Business of Home Podcast

Emily Arthur and Sharon Dranko became friends while working at West Elm—the two became business partners when they realized there was a hole in the market for a product-focused, design-forward approach to kitchen cabinetry. They launched Isla Porter only last year, but have already made a splash in the industry, collaborating with designers like Monica Stewart of the Misfit House, Anne McDonald, and Jenna Chused.On this episode of the podcast, Arthur and Dranko discuss about why they launched with an AI message but have since dialed it back, the unique story behind the name Isla Porter, and how working together as friends has helped them through the ups and downs of starting a company.This episode is sponsored by LoloiLINKSIsla PorterDennis ScullyBusiness of Home 

Nidhi Kapur, the founder of Maiden Home, shares her journey in crafting a unique space in the design world with handcrafted furniture. She delves into how disciplined design and strong trade relationships fueled her brand's growth. Nidhi emphasizes the importance of quality over mass production and discusses the challenges of sourcing materials while maintaining craftsmanship. With new flagship stores in New York and Miami, she reflects on her innovative marketing strategies and offers valuable advice for budding entrepreneurs.

In this engaging conversation, Martin Ephson, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Farrow & Ball and Fermoie, shares insights from his remarkable journey in the design sector. He discusses the transformation of Farrow & Ball into a global brand and the opportunity he saw in textile manufacturing after a decline in mills. Ephson emphasizes the importance of looking after people in leadership and details the strategic pivots that led to Fermoie's growth. He also highlights the significance of storytelling in color names and the evolving trends in wallpaper.

Billy Cotton, an acclaimed interior designer and product collaborator, shares insights into his latest projects and multi-category collection. He reflects on the impact of his viral Architectural Digest house tour with Lily Allen and David Harbour. Cotton discusses the rise of the Togo sofa during the pandemic, emphasizing its comfort and unique appeal. He also explains his dual approach to design and architecture through his firm, CTK, and the freedom found in high-craft product design. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on the evolving role of AI in the industry.

Mark Feng, Chairman and CEO of Markor, shares insights from his dynamic journey in the design and furniture industry, tracing his family's artistic roots. He discusses the promising role of AI in revolutionizing design workflows, predicting it could eliminate 80% of tedious tasks and uplift average designers. Mark emphasizes the importance of balancing high design with commercial appeal and warns against AI hype, advocating for practical, problem-solving applications. The conversation highlights how embracing AI may define future industry leaders.

Kaitlin Petersen, editor in chief of Business of Home, joins the discussion with firsthand insights from High Point Market. She highlights an unexpectedly optimistic atmosphere and trends in market attendance. They delve into the growing role of AI-generated video for designers, examining practical applications and new tools. The chat also explores celebrity home culture through Lily Allen's viral home tour, as well as notable product launches and partnerships that are shaping the design landscape.

A household name in the industry and beyond, Nate Berkus rose to prominence in the early 2000s through his appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show. But despite becoming a celebrity in his own right, he never left the industry behind—he’s been a working designer for three decades, taking on clients, releasing collections, collaborating with his husband Jeremiah Brent, and publishing his own work to widespread acclaim.  On this episode of the podcast Berkus speaks with host Dennis Scully about his lifelong obsession with antiques; his new book on the foundations of a great home; and why, despite having every opportunity to ditch the grind of client work, he lives for the daily challenges of being a designer. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Hector FinchLINKSNate BerkusFoundationsDennis ScullyBusiness of Home 

Host Dennis Scully and BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus discuss the biggest news in the design world, including price hikes from Ikea, furniture from Quince, and a look at why design might be moving on from the straight line. Later, Havenly founder and CEO Lee Mayer joins the show to discuss her company’s new AI design tool.  This episode is sponsored by Chelsea House and Newport BrassLINKSHavenlyBusiness of Home

Jamb is a unique English company, offering everything from 17th century fireplaces to modern day reproduction furniture. Its founder, Will Fisher, fell in love with antiques at a young age, working at Christie’s as a teenager. He built up Jamb piece by piece, starting as a “man with a van” solo dealer, growing his trade and eventually getting into manufacturing reproductions. Today, alongside his wife and business partner Charlotte Freemantle, Fisher is a leading figure in the British design establishment.On this episode of The Business of Home Podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about why he doesn’t rely on online listings to buy antiques; his hopes for the next generation of connoisseurs; and why, no matter how much Jamb has grown, he still thinks of himself as a man with a van.This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Hector FinchLINKSJambDennis ScullyBusiness of Home 

Host Dennis Scully and BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus discuss the biggest news in the design world, including Kelly Wearstler’s new venture, a housing check-in, and whether great rooms really need to be photogenic. Later, Cultured founder and editor in chief Sarah Harrelson joins the show to talk about her magazine’s new annual interior design issue, Cultured at Home.  This episode is sponsored by Chelsea House and Newport BrassLINKSCulturedBusiness of Home