Business of Home Podcast

Alexa Hampton is, by any definition, a lifer in the trade. The daughter of celebrated designer Mark Hampton, she grew up in the business, and took over her father’s firm at the age of 27 after his untimely passing in 1998. Since then, Alexa has never slowed down, earning endless plaudits for her work, appearing regularly on industry best-of lists, authoring books and columns, and designing product for everyone from Kravet to Theodore Alexander to The Shade Store. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about how interior design is like a language, why her ideal firm size is 11 employees, and why it’s important to embrace—not turn away from—transparency and change.This episode is sponsored by LoloiLINKSAlexa HamptonDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

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 MarketLINKSKaitlin PetersenFred NicolausDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Though American Leather may be an unfamiliar name in the design trade, the company is a powerhouse of furniture manufacturing, with 800 employees in a Texas facility that’s capable of churning out 500 pieces of furniture a day. President Veronica Schnitzius has risen through the ranks over two decades— as a young woman she left behind cartel violence in Colombia to come to the US, and found a role at the company, where she’s helped grow its business by leaps and bounds. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about why change comes slow to the furniture industry, the quest to design an attractive recliner, and why manufacturing is like a symphony.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Las Vegas MarketNext week, BOH editors will be on the show to recap an eventful year. If you have a question for the podcast, or a general query about the design industry, drop us a line at [email protected] LeatherDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

To the outside world, Amber Lewis is an interior designer. Behind the scenes, her business is a complex operation with more than 100 employees, tackling everything from retail shops, product design and e-commerce to books, licenses and residential projects. Lewis has grown it piece by piece over the past decade, bootstrapping the company, without outside funding.On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Denis Scully about the challenge of turning creativity on and off at will, running a big business with a small business mindset, and how a serious medical diagnosis gave her a new perspective on work and life.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Las Vegas MarketLINKSAmber LewisDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

In 2011, Athena Calderone was a young mother in Brooklyn, looking to turn her considerable creative energy into a career. She started a blog, Eyeswoon, which has grown into a powerful platform for her various endeavors, including cooking, styling, and design. A decade in and fresh off a major collection for Crate and Barrel, Calderone is poised to kick off a new phase of growth: she’s in the midst of launching an e-commerce business and working on a residential development project—not to mention a few design jobs, partnerships with the likes of Tiffany and American Express, and attending to her nearly 1 million Instagram followers. On this episode of the podcast, Calderone shares with host Dennis Scully why she loves to prove the doubters wrong, how embracing the chaos of creativity is healthy, and why doing more than one thing is both a blessing and a curse.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Las Vegas MarketLINKSAthena CalderoneDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

A fixture in the top tier of the international design scene since the late nineties, Timothy Corrigan has been on every magazine’s honor roll, won numerous awards, and is the only American to be recognized by the French Heritage Society for his work. His clients have included everyone from Madonna and David Schwimmer to the Qatari royal family—every month Tim makes a loop around the world to attend to a truly global clientele. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about why he likes to hire employees with first careers outside of design, how work life balance is overrated, and how transparency is the only way forward for the industry.This episode is sponsored by Amazon Ads and Universal FurnitureLINKSTimothy CorriganDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

It’s difficult to sum up Lori Weitzner’s career quickly. From her partnership with fabric icon Jack Lenor Larsen to her longtime relationship with Samuel & Sons to her own wallcovering line to her jewelry to her book on color, she’s truly a multifaceted talent. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about learning to make the best of criticism and setbacks, her strong feelings on performance fabrics, and the future of shopping in the trade. This episode is sponsored by Amazon Ads and Universal FurnitureLINKSThe Bruno EffectDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

