Send Katie a Text Message!! Welcome to one of our most anticipated conversations—the 2025 Color of the Year! Join color marketing experts from PPG, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore as they reveal their picks, what inspired the selections, what they’re noticing with design trends in general, and what’s coming down the pike in the next couple of years as America starts to take the lead. (Yep, I just said it.) To say this is an exciting episode is an extreme understatement. Let’s get straigh...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Leaders in the interior design industry join me to discuss trends and predictions about the future—specifically 2025! You’ll hear from LuAnn Nigara, Rick Campos, and Dr. Jennifer Chukwujekwe. They’re sharing what 2024 was like for their businesses, what they’re evaluating as we wrap up the year, how they’re strategically approaching 2025, and how AI factors into all of this. You don’t want to miss this insightful and uplifting conversation! Stay for the Coaching Co...

Send Katie a Text Message!! ‘Tis the season for the Fall High Point Market of 2024! We know you’re here for the tips, tricks, trends, and everything we learn at market every time we go. And this time is no different—except we’re switching things up a bit! Di normally goes to market and gives us a recap on what’s trending in lighting, furniture, and textures. This time? Katie’s in the guest chair, sharing what she’s learned and experienced. And there’s still a Coaching Corner, so don’t miss th...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Creative burnout hits even the best of us. And Jennifer Bertrand (that’s right, of HGTV’s ‘Design Star’) is here to share her story with us from not-the-right-fit clients to sources of inspiration to how she’s been able to sustain her current level of creativity—Jennifer’s baring it all! Tune in, and don’t miss today’s Coaching Corner.Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.colorworks.coach/podcast-library/b/creative-burnout-and-in...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Finances, in general, are a scary thing. Finances in your business, well, they can be even scarier. So how do you get over that? And what are the key skills and habits that business owners need in order to break through and reach that magical 7-figure number? Whether you run a 6-figure interior design firm and are wanting to get those magical 7-figures or are just thinking about launching your own firm and are petrified—you will not want to miss this conversation a...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Even if you are a company of 1, it’s critical to think about the company culture you want to build! Which includes way more than just values and beliefs you post to your About page. But maybe you have questions like… how do you design a company culture? And how do you actually put it into action? Welcome Josh Dykstra back to the podcast! He’s diving into all things company culture—how it directly impacts your ROI, the exact steps to take to create your guidelines, ...

Send Katie a Text Message!! For art to not remain an afterthought with interior and commercial designs, we must incorporate art into the conversation early. As designers, we have a unique ability to propel up-and-coming artists forward while also inspiring more clients to bring incredible pieces of art into their spaces. But art isn’t just an important cornerstone to design, it also greatly impacts our nervous systems. For this in-depth roundtable conversation, I have Mandy Theis and Dr. Stac...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Whether your design firm is new or not, it’s high time you learn how to make money and run a profitable business! No more free consultations. No more asking for permission to raise your rates. And certainly no more burying your head in the sand and not looking at your numbers. Award-winning designer and fellow podcaster, Laura Thornton joins me for this conversation! She’s sharing about time tracking, money management, offer pricing, intuition, and SO much more in ...

Send Katie a Text Message!! It’s Las Vegas Summer Market recap time! Our favorite visual merchandiser, Diana Rushton, is here to tell all. From textures and color palettes to furniture and lighting—we’re talking all about what’s trending. Is gray gone for good? How about Farmhouse style? And when it comes to choosing which market you go to for your design firm, how do you make the best decision? All that and more is heading your way when you press play! Oh, and don’t miss this week’s Coaching...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Your design business will grow faster, go further, and be more successful when you embrace 2 things: collaborations and technology. You may not want to admit it, but AI is here to stay! It can even have a positive impact on your firm—if you let it. And that’s just one collaboration you can engage in! There’s also the opportunity to join professional organizations which can keep you inspired, get you out of creative burnout, or provide educational resources. If you'...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Digital marketing strategies like SEO and social media are critical to the success of an interior design firm. But which platform should you be on, what metrics should you monitor, and how can you stand out in a crowded industry? As you’ll hear in today’s roundtable discussion with Aaron and Kari, people are longing for connection and your digital footprint allows you to provide that in a very meaningful and authentic way. And all of this effort equals conversions ...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Systems and processes are likely not the first things that come to mind when you think of scaling your design business growth. It’s much more appealing to dream of luxurious Tuesday mornings spent sipping coffee and being creative. But—those “boring” systems and processes are the real movers and shakers that get you more time, more money, more happiness, and the business of your dreams! And that is exactly what Rebecca Hay is here to discuss with me today. Press pl...

