Solutions. That’s what your client is looking for. But too often, designers with the best of intentions, bring them options, not solutions, In this episode, we talk about how to lead with authority, how to close the gap between the clients you dream of and the clients you have and how to lean into your expertise.  Let’s talk about why narrowing your focus and standing firmly behind your design choices builds trust, saves time, and elevates your client relationships

In this episode we learn: 
•	clients want solutions, not a buffet of options
•	stand confidently behind your design choices
•	align your brand voice with your ideal client
•	ask questions to uncover true motivations
•	build systems and hire to complement your weaknesses
•	focus on guiding, not overwhelming, your clients


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EP 455 | Solutions, Not Options with Laura Stein

The allure of luxury often brings to mind grand statements—gleaming chandeliers, marble foyers, and lavish furnishings. Yet, the true essence of premium living is increasingly found in what’s quietly woven beneath the surface. As a builder who bridges Irish craftsmanship with American ingenuity, I find that the most resonant form of luxury is subtle: it reveals itself not in what shouts for attention, but in what whispers comfort, durability, and thoughtful intent into the everyday. In both residential and commercial spaces, quiet luxury emerges through hidden construction features that coalesce into a foundation for truly elevated living. These are the details—often out of sight, but never out of mind—that ensure spaces not only look extraordinary, but *feel* right. Here, we’ll journey through the facets of quiet luxury in construction, and how these unseen touches can be the most transformative of all.

Quiet Luxury in Construction: Hidden Features That Elevate Everyday Living

Within the sweeping vistas and sunlit expanses of the desert, our dwellings acquire a unique relationship with space. Nowhere is this more evident than in how corners—often relegated to neglect—hold untapped potential, especially in the refined interiors of the American Southwest. Thoughtfully designed, corners become quiet triumphs of both ingenuity and style, serving as unexpected anchors for storage, seating, and display. Drawing from decades of experience and a design philosophy rooted in both classic British sensibility and contemporary innovation, I invite you to reimagine the corners of your home with solutions that marry elegance, utility, and the particular requirements of desert climates.

Maximizing Corners Clever Storage & Seating Solutions for Desert Homes

Kimberley sits down with a favorite past BOD™ member, designer Lori Steeves, who discovered that less hustle can mean more joy. Lori shares how she traded high-stress renovations for the decorating work she truly loves—and in doing so unlocked greater creativity, profitability, and fulfillment. Tune in to learn how saying no strategically, leaning on systems, and trusting your team can free you from unnecessary busyness. Stop measuring success by hours worked and start designing a business that works for you. Whether it’s reclaiming your afternoons, reigniting your passion, or streamlining your processes, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration for interior designers at any stage. By the end, you’ll see that sustainable success isn’t just possible—it’s incredibly rewarding.

In this episode we learn:
- stop confusing busyness with success
- focus on the work you truly love for better profitability and joy
- systems are not constraints—they’re freedom for creativity
- strategic delegation frees your time and energy
- saying no is a superpower, not a weakness
- profitability is about margin, not top-line revenue
- your business can serve your life, not the other way around

EP 456 | From Busy to Bliss with Lori Steeves

Arizona’s dynamic real estate market rewards more than just location and square footage. A property’s design—both inside and out—plays a pivotal role in its appraised value, often transforming competently maintained homes into top-tier assets. In a state renowned for its rapid population growth, intense climate, and shifting demographics, making strategic design decisions is essential for homeowners and investors seeking to maximize return on investment (ROI). This guide will break down which current design choices produce measurable appraisal boosts, underpinned by a rigorous analysis of market statistics and appraisal methodologies relevant to Arizona’s unique landscape.

Arizona Appraisals: Design Choices That Add Value Now

Phoenix winters are famous for their gentle chill and abundant sunshine, a rare combination that invites homeowners and designers to maximize outdoor living areas. During these cooler months, an outdoor kitchen transforms from a summer luxury to a versatile hub for dining, gathering, and relaxation. But making an outdoor kitchen work in Phoenix requires more than a backyard grill and a countertop. It’s about meticulous planning—tailored to climate, community, and your distinct culinary ambitions. Whether you’re a seasoned builder, a design aficionado, or a homeowner mapping out your dream space, understanding the essentials of outdoor kitchen design will help you build a culinary oasis that thrives when the desert temperature dips.

Outdoor Kitchens: Designs That Work in Phoenix Winters

There’s something inherently alluring about the spa: the heady blend of warmth, light, and delicate tranquility. In recent years, luxury home design has embraced this ethos, making the wet room bath an aspirational trend. Yet, despite its aesthetic and practical appeal, executing a wet room that genuinely feels indulgently spa-like—while also functioning seamlessly for everyday living—requires a thoughtful, studied approach. Drawing on decades of design experience and a British sensibility for both tradition and innovation, this article demystifies the wet room, revealing how to create spaces that not only feel serene but work tirelessly behind the scenes.

