EP 463 | Has Your Brand Outgrown You? A Branding Wake-Up Call for Interior Designers with Puja Malhotra
January 13, 2026
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Most interior designers don’t have a branding problem—they have a brand drift problem. As your skills, confidence, and fees evolve, the brand you built early on can quietly fall out of alignment with who you are now. And when that happens, it doesn’t just feel off—it actively repels the clients you want to attract.
In this candid conversation, Kimberley Seldon sits down with brand strategist Puja Malhotra to unpack what designers get wrong about branding—and what actually matters. From that subtle hesitation you feel before sharing your website, to the hidden cost of inconsistency, this episode reframes branding as a strategic business tool, not a creative indulgence.
If your work has leveled up but your brand hasn’t kept pace, this episode will put language to that uneasy feeling—and show you exactly what to do next.
What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
- Why brand hesitation signals misalignment, not insecurity
- How experienced designers outgrow DIY branding without realizing it
- The difference between being visually “interesting” and truly memorable
- Why consistency builds trust faster than creativity
- How your website should function as an employee—not a portfolio graveyard
- When to audit your brand—and when it’s time to bring in professional help
- Why timeless branding matters if you plan to grow, scale, or trademark
DESIGN INTERVENTION
Stop chasing balance. Build harmony instead. There will be days when business wins and days when life takes center stage. Expecting both to peak at the same time is a setup for failure. Harmony allows seasons to shift without guilt—and sustainable businesses are built by people who understand that.
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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.