
Business of Home Podcast
581 episodes — Page 7 of 12
Ep 283The Thursday Show: Why Summer Thornton is getting into the hospitality business, the dorm room boom and more
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.LINKSSummer ThorntonCasa RosadaDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 282Why Benjamin Johnston aims for excellence, not perfection
Interior designer Benjamin Johnston began his career in architecture working in Japan for the renowned firm of Cesar Pelli. But he soon found himself drawn to interior design, and opened up his own shop in his home state of Texas. In a relatively young career, Ben has won wide recognition for his work—his projects have graced magazine covers, and he’s landed product deals with Chaddock and S. Harris. On this episode of the show, Johnston discusses the problem of luxury brands not offering luxury service, learning to talk money with clients, and why he strives for excellence, not perfection. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and ThibautLINKSBenjamin JohnstonDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 281The Thursday Show: Jake Arnold is having a moment, a new award for up-and-coming designers and more
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including including the sudden closure of a North Carolina manufacturer, a new award for up-and-coming designers, and a look at how microtrends are changing the design industry. Later, designer Jake Arnold discusses the inspiration behind his new book Redefining Comfort.LINKSJake ArnoldRedefining ComfortDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 280The state of the home industry with Alex Shuford of Rock House Farm
The last time Alex Shuford—CEO of Rock House Farm, the family of brands that includes Century, Hickory Chair and Highland House—was on the podcast, it was 2021, and the industry was riding high on the home boom while grappling with out-of-control lead times. Now, the situation is reversed: Lead times are far better, but demand has cooled.On this episode of the show, Shuford gives a comprehensive look at the state of the home industry. He speaks with host Dennis Scully about the shifting balance of power between retailers and designers, leadership lessons from the pandemic, and why, despite short-term turbulence, the future is bright. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and ThibautLINKSRock House FarmDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 279The Thursday Show: How modern farmhouse style took over the world, lights out for incandescent bulbs and more
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including lights out for incandescent bulbs, the collapse of a major trucking business, and a look at what’s going on with Florida real estate. Later, New York Times real estate reporter Ronda Kaysen discusses the rise of modern farmhouse style.LINKSRonda KaysenDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 278Elizabeth Graziolo: 'What your team really wants is more of you'
Born in Haiti and raised in a strict home where education was the focus, Liz emigrated to the United States as a young girl. After graduating from the prestigious Cooper Union, Liz ultimately became a partner at Peter Pennoyer Architects, where she would go on to hone her craft for nearly 20 years.Ready for a change, Liz opened Yellow House Architects in February 2020, just as COVID-19 was about to shut down the world.On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about hiring during the pandemic, the pressures that can come from winning early acclaim, and the realization that when you are running your own firm, there’s never enough of you to go around.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Daniel House ClubLINKSDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 277The Thursday Show: Professor Annetta Grant on how media outlets like HGTV impact renovations
BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including how industry brands are targeting Gen Z, the environmental consequences of home demolitions, and a look at our summer print issue. Later, professor Annetta Grant discusses her research on how media outlets like HGTV impact renovations.LINKSAnnetta GrantDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 276Jonsara Ruth: "Designers have a huge role to play"
Jonsara’s career took an unexpected turn following a business trip to China. There to oversee the production of a new furniture collection, she witnessed firsthand the environmental impact of the manufacturing process and it changed forever her outlook on how products are made. Today through her work at the Healthy Materials Lab, she hopes to steer designers and the industry in the direction of making choices that are better for people’s health and the environment. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about the experiences that led to her current pursuit, what questions the industry can begin to ask about materials and ingredients, and the transformational role designers can play in changing the world.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Daniel House ClubLINKSHealthy Material LabDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 275The Thursday Show: Felix Burrichter on the evolution of the Barbie Dreamhouse, commercial real estate's refinancing problem
BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including Crate & Barrel’s answer to rising renovation costs, Banana Republic’s effort to build a lifestyle brand, and a New York magazine cover story that paints a stark future for commercial real estate. Later, Pin-Up editorial director Felix Burrichter discusses Barbiecore. LINKSPin-Up MagazineDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 274Ellie Cullman: 'Design is all psychology'
Ellie Cullman got into the profession through a chance encounter involving an ill-fated screenplay, but once she got started in design, her career took off. Over nearly 40 years in business, her firm, Cullman & Kravis, has earned a regular spot on the AD 100 and Elle Decor’s A List, graced countless magazine covers, and earned numerous awards for its work. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about her approach to hiring and retaining a great staff, how she’s reacted to ups and downs in the economy, and why design, at its core, is all psychology.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Daniel House ClubLINKSCullman & KravisDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 273The Thursday Show: A real estate check-in with Jonathan Miller, why Gen Z loves dupes and more
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.LINKSMiller Samuel Real Estate Appraisers & ConsultantsDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 272Jean Stoffer: 'Focus on doing good work. The rest is a gift.'