Wet Room Baths: Spa‑Calm Layouts That Actually Work

The kitchen has evolved into the heart of the home, a gathering place for family, friends, and the rituals that make a house truly yours. But as we entertain more and embrace open-concept living, the “kitchen mess” often emerges front and center. Enter the hidden work kitchen, or scullery—a quietly luxurious solution to keeping prep, cleanup, and clutter out of sight. These thoughtfully designed back-of-house spaces are resurging in contemporary homes and upscale commercial venues, inspired by their centuries-old heritage and adapted for modern life. Let’s delve into the world of sculleries, uncovering their modern benefits, must-have features, and how they can seamlessly elevate style and function in your space.

Hidden Work Kitchens: Sculleries That Keep Mess Away

Meet Louise Duggan: multidisciplinary artist, interior-designer-turned-art-consultant, and mentor to creatives aiming to make art their life-and-living. Based in West Sussex with strong ties to Dubai via her consultancy, Ophelia Art Consultancy Ltd, Louise Duggan has built a global practice that spans bespoke commissions, hotel-scale artwork installations and one-to-one creative business coaching.

Louise Duggan’s journey began in Portsmouth (born 1974), followed by a BA (Hons) in Art & Design from the University of Leicester. She then worked in London in interior design before relocating to Dubai for 23 years—designing and producing art for luxury properties, including the renowned Burj Al Arab. These experiences inform her unique perspective: art that lives in space, connects with people, and transforms environments.

Back in the UK, Louise Duggan now uses her design-and-art hybrid skill-set to lead Ophelia Art Consultancy Ltd from the UK and UAE. Her services range from commissioning original artworks and prints to installing them in hotels, offices and homes; from consulting on art strategy to mentoring artists who want to sell, grow and thrive. Her coaching emphasises practical steps, mindset shifts and business growth—based on her 30-plus years of experience in art, design and industry.

For listeners and creators alike: Louise Duggan’s story is one of transformation—of space, of material, and of self. She’s proof that art isn’t just decoration—it’s environment, identity and value.

Louise on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/louiseduggan/

Louise's website: 
https://www.opheliaart.com

Mark Walmsley FRSA AGSM
✨ Chief of Stuff | Arts & Culture Network
🌐 https://www.artsandculturenetwork.com/
📩 mark.walmsley@ArtsAndCultureNetwork.com
🌍 175,000 | Global | Growing

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Louise Duggan - Art Consultant & Interior Designer

When you walk into a space that feels comfortable, organized, and beautifully designed, it’s often the work of skilled interior design companies in Dubai . These experts blend creativity with practicality to shape living spaces that truly support everyday life. They begin by understanding your needs how you relax, work, cook, or spend time with family. Then they plan layouts that improve movement, enhance comfort, and make every corner useful.

Interior designers also choose colors, materials, and lighting that create the right mood while keeping the space visually appealing. They focus on storage solutions that reduce clutter and smart design ideas that make homes more efficient. Instead of just decorating, they build an environment that reflects your personality and makes life easier.

The end result is a space that not only looks beautiful but functions perfectly bringing harmony, comfort, and style into your daily routine.

Visit : https://www.deejos.ae/interior-design-companies-dubai

How Interior Design Companies Create Functionally Beautiful Living Spaces

Welcome to JL Coates, where we transform spaces into experiences. As an award-winning, full-service interior design studio, we specialize in both residential and commercial design projects. Our main office is located in the heart of Scottsdale, AZ, with a secondary office in Cherry Hill, NJ, enabling us to offer our design services nationwide.
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Our portfolio includes a diverse range of projects, from bathroom and kitchen remodels to full home transformations, custom new builds, commercial design, company branding, and professional consulting services. At JL Coates, we believe in a streamlined, stress-free design and build process. We serve as your advocate, providing design oversight during construction to ensure your project is completed within budget and on time.
We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, often working hand-in-hand with other industry professionals such as architects, builders, and licensed contractors. This ensures a high level of quality and consistency, guaranteeing a positive client experience. We value each project, big or small, and offer various levels of service to meet your needs. At JL Coates, every project is treated as a personal investment.

Business of Design® is the #1 trusted business training resource for design professionals around the world. Join thousands of design professional already using our field-tested project management strategies and enjoy increased confidence, improved client retention, greater profits and a business that thrives.

It’s time to take control of your business. 
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

New tracks tagged #Interior Design