Business of Home Podcast

Business of Home’s editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen and executive editor Fred Nicolaus have spent the past 12 months reporting on the highs and lows of an unprecedented time in the design industry. On this episode of the podcast they join host Dennis Scully to take stock of an eventful year, discussing everything from how long the home boom is going to last, what long-term effects out-of-control lead times and rising inflation will have, and what lies ahead in the new year. This episode is sponsored by The Bruno Effect and Coppersmith. LINKSKaitlin PetersenFred NicolausDennis Scully Business of Home

Eric Chang started his company—high-end furniture brand Hellman-Chang—in 2005 with his childhood friend Daniel Hellman. At first, it was a hobby, but the two of them quickly rose to prominence with a signature look and a bold, buzzy marketing campaign. In addition to running a thriving brand, Eric is also a former president of the Decorative Furnishings Association, where he had a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities of an industry in transition. In this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about why Hellman-Chang moved from Brooklyn to Georgia, the surprising reason why he loves RH, and why a lack of transparency has stunted the industry’s growth—and what we can do about it.This episode is sponsored by The Bruno Effect and Coppersmith. LINKSEric ChangHellman-ChangDennis Scully Business of Home

The last two years have been a rollercoaster for Alex Shuford. His company—Rock House Farm, a group of furniture brands ranging from Century to Highland House to Hickory Chair—went from losing eighty percent of its business at the outbreak of COVID to a boom that has seen it struggle to keep up with demand. At the moment, catching up with his own backorders is the biggest thing on Shuford’s plate, but he also has his finger on the pulse of the broader furniture industry too. In this episode of the podcast, Shuford chats with host Dennis Scully about when we can expect the lead time crisis to finally calm down, whether the pandemic will cure the industry’s addiction to new product, and why interior designers will determine who wins the war for the future of furniture. This episode is sponsored by The Bruno Effect and Coppersmith. LINKSRock House Farm Dennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Founded in 1880, Glen Raven has a deep history manufacturing fabrics of all kinds. In the 1960s it began producing a waterproof textile used for awnings under the Sunbrella brand. Over time, what was outside came in—no company has been more associated with the rise of performance fabrics than Sunbrella.On this episode of the podcast, CEO Leib Oehmig chats with host Dennis Scully about the madness of the moment—his company’s products have never been more in demand, but it’s never been harder to make enough of them. He also shared an inside look at how performance fabrics are made, and explained why designers are key to Sunbrella’s future. This episode is sponsored by The Bruno Effect and Coppersmith. LINKSGlen RavenSunbrellaDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Bob King founded Humanscale in the early 1980s, just as personal computers were becoming common in the office, and workers had no idea how to sit properly to use them. Now his company, which today supplies chairs to corporations like Apple and Google, finds itself at another pivot point, as millions of Americans look for ways to make working from home work for them. On this episode of the podcast, King speaks with host Dennis Scully about what makes for a good home office, the challenge of making a good-looking ergonomic chair, and what designers can do to push for real sustainability from their manufacturers. This episode is sponsored by Ben Soleimani and SideDoorLINKSHumanscale Dennis ScullyBusiness of Home

With a bustling interior design business, a popular Dallas showroom, and a product line sold all over the country, Jan Showers wears many hats. She’s also a champion of the Texas design scene—this year she co-chaired the second annual Kips Bay Showhouse in Dallas, which just wrapped last month. Recently Showers made a big decision—to pull her line out of showrooms and go direct to designers. On this episode of the show, she talks with host Dennis Scully about what that change says about the industry, why Texas is a first-tier market now, and how she learned never to try and sell something she doesn’t love herself. This episode is sponsored by Ben Soleimani and SideDoorLINKSJan ShowersDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Interior designer Katie Ridder and architect Peter Pennoyer make for unique partners—they’re married, and they do occasionally collaborate, but the two have forged impressive independent careers in their own right. Peter’s firm, a regular on the AD100 list, is one of the most respected traditional architectural practices in the country, while Katie, renowned for her keen eye and vibrant colors, has seen her work grace the covers of top shelter magazines for two decades. On this episode of the podcast, they speak with host Dennis Scully about how they get clients to make the right choices, why technology in design can be a double-edged sword, and how architects and designers can work together for the good of the project. This episode is sponsored by Ben Soleimani and SideDoorLINKSKatie RidderPeter PennoyerDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Robert and Cortney Novogratz are the husband-and-wife design duo collectively known as ‘The Novogratz.’ In the 1990s the two bought a condemned townhouse in Manhattan and renovated it themselves. That kicked off a journey that has seen the two try their hand at everything from high-end house flipping; to hotel design; to starring in a reality TV show with their seven children. On this episode of the podcast, Robert and Cortney speak to host Dennis Scully about why building a home brand is so challenging, how they brought a casual, whimsical approach to high-end design, and how their hands-on, try-anything approach has helped them break down barriers in the industry.This episode is sponsored by Ben Soleimani and SideDoor

