The Interior Collective

An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is. From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free. It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Mastering the art of working with trade vendors is one of the biggest challenges interior designers face. From wholesale vendors to custom furniture workrooms, strong vendor relationships are key to a seamless design process. But how do you find the right vendors, create lasting partnerships, and ensure every project runs smoothly while maximizing profitability? Today, we’re joined by Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors, whose path to design was anything but traditional. After beginning her interior design studies in 2001, Melissa spent over 15 years in the fast-paced world of distressed debt hedge funds before launching a decade-long career in photography. In 2019, she returned to her first love—interior design—building a business that has since been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Domino, Homes & Gardens, and more. In 2024, she launched a shop with luxury retailer Perigold, was named a Top 40 Expert on The Expert, and took the stage as a keynote speaker at The Haven Workshop. Melissa brings a wealth of experience in managing high-level vendor relationships, and today, she’s sharing her best strategies for sourcing, organizing, and collaborating with trade partners. Whether you're looking to refine your process, build stronger industry connections, or avoid costly vendor mistakes, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Hi! Welcome back to The Interior Collective - I’m your host, Anastasia Casey! Today, I’m excited to welcome Jason Saft, the mastermind behind Staged to Sell Home, a company that has transformed over $3 billion in luxury homes since its official founding in2016, but Jason’s been staging as a passion project since 2005. With an impressive background of more than 20 years in real estate sales and staging, Jason brings a unique perspective on what it means to craft interiors that are both aspirational and functional. Known for his contemporary, curatorial style and unwavering commitment to producing results, Jason has earned accolades for his work, including features in the Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, and more. For Jason, great design isn’t a straight line—it’s about balancing artistry and intent, creating spaces that captivate buyers and maximize value. Because I truly do believe there is no single way to run a successful design business, I’m thrilled to chat with Jason about how he has forged his own path in luxury staging, standing out as both a respected business owner and creative visionary. Jason’s approach is anything but conventional, and his 98% success rate speaks for itself. Today, we’re diving into Jason’s methods for making luxury staging stand out, exploring everything from his business model and inventory curation to timelines and the decisions behind staging versus full-service design. And we’re especially excited to catch up because not only is Jason an IDCO Studio client, he is also a past attendee of our own Design Camp—so much so that he sent his team to the very next session! Join us as we explore how Jason combines expertise, intentionality, and market knowledge to elevate homes and help buyers envision their dream lives.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Welcome back to The Interior Collective - a podcast for the business of beautiful living! I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for today’s episode because it’ll be a masterclass in social media authenticity AND strategy. Today, I’m joined by my dear friend Chloe Legras of Boxwood Avenue Interiors. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of diving into Chloe’s world yet, you’re in for a treat. She’s the visionary behind the stunning interiors and lifestyle brand Boxwood Avenue—a brand that effortlessly combines luxury design with the art of intentional, slow living. Chloe and I have been friends for years - we actually met at The Haven Workshop years ago and stayed close since. I’ve even had the privilege of attending her retreats abroad—experiences that were truly life-changing. This past May I attended Boxwood Abroad in the Cotswolds and it truly was the trip of a lifetime. Well, until next September when I attend Boxwood Abroad in Provence. Those retreats have given me a firsthand look at Chloe’s passion for honoring heritage, simplicity, and the beauty of old-world charm alongside Chloe’s joy for life that extends way beyond beautiful interiors. Today, she’s here to share her approach to balancing a luxury design business with a lifestyle brand that celebrates the everyday. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of her social media strategy–particularly over the last year, how she connects with her followers so authentically, and her secrets for building a brand that high-budget design clients are genuinely excited to be part of. I mean this in the most genuine way possible - get ready to dive in because this is Chloe’s world and I feel just so lucky to be living in it.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Welcome to another episode of The Interior Collective podcast - a podcast for the business of beautiful living! Today, we're diving into a fascinating conversation with one of Austin's most sought-after interior designers and someone who has truly transformed my life, Audrey Scheck. You know, we often hear the advice to say "no" to many things to make room for the right ones. But Audrey has taken a different path—one that embraces a resounding "yes" to projects of all sizes. As the founder and principal designer of Audrey Scheck Design, Audrey has built an incredible reputation for transforming residential and commercial spaces into warm, inviting environments. Her projects are a testament to her unique approach, blending diverse materials and the charm of both old and new to create designs that are not just beautiful but also deeply livable. Audrey’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From her childhood days watching her parents build their dream home in rural Texas to remodeling her own home in Los Angeles, she has always had a passion for design. Now, after moving back to Texas in 2020, she's established herself as a leading designer, with her work featured in esteemed publications like Martha Stewart, Better Homes & Gardens, and Forbes. What I find particularly special about Audrey is her