Business of Home Podcast

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including a cyberattack on Bassett, a design software acquisition, and the fight over megamansions. Later, the founders of bathroom renovation startup The Unoriginal Bathroom Co. join the show to discuss their new venture. This episode is sponsored by Isla Porter LINKS The Unoriginal Bathroom Co. Business of Home

Jomo Tariku’s life and career have followed a winding path, from his childhood in Ethiopia to a design degree in Kansas and a stint in data visualization at the World Bank. Today, he’s internationally recognized as a furniture designer, with pieces in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Tariku is also the creator of an impactful 2020 study that demonstrated the startling lack of Black furniture designers working with major manufacturers. In this episode of the podcast, Tariku speaks with host Dennis Scully about why data is more powerful than anecdotal evidence, why he’s getting into wallpaper and other categories, and what it will take to truly make design a global language. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Isla Porter LINKS Jomo Furniture Jomo Tariku Dennis Scully Business of Home

BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including Etsy’s return to its artisan roots, surging home insurance premiums and key business lessons from the 50 States Project. Later, designer Susan Wintersteen joins the show to talk about founding Savvy Giving by Design. This episode is sponsored by Isla Porter. LINKS Savvy Giving by Design Business of Home

When Alex Shuford-CEO of Rock House Farm, the family of brands that includes Century, Hickory Chair, and Highland House-was on the podcast last year, he was optimistic about 2024. Halfway through the year, his optimism remains intact, and once the smoke clears from the elections in the fall, he thinks the combination of pent-up demand and a generational wealth shift will lead to significant opportunity for the industry next year and beyond. On this episode of the show, Shuford engages in a wide-ranging conversation about where the home industry might be heading next. He speaks with host Dennis Scully about the changing role of independent furniture stores, the state of competitors like RH and Arhaus, and why he’ll be testing out a multi-brand showroom in Vegas for the very first time. This episode is sponsored by Loloi LINKS Rock House Farm Dennis Scully Business of Home

BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including he latest in the Kim Kardashian copycat lawsuit, a look at the D&D building’s new financial troubles, and a mid-year report card for home retailers. Later, Apartment Therapy founder Maxwell Ryan joins the show to talk about winning the new search game. This episode is sponsored by Isla Porter. LINKS Apartment Therapy Business of Home

This spring, Thomas Lavin and Jobi Blachy of Quintus decided to experiment with taking their showrooms on the road, staging pop-up events in Southern California for local designers. The events were a success, and now they’re planning more—as well as a host of other concepts for connecting with the next generation of the trade. On this episode of the podcast, they speak with host Dennis Scully about why designers will come out for an event but not a showroom appointment; what the mansion tax and the writer’s strike meant for the LA design scene; and what the Japanese concept of Kaizen has to do with running a showroom. This episode is sponsored by Loloi LINKS Thomas Lavin Quintus Dennis Scully Business of Home

Founded in 1889, Bernhardt one of the oldest family-owned furniture companies in America (if not the oldest). However, under CEO Alex Bernhardt Jr.’s leadership, the company hasn’t leaned on its heritage—instead, it’s focused on aesthetics and staying ahead of the design curve. On this episode of the podcast, Bernhardt speaks about why he’s not stressed by dupes, why he believes the pandemic ate through eight or nine years of business, and why furniture is above all a fashion industry. This episode is sponsored by Loloi LINKS Bernhardt Dennis Scully Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including supply chain snarls that some are calling "Covid Junior," out of control home prices and the future of the family decorator. Later, Rosemary Hallgarten and Thibaut CEO Rick Kilmer join the show to talk about the deal that will see their companies join forces. LINKS Rosemary Hallgarten Thibaut Business of Home

Emily Tobin joined The World of Interiors in 2021 and has since earned a promotion to the top spot. Her mission is to preserve what makes the cult favorite magazine so delightfully unique while also delicately bringing it into the digital age. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about the story behind Hamish Bowles’ tenure as editor in chief, why The World of Interiors didn’t have a website until 2022, and what’s behind the magazine’s incredible range—from dilapidated mansions to Madonna’s bedroom. This episode is sponsored by Loloi LINKS The World of Interiors Dennis Scully Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including RH earnings, the latest AI design tools, and Tom Dixon’s unconventional strategy for fighting knockoffs. Later, journalist Mitchell Owens joins the show to talk about his new job as editor in chief of The Magazine Antiques. LINKS The Magazine Antiques Mitchell Owens Business of Home

