

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 24, 2025 • 1h 16min
Stephanie Sabbe keeps it real
Based in Nashville, Stephanie Sabbe is a celebrated interior designer, and the owner of the home goods shop Heirloom Artifacts. But on top of the artful homes she crafts for clients, Sabbe is beloved by the design industry for her humor and her truthtelling—most of which are done on her must-follow Instagram account. Now she’s bringing her unique voice to a new book, Interiors of a Storyteller. On this episode of the podcast Sabbe speaks with host Dennis Scully about why the book is really a memoir dressed up as a design monograph, how runaway costs are changing the industry, and why a dollhouse posted to social media got her more clients than projects in magazines.This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Hickory ChairLINKSSabbe Interior DesignInteriors of a StorytellerDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Thursday Show: Are designers feeling good about 2025? Plus: Loloi's new brand
Host Dennis Scully and BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus discuss the biggest news in the design world, including Houzz’s State of the Industry report, all the latest hires, and how designers feel about "dopamine decor." Later, Cyrus Loloi joins the show to discuss the thinking behind the launch of Loloi's new DTC sister brand, Joon Loloi.This episode is sponsored by Jaipur Living and Hector Finch.LINKSJoon LoloiBusiness of Home

Feb 17, 2025 • 51min
A to-the-trade approach to DTC sofas: How Benchmade Modern breaks the rules
Like many direct-to-consumer companies, Benchmade Modern takes out ads on Instagram and sells its sofas online. But unlike most of its competitors, the company is based out of a US manufacturing group—Artisant Lane, the owner of Lee Industries and American Leather. President Dan Campbell is also an unlikely DTC leader—he’s not a silicon valley entrepreneur, but a 17-year veteran of Holly Hunt. On this episode of the podcast, Campbell speaks with host Dennis Scully about how the lessons he learned from the trade apply to the direct-to-consumer world, why gray sofas are over, and why customers care more about design than lead times.This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Hickory ChairLINKSBenchmade ModernDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Thursday Show: What makes for a good trade program? Plus: The mood in home retail
BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus and host Dennis Scully discuss the biggest news in the industry, including the latest round of Trump tariffs, the microtrends that are here to stay, and what designers really want from trade programs. Later, columnist Warren Shoulberg joins the show to discuss the mood in home retail. This episode is sponsored by Jaipur Living and Hector Finch.LINKSBusiness of Home

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