genuine networking ability and her generous spirit. What began as a simple "can I buy you lunch?" inquiry has blossomed into one of my closest friendships. Her approach to saying yes—not just to projects but to people—has not only propelled her business forward but has also enriched her life and the lives of those around her. When I was deep in the weeds growing IDCO Studio and The Interior Collective, I was a definite homebody with a false sense of community via my remote team and Instagram friendships. I’d developed a notable level of social anxiety and thought I was perfectly content. After Audrey invited me to lunch, she instantly invited me to a small girl group of fellow designers and artists - with the likes of Claire Brody and Aileen Fitzgerald for monthly dinner dates. That group, and Audrey’s friendship, changed my life. Audrey refused to let us make excuses for getting together, and made sure we were all, always included. I can say with certainty that Audrey Scheck absolutely changed my life and helped turn me into a more confident, healthy person who can balance and prioritize both digital friendships and friendships in real life as well. In this episode, we'll explore how Audrey’s mindset of inclusivity and opportunity has shaped her business and her team, leading to remarkable success in such a short time. We'll also discuss how embracing all types of projects has led to her rapid growth and how she navigates the sometimes-competitive landscape of interior design with a collaborative spirit. So, join us as we learn from Audrey’s journey and discover how saying "yes" can lead to extraordinary transformations in both our businesses and our relationships.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Welcome back to The Interior Collective. Today, we have an exciting episode lined up for you as we explore the journey of transforming an interior design studio into a thriving lifestyle brand. Joining us is the incredible Kristen Forgione, the creative force behind THELIFESTYLEDCO Design Firm and Retail Shop, and long-time, close, industry friend. After spending a decade in diverse fields like finance and hospitality, Kristen found her true calling when she attended fashion school in Los Angeles. This experience reignited her childhood passion for color and design, setting her on the path to creating a brand that would soon take the west coast design market by storm. Based in Arizona, THELIFESTYLEDCO has been leading the charge since 2012, serving clients nationwide and building a talented team of Organic Desert loving designers and support staff. Kristen has expertly mastered the art of selling a lifestyle to a wide audience, from affordable home and fashion finds to top-of-the-line, new construction custom homes. In today’s episode, Kristen will share her inspiring journey of expanding from a design studio to a full-fledged lifestyle brand. We’ll dive into the lessons she’s learned, the challenges she’s faced, and her vision for the future. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a seasoned pro looking to broaden your horizons, Kristen’s insights will undoubtedly inspire you to think bigger and be bolder.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Welcome to The Interior Collective, the podcast where we dive into the business of interior design. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey and today, I’m thrilled to welcome back Marie Flanigan, the visionary behind Marie Flanigan Interiors. With her background as a classically-trained architect, Marie’s approach marries architecture and interiors in a way that brings timeless elegance and innovation to every project. From the way her team incorporates rich textures, sophisticated color palettes, and striking plays of light, it’s no wonder MFI has been celebrated in top publications like Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, and Vogue. If you haven’t heard our first episode with Marie Flanigan, you’ll definitely want to skip all the way to our very first episode - Season 1, Episode 1 as Marie broke down her expertise in growing a team. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marie alongside her team while filming her project installs, and I’ve honestly never been more impressed by a team’s synergy, relaxed atmosphere, and dedication to “getting it done” at an extraordinary level. Marie Flanigan is the most humble, easy going, hard working business person I’ve ever worked with and to this day, I can’t think of a woman I respect and admire more than her - personally and professionally. Truly, it’s an immense honor to have her back. Today, we’re delving into our most requested topic of the season: creating custom pieces. We’ll talk with Marie about how she designs, prices, and manages custom elements—everything from upholstered furniture to built-in cabinetry and bespoke drapery. We’ll uncover her process for finding the right workrooms and trades, what she provides them to bring her vision to life, and how she keeps projects on track from concept through installation. Plus, we’ll discuss what happens when custom pieces don’t go exactly as planned and Marie’s strategies for keeping clients happy and her standards high.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Welcome to The Interior Collective Podcast, the show where we dive into the art and business of beautiful living. Today, we’re thrilled to welcome a dear friend and total muse - Anne McDonald, a Minneapolis-based designer known for her layered, artful approach to creating spaces that feel both timeless and uniquely personal. Named one of Architectural Digest’s "New American Voices" in 2024, Anne’s work spans residential havens and vibrant commercial spaces across the country, each filled with thoughtful details, natural materials, and a signature warmth that invites people to linger. Anne’s portfolio is as varied as it is beautiful, covering historic home restorations, new builds, restaurants, and even ultra-feminine showrooms. In this episode, she shares the nuances of designing for both residential and commercial spaces, revealing how she adapts her process, project management, and communication strategies to suit each. Anne will also give us a behind-the-scenes look at how she weaves her signature, layered style into even the most functional spaces, ensuring they feel anything but typical. Plus, we’ll hear her thoughts on the importance of networking and community within the design world, and why she believes collaboration is key to any designer’s success.