As the likes of 1stdibs and Chairish have embraced a transactional, click-to-buy model for buying and selling online, Carmine Bruno is going in the other direction. His site, The Bruno Effect, offers something of an old-school system—it simply connects dealers with shoppers, then gets out of the way. On this episode of the podcast, Bruno speaks with host Dennis Scully about the growing pains of entrepreneurship, why he thinks there’s room at the top for another online marketplace, and how the internet has changed the culture of the antiques business.This episode is sponsored by Amazon Ads and Universal FurnitureLINKSThe Bruno EffectDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Twice a year, thousands of designers and retail buyers descend on a small town in North Carolina for High Point Market. A trade show, a conference, a networking event, and at night a party — High Point is the home industry’s South by Southwest. The fall edition just wrapped, and to recap the event, this week on the podcast Business of Home’s editor-in-chief Kaitlin Petersen and retail columnist Warren Shoulberg join host Dennis Scully on the show. They discuss their Market highlights, why the supply chain crisis isn’t a hot topic anymore, and how the industry is reacting to the possibility of a recession.This episode is sponsored by Amazon Ads and Universal FurnitureLINKSHigh Point MarketKaitlin PetersenWarren ShoulbergDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

After starting her career in the art world, a chance encounter at a dinner party got Beth Webb into design, and she hasn’t looked back. With projects in top magazines, a book through Rizzoli and a licensed collection with Arteriors, she’s one of the South’s most notable talents. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about how she’s navigating runaway costs and neverending lead times, why HR is the toughest part of the design business, and why landing big clients takes a “try everything” approach. This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Modern Matter. LINKSBeth WebbDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

With a 19th century inventor, a countess, and a tragic car crash, the story of Italian fabric brand Fortuny feels like an epic novel. Here, Mickey and Maury Riad—the brothers behind the company’s modern incarnation—share the tale of Fortuny’s first century, as well as their strategy for the next 100 years.They also tell host Dennis Scully what they learned from the shutdown of their startup Fuigo, how they’re thinking about a potential downturn, and why they believe—with the right technology—the design industry could do so much better. This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Modern Matter. LINKSFortunyDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

This week on the Business of Home Podcast, host Dennis Scully is joined by Julia Hunter, the CEO of the lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne. Founded in 2002 by Kayne herself, the company built its name in fashion, selling elevated basics in neutral tones. In 2017, Julia led the brand to explore textiles and eventually furniture—home is now a 20 million dollar business for Jenni Kayne. On the show, Hunter speaks about why influencer marketing has so much untapped potential in home, the reason she and her team bought and renovated a house, and why sticking to beige has worked so well for Jenni Kayne. This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Modern Matter. LINKSJenni KayneDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Founded in 2012 as a lighting studio by then-partners Gabriel Hendifar and Jeremy Anderson, Apparatus has quickly become one the industry’s most talked-about brands. Dividing its collections into “acts” and staging elaborate events to celebrate their release, the company brings the spirit of immersive theater to the business of selling high-end lighting and furniture. In this episode of the podcast, Hendifar, artistic director of Apparatus, speaks with host Dennis Scully about what it means to put narrative first in design, why Apparatus’s parties are as important as their products, and why emerging from a split with his original partner has given him the confidence to dream even bigger.This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Modern Matter. LINKSApparatusDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

A midwestern native trained in commercial design, Suzanne Kasler made two big pivots in the mid-1990s: she moved to Atlanta, and began working exclusively on residential projects. Both changes turned out to be prescient: She quickly became one of the south’s biggest names, and is now a nationally recognized designer, regularly earning a spot on the AD100 and Elle Decor’s A-List—not to mention a robust portfolio of product licenses with everyone from Hickory Chair to Visual Comfort to Ballard Design.On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about why business is about more than just productivity, why she focuses on pricing transparency with clients, and how the logistical challenges of the pandemic have changed her firm forever.This episode is sponsored by CryptonLINKSSuzanne KaslerDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

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 CryptonLINKSBilly CottonDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Founded in 2010 by Connie Matisse, her husband Alex, and their friend John Vigeland, East Fork began as a small pottery studio. The company has since evolved into a thriving direct-to-consumer brand, with a bustling manufacturing operation in North Carolina. On this episode of podcast, host Dennis Scully speaks with Matisse about her complicated relationship with social media, the leadership lessons she’s learned at the helm of a fast-growing company, and why it’s so hard to find a balance between idealism and business. This episode is sponsored by CryptonTo register for the Future of Home conference, click here.LINKSEast ForkDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