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 ClubLINKSJean StofferDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 271The Thursday Show: What’s next in fabric with The Textile Eye’s Saana Baker, runaway construction costs and more
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including out-of-control construction costs, some big retail moves and a viral TikTok mocking celebrities and their pedigreed wood furniture. Later, The Textile Eye’s Saana Baker shares what’s next in fabric.This episode is sponsored by Four Hands.LINKSThe Textile EyeDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 270The Thursday Show: The rise and fall of Bed Bath & Beyond, Athena Calderone's big move and more
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including a surge in new home construction, Design Milk changing hands and why a white kitchen may hurt the value of a home. Later, BOH retail columnist Warren Shoulberg traces the rise and fall of Bed Bath & Beyond.This episode is sponsored by Crypton. LINKSWarren ShoulbergDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 269Tim Butcher of Fromental on finding a niche and owning it
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 & BoardLINKSFromentalDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 268The Thursday Show: Michael Diaz Griffith on the next generation of antiques collectors, a look at industry greenwashing and more
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and managing editor Haley Chouinard join host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including the relaunch of Lonny, a Pride Month controversy, and a look at greenwashing. Later, the executive director of the Design Leadership Network, Michael Diaz Griffith, discusses his new book, The New Antiquarians.This episode is sponsored by Crypton. LINKSMichael Diaz GriffithDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 267Architect? Interior Designer? Suzanne Lovell is both (and much more)
Suzanne Lovell began her career as an architect at the iconic firm Skidmore Owings and Merrill, but she always felt drawn to residential design. After starting her own firm in 1985, Lovell went on to a sparkling career, making the AD100 list, publishing a book, starting a textile line, and earning recognition far and wide for interiors as varied as her own interests. On this episode of the podcast, she chats with host Dennis Scully about why sustainability is such a complicated issue in the industry, how she pushes artisans to do their best work, and what her current pursuit of a PhD is teaching her about her own practice.This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Room & BoardLINKSSuzanne LovellDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 266The Thursday Show: NeoCon highlights with ThinkLab's Amanda Schneider, an industry giant rebrands and more
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including a potential buyer for Bed Bath and Beyond, a roundup of the latest showroom openings and a look at how designers are catering to an aging population. Later, ThinkLab founder Amanda Schneider gives listeners a live recap from NeoCon.This episode is sponsored by Crypton. LINKSThinkLabDesign Nerds AnonymousDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 265Bunny Williams and Elizabeth Lawrence on a partnership two decades in the making
Bunny Williams and Elizabeth Lawrence are the principals of Williams Lawrence—a firm that, until a few weeks ago, was known as Bunny Williams Interior Design. Lawrence, who started working with Williams as an intern, has risen through the ranks for two decades to become partner. On this episode of the podcast, she and Williams speak with host Dennis Scully about the lost art of patience in the design industry and their thoughts on Kips Bay, TikTok and AI.This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Room & BoardLINKSWilliams LawrenceDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 264The Thursday Show: RH England is unveiled, a London designer showhouse and more
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. LINKSDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 263Asad Syrkett wants Elle Decor's A-List to make a statement
Almost three years into his tenure as editor in chief of Elle Decor, Asad Syrkett has just unveiled the magazine’s annual A-List of top designers. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about how he approaches who makes the cut, who doesn’t, and what role lists play in the age of social media. Other topics include Syrkett’s thoughts on AI, the rise of interior design TikTok, and why, when it comes to the really important issues, he wants Elle Decor to keep asking difficult questions.This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Room & BoardLINKSAsad SyrkettElle DecorDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 262The Thursday Show: Peloton founder John Foley on his new rug brand, designers are cashing in on vacation rentals and more
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including LVMH taking its employees to sustainability school, RH’s earnings call, and a new wave of designers getting into the vacation rental business. Later, Peloton CEO John Foley discusses his new direct-to-consumer rug brand, Ernesta.This episode is sponsored by Crypton. LINKSErnestaDennis ScullyBusiness of Home Crypton
Ep 261The Thursday Show: Shea McGee debuts a MasterClass, highlights from New York Design Week and more
