Business of Home Podcast

David Littman got into the lighting industry as a young man, acquiring a small, struggling manufacturing business. Across the span of four decades, he’s built an empire. Hudson Valley’s portfolio now includes its namesake brand plus CSL, Troy Lighting, Corbett, Mitzi, and, more recently, Sonneman and Schoolhouse.  On this episode of the podcast Littman tells host Dennis Scully about why the lighting business is leaving China, why the only weapon against dupes is new product, and why he’s looking beyond lighting at the whole home. This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Resource FurnitureLINKSHudson Valley Lighting GroupDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Host Dennis Scully and BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus discuss the biggest news in the design world, including a Roman and Williams lawsuit, why home stocks are tanking, and the end of the metaverse. Later, editor Ben Reynaert joins the show to talk about his new book, The Layered Home. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Newport BrassLINKSThe Layered HomeBusiness of Home      

Neal Beckstedt, an interior designer known for a warm take on modernism and founder of his own firm, reflects on how parenthood and a farm upbringing shaped his eye. He talks about training taste over time, blending architecture with interiors, scaling his studio up and down, and building a lifestyle brand with product lines and a gallery.

Host Dennis Scully and BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus discuss the biggest news in the design world, including SideDoor’s next chapter, designer coworking, and a dramatic deadline for Charles Cohen. Later, author John Ota joins the show to discuss his new book, The Dining Room.   This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Newport BrassLINKSThe Dining RoomBusiness of Home

Sean Low, creative business coach and former event/interior design manager, helps designers reframe their firms. He discusses shifting from hourly or markup models to fee-based pricing. He explains why designers should lead confidently, set clear fees and engagement deposits, and focus on selling creative vision as AI changes the industry.

Host Dennis Scully and BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus discuss the biggest news in the design world, including a fundraise for Ernesta, the ethics of AI, and whether Instagram has ruined interior design. Later, Elizabeth Rees, the founder of Chasing Paper, joins the show to tell her company's story and talk about its new fabric line.   This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Newport BrassLINKSChasing PaperBusiness of Home

After an early career working at the famed Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan, Jeffrey Bilhuber burst onto the scene with his own firm, quickly becoming a prominent voice in American design. Over the course of a sparkling career, he’s been named to Elle Decor’s A-List and the AD100, won the Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement Award, published five books, and worked with high profile clients like Davie Bowie and Iman, Michael Douglas and Anna Wintour.     On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about why he’s glad he never worked for another firm; what young decorators need to study; and how interior design is a simple equation: 1+1 = 3 This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Resource FurnitureLINKSJeffrey BilhuberDennis ScullyBusiness of Home  

Host Dennis Scully and BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus discuss the biggest news in the design world, including the latest earnings from Arhaus and 1stDibs, a deep dive into the AD100, and whether or not good taste can be taught. Later, Luxe editor in chief Jill Cohen joins the show to talk about her ultra-exclusive new design book project.   This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Newport BrassLINKSLuxeNew York Times aging in place articleBusiness of Home

It’s difficult to quickly sum up Keith Granet’s career: he’s been a business consultant to high-profile interior designers for over three decades, but he’s also the founder of the Leaders of Design, the chairman of the board at software platform Studio Designer, and the author of several books on the design business. More recently, Granet took over the Decorative Furnishings Association, and is in the process of launching an AI symposium. On this episode of the podcast he speaks with host Dennis Scully about the six qualities successful designers share, why professional education needs to change, and what the design business will look like in 2035.  This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Resource FurnitureLINKSDennis ScullyBusiness of Home  

Host Dennis Scully, BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and associate editor Caroline Bourque discuss the biggest news in the design world, including the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling, highlights from KBIS and a Taylor Swift textile trademark dispute. Later, John Edelman joins the show to discuss his new role at Haworth. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Morris & Co.  LINKSHaworthBusiness of Home