Send Katie a Text Message!! We’re here to tell you the next big interior design trend to look for in 2024! Our very own Diana Rushton recently visited the High Point Market and is here to tell all. From how to merge sustainability and trends to updating a space designed with a previous decor trend to all that’s new in color, lighting, and textures—Di’s got you covered! Make sure you stick around for the Coaching Corner where we discuss navigating trends with design clients. Get your pen and n...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Networking as an interior designer can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Not if you’re armed with the perfect questions to ask, a plan of action, and all the rest of the advice LuAnn Nigara shares with us in this insightful and inspiring conversation! Hear from one of the most connected women in the industry just how to navigate in-person and virtual networking events so you get the most out of the experience and foster lifelong relationships. Be sure to s...

Send Katie a Text Message!! One of the most critical aspects of business is the sale—and your body language could be killing your close rate. An interior designer’s nonverbal communication to clients must exude calm and confidence from the very beginning. But how exactly can you do that? Nancy Ganzekaufer is a body language trainer who specializes in marketing and sales strategies specifically for interior designers! In today’s episode, Nancy walks us through exactly what we should be saying ...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Your brand identity captures everything about your design firm. From the fonts and color palette you use to the intangible pieces like brand voice—it all works together to draw in your ideal clients. But where do you begin creating a brand identity? Do you need to hire a professional brand strategist? And how can you tell it’s time for a rebrand? Get your Notes app out because Corey Fuller is back and ready to talk branding for interior designers! Be sure to stay f...

Send Katie a Text Message!! A business series wouldn’t be complete without talking about pricing for interior designers. Pricing and project estimation can be such a touchy and intimidating topic, but it doesn’t need to be! How can designers turn what they love into a profitable business quickly? How do you make the jump from hourly to value-based (or flat-fee) pricing? Michelle Lynne Pant is here to answer all these questions and more in one of our rawest conversations yet! You’re going to...

Welcome to “Colorful Conversations with Katie”! Join us for a vibrant podcast where we seamlessly blend the realms of design and business in a fun and professional setting. Available on YouTube or any of your favorite podcast platforms! 📲 CONNECT with Katie: Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers with Katie The Studio, an Innovative Hub tailored for Interior Design Professionals Facebook Instagram 🎙Fill out our brief listener survey - We'd love to hear from YOU! This episode...

The target persona in your marketing is maybe the most critical piece of your business foundations. It’s just like the old adage says, if you’re speaking to everyone, you’re speaking to no one. But how are you supposed to determine your target market when you’re just starting your design business? How do you discover their wants and needs? And how does a SWOT analysis come into the mix? We are answering all this and more in today's episode with my guest, Bill Gelgota. Stick around for the...

Insurance should grow alongside your business—it’s not a set it and forget it situation! So let’s talk about the insurance needs of interior designers. What insurance must you have as soon as you open your design firm? How do your insurance needs change as your firm grows? And what rates can you expect to pay? Stephen Wisocky (the exclusive Insurance Partner of the Interior Design Society), joins me for this conversation—perfect whether your design business is new or has grown in recent...

How are you supposed to know which CPA to hire? Or when to hire them? Can you ask them questions before becoming a client? What qualifies as a business expense? Which expenses do business owners commonly miss? And do you really want your CPA to ask you potentially awkward questions? Don’t you already have enough on your plate with starting a design business?  The answer is yes, and that’s why Kate Nelson has returned to the show to answer all our questions. In today’s conversation, Kate...

Have a question you want Katie to answer on an upcoming episode? Submit your Colorful Question now! When it comes to color and textile trends, Europe typically is ahead of the U.S. market—but what if you could finally walk alongside European designers? What if you had access to the same trend forecaster and color consultant they do? Well, join me in welcoming Nello Marelli to the show! Nello is a color consultant and trend forecaster.  In today’s episode, we’re talking about the importance...

Wondering what happened at the 2024 Las Vegas Market? As a designer, it’s important to stay on top of the shifts in trends—it makes your designs relevant, brings them up-to-date, keeps you current, and moves you forward even beyond that. Our very own Diana Rushton went to market and shares the details of the design trends she discovered. If you haven’t felt particularly creative recently, this conversation is sure to spark something for you! Tune in to find out what we can expect to see in...

How do you build a portfolio when you don't own the intellectual property rights? What questions should you ask an attorney before working together? What do you really need to know—legally speaking—about starting and running a business? I'm thrilled to have David Adler in today's episode, part of our Creating a Design Business Series, for this conversation about legalities. No matter if you want to start a business or grow your design firm, there are things you need to do to protect yourself...