Welcome back to The Interior Collective Podcast! In today's episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Lydia Geisel, Homes Editor at Domino magazine. Lydia has been a key figure on the editorial team at Domino since 2017, starting as an editorial intern and working her way up to overseeing the magazine’s home and renovation stories, from stunning house tours to transformative before-and-afters and creative DIY projects. Based in New York City, Lydia has not only interviewed design icons like Leanne Ford, Nate Berkus, and Brigette Romanek, but she’s also a seasoned pro at curating Domino’s weekly Reno newsletter and covering the latest in design news. In this episode, we'll dive deep into the world of design media as Lydia shares invaluable advice on how interior designers can get their work published. We’ll explore what Domino looks for in a project, from professional photography to compelling storytelling, and Lydia will offer three key tips on how to make your submissions stand out. We'll also discuss the importance of building relationships with editors, and the critical role that product links play (or don’t play) in home tour articles. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, Lydia's insights will provide the roadmap to getting your work noticed and published.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Welcome back to The Interior Collective Podcast, a podcast for the business of beautiful living - hosting conversations with leading interior designers from around the world about the intricacies of the design business. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey - founder of IDCO Studio, Kwin Made, The Interior Collective and host of the bi-annual industry event, Design Camp! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of custom luxury home builds with none other than Tyler Farrell, Founder and CEO of Killowen Construction. As an experienced general contractor, Tyler has built a reputation for bringing exquisite custom homes to life in and around Salt Lake City, Utah. Many of you might recognize his work from Netflix’s hit series, Dream Home Makeover, where he collaborated with interior designer Shea McGee to transform homes in truly stunning ways over four seasons. In this episode, we’ll be talking to Tyler about how interior designers can better prepare for working with contractors on custom new builds—covering everything from securing accurate bids, managing budgets, and how to value-engineer designs without sacrificing style. Tyler brings a wealth of knowledge and a world of humility, so get ready to learn invaluable tips on making your next big project a seamless success.

Hi, I’m Anastasia Casey, and in this episode of The Interior Collective, I’m sharing my journey in the interior design industry—from navigating my early career to building IDCO Studio and niching down to work exclusively with interior designers. We talk about the importance of community and support in the creative world. You’ll also hear about my passion for female financial independence, the strategies I use to manage multiple brands, and how social media has fueled my growth.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Welcome to The Interior Collective podcast, where we explore the art of design through the eyes of industry experts. Today, we're diving deep into the world of historic home renovations with a special guest, Jamie Haller. For nearly a decade, interior design was Jamie's personal passion, fueled by her love for restoring the charm and character of Los Angeles’ historic homes. But when the pandemic hit, Jamie turned that passion into a full-time career, blending her background in fashion with a unique approach to honoring a home's history. From being featured in Architectural Digest for her work on a mid-century Pasadena ranch to creating timeless spaces that speak to both past and present, Jamie’s expertise lies in respecting the original narrative of a home while infusing it with her signature bold use of color and pattern. In today’s episode, Jamie walks us through each phase of the design process—from initial client onboarding to collaborating with architects and craftsmen—sharing invaluable insights on working with older homes and offering advice on how to break down the hours involved in every stage. Get ready for a deep dive into the intricacies of bringing history to life with a modern touch.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. On today’s episode of The Interior Collective, we’re welcoming Julia Bocchese, a leading SEO and Pinterest consultant with over seven years of experience under her belt. Julia has worked as an SEO professor at Drexel University, sharing her SEO expertise with the next generation of digital marketers. Throughout her career, Julia has helped countless clients boost their website traffic and achieve the coveted #1 spot for their keywords on Google. Having made the leap from the corporate world to pursue her own passion, Julia understands the challenges and triumphs that come with growing a business. In today’s episode, we’ll dive deep into the powerful combination of SEO and Pinterest for interior designers. Julia will share her top strategies for leveraging these platforms to elevate your brand visibility, attract clients, and ultimately grow your business. Further, we’ll discuss where your web designer’s work ends and Julia’s work begins.

