Three Must-Listen Interior Design Podcasts

I used to dread my hour long commute, which I would do four to five times per week (now it’s down two to three). Then I discovered podcasts, and a whole new world opened up to me. For the past year, I have been obsessed with listening to interior design podcasts. I started by listening to The Chaise Lounge and recently expanded to A Well-Designed Business and Million Dollar Decorating.

Through listening to these podcasts, I’ve learned so much about how designers have gotten their start, what inspires them, how they work with clients and contractors, and how their businesses are structured. I find all of it fascinating.

I think that anyone who is interested in interior design would find each of these podcasts to be entertaining and educational. Professional designers often lament the “HGTV Effect.” Podcasts such as these three do much to dispel the myths that surround our industry.

The Chaise Lounge

The Chaise Lounge is hosted by Nick May, a Denver-based painting contractor and just published its sixty-third episode. Nick does a great job at getting designers to open up about their careers as designers, how they started their businesses and the challenges of the interior design industry. I especially enjoyed his broadcasts from the Design Bloggers Conference, where I was able to meet him in person, and his series with Industry Partners series with Phyillis Harbinger.

Favorite Episodes…

• 13: Kia Weatherspoon – From Dancer, to Soldier, to Interior Designer
• 24: Garrison Hullinger – Successful Portland Interior Designer
• 33: Phyllis Harbinger – New York City’s ASID Chapter President
• 47: Patricia Davis Brown – A Digital Designer

Subscribe on iTunes

A Well-Designed Business

I discovered A Well-Designed Business a few months ago and have been slowly catching up on all of the early episodes. The podcast is hosted by LuAnn Nigara, who co-owns and operates a window treatment company out of New Jersey. I liked LuAnn’s straightforward style. She doesn’t pull any punches, and I feel like she consistently delivers entertaining and informative interviews.

Favorite Episodes…

• 10: Denise McGaha – Deadline Driven Design
• 11: Robin LaMonte: Re-Launching Your Interior Design Firm in a New Market
• 18: Vanessa DeLeon – Triple D: Drive- Dedication- Discipline
• 22: Fred Berns – How to Create a Killer Bio

Subscribe on iTunes

Million Dollar Decorating

Million Dollar Decorating is the most recent addition to my interior design podcast lineup. It’s hosted by James Swan, and the interviews are shorter and less business focused than the two previous podcasts. Each episode is like having a personal chat with a well-known interior designer.

Favorite Episodes…

• Episode 16 – Susanna Salk
• Episode 34 – Kristin Drohan
• Episode 50 -Kelli Ellis
• Episode 58 – Jessica Davis

Subscribe on iTunes

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, do you have any favorites that I should add to my list?