Twice a year, thousands of designers, manufacturers and retail buyers flock to a small city in North Carolina for the biggest furniture trade show in the world. It's High Point Market, and this year's fall edition just wrapped up. To discuss what happened at High Point, this week Business of Home's editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen and retail columnist Warren Shoulberg joined host Dennis Scully on the podcast. They spoke about the mood on the street in North Carolina, how the industry is continuing to grapple with supply chain issues, and why, even in the Zoom era, in-person events will carry on.This episode is sponsored by The Bruno Effect and Ben SoleimaniLINKSKaitlin PetersenKaitlin's podcast Trade TalesWarren ShoulbergWarren’s podcast Retail WatchDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Garry Martin, founder of The Martin Group multiline showroom, is a veteran of the industry and the longest-lasting tenant of the Boston Design Center. Over the course of three decades he’s brought dozens of the trade’s finest makers and brands to New England. He’s seen the industry at its highs and lows, and has a keen sense of where things are headed. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about how he bounced back from losing his biggest line, the challenges of bringing the trade online, and why showrooms everywhere are leaving design centers. This episode is sponsored by The Bruno Effect and Ben SoleimaniTake our first ever listener survey and be entered in a drawing to win a subscription to Business of Home's Insider program.LINKSThe Martin GroupDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Thomas Lavin—founder of the Los Angeles multiline showroom that bears his name—got his start working in another showroom, Kneedler Fauchere, where he honed his aesthetic and developed a keen instinct for sales. In 2000 he went out on his own, and over the past two decades has built a thriving business representing some of the finest brands in the industry. In this episode of the podcast, Lavin talks with host Dennis Scully about the pressures on the multiline model, how he’s teaching the next generation of designers to sell to their clients, and whether industry pricing should be more transparent.This episode is sponsored by The Bruno Effect and Ben Soleimani Take our first ever listener survey and you'll be entered in a drawing to win a free BOH Insider membership!

Bew White started Summer Classics in the late 70s, almost by chance. After coming across a tag in a shop with the words “Summer Classics' ' written on it, the phrase struck a chord, and he dreamt up a company. Today, along with its sister indoor brand Gabby and growing accessories line Wendy Jane, Summer Classics has become a powerhouse of the industry. The story of the company’s growth is full of ups, downs, twists and turns—it’s a journey White recounts in a memoir he published this summer.In the latest episode of the podcast, he discusses some incredible tales from his book. He also explains why the industry’s lead time crisis isn’t over yet, how RH was able to get so big so fast, and why pivoting to working with designers helped save Summer Classics from the great recession. This episode is sponsored by The Bruno Effect and Ben Soleimani LINKSBew White's memoir "A Summer Classic"Summer ClassicsGabbyDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Brian McCarthy began his career with a bang—right out of design school he was hired on at the legendary firm Parish Hadley, where he worked alongside future luminaries of the profession like Bunny Williams and David Kleinberg. When he left in 1992, it was the beginning of a sparkling solo career: McCarthy’s inspired interiors have won him a spot on the Elle Decor A-List and the AD100, and in 2020 he received the Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement award from the New York School of Interior Design—an accolade fittingly named for his first mentor. In this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about what it was like to start his career at the best firm in the world, how he vets clients, and the secret to building a great design team. This episode is sponsored by Crypton Home Fabrics and Hooker Furniture. LINKSBrian McCarthyDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

