their venture, why bringing trade brands onboard is the next step, and how an elevated take on e-design could change the industry as we know it. This episode is sponsored by Baker + Hesseldenz and Serena & Lily | |||
09 Jan 2023 | Sophie Ashby wants to fight back against 'unidentifiable global chic' | 00:53:14 | |
A member of the UK’s rising generation, Interior designer Sophie Ashby has achieved widespread attention for her colorful and eclectic projects. During COVID, she got even busier, opening Sister, a retail brand, and United in Design, a nonprofit that seeks to address the lack of diversity in the British design industry. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about why shipping furniture from the UK is cheaper than buying it in the US, whether RH can succeed in England, and why being brutally honest with clients is tough but worth it. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Cozy Earth LINKS | |||
20 May 2024 | Projects, products, parties: Why Buchanan Studio loves to design them all | 00:55:35 | |
Angus and Charlotte Buchanan are the husband-and-wife team behind London-based interior design firm Buchanan Studio. By taking a holistic approach to design, the pair have built a unique business that tackles everything from residential projects to products to events. Their inventive work has been recognized by press around the world, and their young firm is already winning a place on industry best-of lists. On this episode of the podcast they speak with host Dennis Scully about working together as a couple, why getting into product has helped bring stability to their business, and why once a year they set aside time for pure creativity. This episode is sponsored by Four Hands | |||
02 Nov 2023 | The Thursday Show: The mysteries of white paint, a landmark real estate lawsuit and more | 00:44:51 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including a major shakeup in the real estate industry, Pinterest's great quarter, and the decline of the home office. Later, journalist Chris Moody shares takeaways from his deep dive into the world of white paint. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Annie Selke LINKS
| |||
16 Mar 2020 | Chic & Awe is bringing laughter back to design | 00:51:03 | |
Sara Ruffin Costello and Chassie Post are the dynamic duo behind Chic & Awe, a new home tour video series that brings a much-needed dose of surreal humor into the world of high end design. Sara and Chassie are veterans of the design media world, having both worked on the original incarnation of Domino, then gone on to contribute to everything from The New York Times to Good Morning America. On this episode of the Business of Home podcast, they spoke with host Dennis Scully about why we’re in the era of the solo artist, why decorating is harder than it looks, and how their show is bringing comic relief to the home industry. This episode is sponsored by Buildlane and Henrybuilt. | |||
13 Apr 2023 | The Thursday Show: Schumacher's Nashville experiment, the scourge of damaged product and more | 00:45:43 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, from a client rejection note that went viral to Ikea's new design service. Later, Schumacher CEO Timur Yumusaklar discusses the brand's new Nashville showroom/boutique hybrid. This episode is sponsored by Crypton | |||
09 May 2024 | The Thursday Show: Justina Blakeney's next chapter. Plus: Takeaways from the Kips Bay Decorator Show House | 01:01:56 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including the fate of Banana Republic’s home brand, takeaways from the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, and what Instagram’s newest update could mean for designers. Later, artist and designer Justina Blakeney of Jungalow discusses a new phase of her career. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Annie Selke LINKS | |||
22 Aug 2024 | The Thursday Show: Jenni Kayne's adventures in home and hospitality. Plus: Is the DCOTA headed for auction? | 00:59:21 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including Perigold’s plans for brick-and-mortar stores, a housing check-in, and why the DCOTA is back on the auction block. Later, fashion designer Jenni Kayne joins the show to talk about her home line and her new hospitality venture. This episode is sponsored by Surya LINKS
| |||
22 Apr 2019 | Sean Juneja of Décor Aid on why interior design can’t be Uber-ized | 00:53:51 | |
After 20 years in finance, Sean Juneja decided to risk his stable career to found Décor Aid, a start-up that offers clients an entry point into the world of professional interior design. Born out of a lifelong passion for design and his belief that there was a gap in the market for smaller budget projects, Décor Aid has facilitated more than 3,000 jobs in New York alone since its founding in 2014. In this episode of the Business of Home podcast, Juneja discusses his platform’s astounding growth, why he turned down venture capital and how he views the competition. This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store. | |||
24 Jun 2024 | Why The World of Interiors publishes everything from pigsties to palaces | 00:44:01 | |
Emily Tobin joined The World of Interiors in 2021 and has since earned a promotion to the top spot. Her mission is to preserve what makes the cult favorite magazine so delightfully unique while also delicately bringing it into the digital age. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about the story behind Hamish Bowles’ tenure as editor in chief, why The World of Interiors didn’t have a website until 2022, and what’s behind the magazine’s incredible range—from dilapidated mansions to Madonna’s bedroom. This episode is sponsored by Loloi | |||
10 Aug 2020 | Jill Cohen made your favorite design book | 01:05:46 | |
If you’ve fallen in love with an interior design book over the past twenty years, chances are Jill Cohen had something to do with it. A veteran publishing executive who started Conde Nast’s book program, she’s now an independent advisor who helps designers package their work—and themselves—for publication. Cohen’s client list reads like a hall of fame induction roster: she’s shepherded everyone from Bunny Williams, Ellie Cullman and Stephen Sills to Bobby McAlpine, Gil Schafer and Aerin Lauder through the process of creating a compelling book. On this episode of the Business of Home podcast, Cohen tells host Dennis Scully about the surprising economics behind design book publishing, how the rise of celebrity culture changed the industry, and all the ways that Instagram can be a trap for designers. This episode is sponsored by High Point Market and Paintzen. | |||
01 Jun 2020 | Alexandra Champalimaud and CEO Ed Bakos on reinventing their firm | 00:41:46 | |
