

Business of Home Podcast
Business of Home, Dennis Scully
Business of Home's host Dennis Scully interviews thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives about the changes and challenges facing the interior design community.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 10, 2025 • 1h
Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz: 'Designers need to learn to take the blame'
After an idyllic childhood in Puerto Rico, Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz was set to pursue higher study in math—instead, he chose architecture, and found himself working for legendary New York designer John Saladino. After setting up his own firm in the 1990s, Noriega-Ortiz built a legend of his own, designing boutique hotels for Ian Schrager and homes for celebrities like Lenny Kravitz.On this episode of the podcast, Noriega-Ortiz speaks with host Dennis Scully about learning to design like a painter, how he trains architects to think like designers, and why he writes a story for every project—but doesn’t always tell the client.This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Hickory ChairLINKSBenjamin Noriega-OrtizDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Thursday Show: Zoë Feldman is tackling the small-project dilemma. Plus: Should designers care about tariffs?
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including the latest on tariffs, Instagram going vertical, and a look at the rising trend of cannabis-related decor. Later, designer Zoë Feldman joins the show to discuss her new venture, Demi, for tackling smaller projects. This episode is sponsored by Jaipur Living and Hector Finch.LINKSBusiness of Home

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ben Pentreath does it all
In an era when most designers pick a niche, Ben Pentreath is a proud generalist—his work spans everything from housing developments to private homes to a quirky retail operation, Pentreath & Hall. One of his most well-known projects is not a house but an entire village—Poundbury, a planned community in England championed by King Charles. However, Pentreath’s work for private clients is also highly celebrated, and he’s a regular on industry best-of lists. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about the personal tragedy that prompted him to develop a succession plan, why he takes every email inquiry seriously, and why American designers can never quite nail English style.This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Hickory ChairLINKSBen PentreathPentreath & HallDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Jan 30, 2025 • 48min
The Thursday Show: Why succession is so hard for design firms. Plus: Highlights from Las Vegas Market
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including some positive developments in global shipping, an update on the Charles Cohen drama, and a defense of neutral colors. Later, editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen joins the show live from Las Vegas Market to share highlights from show.This episode is sponsored by Kohler and LoloiLINKSBusiness of Home

Jan 27, 2025 • 47min
Masterpieces in wood: The enchanting world of Féau Boiseries
With a history stretching back to 1875, French workshop Féau Boiseries is internationally recognized for its expertise in decorative wood paneling, whether it’s an antique from the time of Napoleon or a meticulously crafted reproduction. In the company’s showroom in the heart of Paris, host Dennis Scully speaks with owner Guillaume Féau about why French artisanship is so prized, the intriguing international market for antique paneling, and why he’s bringing Féau Boiseries to New York City. This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Ethan AllenLINKSFéau BoiseriesDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Thursday Show: What happened in Paris? Plus: Heimtextil highlights
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including the latest on the TikTok ban, LCDQ’s rebrand, and the future of home fragrances. Later, BOH managing editor Haley Chouinard joins the show to share highlights from Heimtextil, and editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen recaps Paris Déco Off.This episode is sponsored by Kohler and LoloiL.A. WILDFIRE RELIEF The Soft Landing ProjectLA Can DoWorld Central KitchenLINKSBusiness of Home

Jan 20, 2025 • 45min
Rita Konig knows what clients really want
The last time she was on the podcast, interior designer Rita Konig talked about her upbringing in England, and her early career as a design columnist. Two years later, and Konig’s profile has already grown considerably—she’s now a regular on the AD100, her Create Academy course remains as popular as ever, and last year she was honored as House & Garden’s interior designer of the year. On this episode of the podcast, Konig speaks with host Dennis Scully about why she’s opening up an office in America, what’s behind the recent rise of British style, and what clients really want in a world where expensive things are increasingly common.This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Ethan AllenLINKSRita KonigDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Jan 16, 2025 • 60min
The Thursday Show: Peter Dunham on the LA wildfires and what comes next. Plus: Material Bank debuts its long-rumored consumer site
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including the acquisition of Floyd, mortgage rates on the rise, and a big debut from Material Bank. Later, designer and showroom owner Peter Dunham discusses the devastation of the Los Angeles wildfires and what they might mean for the design community there.This episode is sponsored by Kohler and LoloiL.A. WILDFIRE RELIEF The Soft Landing ProjectLA Can DoWorld Central KitchenLINKSPeter DunhamBusiness of Home

Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 7min
Jill Cohen on remaking Luxe and the state of design media today
In her years as a publishing consultant, Jill Cohen was the force behind some of the industry’s best design books. Last year, she shifted over to the magazine world, taking the top job at Sandow's residential design title, Luxe.Twelve months in, and Jill is making Luxe her own with a major redesign. On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about learning to break the magazine’s unspoken rules; her thoughts on what is and isn’t working in design media; and why she wants Luxe to be practical, productive and beautiful. This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Ethan AllenLINKSLuxeDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Jan 9, 2025 • 54min
The Thursday Show: Jonathan Adler's quest for 'more, more, more.' Plus: A Burke Decor update
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including an update on the Burke Decor drama, bankruptcy for The Container Store, and a flurry of M&A deals to kick off the new year. Later, Jonathan Adler joins the show to discuss his company's recent acquisition by Consortium Brand Partners. This episode is sponsored by Kohler and LoloiLINKSJonathan AdlerBusiness of Home