John Edelman and John McPhee met by chance while working for Edelman’s brother, Sam in the footwear business—their partnership would ultimately reshape the design industry as we know it. Together, they exponentially grew the Edelman family leather business, which they ultimately sold to Knoll for $67 million. They then went on to pull off a dramatic rescue job on then-struggling retailer Design Within Reach, selling that business to Herman Miller for $154 million. Now, the pair have their own ventures: McPhee is the new CEO of chilewich, and Edelman has acquired cult favorite design brand Heller. But they continue to work together and share insights on a fast-changing market. On this episode of the show, they talk about how difficult times lead to the most growth, and why betting on great design always makes for good business. This episode is sponsored by Crypton. Click here to register for the Future of Home conference. LINKSHellerChilewichDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

With stints at Domino, House and Garden, and Martha Stewart Living, Stephen Orr is a publishing veteran who has seen most sides of the shelter media industry. In his current role as editor in chief of Better Homes & Gardens, he’s working on a new challenge: to steer a 100-year-old publication that reaches not just the affluent and design-obsessed, but all Americans, across the country, from all walks of life. In this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about what “fancy creep” is and why wants to avoid it, why he put Harry Styles on his cover, and why, for a contemporary magazine, the print issue is only part of the equation. This episode is sponsored by Modern Matter & High Point MarketRegister for the Future of Home here.LINKSBetter Homes & GardensDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

A decade ago, Zak Profera started his company—Zak & Fox—a decade ago as a small line of printed linens. Through great design, determination and a relentless obsession with details, he’s grown it into a thriving independent brand, beloved by designers and represented by the industry’s best showrooms. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about the pros and cons of design centers, why he stopped selling to consumers, and why, despite the rapid pace of technological disruption, he thinks the design industry won’t change as much as some might think. This episode is sponsored by Modern Matter & High Point MarketRegister for the Future of Home here.LINKSZak+FoxDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

After years in the textile industry, Brian Erden had a series of innovations: One was to weave metals like bronze and brass deeply into the background of rugs. The other was to establish his own operations overseas, rather than relying on a dubious network of middlemen. In six short years, Erden product has become a hit in the industry, represented by top showrooms and used by star designers. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about why some rugs cost $1,000 and others $10,000, why he’s a believer in multiline showrooms, and why the textile industry isn’t as innovative as it needs to be.This episode is sponsored by Modern Matter and High Point Market.To register for the Future of Home conference, click here. Erden RugsDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

After a breakup left Shanan Campanaro in a near-empty apartment, she decided to tap into her fine art background and create some bespoke wallcoverings. The project led her to found the New York textile design studio Eskayel. On this episode of the podcast, Campanaro speaks with host Dennis Scully about how her unorthodox beginnings, coupled with her outsider perspective and experiences watching her parents run their own business led her to create a brand that was uniquely her own.This episode is sponsored by Modern Matter and High Point Market.

Jonathan Miller, the president and CEO of real estate appraisal and consulting firm Miller Samuel, discusses what rapidly rising interest rates will mean for the housing market. This episode is sponsored by Serena & Lily and the Future of Home conference.

Originally founded as a wallpaper maker in the 19th century, Thibaut has grown over the decades to become a powerhouse brand that now produces wallcoverings, fabric and even furniture. Despite a surge of growth in our digital era, Thibaut remains proudly old-school. While other brands explore virtual visualization tools and selling online, it produces sample books and relies on a network of showrooms and shops to distribute its products. On this episode of the podcast, chief marketing officer Stacy Senior Allan speaks with host Dennis Scully about how trade brands have to police internet sellers, why she believes in the power of print magazines, and what interior designers really need in a time of so much change. This episode is sponsored by Serena & Lily and the Future of Home conferenceLINKSThibautDennis Scully Business of Home

A truly cosmopolitan interior designer, Martin Brudnizki was raised in Sweden, started his business in London, and now operates an office in New York. If you’re familiar with the finest restaurants and hotels in the world, you know his work—he’s designed everything from the Beekman in New York to Annabel’s in London to Soho House in Miami. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about why he likes running a large firm, why he’s pushing to get employees back to the office, and why he always takes on 30 percent more work than he can handle.This episode is sponsored by Serena & Lily and the Future of Home conferenceLINKSMartin BrudnizkiDennis Scully Business of Home