A celebrated interior designer whose work has graced the cover of countless shelter publications, Victoria Hagan, who is often described as the reigning queen of restrained elegance, is one of the defining talents of her generation. On this episode of podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about what she’s learned from working on projects during COVID, why the business is getting faster, and the no-nonsense advice she gives people who are considering a career in design.This episode is sponsored by Crypton Home Fabrics and Hooker Furniture. LINKSVictoria HaganDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Editorial coverage of design wasn’t always meant for the masses—that is, until reporters like Suzanne Slesin started writing about it. Beginning in the late 1970’s, Slesin helped usher in a new era at publications like New York Magazine and the New York Times home section, where she wrote some of the first service pieces and examined the greater cultural impact of interiors. From the top seat at popular titles like HomeStyle and House & Garden and most recently as publisher and founder of Pointed Leaf Press, she’s watched the rise and fall of influential design movements with a keen eye and a front-row seat. This episode is sponsored by Crypton Home Fabrics and Hooker Furniture. LINKSPointed Leaf PressDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

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. LINKSMintedDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

John Danzer, the founder of exterior furniture brand Munder Skiles, has always approached his work with an academic rigor—he spent years researching and lecturing on the history of garden furniture before making a single piece. Now, he produces a full collection, and does his own outdoor design work for clients on the side. On this episode of the podcast, Danzer speaks with host Dennis Scully about the surprising history of teak, taking design inspiration from Thomas Jefferson, and the speech that made him drop everything, switch careers and follow his passion. This episode is sponsored by SideDoor and Moore & Giles. LINKSMunder SkilesDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

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.LINKSTom KligermanIke Kligerman BarkleyDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Jay and Schuylar Sweet are the father and son duo at the helm of Boyd Lighting. Their story begins a century ago when Jay’s grandfather founded the business after witnessing one of the earliest commercial lighting expositions. Boyd began as a custom lighting business working with architects in the SF Bay Area. The company has evolved as Jay suggested moving into a product line operation. And now Skylar’s startup sensibilities are coming to the fore. On this episode of the podcast, host Dennis Scully spoke with Jay and Schuylar about the moves that put their company on the map, how they got smart about designer collaborations, and what it means to lead a century old company into the next 100 years. This podcast is sponsored by SideDoor and Moore & GilesLINKSBoyd LightingDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Timur Yumusaklar joined F. Schumacher and Co. in 2015, when the company still consisted of its heritage fabric and rug brands. He quickly set to work bringing the 131-year-old business up to date, developing the designer membership community Freddie, acquiring Los Angeles–based paint brand Backdrop and transforming the company’s newspaper into the glossy Frederic. In this episode of the podcast, Yumusaklar tells host Dennis Scully about his efforts to usher Schumacher—and the industry at large—into a brighter future. This episode is sponsored by Moore & Giles and SideDoor

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. LINKSDavid KleinbergDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

When Paige Cleveland, Brook Perdigon and Alexis Hartman began meeting for coffee in the early days of the pandemic, they didn’t realize that their casual conversations would evolve into a new model for navigating the industry. The trio of textile designers are putting their ideas to the test with the California Collective—a unique partnership in which they pool business expertise and resources to sell directly to designers in their home state. In this episode of the podcast, the group tells host Dennis Scully about pulling their products out of California showrooms, their early experiences with the new model, and how a more transparent industry could be best-suited to evolving client expectations. This episode was sponsored by The House of Rohl and The Future of Home conference.LINKSBrook PerdigonRule of ThreeLake AugustCalifornia CollectiveDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

1stDibs has come a long way from its origins as an online marketplace for antique dealers—the platform now offers everything from jewelry to art to contemporary design. In recent years, the company also shifted business models to a direct e-commerce approach. That change may have ruffled a few feathers, but it set the stage for 1stDibs to go public, another big step in scaling up. On this episode of the podcast, 1stDibs CEO David Rosenblatt speaks with host Dennis Scully about the new visibility that came with last month’s IPO, why the industry’s future is online—and what that means for designers and the way they charge.This episode is sponsored by The House of Rohl and the Future of Home conference.LINKS1stdibs1stdibs files to go publicDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Marc Szafran is the president of Holly Hunt. Szafran took on the role in a strange moment—just weeks before the pandemic turned the world on its head. Now, as life returns to normal, he’s steering the iconic company through a busy time, with a massive new showroom in LA, and a big push on e-commerce in the works. On this episode of the show, Szafran tells host Dennis Scully about his past experience running business operations for Thom Filicia and Michael S. Smith, why Holly Hunt won’t be exploring retail, and what it’s like to take over for a legend of the industry.This episode is sponsored by House of Rohl and Future of HomeLINKSHolly HuntDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Jiun Ho's life story has been an incredible journey—one that took him all the way from Kuala Lumpur to Ames Iowa. Today he oversees a thriving interior design business in San Francisco, as well as a line of furniture, lighting and textiles carried in top showrooms around the world—including a few of his own. On this episode of the podcast he speaks with host Dennis Scully about how he learned to stop listening to the market and trust his own vision, what’s got to change about multiline showrooms, and how he earned the nickname “Mr. Overachiever.”This episode is sponsored by Atlanta Market and House of Rohl.LINKSJiun HoJiun Ho: Experience (Pointed Leaf Press)Dennis ScullyBusiness of Home

