Design Curious | Interior Design Podcast, Interior Design Career, Interior Design School, Coaching

What makes turnkey interior design services unique, and how do they differ from full-service design?In this episode, I break down turnkey styling—the extra layer of service that transforms an empty house into a completely livable home. Learn the difference between standard full-service design (which includes mood boards, floor plans, and furnishings) and turnkey services that add those final touches clients need to simply "turn the key" and move in.I walk you through exactly what turnkey items to include in each room—from luxurious sheets and towels to kitchen essentials, decorative accessories, and organizational solutions.I also share practical advice on sourcing these items, asking clients the right questions about their lifestyle needs, and even including a personal story about learning the importance of offering sheet selection to clients. You'll discover how offering these additional services not only delights your clients but can also become a valuable addition to your design business.If you are looking for a roadmap for implementing turnkey styling in your design business, this episode is a must-listen. By the end, you'll understand how to anticipate your clients' every need and create a home that's truly ready for living from day one.Tune in now!Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:Discover how to expand your design services beyond traditional full-service interior design with turnkey stylingLearn specific room-by-room turnkey recommendations - a complete checklist for implementing turnkey styling service in your design businessGain insights on how to build a reputation for exceptional, comprehensive interior design services that clients will love and recommendCheck out the show notes >>> Turnkey Styling Services Your Clients Will LoveLinks Mentioned:Sourcing for sheets and comforters? Check out Cozy Earth and use code DESIGNCURIOUS for 40% offNEXT STEPS:Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!Grab your freebies:Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:Email: podcast@rwarddesign.comInstagram: @rwarddesign Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(02:01) Full-Service Interior Design vs. Turnkey Service(05:13) Turnkey Items for Kitchen(06:48) Turnkey Items for Bathroom(08:04) Turnkey Items for Bedroom(11:16) Turnkey Items for Living Room & Common Areas(13:49) Enhancing Client Experience with Turnkey Services

21 Apr 17min

Struggling to make your interior design business stand out in a crowded market?In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Lashae Ben, a design strategy expert who reveals how interior designers and product manufacturers can boost their brand awareness and revenue. Nicole shares her journey from watching HGTV as a middle schooler to creating Thrive in Design, a company that helps creative professionals develop powerful marketing strategies.Nicole offers practical advice for designers looking to elevate their brand, including the importance of finding a specific niche and creating partnerships with complementary brands. She explains how design thinking and strategic storytelling can help you connect with clients emotionally, using examples from successful companies like Nike.Ready to elevate your interior design brand and increase your client base? Tune in now and start your journey to a more successful, distinctive design brand!Featured Guest:⁠Nicole Lashae Ben⁠, MA, CEO and Founder of ⁠Thrive In Design⁠, is a seasoned expert in the interior design industry with over 17 years of experience. A graduate of Syracuse University and the Savannah College of Art and Design, she founded Thrive In Design to help interior product companies boost brand awareness and revenue through a human-centered approach. Nicole has successfully implemented strategies that have generated over $15 million in sales and won over two dozen sales awards for top international brands. Her proprietary method, A.C.E. The Journey, enhances customer experiences and equips sales teams to secure more specifications. Nicole is passionate about the intersection of design and strategy, striving to ensure that both thrive in the industry.Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:Learn how to collaborate with complementary brands to scale your design businessUnderstand how finding your specific niche and telling your authentic brand story across all platforms can transform your businessGet practical advice on avoiding burnout while building a successful design businessCheck out the show notes >>> How to Make Your Interior Design Brand Stand Out in a Crowded Market NEXT STEPS:Get on the waitlist Launch Your Business Bootcamp to secure your spotJoin the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!Grab your freebies:Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:Email: podcast@rwarddesign.comInstagram: @rwarddesign Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(02:37) Nicole's Journey into Interior Design(07:15) The Birth of Thrive in Design(13:03) Services and Approach(19:05) Balancing Entrepreneurship and Personal Commitments(22:51) Courses and Services Offered(24:34) Advice for Designers

14 Apr 27min

Are your designs ready for the future?As people age, their homes should remain safe, comfortable, and stylish. But designing for aging in place requires more than just grab bars and wider doorways—it’s about creating a home that supports independence and well-being.In this episode, I talk about how you can integrate aging-in-place principles into your interior design projects and introduce a program that allows you to become a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). This certification can set you apart in the design world and help you tap into a growing market of clients seeking innovative and thoughtful home design.I also share practical tips for designing homes that can adapt to changing physical needs while maintaining a stylish appearance and avoiding the feel of a hospital environment.Ready to transform spaces and help people live comfortably at every stage of life? Tune in now and start creating spaces that truly stand the test of time!Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:Discover the essential design features that keep homes functional, stylish, and comfortable for years to comeLearn actional tips to make homes safer and more comfortable for aging clients while keeping them stylish and functionalGet certified as an Aging in Place Specialist to boost your career as an interior designerCheck out the show notes >>> Boost Your Design Career With Aging in Place Design & CertificationLinks Mentioned:Sourcing for sheets and comforters? Check out Cozy Earth and use code DESIGNCURIOUS for 40% offNEXT STEPS:Get on the waitlist Launch Your Business Bootcamp to secure your spotJoin the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!Grab your freebies:Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:Email: podcast@rwarddesign.comInstagram: @rwarddesign Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(02:05) Differences Between Aging in Place and Universal Design(04:13) Key Considerations for Aging in Place Design(06:19) Functionality and Convenience in Design(09:50) Designing for Different Rooms(13:37) Emotional and Practical Aspects of Aging in Place(15:15) Certification and Specialization in Aging in Place