Use code Podcast15 to save 15% off sitewide at www.idco.studio Welcome back to season 5 of The Interior Collective, a podcast for the business of beautiful living. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey - founder of IDCO Studio, Kwin Made, Design Camp, and of course, The Interior Collective. Today, we are beyond excited to have a very special guest—Jean Stoffer, the renowned interior designer, entrepreneur, and founder of Jean Stoffer Design. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jean has built a nationally recognized design firm that’s known for its classic, elegant style, with projects featured in top design magazines and her own TV show, The Established Home, on Magnolia Network. But what makes Jean’s story even more compelling is that this isn’t just a solo endeavor. Jean has built a true family business—her daughter, Grace Start, is her design partner, her sons, John, Daniel, and David all play key roles, and together they’ve grown their brand to include not only design services but also a retail shop, a coffee cafe, product lines and a custom cabinetry line. In this episode, Jean will be sharing her journey of building a successful business, the joys and challenges of working with family, and how they’ve created a unique synergy that has propelled their brand to new heights.

Subscribe on Patreon for bonus materials. Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. In the lead episode of Season 5 of The Interior Collective, we welcome interior designer and entrepreneur, Kate Marker, to discuss diversifying revenue and managing multiple business models. Kate Marker shares her journey in the interior design industry, highlighting her innovative approach to diversifying revenue streams through her design studio, retail brand, and short-term rental business. She discusses the importance of a cohesive team structure, the transition to larger projects, and the impact of hiring a business consultant. Kate also reflects on the challenges and growth experienced during the COVID pandemic, particularly in the realm of e-commerce. In this conversation, Anastasia and Kate discuss the multifaceted nature of the business, which includes a design studio, e-commerce, and vacation rentals. Kate shares insights on the challenges of shipping, the importance of property management, and the financial aspects of running short-term rentals. Kate also highlights the intangible benefits of her vacation properties, such as content creation and family memories, and discusses the future growth of her brand, including the launch of her new book.

Subscribe on Patreon for unlimited access to bonus materials of all five seasons and save with an annual membership. Use code Podcast15 to save 15% off sitewide at www.idco.studio Welcome back to The Interior Collective Podcast! I’m Anastasia Casey, your host and founder of The Interior Collective, IDCO Studio, Kwin Made and co-host of Design Camp. In another life, I might have been an interior designer myself, but instead, I’ve dedicated my career to creating digital spaces and building communities that celebrate and elevate great design. The Interior Collective is more than just a podcast—it’s a lifestyle destination and an online community that celebrates The Inside of Home. We offer project tours from designers around the world, share exclusive interviews with industry tastemakers, and curate content that strikes the perfect balance between informative and aspirational. I’m passionate about empowering interior designers to not only elevate their client experience but also find financial freedom and stability through their creative careers. We invite you to submit your projects for publication on The Interior Collective, which you can always do so linked in our show notes. Before we dive into this season, let me take a moment to share what we’re doing at IDCO Studio. If you’re looking to streamline your interior design business, define your client experience, or elevate your brand to reflect the spaces you design, IDCO Studio is here to support you every step of the way. We’ve served thousands of interior designers around the world through a collection of beautifully designed, high-quality website templates, branding suites, and essential business tools tailored specifically for interior designers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your existing brand, we offer a range of investments to meet you at any budget, so you can focus on what matters most—creating beautiful, memorable spaces for your clients. Additionally, our award winning design team has created custom projects for top designers like Amber Lewis, Nate Berkus, Marie Flanigan, Carley Summers and more through our creative studio, Kwin Made. Whether you’re looking for a plug-and-play solution to your business needs or an entirely bespoke solution, our team is excited to serve you. We’ve come a long way since launching in 2016. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built—a collaborative space where designers can not only showcase their work but also build a brand that’s deeply personal and reflective of their style and values. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with some of the industry’s most innovative minds, which has fueled my inspiration and helped expand our dedicated team of experts. This season, we’re diving even deeper into what it takes to create spaces that not only look beautiful...

