Business of Home Podcast

As one half of the acclaimed duo Diamond Baratta, Anthony Baratta spent his early career at the top of the design world. The firm’s joyously colorful spin on classic American design won it constant press coverage and countless accolades. But after the departure and tragic passing of his partner William Diamond, Baratta had to reinvent the firm, and himself. 

On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about going through difficult times and coming out on the other side, why he doesn’t worry about getting published anymore, and why scaling his firm back has made him happier than ever. 

This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Hector Finch. 

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Anthony Baratta 
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including some new developments with the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams bankruptcy case, the acquisition of an iconic wallpaper brand, and a look at what’s selling in the world of vintage furniture. Later, BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen discusses the magazine's fall technology issue, and entrepreneurs Anderson Somerselle and Nancy Evars join the show to share their thoughts on shaking up the multiline showroom model.

This episode is sponsored by Four Hands and Design Manager

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Somerselle
The Evars Collective
BOH's Fall Technology Issue
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

Hunter and Meredith Ellis are the husband-and-wife team behind the James network of showrooms. The Ellises make for an intriguing pair: Before starting James, Meredith was a designer—Hunter was a news anchor and navy pilot. Together they’ve created a fast-growing, much-admired showroom business with locations in Austin, Dallas, Houston and soon, New York.  

On this episode of the podcast, the Ellises speak with host Dennis Scully about what the design industry can learn from the military, the pros and cons of digitally printed fabric, and why the two of them want to bring a touch of Texas hospitality to the Big Apple. 

This episode was sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Hector Finch. 

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James
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including Shopify and Faire teaming up, an illness afflicting quartz fabricators, and Banana Republic's big push into home. Later, T Magazine design editor Tom Delavan joins the show and shares his thoughts on ivory boucle, quiet luxury, and what it takes for a project to catch his eye.

This episode is sponsored by Four Hands

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Tom Delavan
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

There are long-lived design firms, and then there’s McMillen: The venerable New York institution is currently celebrating its 99th year in business. Along the way McMillen has served as a proving ground for designers like Mark Hampton and Albert Hadley, and completed projects for everyone from Babe Paley to Microsoft’s Paul Allen.

McMillen is not a family firm, but president Ann Pyne and her daughter Elizabeth Pyne both grew up in the business and are steeped in its traditions and lore. On this episode of the podcast they speak with host Dennis Scully about why interior design is more about people than product, why they’re not worried about the rise of artificial intelligence, and what it takes for a design business to last a century.

This episode was sponsored by Lillian August and Hartmann & Forbes.

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McMillen
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including some new developments at High Point Market, what neuroscience can tell us about it, and why Kelly Wearstler is experimenting with AI. Later, furniture industry investor James O'Brien, the portfolio manager at Great Ocean Road Advisors, joins the show to share his thoughts on RH's recent slide, and what the stock market can tell us about the home business.  

This episode is sponsored by Chelsea House

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Great Ocean Road Advisors
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

Lisa Montague is the CEO of  Sanderson, the design group that includes Zoffany, Morris and Co, and Clark and Clark, but her own background is not in home but in luxury fashion. Montague spent her early career at Mulberry and then at the LVMH-owned Spanish brand  Loewe, acquiring a reputation as a specialist in breathing new life into heritage companies.  

On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about the secrets of the LVMH playbook, a surprising collaboration with Disney, and why the slow pace of the home industry can sometimes be a good thing. 

This episode was sponsored by Lillian August and Hartmann & Forbes.

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Sanderson
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including another furniture acquisition, some surprising housing numbers, and why ivory boucle may finally be on its way out. Later, Laiza Cors of influencer marketing agency Embello shares why she thinks virtual showhouses have a future.

This episode is sponsored by Chelsea House

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Embello
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

After studying at Parsons and at NYU, the worlds of fashion and filmmaking first beckoned Miles Redd, but it wasn’t until he went to work for the legendary John Rosselli and Bunny Williams, that he knew he had found his place. His glamorous, vibrant interiors have earned him national press, a spot on the AD100, and collections with Schumacher and Ballard Design. A multitalented creative, Redd also had a stint as creative director for Oscar de La Renta home and is the author of The Big Book of Chic.  

On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about rebranding his firm to include his partner David Kaihoi, the right way to leave a design firm, and how he’s ridden the economic ups and downs of two decades in business.

This episode was sponsored by Lillian August and Hartmann & Forbes.

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Miles Redd
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including a recap of the latest RH earnings call, the dark side of decluttering and takeaways from this fall’s Maison & Objet. Later, Washington Post reporter Rachel Kurzius discusses the slow decline of furniture quality.