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, from a check in on New York Design Week to a blue sofa that went viral on TikTok. Later, designer Shea McGee joins the conversation to discuss her new MasterClass. This episode is sponsored by Daniel House Club. LINKSStudio McGeeDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 260For Rita Konig, design is storytelling
The daughter of legendary English decorator Nina Campell, Rita Konig grew up in the trade. After authoring a runaway hit book, Domestic Bliss, she struck out on her own, and has built a brilliantly multifaceted career as a writer, designer and streaming star on the online education platform Create Academy. On this episode of the podcast, Konig talks about reaching an audience beyond her core clients, whether RH can succeed in England, and lessons the British and American design industries can learn from each other.This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and Loloi RugsLINKSRita KonigDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 259The Thursday Show: Checking in on the LA design scene with Harbinger's Joe Lucas, what really happened to Jean de Merry and more
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, from Warren Buffet's breakup with RH stock to what really happened with Jean de Merry. Later, Harbinger's Joe Lucas breaks down the latest developments in LA's design scene. This episode is sponsored by Daniel House Club. LINKSJoe LucasHarbingerDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 258From janitor to buzzy designer: How Sean Anderson got his start
Sean Anderson has come a long way to get to where he is: after growing up in a small town in Mississippi and dropping out of college, he spent a decade working as a bartender, electrician and janitor. After moving to Memphis and redesigning his partner’s home, people began to notice Anderson’s work—so did design magazines like Architectural Digest and Elle Decor, and today he’s one of the southeast’s buzziest young designers.On this episode of the podcast, Anderson speaks with host Dennis Scully about the advantages of working with a remote staff, his experience with The Expert, and why, for young designers, comparing yourself to someone else is the worst thing you can do.This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and Loloi RugsLINKSSean AndersonDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 257The Thursday Show: Inside the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, the gray flooring debate rages on and more
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, from a greenwashing lawsuit to the debate over gray flooring. Later, the podcast takes a trip to the 48th annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House.This episode is sponsored by Daniel House Club. LINKSKips BayDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 256Lulu & Georgia founder Sara Sugarman still feels like an underdog
Sara Sugarman grew up in the design industry—her father ran a rug showroom that had been started by his father in the 1950s. When Sugarman came onboard the family firm in the 2000s, she became intrigued by the rise of online shopping, so she started e-commerce platform Lulu & Georgia as a side project. It was an instant hit, and has since grown by leaps and bounds. On this episode of the podcast, Sugarman speaks with host Dennis Scully about why she’s committed to keeping Lulu & Georgia online only, how starting a family made her a better CEO, and why, when it comes to the e-commerce revolution, we’re just getting started.This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and Loloi RugsLINKSLulu & GeorgiaDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 255The Thursday Show: Sophie Donelson wants to free the kitchen, the AI interior design gold rush and more
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. LINKSSophie Donelson Dennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 254Thom Filicia has always followed his own path
Thom Filicia rose to fame after his appearance on the breakout hit Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, but his career began in the rarified world of New York’s most prestigious design firms, with stints working for Parish-Hadley, Robert Metzger and Jeffrey Bilhuber. Though Filicia found success on TV, he never left the design world behind, and he’s continued to take on projects, build a growing empire of licensed product, and open a to-the-trade showroom, Sedgwick and Brattle.In front of a live audience at High Point Spring Market, Filicia spoke with host Dennis Scully about his intuitive approach to business, taking design beyond the 1%, and why he’s always relished ignoring convention and striking out on his own path.This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and Loloi RugsLINKSThom FiliciaDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 253The Thursday Show: Looking back on High Point Market with BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen, the rise of "quiet luxury" and more
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, from Bed Bath & Beyond's bankruptcy to the rise of "Quiet Luxury." Later, BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen comes on the show to recap High Point Market's spring edition.This episode is sponsored by CryptonLINKSKaitlin PetersenDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 252Jeremiah Brent wants to shift the narrative on the design industry