Over the course of almost forty years, the name Alexandra Champalimaud has become synonymous with exceptional hospitality design—her firm has worked on the finest hotels in the world, from The Plaza in New York to the Bel-Air in Los Angeles to the recently completed Raffles in Singapore. In this episode of the Business of Home podcast, host Dennis Scully speaks to Champalimaud as well as the CEO of her firm, Ed Bakos. They discuss bringing a hospitality approach to residential design, the surprising way that Zoom meetings are making designers more creative, and why it’s important to react, not overreact, to the coronavirus pandemic. This episode is sponsored by Buildlane and Industry West. | |||
11 Jan 2024 | The Thursday Show: Meet the outlet that bought 250 trucks full of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture. Plus: Change at the top for Luxe | 00:50:51 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to go over the biggest news in the industry, including change at the top for Luxe Interiors + Design, why starter homes are becoming forever homes, and a look at the latest industry comings and goings. Later, the leadership team behind The Dump discusses their acquisition of the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams inventory. This episode was sponsored by Loloi Rugs | |||
25 Apr 2022 | What do venture capitalists think of the design industry? | 00:51:32 | |
Forerunner Ventures is one of the premier venture capital firms in Silicon Valley, having led major investments in companies like Glossier, Bonobos, Serena & Lily, Outdoor Voices and Warby Parker. Partner Nicole Johnson has been there since the very beginning, and now she’s leading a round for buzzy online design platform The Expert. On this episode of the podcast she chats with host Dennis Scully about ow venture capital works, what Forerunner is looking for in new companies, and why The Expert was the first interior design startup she said yes to. This episode is sponsored by Thibaut and Hartmann & Forbes | |||
14 Oct 2019 | Rebecca Atwood is setting her own pace | 00:50:18 | |
Rebecca Atwood started small. The RISD-educated textile designer began by creating a line of pillows out of her own apartment, dyeing fabrics in a tiny kitchen. Over the past five years she's grown considerably, with a full line of textiles and wallpapers, a SOHO showroom, and two books to her name—but she's done it at her own pace. On this episode of the Business of Home podcast, Atwood tells host Dennis Scully about building her business step by step, why she opened up her accounting books to her employees, and why her showroom wouldn't fit in at the D&D Building—but that's a good thing. This episode is sponsored by Crypton and Chairish. | |||
08 Jul 2019 | Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks on the importance of the ‘trust factor’ | 00:36:18 | |
In 1995, Angie Hicks lent her name to her new company, a service that crowdsourced reviews of local businesses. “It seemed like one of those inconsequential decisions you make when you’re 22,” says Hicks. It turned out to be anything but inconsequential, as her company, Angie’s List, would become a household name and a major player in the home services industry. In this episode of the Business of Home podcast, she talks with host Dennis Scully about the company’s humble beginnings in 1995, why the housing crisis was an opportunity in disguise, and how the interior design profession has changed over the years. This episode is sponsored by High Point Market. | |||
13 Jul 2023 | The Thursday Show: A real estate check-in with Jonathan Miller, why Gen Z loves dupes and more | 00:58:26 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including why designers are flocking to the new Threads app, an AI fabric generator and how Gen Z’s embrace of dupes is impacting the industry. Later, real estate consultant Jonathan Miller discusses the latest developments in the housing market. This episode is sponsored by Four Hands. LINKS | |||
05 Oct 2023 | The Thursday Show: T Magazine design editor Tom Delavan can afford to be picky. Plus: Banana Republic is taking home seriously and more | 00:53:31 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including Shopify and Faire teaming up, an illness afflicting quartz fabricators, and Banana Republic's big push into home. Later, T Magazine design editor Tom Delavan joins the show and shares his thoughts on ivory boucle, quiet luxury, and what it takes for a project to catch his eye. This episode is sponsored by Four Hands | |||
23 Mar 2020 | The design industry reacts to COVID-19 | 00:53:55 | |
The spread of COVID-19 has created no small amount of uncertainty in the world, and the design community is no exception. On today’s episode of the Business of Home podcast, host Dennis Scully speaks to leaders in the design industry to find out how they plan to navigate the choppy waters, and what we can expect once we’re in the clear. This episode was sponsored by Buildlane and Henrybuilt. | |||
20 Apr 2023 | The Thursday Show: Live from Milan Design Week with Dan Rubinstein, MillerKnoll's PR crisis and more | 00:45:37 | |
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, from MillerKnoll's PR crisis to some good signs from the stock market. Later, journalist and podcaster Dan Rubinstein joins the show live from Milan to share an update from Salone del Mobile. This episode is sponsored by Crypton LINKS | |||
10 Jul 2023 | Jean Stoffer: 'Focus on doing good work. The rest is a gift.' | 00:57:00 | |
Jean Stoffer’s career has caught fire in recent years, with the launch of a cabinetry business, big licensing deals, a store, and a popular show on the Magnolia Network. But it was far from an overnight success: for decades Stoffer patiently honed her craft as a kitchen designer running a small firm in the suburbs of Chicago. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about the joys—and challenges—of working with family, the highs and lows of getting into retail, and why she sees finding success later in her career as a gift. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Daniel House Club | |||
21 Feb 2022 | Rethinking the rules of the design trade with Stephane Silverman | 01:17:08 | |
The last time Stephane Silverman—founder of the fabric brand Castel and the president of the Decorative Furnishings Association—was on the podcast, he delivered a masterclass on why fabric costs what it does. This time around he shares a breakdown of the trade industry as it is today, ranging from rising competition from retail brands to the endless complications of doing business online. Stephane tells host Dennis Scully why inflation might have some surprising positive effects in fabric, whether interior designers are technically retail businesses, and why he thinks now is finally the time for the industry to come together and embrace transparent pricing. This podcast is sponsored by High Point Market and Modern Matter |