EP 448 | Elements of Timeless Style: Designing Interiors That Endure with Erin Gates

September 30, 2025

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In this episode of the Business of Design® Podcast, Kimberley Seldon sits down with interior designer and bestselling author Erin Gates to explore the principles behind Elements of Timeless Style. Erin shares how to create interiors that feel fresh today while aging gracefully—spaces rooted in quality, personal story, and thoughtful design rather than fleeting trends.

From navigating the emotional experience of building a home to fostering a smooth and collaborative client process, Erin offers practical insights for designers who want their work to feel meaningful, enduring, and deeply personal. You’ll learn why flexibility matters, how to plan for inevitable changes, and why investing in the right team and materials leads to better outcomes every time.

Whether you’re designing a client’s forever home or simply striving to produce work that lasts, this episode will help you refine your approach to timeless, story-driven design.

In this episode we learn:

  • Why timeless design matters—and how it naturally evolves with the homeowner
  • How a smooth, collaborative design process enhances the final result
  • The emotional side of building a home and honoring the client’s story
  • Why embracing flexibility is essential—because things will change
  • Why quality over quantity is the foundation of timeless style
  • How to design a space that feels like a forever home (even if the client isn’t staying forever)

GET THE BOOK >> Elements of Timeless Style by Erin Gates

 

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Ignore the competition and embrace community and collaboration.

 

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About Erin Gates

Erin T Gates is an interior designer, blogger, and author of the New York Times bestseller Elements of Style: Designing a Home and a Life. She has been featured in publications such as O, The Oprah Magazine, Redbook, Better Homes & Gardens, Elle Décor, Canadian House & Home, the Boston Globe, and the Wall Street Journal. She lives outside Boston with her husband, son, and daughter. Her newest book is Elements of Timeless Style: Creating a Forever Home (Simon Element; September 30th, 2025).

www.eringatesdesign.com

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Aquavato!

Aquavato is a trade-focused plumbing showroom in Toronto designed to support interior designers with expert product guidance, educational support, and concierge level service. Inside, the House of Rohl Studio has curated selections of Perrin & Rowe, Rohl, Shaws, Victoria + Albert, Emtek & Schaub.

Learn more about the Aquavato Trade Program at aquavato.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.

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