At 38, Jeremiah Brent is a young designer. But from building a bicoastal firm to an appearance on the AD100 list to product lines to TV shows with his husband Nate Berkus, he’s packed a great deal into his career already. On this episode of the podcast, Brent speaks to host Dennis Scully about learning to let go as he grew his firm, why personalization is the ultimate form of luxury, and why he wants to change the industry’s checkered reputation.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Four HandsLINKSJeremiah BrentDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 251The Thursday Show: Live from Milan Design Week with Dan Rubinstein, MillerKnoll's PR crisis and more
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 CryptonLINKSDan RubinsteinThe Grand TouristDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 250How Romo is conquering America, one market at a time
Though Romo’s history goes back to 1902 in England, in the U.S. the company was relatively unknown for its first century in business. That changed when North American CEO Frederic Henry took the reins in 2005. He’s since transformed Romo into a fabric powerhouse here, with six house brands and a network of showrooms across the country. On this episode of the podcast, Henry joins host Dennis Scully and shares how one key relationship changed everything for Romo, why multiline showrooms are key to the industry’s future and why he sees conquering the fabric industry like a game of Risk. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Four HandsLINKSRomoDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 249The Thursday Show: Schumacher's Nashville experiment, the scourge of damaged product and more
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 CryptonLINKSDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 248Sarah Sherman Samuel puts passion over business, every time
A multitalented creative, Sarah Sherman Samuel has occupied many roles in the industry: Interior designer, product designer, TV star, social media creator, and artist. Her collaborations with Lulu & Georgia, West Elm and Semihandmade are perennial hits, and her own line of furniture, SSS Atelier, just debuted at New York’s buzzy Colony gallery last month. On this episode of the podcast, Samuel speaks with host Dennis Scully about balancing design projects with product collaborations, the shifting winds of social media, and the complicated relationship between creative passion and commercial success. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Four HandsLINKSSarah Sherman SamuelDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 247The Thursday Show: Wunderkind stylist Colin King, RH's wild earnings call and more
On the debut episode of The Thursday Show, BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, from the return of the New York Kips Bay Decorator Show House to RH’s wild earnings call. Later, wunderkind stylist Colin King talks about working with Athena Calderone and Roman & Williams, his new book Arranging Things, and whether he's over white boucle (spoiler alert: he is).This episode is sponsored by CryptonLINKSColin KingDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 246The Modern House publishes beautiful homes—then sells them
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 HandsLINKSThe Modern HouseDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 245The mother-daughter duo behind Sister Parish Design are putting "faith over fear"
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 HandsLINKSSister Parish DesignDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 243How the duo behind Nickey Kehoe built a modern, multifaceted design business
After a chance meeting in Brooklyn brought them together, Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe forged a partnership that has survived a cross country move and two decades in business. Today, both the firm and the retail operation are thriving, and Nickey Kehoe is one of LA’s most celebrated young design brands. On this episode of the podcast, the duo talk about the secrets of a long-term partnership, finding the right amount of risk taking in their business, and why they want to be known for a feel, not a look.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Four HandsLINKSNickey KehoeDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 242Orior's approach has always been bold (and a little crazy)
Irish furniture brand Orior has an improbable history: Started in the late 1970s by the husband-and-wife duo of Brian and Rosie McGuigan, the company began in a small town near Belfast in the midst of the Troubles. 40 years later, the furniture is still manufactured in the same town, but the McGuigan’s son Ciaran has brought the brand to New York and given it an edgy, cosmopolitan look. On this episode of the podcast, Rosie and Ciaran McGuigan tell host Dennis Scully about getting through tough times, leaning into their Irishness, and why being bold—and maybe a little crazy—has always been part of their company’s DNA.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Four HandsLINKSOriorDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 241Martyn Lawrence Bullard's intuition has never let him down
Once an aspiring actor, Martyn Lawrence Bullard left his native England for Hollywood in the 1990s and quickly switched professions. He’s since become one of the industry’s most renowned designers, earning a regular spot on best-of lists, and working with a roster of celebrity clients, from Cher and Elton John to Machine Gun Kelly and Kylie Jenner. On this episode of the podcast, Bullard speaks with host Dennis Scully about why his superpower has always been intuition, why he’s not a fan of hourly billing, and why his strategy for licensing resembles a pyramid.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Four HandsLINKSMartyn Lawrence BullardDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 240Why did Havenly buy Interior Define?