www.businessofhome.comA veteran of the trade and a master of her craft, Janice Parker has crafted exquisite landscapes for countless high-profile residential projects and won dozens of awards for her work. If you flip open a glossy design magazine and see beautiful rolling lawns, charming stone paths and a colorful garden, there’s a good chance she had something to do with it. On this episode of the podcast, Parker speaks with host Dennis Scully about the red hot market for exotic trees, how climate change is directly affecting her work, and whether our pandemic-inspired obsession with outdoor living will last. This episode is sponsored by Atlanta Market and The House of RohlLINKSJanice ParkerDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Founded in 2011, the Black Interior Designers Network provides support, mentorship and advocacy for black designers in the industry. In this episode of the podcast host Dennis Scully speaks to BIDN president Keia McSwain, an interior designer based out of Denver, Colorado; and BIDN chief development officer Kia Weatherspoon, whose Washington, D.C. firm Determined by Design brings a high-end aesthetic to affordable housing projects.They discuss what has and hasn’t changed since the racial reckoning of last summer, bringing beautiful design to every income bracket, and pushing for progress in an industry that’s slow to change. This episode was sponsored by Atlanta Market and The House of Rohl.LINKSBIDNKeia McSwainKia WeatherspoonThe Iconic HomeDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

A unique challenge of the digital age: As more and more product is sold online, it’s easier and easier for designers' clients to shop around, cutting them out of the equation. Entrepreneurs Lynsey Humphrey and Chad Smith want to fight back against that with an online platform called Sidedoor. In the process, they're looking to help old school trade brands compete in a new era. In this episode of the podcast, Humphrey and Smith speak to host Dennis Scully about the enormous task of gathering data, why they don’t do returns, and the stark choices facing the design industry as the world goes online. This episode is sponsored by Atlanta Market and RohlLINKSSidedoorDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Justina Blakeney is a designer, author, artist, and creator of Jungalow—a lifestyle brand that celebrates bright colors, lively patterns, and indoor greenery in abundance. Jungalow’s success has catapulted Justina to design-world fame, leading to licensing partnerships with everyone from Loloi Rugs and Fabricut to Target and Anthropologie—not to mention a handful of bestselling books. In this episode of the podcast she chats with host Dennis Scully about harnessing the incredible power of social media, the difference between being an artist and a designer, and how a winding career path took her to just the right place.This episode is sponsored by Crypton and Room & Board.LINKSJustina BlakeneyJungalowDennis Scully Business of Home

A hundred-year-old company with plenty of heritage under its belt, Poltrona Frau took English furniture and gave it an Italian twist. Now the company is a European institution, known for its fine leatherwork—and for supplying interiors to Italy’s iconic sports car makers like Ferrari and Maserati. Over here in the states, Poltrona Frau is a little less well-known, but CEO Nicola Coropulis wants to change that. On this episode of the podcast he tells host Dennis Scully about how his company is tapping into a growing appetite for interior design in China, the mistake it made when it first came to America, and what it’s like to look at the market with Italian glasses on. This episode is sponsored by Crypton and Room & BoardLINKSPoltrona FrauThe Vanity Fair chairDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Originally founded in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1948 by potter Edith Heath, over the course of fifty years Heath became an iconic dinnerware and tile brand. By the late nineties, Heath had fallen on hard times—but in 2003 the married couple of Robin Petravic and Cathy Bailey purchased the company and turned its fortunes around. In this episode of the podcast, Dennis Scully speaks to Petravic about the goal of building an organization that can last 200 years, how the power of storytelling saved the company, and why, in the midst of a pandemic slowdown, Heath gave employees a raise.This episode is sponsored by Room & Board and CryptonLINKSHeath's ESOP programHeath's pursuit of Zero-waste manufacturingBusiness 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 Room & Board and Crypton.For the latest industry news, jobs listings, and more great podcasts, visit Business of Home