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 conferenceLINKSBrigette RomanekDennis Scully Business of Home

Lighting designer Lindsey Adelman went out on her own in 2006 and scored a hit right away. Her debut piece, the now-iconic branching bubble chandelier, was a huge success—only the first of many. Sixteen years later, she’s built a thriving bicoastal business, with top designers and celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow among her enthusiastic patrons. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Denis Scully about whether she thinks the industry is due for a slowdown, how imagining Donatella Versace was her client led to a breakthrough, and why designers need to embrace instinct, play and humor in their work.This episode is sponsored by Vaughan and Serena & Lily LINKSLindsey AdelmanDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Launched in 2018, Material Bank offered designers a unique promise: Order samples from an online platform and they’d show up on your desk the next morning, all for free. In four short years founder Adam Sandow has rapidly grown the company to feature 500 brands serving nearly 100,000 users—and raised more than 325 million dollars in the process. On this episode of the show, Sandow speaks with host Dennis Scully about moving into the residential side of the industry, the challenge of making the platform affordable to smaller makers, and why he thinks design brands need to make themselves easier to work with if they’re going to survive.This episode is sponsored by Vaughan and Serena & Lily LINKSMaterial BankDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

An interior designer, product designer, author and HGTV star, Leanne Ford has carved out her own unique path in the design industry. From the beginning, she’s taken an approach driven more by gut instinct than a grand vision—she’s always chosen to do what feels exciting and inspiring, come what may. On this episode of the podcast, Ford speaks with host Dennis Scully about the power of saying no, why she’ll stick with her signature white-on-white aesthetic even after it’s fallen out of style, and what it will take to get more people to embrace the experience of working with an interior designer.This episode is sponsored by Vaughan and Serena & Lily LINKSLeanne FordDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Sebastian Brauer, the senior vice president of product design at Crate & Barrel, was recently given a new task: helping Crate & Barrel explore the metaverse. On this episode of the podcast he talks with host Dennis Scully about his interest in all things crypto, NFTs and Web3, and what they might mean for the home industry. He also discusses creating product with designers in mind, the future of work, and why, metaverse or no, real-life retail is here to stay. This episode is sponsored by Vaughan and Serena & Lily LINKSCrate & Barrel Dennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Founded in the late nineties, Four Hands was originally a modestly sized furniture importer. After starting to design its own pieces, the company grew and grew—now it’s a powerhouse of the industry, supplying furniture to designers and blue chip retailers, and bringing in over half a billion dollars in annual revenue. On this episode of the podcast, CEO Matthew Briggs speaks with host Dennis Scully about getting ahead of supply chain problems, what effect inflation will have on the design industry, and why business models based around exclusivity and protection are becoming obsolete.This episode is sponsored by Room & Board and Modern Matter.LINKSFour HandsDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Designer, stylist, blogger, influencer and author, Emily Henderson is the wearer of many hats. Her big break came after winning the fifth season of HGTV’s competition show, Design Star. Since then, she’s built a sizable following both on social media and through her own website. In this episode of the podcast, Henderson shares an inside look at what it’s like to be a successful design influencer, from negotiating contracts with sponsors to battling Instagram algorithms. She also talks about the inspiration behind her new book, the pros and cons of hustle culture, and why she’s now focused on delivering value, not chasing followers.This episode is sponsored by Room & Board and Modern Matter.LINKSEmily HendersonDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Driven by idealism and a desire to support independent makers, Jean Lin started the New York design gallery Colony in 2014 with a uniquely cooperative model. Over the years, she’s helped her clients grow their studios into thriving businesses—and refined her own approach along the way. On this episode of the show, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about finding a way to balance ideals and economics, coaching makers to charge their worth, and what she thinks needs to change about American design fairs. This episode is sponsored by Room & Board and Modern Matter.LINKSColonyDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Alexa Hampton is, by any definition, a lifer in the trade. The daughter of celebrated designer Mark Hampton, she grew up in the business, and took over her father’s firm at the age of 27 after his untimely passing in 1998. Since then, Alexa has never slowed down, earning endless plaudits for her work, appearing regularly on industry best-of lists, authoring books and columns, and designing product for everyone from Kravet to Theodore Alexander to The Shade Store. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about how interior design is like a language, why her ideal firm size is 11 employees, and why it’s important to embrace—not turn away from—transparency and change.This episode is sponsored by Room & Board and Modern Matter.LINKSAlexa HamptonDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