7 Apr 18min

"I don't know where to start!" Marketing overwhelms you, with so many platforms (Instagram, Pinterest, SEO, email, ads). You struggle to create a clear strategy and wonder which efforts will bring results."I hate self-promotion—I don’t want to sound salesy!" You love creating beautiful spaces but dislike talking about yourself. You worry about coming across as pushy instead of naturally attracting clients."Technology stresses me out!" CRMs, email marketing, and automation tools sound helpful, but learning them feels overwhelming. You want simple, done-for-you solutions that don’t require becoming a tech expert.I hear you! Many interior designers struggle with scattered tools, complicated strategies, and the challenge of standing out.So in this episode, I chat with marketing expert, Ben Rutledge from Sidemark, who shares simple ways to take the stress out of marketing. He explains how to build systems that work, attract your ideal clients, and use automation to stay organized—so you can focus on designing, not just selling.Ben also reveals the biggest mistakes designers make in marketing and how to avoid them.Don't let marketing be your constant struggle. Tune in now and learn how to streamline your design business with the right marketing strategies and systems. Plus, don’t forget to grab Ben’s free 2025 Interior Designers Marketing Checklist.Featured Guest:⁠Ben Rutledge⁠ is co-founder of ⁠Sidemark⁠, a marketing solution for interior designers.With 15-plus years in small business marketing, Ben now helps interior designers simplify and succeed in marketing. He enjoys demystifying the process, building strong brands, and driving growth.Ben lives in Colorado with his wife, Nicole, and loves getting outside every chance he gets.Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:Learn how to attract your ideal clients without feeling scattered or stressedSet up systems that make your business look more professional even if you’re just starting outDevelop a plan on how to nurture leads without feeling salesyCheck out the show notes >>> Stress-Free Framework to Attract Clients to Your Design Business Links Mentioned:The 2025 Interior Designers Marketing ChecklistNEXT STEPS:Get on the waitlist Launch Your Business Bootcamp to secure your spotGrab your freebies:Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:Email: podcast@rwarddesign.comInstagram: @rwarddesign Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(2:34) Ben’s Journey into Interior Design Marketing(4:07) Addressing Overwhelm in Marketing(6:09) What Sidemark Offers(10:54) Who Sidemark Helps(12:02) 2025 Marketing Strategies for Interior Designers(13:44) Key Marketing Questions for Designers(14:24) The “Pie Shop” Analogy for Marketing(15:41) Nurturing Leads and Closing Sales(18:38) Importance of Systems in Business(20:55) The Value of Setting Up Systems Early(25:32) The Role of Email Marketing in Interior Design(29:48) Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion(34:03) How Often to Send Emails

31 Mar 37min

Are you exhausted from juggling client demands, endless decisions, and late-night work sessions? You're not alone.Burnout is a common struggle for solopreneurs and interior designers, but it doesn’t have to be your reality.I completely understand how burnout feels; I experienced it myself early in my career. Thankfully, I've learned effective strategies to manage it. I’m happy to say I’m no longer an overwhelmed and burned-out designer. This shift has made a big difference. It improved my ability to be the best designer for my clients.In this episode, I explore the common causes of burnout and share my personal experiences in overcoming it. I also provide practical tips for maintaining inspiration and avoiding burnout, which can help you in your own design career.If you are looking for ways to reclaim your creativity, reduce stress, and enjoy the career you love, this episode is for you.Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:Discover practical tips for setting boundaries and saying no to projects that aren’t a good fit.Learn productivity & time management tools to streamline your business and maintain a healthy work-life balanceCreate a work schedule that supports your well-being while staying on top of your projectsCheck out the show notes >>> How to Stop Burnout and Protect Your Creative EnergyNEXT STEPS:Get on the waitlist Launch Your Business Bootcamp to secure your spotUse Full Focus Planner to set and track your 2025 goalsGrab your freebies:Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:Email: podcast@rwarddesign.comInstagram: @rwarddesign Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week!Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(02:46) The Reality of Burnout in Interior Design(05:20) The Impact of Burnout(07:45) Setting Boundaries to Prevent Burnout(10:30) The Role of Self-Care in Avoiding Burnout(16:22) Productivity & Time Management Tools(20:07) Strategies to Avoid Overwhelm in Business

