Business of Home Podcast

Christine Van Der Hurd is the founder of the iconic textile and rug studio Vanderhurd. After graduating from Winchester School of Art, she moved to New York in 1977 and quickly immersed herself in the city’s creative underground—spending time with Robert Mapplethorpe, Annie Leibovitz, and the Studio 54 crowd.She began her career designing prints for fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent and Liberty of London. Her work soon caught the attention of design legends like Angelo Donghia and Jack Lenor Larsen, leading to large-scale commissions for custom rugs and textiles. Over the course of her 50-year career, Christine has collaborated with some of the most distinguished designers in the industry. In 2024, House & Garden honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award.On this episode of the podcast she speaks with host Dennis Scully  about what it was really like arriving in New York in the late ’70s; how she learned to speak up for her business interests while working alongside her husband; and why designers like Kit Kemp and Rita Konig bring her in—not just to source– but to help shape their most important projects.This episode is sponsored by LoloiLINKSVanderhurdDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Scott Hudson, Founder and CEO of Henrybuilt, transitioned from a tech and publishing background to create a high-end kitchen design company. He discusses the importance of connecting with customers and the evolving role of AI in design. Hudson emphasizes that flow, rather than efficiency, should be the focus in business processes. He also highlights the significance of meaningful client interactions, the challenges of rising construction costs, and the need for a sustainable growth approach in the design industry.

Timur Yumusaklar, CEO of Schumacher, shares insights into the design industry's latest shifts, including his company's acquisition of Teletextiles and the balance between craftsmanship and modern demands. He discusses the implications of Kim Kardashian's knockoff lawsuit and the evolving landscape of design media, with TikTok emerging as a key player. Timur also reflects on economic challenges, such as tariffs affecting material costs, emphasizing the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing market.

Nicola Harding, a celebrated London interior designer known for her soulful aesthetic, and her husband Andy Harding, an e-commerce expert, discuss their journey in launching their home goods brand, Nix. They reveal why Nicola's diverse career path led her to design, their motivation behind creating a brand rather than a licensed line, and the challenges of entering the U.S. market. The couple also shares insights on blending quality with affordability and the importance of personal stories in building consumer connections.

Host Dennis Scully and BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen discuss the biggest news in the design world, including  RH’s latest earnings report, a housing market check-in and this year’s Elle Decor A-List. Later, Fred Nicolaus joins the show to discuss his findings from the 3 Days of Design festival in Copenhagen, Denmark.This episode is sponsored by LoloiLINKSFred NicolausBusiness of Home

Emma Sims Hilditch began her career in film, working in set design for director Ridley Scott. After moving to the English countryside to raise a family, she launched a curtain-making business that evolved into one of the U.K.’s leading design practices. Today, her firm has a staff of more than thirty and works on projects across Britain and abroad.On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about the difference between American and English clients, how she organizes her office around what she calls ‘The George Clooney Effect,’ and why the most challenging part of her business is choosing what not to do.This episode is sponsored by ErnestaLINKSSims HilditchDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Host Dennis Scully and BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus discuss the biggest news in the design world, including Schumacher’s recent acquisition, how designers are gaming ChatGPT, and the rise of the dog room. Later, legendary industry analyst Jerry Epperson joins the show to discuss the state of the furniture business.This episode is sponsored by LoloiLINKSJerry EppersonBusiness of Home

Based in Chicago, interior designer Kim Scodro has built a career on thoughtful, refined work that applies traditional details with a light, livable touch. Her projects have been widely featured in the national shelter press, and she has a robust furniture collection with Hickory Chair. On this episode of the podcast she speaks with host Dennis Scully about why she’s glad that her first client was her toughest, why she’s starting her own fabric line, and why there’s no replacement for hard work and kindness. This episode is sponsored by ErnestaLINKSKim ScodroDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen discuss the biggest news in the design world, including the latest on tariffs, Williams-Sonoma’s surprise acquisition and a spotlight on Midwestern design.This episode is sponsored by LoloiLINKSBusiness of Home

On this week’s episode, host Dennis Scully speaks to Stellene Volandes and Elisa Lipsky-Karasz, the editorial leaders of Elle Decor. Volandes, the editorial and brand director of Elle Decor, is also the editor in chief of Town&Country and a Hearst veteran—she’s been at T&C since 2011. Lipsky-Karasz, Elle Decor’s head of editorial content, has jumped around in media, from WWD to Harper’s Bazaar to WSJ Magazine. Together, they’ve taken the reins at Elle Decor after the publication’s prior editor in chief, Asad Syrkett, left in the fall of last year.  Here, they discuss why there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to media; why designers need to consider the narrative when they submit projects to the magazine; and why boldness will be central to the success of Elle DecorThis episode is sponsored by Ernesta and ThibautLINKSElle DecorDennis ScullyBusiness of Home