Business of Home Podcast

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including the fate of the DCOTA, rising mortgage rates, and the design industry’s next killer app. Later, Substack writers Leonora Epstein and David Michon join the show to talk about how the platform is changing design media.This episode is sponsored by Kohler and KlafsLINKSFor ScaleSchmattaBusiness of Home

Started over one hundred years ago with a single product, Hickory Chair has grown over the decades and changed hands several times, but it never left North Carolina. Out of a single facility, the company produces both upholstery and case goods using the same techniques it has for generations. On this episode of the podcast, host Dennis Scully speaks with the brand’s president Federico Contigiani about the challenges of building a brand in home; why design both is and isn’t like fashion; and why, no matter what technology brings, furniture will always be a trust business.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Annie SelkeLINKSHickory ChairDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Dan Rosen, a comedian and viral design critic, shares his unexpected journey into the world of design critique. He discusses the humorous and often critical contrasts between celebrity homes and practical spaces, with a keen look at infamous designs like Kim and Kanye's. The conversation also touches on the responsibility of public commentary in design, balancing humor with honesty. Additionally, insights into emerging technologies and the evolving landscape of design publications offer a fascinating glimpse into the industry's future.

Founded in 1960, over the decades Roche Bobois has become synonymous with chic contemporary design. The first furniture brand to advertise in fashion magazines, today Roche Bobois’s hit products include the iconic Mah Jong and Bubble sofas, and hundreds of the brand’s showrooms are spread out all over the world.On this episode of the podcast, the brand’s international director Martin Gleize speaks with host Dennis Scully about why the post-COVID landscape is fraught with confusion for furniture companies, the opportunities and challenges in China, and why the biggest mistake for any brand is to try to be two things at once. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Annie SelkeLINKSRoche BoboisDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including Design Manager’s new acquisitions, why Williams Sonoma is suing Dupe.com, and Amazon’s rumored $20 sofa. Later, BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen joins the show to recap High Point Market.This episode is sponsored by Kohler and KlafsLINKSHigh Point MarketBusiness of Home

After an artistic childhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico, interior designer Susana Simonpietri’s early studies took her to Europe and then New York, where she went on to work for some of the industry’s biggest names. Since going out on her own in the wake of the great recession, Simonpietri has built up a team of 30, published her work widely in top shelter magazines, and brought a warm, thoughtfully edited approach to projects across the countryOn this episode of the podcast, Simonpietri speaks with host Dennis Scully about how past experiences have taught her to screen clients carefully, how she learned to hire and work with the next generation of designers, and why she’s determined to break the industry cycle of toxic workplaces. This episode is sponsored by Four Hands and SuryaLINKSChangoDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including more fallout from Hurricane Helene, a renovation boom and what a controversial celebrity home tour says about the state of design media. Later, Christina Juarez and Ben Reynaert share the story of their shoppable event, The Ticking Tent.  This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Isla PorterLINKSThe Thursday Show live at High Point MarketThe Ticking TentBusiness of Home

In recent years, Ruggable’s machine washable rugs have become a bona fide hit product, but the company is anything but an overnight success. Founder Jeneva Bell’s story is an agonizing tale of false starts, setbacks and roadblocks—it took almost a decade of effort to get Ruggable off the ground. Today the company employs hundreds across three factories, and drops regular collaborations with top designers like Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Jonathan Adler and Justina Blakeney. On this episode of the podcast Bell tells host Dennis Scully about how she found the resilience to get through hard times, why reading memoirs beats looking at social media, and why there’s more to success than just hard work.This episode is sponsored by Four Hands and SuryaLINKSRuggableDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including Havenly’s newest acquisition, Banana Republic’s exit from furniture, and why Hearst’s AI deal is drawing backlash. Later, columnist Warren Shoulberg joins the show to break down the state of play in home retail.  This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Isla PorterLINKSThe Thursday Show live at High Point MarketWarren ShoulbergBusiness of Home

Mark D. Sikes came to design as a second career after decades in retail, but he’s made up for lost time. In just over ten years, he’s released three best-selling books, earned a spot on the AD100, and worked for high-profile clients like Reese Witherspoon, Nancy Meyers and Dr. Jill Biden. More recently, Sikes brought his take on classic American style to Blair House, redesigning an iconic Washington residence used to host heads of state: its guest list includes everyone from Winston Churchill to Justin Trudeau.On this episode of the podcast, Sikes speaks to host Dennis Scully about why consistency has been the key to his success, the surprising strategy that helped his books take off, and why his muse is America.This episode is sponsored by Four Hands and SuryaLINKSMark D. SikesDennis ScullyBusiness of Home