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 & ForbesLINKSForerunner VenturesDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Though Veranda has moved from Atlanta to New York then back to the south in Birmingham Alabama, the publication has never lost sight of its graceful take on traditional design. Steele Marcoux, the magazine’s editor in chief since 2018, is currently overseeing a redesign to celebrate Veranda’s 35th anniversary. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about the book’s unique audience, the challenge of getting designers to wait to be published, and why, in the midst of the digital media revolution, Veranda is betting on print.This episode is sponsored by Thibaut and Hartmann & ForbesLINKSVerandaDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

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 & ForbesLINKSHouse of HuntDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

It’s hard to find a designer more celebrated than Kerry Joyce—his work has landed him on the cover of top shelter magazines and earned him a regular spot on industry who’s who lists—not to mention his Emmy for set decoration. Kerry also runs a bustling product business, which includes everything from furniture and lighting to award-winning textiles and rugs. On this episode of the podcast, he chats with host Dennis Scully about finding the balance between creative passion and business, why the furniture industry is in such a state of flux, and the secrets behind a successful fabric line. This episode is sponsored by Thibaut and Hartmann & ForbesLINKSKerry JoyceDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

John and Christine Gachot are the husband-and-wife team behind the design studio that bears their name, Gachot Studios. The two first met while working together for iconic designer Bill Sofield in the late 1990s, but it took them a long time to start their own firm. First, Christine spent a decade with hotelier Andre Balazs, while John acted as design director for David Easton and then Thad Hayes. In 2012, the Gachots finally started working together, and their studio has been on a tear ever since, designing everything from magazine-ready homes; to the Shinola hotel in Detroit and the Pendry in New York; to a line of fixtures for Waterworks.In this episode of the podcast, John and Christine speak with host Dennis Scully about taking on different kinds of work to stay creatively engaged, why they don’t charge markups on product, and their approach to thoughtfully growing—and keeping—a large design team. This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and Crypton.LINKSGachot StudiosDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Shanna Tellerman, the CEO of e-design platform Modsy, has a background in tech. She worked at Autodesk and Google before the frustration of decorating her own home led her to an idea: why not use 3D rendering to power the design process and bring it to a wider audience? Seven years later, Modsy has raised more than seventy million dollars, employed hundreds of e-designers, and executed thousands of projects for clients all over the world. On this episode of the podcast, Tellerman speaks with host Dennis Scully about what artificial intelligence can and can’t do in design, how Modsy could work with high-end designers, and what the future holds for technology in the home industry. This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and Crypton.LINKSModsyDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

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.LINKSSummer ThorntonDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Natalie and Caleb Ebel are the husband-and-wife team behind direct-to-consumer paint brand Backdrop. The Ebels started Backdrop in 2018, inspired by a frustrating experience buying paint for their newborn’s nursery. In a few short years, they built a unique brand, driven by clever color names, stylish marketing, and surprising collaborations with the likes of Madewell and Dunkin’ Donuts. Last year, they made another surprising move, when the Ebels announced that Backdrop had been acquired by the parent company of fabric house Schumacher. On this episode of the podcast, the two speak with host Dennis Scully about what it means to start a company from first principles, what millennial consumers want, and why a 100-year-old trade brand was the perfect partner for a buzzy startup.This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and Crypton.LINKSBackdropDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Amanda Hesser—CEO of kitchen-oriented content-meets-commerce brand Food52—and Sara Fritsch—president of Portland-based manufacturer Schoolhouse—have been on The Business of Home Podcast before, but never as partners. Following the news that Food52 had bought Schoolhouse in a deal valued at $48 million, they return to the show to discuss what goes on behind the scenes in a high-stakes, high value acquisition and why they believe the pandemic has permanently elevated the value of home. This podcast is sponsored by High Point Market and Modern MatterLINKSFood52SchoolhouseDennis Scully Business of Home

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 MatterLINKSCastelDennis Scully Business of Home