Gary Wheeler is the CEO of the American Society of Interior Designers, or, as it’s more commonly known, the ASID. A professional membership organization for both commercial and residential designers, the ASID is almost 100 years old, but Wheeler has been in the top spot for less than 12 months. With a global pandemic to contend with, and racial inequality at the forefront, he’s had a busy start to his tenure. On this episode of the podcast, Wheeler speaks with host Dennis Scully about why he wants to end the squabbling between commercial and residential designers, the danger of interior design being taxed as a luxury, and why now is the right time to invite everyone to the table. This episode was sponsored by Serena & Lily and Artistic TileLINKSASIDDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Born in a small town in Japan to a family of doctors, artist and textile designer Kazumi Yoshida was always something of a free spirit. He made his way to London as a young man, then New York, where he met Robin Roberts, the extravagant, larger-than-life founder of Clarence House. The two were a match made in heaven, and Kazumi’s creations saw the company reach new heights. Edgy, artistic, colorful and opulent—for a time Clarence House was the fabric brand you simply couldn’t ignore. Roberts passed away in the early 2000s, and Clarence House went through a quiet period. But now it has a new owner and Kazumi is once again working on new designs as artistic director. On this episode of podcast. He tells host Dennis Scully some incredible stories from Clarence House’s heyday, and explains why he’s optimistic that the brand is entering an exciting new chapter. This episode is sponsored by Serena & Lily and Artistic Tile.LINKSClarence HouseKazumi YoshidaClarence House's Madeline PatternDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

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.LINKSSkyline FurnitureCloth & CompanyDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

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 TileLINKSLee IndustriesLead TimesDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

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 LINKSThe ExpertJake ArnoldDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Started out of a pushcart in the early 1900s, today fabric brand Maharam is a giant of the industry, sending out over 2 million samples a year. It hasn’t all been steady growth—the company underwent a major reinvention in the 1990s that saw employee turnover surge and profits drop. But it paid off, and Maharam was acquired in 2013 by Herman Miller for 156 million dollars. In this episode of the show, president Tony Manzari tells host Dennis Scully about how COVID is causing another reinvention at Maharam, the future of sampling, and what the residential design industry can learn from the contract side of the business.This episode is sponsored by Serena & Lily and Baker+Hesseldenz.LINKSMaharamBusiness of HomeDennis Scully

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.This episode is sponsored by Serena & Lily and Baker + HesseldenzLINKSThe Iranian RevolutionBen SoleimaniRHGary FriedmanDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Like so many leaders in the design industry, Thomas O’Brien began his career working for Ralph Lauren. When he went out on his own in the early nineties he found quick success with Aero, a buzzy shop in SoHo that led to designing stores for Donna Karan and Giorgio Armani. O’Brien also found great success in product—his lines for Waterworks, Hickory Chair and Visual Comfort have all been runaway bestsellers, and his collaboration with Target paved the way for high-end designers to partner with mass market brands. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with Dennis Scully about the passion that’s missing in the industry today, the importance of fighting for choices you believe in, and why, despite the blue chip licensing deals, he considers himself a shopkeeper at heart.This episode was sponsored by Serena & Lily and Baker + HesseldenzLINKSThomas O'Brien/Aero The RhinelanderO'Brien's Osiris light for Visual ComfortDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

In a special bonus episode of the Business of Home podcast, we're sharing the first episode of BOH's new show, Trade Tales. Hosted by editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen, the podcast features interviews with interior designers about nurturing creativity, finding a firm’s financial footing, setting goals and discovering their own version of success as a result. In the first episode, Philadelphia-based designer Nile Johnson shares the story of a dream client who recommended him to a nightmare client—and the lessons he learned. Subscribe to Trade Tales on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. LINKSTrade TalesNile JohnsonKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

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+HesseldenzLinksBusiness of HomeKaitlin PetersenKaitlin’s article on lead times in the design industryKaitlin’s profile of RH Chairman and CEO Gary FriedmanDennis Scully