An accomplished interior designer who cut his teeth working for the legendary Mark Hampton, Markham Roberts is known for rooms as refined as they are lively. His work has been widely recognized by the press, and he’s a regular on Elle Decor’s A-List and the AD100. On this episode of the podcast, Roberts speaks with host Dennis Scully about why clients having access to too much information is a double-edged sword, how publishing a book gave him three of his biggest jobs, and why, in interior design, staying calm is everything. This episode is sponsored by Loloi LINKS Markham Roberts Dennis Scully Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including the shuttering of Oka, serious accusations against Carpenter’s Workshop Gallery, a new Havenly acquisition, and an “adventure” with RH CEO Gary Friedman. LINKS Business of Home

Together, Jordan Slocum and Barry Bordelon—better known as The Brownstone Boys—have a unique hybrid business: a busy renovation firm that tackles historic restorations in New York City, and a fast-growing media presence that includes brand deals, TV appearances, and now, a new book. On this episode of the podcast, they speak with host Dennis Scully about playing “good cop, bad cop” on the job site, what Sesame Street has to do with brownstone renovations, and why they’re determined to keep going as both influencers and renovators. This episode is sponsored by Loloi LINKS The Brownstone Boys Dennis Scully Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including another photo theft scandal; the rise of branded residences, and why designers are having second thoughts about e-commerce. Later, Textile Eye editor Saana Baker joins the show to discuss trends and takeaways from spring fabric fairs This episode is sponsored by Loloi LINKS The Textile Eye Business of Home

Tom Verellen took a winding route to get where he is, one that took him from his native Belgium to Ohio, through a fabric importing business and finally to North Carolina. Today the company that bears his name, Verellen, is lauded as one of the industry's most imaginative furniture makers, with a collection that balances quality, sustainability and style. On this episode of the podcast he speaks with host Dennis Scully about how offering Belgian hospitality to his customers has helped his business stand out, why ivory boucle may have finally peaked, and why designers are key to the future of Verellen. This episode is sponsored by Loloi LINKS Verellen Dennis Scully Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including a deep dive into the world of design newsletters, a cyberattack on Christie’s, and Elle Decor’s new A-List. Later, upholsterer Grant Trick joins the show to discuss a new partnership. LINKS Grant Trick Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including including an e-commerce collapse, Williams Sonoma’s latest numbers, and a viral home tour show that’s taking viewers into some unexpected rooms. Later journalist Stephen Treffinger joins the show to recap New York's design week. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Annie Selke LINKS Stephen Treffinger Business of Home

Angus and Charlotte Buchanan are the husband-and-wife team behind London-based interior design firm Buchanan Studio. By taking a holistic approach to design, the pair have built a unique business that tackles everything from residential projects to products to events. Their inventive work has been recognized by press around the world, and their young firm is already winning a place on industry best-of lists. On this episode of the podcast they speak with host Dennis Scully about working together as a couple, why getting into product has helped bring stability to their business, and why once a year they set aside time for pure creativity. This episode is sponsored by Four Hands LINKS Buchanan Studio Dennis Scully Business of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the design industry, including earnings reports from Arhaus and 1stdibs, highlights from Legends, and what’s behind a surge in custom furniture. Later retail columnist Warren Shoulberg joins the show to chat about Wayfair's first venture into physical retail. This episode is sponsored by Loloi and Annie Selke LINKS Business of Home

Once an aspiring actor, Josh Wiener did small painting jobs to make a living while he auditioned for roles. Over time, contracting became his sole focus, his business and his passion, and today his company, SilverLining, is one of New York’s most prominent residential firms, collaborating with architects and designers like Peter Marino, Bunny Williams, and David Kleinberg. On this episode Josh speaks with host Dennis Scully about why building costs seem to keep going up, the problem with relying too much on renderings, and what separates a great designer from a good one. This episode is sponsored by Four Hands LINKS SilverLining Dennis Scully Business of Home