Once a buzzy DTC furniture brand, last year Interior Define hit hard times and stopped paying its vendors, leaving thousands of customers in limbo with unfulfilled orders. At the 11th hour, Interior Define was acquired by an unlikely buyer: e-design platform Havenly. This week, Havenly’s CEO Lee Mayer returns to the podcast to talk about the acquisition.Mayer speaks with host Dennis Scully about the strings attached to venture capital money, the complicated process of acquiring a brand in distress, and why, despite all of the drama, she thought Interior Define deserved another chance. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Daniel House ClubLINKSHavenlyInterior DefineDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 239Can Design Holding become the LVMH of home?
You may not be familiar with the name “Design Holding,” but you know the brands in its portfolio, including Flos, B&B Italia, Louis Poulsen, Maxalto and many more. Through strategic acquisitions, the company has quietly become one of the most significant players in European luxury design—CEO Daniel Lalonde’s goal is to make Design Holding the LVMH of the home world. On this episode of the podcast, Lalonde speaks with host Dennis Scully about catering to both designers and consumers, his thoughts on trade pricing, and why there’s no shortcut to real luxury.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Daniel House ClubLINKSDesign HoldingDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 238The Expert starts its next chapter
When Jake Arnold and Leo Seigal launched The Expert in 2021, the online design platform quickly took the industry by storm, connecting clients with elite designers for video consultations booked at hundreds of dollars an hour. Now the two are launching an e-commerce component to The Expert, and they’ve lined up a roster of premier brands like Pierre Frey, Apparatus and Rose Tarlow to help them do it. On this episode of the podcast they speak with host Dennis Scully about learning from the mistakes of other design industry startups, how they earned the trust of tech-skeptical trade-only vendors, and why home is such a difficult business to bring online.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Daniel House ClubLINKSThe ExpertDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 237Mary McDonald embraces interior design's "never-ending learning curve"
Interior designer Mary McDonald rose to prominence in the early aughts, as her work began to show up on the cover of shelter magazines. She’s stayed at the top of the field ever since—McDonald is a regular fixture on industry best-of lists, and her licensed collections with Schumacher and Chaddock are perennial hits. On this episode of the podcast she speaks with host Dennis Scully about the challenges facing young designers, the surprising reason she finds RH useful to her firm, and why interior design is a never-ending learning curveThis episode is sponsored by Loloi and Daniel House ClubLINKSMary McDonaldDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 236At Pierre Frey, creativity comes before business
Founded in 1935, Pierre Frey has become one of the most admired names in the world of high-end design, revered for its inventive, colorful creations. Patrick Frey, the son of the founder, has steered the company for decades as it has grown its presence all over the world. The firm now offers wallcoverings, carpets and furniture, having acquired the storied French rug maker Braquenie, and the fabric houses Boussac, LeManach and, just last year, Thorp. Frey has recently turned over control of the company to his sons, Pierre, Vincent, and Mattieu, while keeping the creative direction for himself.On this week’s episode, taped in Paris in the thick of Déco Off, Frey spoke about why he’s optimistic that the home industry isn’t due for a slowdown, the important lessons he learned from his father, and why, in design, you have to put creativity first and business second.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Cozy EarthLINKSPierre FreyDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 235Stephen Burks wants to open the doors of the design industry
Industrial designer Stephen Burks career started in the early 2000s, when he became one of the first Americans to design furniture for European powerhouses like Roche Bobois, Moroso and Cappellini. Over the past two decades, he’s become one of industrial design’s most notable figures, creating collections for top brands and working with artisans around the world. On this episode of the podcast, Burks speaks with host Dennis Scully about the archaic way that industrial designers are paid, how bureaucracy shapes what kind of furniture gets made, and the persistent role race plays in the design industry.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Cozy EarthLINKSStephen BurksDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 234Society Social wants to be every Grandmillennial's favorite brand
In 2011, Roxy Owens left behind a marketing career to start a furniture and decor brand dedicated to playful traditionalism. Eight years later, the rise of “grandmillennial” style helped Society Social find its moment—Owens is coming off a year of record growth and an expansive new collaboration with The Colony hotel in Palm Beach. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks about the tension between being inspiring and being real on social media, how customer loyalty and a few smart pivots got her through COVID, and why prioritizing mental health is so important for business owners.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Cozy EarthLINKSSociety SocialDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
Ep 233Sophie Ashby wants to fight back against 'unidentifiable global chic'
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 EarthLINKSSophie AshbyUnited in DesignDennis ScullyBusiness of Home