Asad Syrkett studied architecture in school but soon found himself more comfortable writing about it. After stints at Architectural Record, Architectural Digest and Curbed, he briefly decamped to the brand side to work for Swedish furniture brand Hem. Now Syrkett is back in media in the top spot at Elle Decor, and the first issue he’s supervised cover to cover just hit newsstands. In this episode of the Business of Home podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about a bold cover concept that reimagines an iconic room, the future of print magazines, and why he wants Elle Decor to tackle the difficult conversations about race, politics and design head on. This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and Sidedoor.LinksAsad SyrkettElle Decor Nancy Lancaster's Yellow RoomDennis Scully

Jim Druckman grew up in the furniture industry. As a young man he followed his father into the family distribution business and learned the trade. Then, in the 1990s Druckman took over at the New York Design Center and began transforming the building into the high-end, design-driven destination it is today. In that role, and as president of the board at Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, he has helped build the interior design industry as we know it. In this episode of the podcast, coinciding with the 95th anniversary of the New York Design Center, Druckman speaks with host Dennis Scully about how showrooms and design centers need to keep offering designers a reason to come shopping, what the lasting effects of COVID might be, and why the biggest challenge the industry faces has little to do with pricing or transparency, and everything to do with educating the public on the value of great design. This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and SideDoor.

Founded in San Francisco in 1948, Kneedler Fauchere was among the first multiline showrooms in the country. By elevating future icons like Jack Lenor Larsen as well as burgeoning giants like Clarence House and Glant, it came to define the look and shape of the 20th century design industry. Today, Kneedler Fauchere is still going strong, with showrooms in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Denver, and a “house” brand under its umbrella, the home furnishings company Gregorius Pineo. On this episode of the podcast, the leadership team of George Massar and Doug Kinzley tell host Dennis Scully the story of their company, and talk about its plans for the future. They explain how Kneedler survived a rebellion among some of its biggest brands, why the rise of Restoration Hardware doesn't concern them and how the company has stayed strong by sticking to the basics, focusing on designers, and keeping things simple. This episode was sponsored by The Shade Store and SideDoor.

Kathy Kuo got started in the aftermath of the great recession, back when selling furniture online was still something of a novelty. Over the past decade she’s grown her business by taking a nimble, catch-all approach: when customers come to her site shopping for a few sconces, often they end up buying an e-design package. And if they come looking for an e-design package? Well, Kuo’s company is happy to recommend a few good sconces too. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about the challenges of reaching clients who don’t know they need an interior designer yet, why she thinks trade pricing will disappear someday, and why she’s betting that, post-COVID, the demand for home goods is going to get even stronger. This episode is sponsored by The Shade Store and SideDoor.

Artist and activist Malene Barnett and designer and artist Leyden Lewis are two of the twenty-two creators behind the Black Artists and Designers Guild’s new project, Obsidian, a virtual concept house designed to celebrate innovation from black creatives—and to craft a home around the past, present and future needs of black families. On this episode of the podcast they chat with host Dennis Scully about why the Obsidian House is more like an innovation-driven car show than a typical designer showhouse, the challenges of creating meaningful partnerships with sponsors, and why the design industry needs to get beyond diversity as a goal, and start focusing on equity. This episode is sponsored by Chairish and Universal Furniture.

As a young art student on a trip to India, John Robshaw fell in love with the technique of hand block printing. He began learning the craft and making his own fabrics, and almost by chance, they were discovered by blue chip designers like Peter Marino and Michael Smith—Robshaw’s career took off. He still makes fabric today, but his company has since expanded into bedding, art, apparel—and he’s revamping its furniture line in the coming year.On this episode of the show, Robshaw speaks with host Dennis Scully about standing out in a crowded market for fabric, working with artisans from around the world, and why he’s opening up a new shop that he hopes will bring back a quirky, personal approach to retail. This episode is sponsored by Chairish and Universal Furniture.

Roman Alonso of Los Angeles design firm Commune got his start in the world of fashion, working for Barney’s and Isaac Mizrahi. Seeking a change of pace, he and three friends started a truly unique company, one that did a little bit of everything: interiors, products, branding, graphic design and more. Today, Commune is known as one of the country’s most influential interior design firms, but Roman has kept the company true to its multidisciplinary roots, and he still likes to take on projects that stretch the definition of what design can do. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about how he carried on after a split with his original partners; why he craves more input from clients, not less; and how Commune creates feelings, not looks. This episode is sponsored by Chairish and Universal Furniture.

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.