EP 456 | From Busy to Bliss with Lori Steeves

November 25, 2025

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Kimberley sits down with a favorite past BOD™ member, designer Lori Steeves, who discovered that less hustle can mean more joy. Lori shares how she traded high-stress renovations for the decorating work she truly loves—and in doing so unlocked greater creativity, profitability, and fulfillment. Tune in to learn how saying no strategically, leaning on systems, and trusting your team can free you from unnecessary busyness. Stop measuring success by hours worked and start designing a business that works for you. Whether it’s reclaiming your afternoons, reigniting your passion, or streamlining your processes, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration for interior designers at any stage. By the end, you’ll see that sustainable success isn’t just possible—it’s incredibly rewarding.

In this episode we learn:

  • stop confusing busyness with success
  • focus on the work you truly love for better profitability and joy
  • systems are not constraints—they’re freedom for creativity
  • strategic delegation frees your time and energy
  • saying no is a superpower, not a weakness
  • profitability is about margin, not top-line revenue
  • your business can serve your life, not the other way around

 

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 should not be used for any legal decisions. Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc., Kimberley Seldon Design and Media, Inc., Business of Design™, or any of its affiliated companies or staff is not responsible for any errors or omissions effecting accuracy in any content, and they will not be held liable for the use or misuse of information, facts, details or any other aspects should there arise any defects, errors, omissions or perhaps inaccuracies. Extensive research has been conducted to put this podcast together for the purpose of educating our industry in order to better serve the public. Care has been taken to acknowledge ownership of copyrighted material. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is offered with the understanding that we do not render any legal, accounting or other professional advice. Seek the advice of a lawyer and/or other competent professional person in all matters of law. Further, listeners should be aware that internet websites mentioned may change or disappear between when this was recorded and when it was listened to.