EP 456 | From Busy to Bliss: How Interior Designers Can Work Less and Profit More with Lori Steeves

November 25, 2025

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What if the secret to a more profitable interior design business is doing less, not more? In this inspiring episode, Kimberley Seldon reconnects with designer and former BOD™ member Lori Steeves, who made a bold shift: stepping away from high-stress renovation projects and choosing the work she genuinely loves. The result? More creativity. More joy. More profit.

Lori shares how she reframed success, stopped glorifying busyness, and rebuilt her business around fulfillment, not frenzy. With systems that support her, a team she trusts, and the courage to say no strategically, she created a design practice that protects her time, energy, and passion.

For interior designers who feel stretched thin, burned out, or stuck in the cycle of “more, more, more,” this conversation will show you a new model of success—one where your business works for you, not the other way around.

In this episode you will learn:

  • Why busyness is not a badge of honor—and how to stop measuring success by hours worked
  • How focusing on the work you genuinely love increases profitability and joy
  • Why systems are not constraints but the foundation for creative freedom
  • How strategic delegation frees your time and empowers your team
  • Why saying no is a business superpower
  • How profitability relies on margin, not top-line revenue
  • How to design a business that supports the life you want

 

DESIGN INTERVENTION

One of my biggest learnings – and this came from the Business of Design® – is that systems will set you free. I know that it may seem counter intuitive because I thought that systems would be restrictive, but no, developing these repeatable systems has been instrumental in my building a sustainable business that allows me (and my assistant) to be more efficient and achieve the same results with less hours of work.

 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

 

About Lori Steeves

Lori Steeves is the founder and principal designer of Simply Home Decorating, a boutique firm in North Vancouver, BC. With 25+ years of experience, she is known for creating warm, timeless homes that reflect her clients’ lifestyles and feature Canadian-made furnishings. A longtime advocate and success story of Business of Design, Lori credits the program with helping her build a thriving, process-driven design practice featured in leading publications.

www.simplyhomedecorating.com

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Thank you to our sponsor, Renewal By Andersen!

Renewal by Andersen LLC is the start-to-finish window and door replacement division of Andersen Corporation. Renewal by Andersen offers a replacement process that includes an in-home consultation, custom manufacturing, and installation through one of the largest nationwide networks of window and door replacement specialists.

For a complimentary in-home consultation, or to learn more, visit www.renewalbyandersen.com.

Apply for Renewal by Andersen’s Interior Designer Loyalty Program today at www.renewalbyandersendesigners.com.

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.

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