As a young man, John Pomp fell in love with glassblowing. What started as an obsession soon became a thriving business, one that eventually grew to include handmade lighting and furniture. A maker, through and through, at every step of the way Pomp has pushed to control and perfect everything his company does—whether that’s manufacturing its own nuts and bolts in-house, or building a skateboarding ramp for his kids onto the floor of his Philadelphia workshop.On this episode of the podcast, Pomp speaks with host Dennis Scully about why makers need to own their own real estate, the delicate balance between scaling a business and staying creative, and why everything he does comes down to a quest for self reliance.This podcast is sponsored by High Point Market and Modern MatterLINKSJohn PompDennis Scully Business of Home

Alex Willcock and Felix Conran are the father-and-son team behind the direct-to-consumer furniture brand Maker & Son. Founded in the UK in 2018, the company has grown quickly with an unorthodox approach. Its core product is a pillowy sofa that retails for over $10,000, and rather than brick-and-mortar showrooms, Maker & Son relies on a fleet of decorated vans that will visit potential customers in person. On this episode of the podcast, Willcox and Conran chat with host Dennis Scully about whether sustainability and the value of craftsmanship are finally connecting with consumers, their unique approach to marketing, and how they’re using a surprisingly sophisticated tech operation to make data driven decisions in an old-school industry.This podcast is sponsored by High Point Market and Modern MatterLINKSMaker & SonDennis Scully Business of Home

A successful actress and screenwriter for decades, Meridith Baer got into staging by chance. In the late 1990s, one of her friends needed help with a home that was languishing on the market. Baer helped decorate it, the house sold in a matter of days, and a business was born. Today her eponymous company dominates the industry, staging thousands of homes all over the country every year. On this episode of the podcast, Baer speaks with host Dennis Scully about what the housing market looks like from her perspective, whether midcentury modern style will ever go out of fashion, and why buzzy technology like augmented and virtual reality can only do so much when it comes to selling a home.This episode is sponsored by Juniper MarketLINKSMeridith BaerDennis Scully Business of Home

If you’ve opened up a design magazine in the past decade, you’re familiar with Douglas Friedman's work. As one of the premier interior and architecture photographers of his generation, he’s worked with everyone from Steven Gambrel to Bridget Romanek to Ken Fulk—to say nothing of the portraits he’s shot, ranging from Hilary Rodham Clinton to Faye Dunaway. On this episode of the podcast, Douglas chats with host Dennis Scully about the challenges of photography in a digital age, how the shifting economics of magazine publishing can create opportunities for designers, and why a great photograph can sometimes come down to moving a single flower in a vase.This episode is sponsored by Juniper MarketLINKSDouglas FriedmanDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Two years ago, designer Orlando Soria was riding high, with a hit book, buzzy brand partnerships and a new show on HGTV. In 2020, it all came crashing down in a series of unfortunate events that he’s been chronicling online. On this episode of the podcast Soria shares with host Dennis Scully a rare inside look at how design TV really works, and highlights the perilous nature of the influencer economy. Topics covered include the long hours, tough working conditions and low pay that go into making an HGTV show, the pressure to be positive on social media, and why being an influencer is a lot less glamorous than it might seem. This episode is sponsored by Juniper Market. LINKSOrland SoriaDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Grant Trick’s custom upholstery workshop is a little off the beaten path: He operates in Irondale, Alabama, just outside Birmingham. But that hasn’t stopped him from becoming a secret source for designers around the country, who come to Grant for his impeccable technique and fine-tuned appreciation for the tailoring that goes into a custom piece. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about how the lead time crisis has actually helped his business, not hurt it; what he’s learned from launching his own line; and why custom furniture is more important to designers than ever. This episode is sponsored by Juniper Market. LINKSGrant TrickDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Suzanne Tucker earned her stripes working first for Peter Hood in London, then for iconic California designer Michael Taylor. Now she leads Tucker & Marks, one of the west coast’s most prestigious firms. On this episode of the podcast, she tells Dennis Scully some incredible tales from her storied career, shares the secret to working well with architects, and explained how clients have (and haven’t) changed over the years.This episode is sponsored by Juniper Market. For the latest industry news, jobs listings, and more great podcasts, visit Business of Home