This episode is sponsored by Chelsea House

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Rachel Kurzius
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

Design historian Emily Evans Eerdmans is the author of a new book: Mario Buatta, Anatomy of a Decorator. In the later years of Buatta’s life, Emily was something of a protege to the legendary “prince of chintz.” Since his passing in 2018, she’s devoted herself to his legacy, organizing a blockbuster auction of Buatta’s estate and penning two books on his life and work. I spoke with Emily about how Buatta was able to find his way from a humble beginning in Staten Island to the upper echelons of Manhattan society, the rise and fall of English country style, and what young designers can learn from the industry’s last great eccentric.

This episode was sponsored by Lillian August and Hartmann & Forbes.

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Mario Buatta, Anatomy of a Decorator
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including the return of Modsy, an update on Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and a deep dive into why millennials are looking to the past for design inspiration. Later, M&A experts Tim and Bo Stump dissect a chaotic time in the furniture industry.

This episode is sponsored by Chelsea House

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Stump & Company
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

Last weekend, the abrupt shutdown of retailer Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams shocked the industry. On a special episode of the podcast, co-founder and former CEO Mitchell Gold shares a candid look at what happened and his efforts to give the company another chance.

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Mitchell Gold
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including the sudden closure of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, the return of RH’s infamous catalog and a look at how Hollywood portrays interior designers.

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Dennis Scully
Business of Home

DISC Interiors began as something of a professional blind date, when David John Dick and Krista Schrock joined forces for a modest project. The two have stuck it out and built a firm at the forefront of Los Angeles’ rising generation of designers. On this episode of the podcast, Dick and Schrock speak with host Dennis Scully about their new furniture showroom, why they don’t fear AI, and why embracing a low-key, step-by-step approach has helped them build a lasting business. 

This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Thibaut

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DISC Interiors
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including Ikea’s latest moves, why homes are shrinking and what the latest TikTok drama says about online design culture. Later, retail columnist Warren Shoulberg shares his takeaways from the summer’s biggest trade shows.

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Warren Shoulberg
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

A protege of Victoria Hagan, Sara Story opened up her own firm in 2003 and has enjoyed a sparkling career. Her work, which often draws on fine art for inspiration, has won awards and graced magazine covers for two decades. On this episode of the show, Story speaks with host Dennis Scully about her first book, The Art of Home, the perfect length for a client meeting, and why in her spare time, pushing herself to run marathons and climb mountains helps keep her focused.

This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Thibaut

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Sara Story
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.

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Summer Thornton
Casa Rosada
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 Thibaut

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Benjamin Johnston
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.

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Jake Arnold
Redefining Comfort
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 Thibaut

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Rock House Farm
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.

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Ronda Kaysen
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 Club

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Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.

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Annetta Grant
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 Club

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Healthy Material Lab
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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. 

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Pin-Up Magazine
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 Club

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Cullman & Kravis
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.

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Miller Samuel Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

Jean Stoffer’s career has caught fire in recent years, with the launch of a cabinetry business, big licensing deals, a store, and a popular show on the Magnolia Network. But it was far from an overnight success: for decades Stoffer patiently honed her craft as a kitchen designer running a small firm in the suburbs of Chicago. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about the joys—and challenges—of working with family, the highs and lows of getting into retail, and why she sees finding success later in her career as a gift.

This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Daniel House Club

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Jean Stoffer
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.

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The Textile Eye
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.  

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Warren Shoulberg
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

Tim Butcher, founder and creative director of wallpaper company Fromental, runs a truly international operation: Based in England, he and partner Lizzy Deshayes work with a team of artists in China to produce intricate custom hand painted wallpaper at scale. Over the past two decades, the business has expanded to do business all over the world—including a new corporate showroom in New York opening this month. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about the complex cultural history of Chinoiserie, why the rise of digital printing is both a blessing and a curse, and how smaller brands can win by finding a niche and owning it.  

This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs  and Room & Board

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Fromental
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.  

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Michael Diaz Griffith
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 & Board

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Suzanne Lovell
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.  

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ThinkLab
Design Nerds Anonymous
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 & Board

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Williams Lawrence
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.  

LINKS
Dennis Scully
Business of Home 

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 & Board

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Asad Syrkett
Elle Decor
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.  

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Ernesta
Dennis Scully
Business of Home 
Crypton

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.  

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Studio McGee
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 Rugs

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Rita Konig
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.  

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Joe Lucas
Harbinger
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 Rugs

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Sean Anderson
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.  

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Kips Bay
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 Rugs

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Lulu & Georgia
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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.  

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Sophie Donelson 
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 Rugs

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Thom Filicia
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 Crypton

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Kaitlin Petersen
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

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 Hands

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Jeremiah Brent
Dennis Scully
Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus joins host Dennis Scully to discuss the biggest news in the design industry, from MillerKnoll's PR crisis to some good signs from the stock market. Later, journalist and podcaster Dan Rubinstein joins the show live from Milan to share an update from Salone del Mobile. 

This episode is sponsored by Crypton

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Dan Rubinstein
The Grand Tourist
Dennis Scully
Business of Home