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 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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