24 Mar 23min

Are you struggling to generate consistent, high-quality leads for your interior design business?Many designers rely on social media and word of mouth, but these methods alone may not bring in steady, high-quality leads.In this episode, Porsche Williams, CEO of The Prototype, shares her expert strategies for building a stress-free, scalable lead generation system that nurtures relationships and drives long-term growth.She explains the biggest mistakes designers make—like focusing too much on new leads and forgetting past clients—and reveals how to create a simple system that keeps your pipeline full.Plus, Porsche shares a step-by-step framework to help you stay top-of-mind with potential clients.Don't let lead generation overwhelm you. Tune in to this episode and learn how to create a scalable, stress-free system that allows you to focus on your creative vision while attracting your ideal clients.Featured Guest:Porsche Williams is the CEO of ⁠The Prototype⁠, a business concierge firm specializing in client experience and lead generation for interior designers with a passion for streamlining business growth.She helps designers attract ideal clients, nurture relationships, and scale with confidence, all while staying focused on their creative vision through The Prototype's expertise in client experience and lead qualification.Since 2020, her team has supported luxury interior design and architecture firms across the US, Canada, and Australia and partnered with IDS, ASID, Mydoma by Studio Designer, and more. Now, she's bringing her expertise to The Designer's Guide to Reliable Lead Generation, a course designed to help designers build scalable, stress-free lead generation systems while strengthening relationships and driving long-term growth.Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn how to re-engage past and current clients for steady leads Identify missing steps in your client experience that repel great clients Develop a plan for strategic gifting and industry partnerships (like working with realtors and builders) to generate high-quality leads fasterCheck out the show notes >>> Struggling to Get Clients? Here’s a Better Way to Find LeadsLinks Mentioned: The Lead Generation Jumpstart 2-Minute Quiz: What’s Holding You Back in Your BusinessNEXT STEPS: Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerListen to Related Episode: Episode 16: How Outsourcing Client Intake Helps Interior Designers Convert and Retain ClientsConnect With Me: Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com Instagram: @rwarddesign Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(05:05) Common Mistakes in Lead Generation(07:47) Strategies for Effective Lead Generation(12:53) Structuring Lead Generation & Client Retention(17:32) Practical Tips for Improving Lead Generation

17 Mar 24min

What does luxury really mean in interior design?Many designers say they offer a luxury service, but what makes a design truly high-end?In this episode, I explain what it means to be a luxury interior designer and how to attract the right clients.I also share how to communicate the value of high-end design, price your expertise confidently, and provide a white-glove experience that clients are happy to pay for.If you are transitioning to high-end projects or just curious about what sets luxury apart, this episode will help you understand the key details that elevate your services.You’ll learn why luxury isn’t just about expensive materials—it’s about customization, seamless service, and creating a stress-free client experience.If you’re ready to level up your interior design business and attract clients who appreciate everyday luxury, this episode is for you! Tune in now and start elevating your design services!Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover the specific details and white-glove experiences that define luxury Evaluate whether your current design services can be considered "luxury" and identify areas for improvement Implement strategies to enhance the luxury experience for your clients Check out the show notes >>> 6 Ways to Deliver a Luxury Interior Design ServiceLinks Mentioned: Grab the Everyday Luxury Checklist Sign up for My Design Mentorto kickstart a successful career in interior design!NEXT STEPS:Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me: Email:podcast@rwarddesign.com Instagram:@rwarddesign Website atrwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(1:55) Defining Luxury in Interior Design4:31 What Luxury Clients Expect(06:57) Luxury as a High-Touch Service(09:12) Pricing & Value in Luxury Design(09:46) High-Value Details That Define Luxury(12:36) Access to Resources and Execution in Luxury Design(14:47) Final Thoughts and Conclusion

10 Mar 18min

Have you ever wondered if you need a design degree or a perfect career plan to become an interior designer? Think again!In this episode, I sit down withStef Johnson, founder ofStef Johnson Design, who shares her inspiring journey from growing up around design to running a successful interior design studio.Stef’s path wasn’t straight—she explored event planning, worked in real estate, and even managed construction projects before finally launching her own business. Her story proves there is no one "right" way to build a fulfilling career in this creative field.Whether you are just starting or thinking about shifting into interior design, this episode will encourage you to take the first step—even if you don’t have it all figured out yet! Tune in and start paving your path in design.Featured Guest:Stef Johnson owns⁠Stef Johnson Design⁠ (SJD), a full-service interior design studio based in North Carolina providing a classic approach to easy luxury in residential and commercial projects.For over a decade, the SJD team has offered a unique combination of design and construction knowledge. They pride themselves on prioritizing clients’ tastes and taking a cost-effective approach to every job. Stef believes a home should reflect her client’s unique personality highlighting objects they love.Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn how to start a design career from any background and navigate the early stages of your interior design career Get practical tips and strategies to improve your design business practices Be inspired to follow your passionCheck out the show notes >>>From Economics to Interiors: The Journey to Becoming an Interior DesignerNEXT STEPS: Join theMy Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me: Email:podcast@rwarddesign.com Instagram:@rwarddesign Website atrwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(01:47) Stef’s Background in Interior Design(02:31) Early Career Path & Exploration(06:34) Building Her Expertise & Going Solo(10:29) Handling Client Projects Across Different Regions(14:42) Stef's Design Philosophy & Style(18:24) Lessons in Running a Design Business(19:53) Advice for Aspiring Interior Designers

3 Mar 23min