Josh Jarboe, Vice President of Sales at Four Hands, discusses how to best leverage your relationships with trade vendors to maximize profitability. In today's episode, Anastasia fires off rapid fire questions you should ask every trade partner, and Four Hands delivers on every answer. From simplifying pricing tiers to easy-to-navigate self-serf options, and a killer customer support team, selecting Four Hands as a primary trade vendor can improve your bottom line without increasing your client's costs. Four Hands is committed to making the design process easy, enjoyable, and profitable for designers. Open a Four Hands trade account today: fourhands.com/theinteriorcollective

This episode of the Interior Collective podcast focuses on pricing as an interior designer, covering topics such as overhead expenses, time billing, flat rates, and procurement fees. Lindsay Borchard of Lindsay Brook Design shares insights and strategies for pricing services, including the importance of transparency and data-driven decision-making. The conversation delves into the details of pricing models, billing structures, and the impact of overhead expenses on pricing strategies. The conversation covers various aspects of interior design business operations, including procurement fees, receiving warehouse costs, project management billing, and increasing profitability. Lindsay shares insights on transitioning to flat rate pricing, managing client expectations, and optimizing business processes. She also discusses strategies for increasing revenue without raising hourly rates and emphasizes the importance of client experience and industry knowledge sharing. The Interior Collective Instagram IDCO Studio Instagram Shop Our Products at IDCO Studio For any custom projects, please inquire at Kwin Made Design Camp Lindsey Brooke Design Instagram Lindsey Brooke Design Website

Brad, the founder of AFT Construction, shares his journey in the construction industry and the importance of collaboration between designers and builders. He emphasizes the need for effective communication and alignment of vision between the two parties. Brad also discusses the role of a superintendent in ensuring the success of a project and the importance of proper supervision. He highlights the value of pre-construction meetings and page turns to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Brad also addresses the issue of budgeting and the division of responsibilities between designers and builders when it comes to purchasing materials and furnishings. In this conversation, Brad Leavitt, owner of AFT Construction, discusses the importance of technology in the construction industry and how it can improve communication and transparency between contractors, designers, and clients. He emphasizes the use of tools like Buildertrend and Bluebeam to streamline project management and collaboration. Brad also shares insights on maintaining budget discipline, providing accurate bids, and value engineering. He highlights the significance of strong leadership and company culture in maintaining high morale and expectations within the team. Lastly, he discusses the value of social media in marketing and building a brand. The Interior Collective Instagram IDCO Studio Instagram Shop Our Products at IDCO Studio For any custom projects, please inquire at Kwin Made Brad Leavitt Instagram Brad Leavitt Podcast AFT Construction Website

Tiffany Piotrowski, owner of Tiffany Leigh Design, discusses the power of pivoting in business and the decisions that inform those pivots. She shares her journey as a business owner, including starting her own design blog, working for a well-known interior design firm, and eventually starting her own business. Tiffany talks about a pivotal moment when she realized she needed to shift her focus back to design and let go of her online shop. She emphasizes the importance of listening to your gut and being flexible in business. Tiffany also discusses how she communicates changes to her team and clients and the balance between growth and financial stability. The Interior Collective Instagram IDCO Studio Instagram Shop Our Products at IDCO Studio For any custom projects, please inquire at Kwin Made Book a consultation with Tiffany Tiffany Leigh Design Instagram Tiffany Leigh Design Website

Access all bonus material now on Patreon at patreon.com/TheInteriorCollective incuding this week's New Project Marketing Plan download. This week on the Interior Collective Podcast, we sat down with Lindye Galloway, an Orange Country, California, designer and shop owner to talk about her strategies for setting her firm apart and developing a distinct point of view in an area that is super saturated with designers. Lindye walks us through her transition from wedding designer to interior designer as she and her husband embark on a renovation just weeks after the birth of their son, Theo, and how it works now that he has joined the business. She candidly shares how she pieced her business together, always keeping her vision in mind and maintaining a stylistic thread while designing homes around the country, and how innovation and competition can propel you forward. The Interior Collective Instagram IDCO Studio Instagram Shop Our Products at IDCO Studio For any custom projects, please inquire at Kwin Made Lindye Galloway