In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca dive deep into the world of custom and bespoke furnishings and how they can elevate not only your designs but your entire interior design business. They share real-life experiences, lessons learned, and the emotional ups and downs of taking the custom route—from sourcing local artisans to managing the expectations of clients and contractors. They also explore how new AI tools are transforming the way designers visualize and pitch one-of-a-kind pieces.

If you're feeling stuck sourcing from the same retailers or want to push your creative limits, this episode is a must-listen. Rebecca and Shaun break down the practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help you make custom your new standard.

In this episode they discuss:

• How AI tools like ChatGPT can help visualize custom furnishings and win client buy-in
• Why custom might be a necessary pivot in today’s economy and evolving retail landscape
• Challenges with finding local vendors and how to build your dream custom team
• The importance of managing client expectations with custom installs and fittings
• Creative ways to customize ready-made pieces without breaking the bank
• How to structure your pricing when there’s no MSRP for custom work
• Small-scale custom ideas that can elevate your portfolio and client experience
• Strategies to avoid burnout and ensure profitability with time-intensive custom projects

Mentioned:

• Norwalk Custom Upholstery (https://www.norwalkfurniture.com/)
• Villa Lagoon Tile (https://www.villalagoontile.com/)
• Gat Creek Custom Furniture (https://www.gatcreek.com/)
• Jaipur Living Custom Rugs (https://www.jaipurliving.com)
• Fabric Guru (https://www.fabricguru.com/)

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 50% off your first year + a 14-day free trial with Sortly. https://sortly.com/hydc

This week, Shaun and Rebecca are joined by Natalie Papier of Home Ec Op to talk all things color, creativity, and carving your own design path. Natalie shares how her background in fine art has shaped her interiors, how she grew her business organically through Instagram, and the whirlwind of launching multiple product lines, filming a design TV show, and publishing her first book. She opens up about the real-life chaos behind the scenes and the power of staying true to your aesthetic.

In this episode they discuss:

• Natalie's journey from fine artist to interior designer
• Filming Artfully Designed and navigating behind-the-scenes challenges
• How her book Start with the Art came to life and what she learned
• Collaborating with brands like Mitzi and Mitchell Black on product lines
• Balancing client work with content creation and licensing deals
• The importance of boundaries and fit in client relationships
• How she handles unsolicited opinions and the downsides of virality
• Why midlife is actually the best time for creative evolution

In this episode they discuss:

• Rasheeda’s transition from corporate marketing to full-time interior design
• Building a business while juggling a 9-to-5 job and family responsibilities
• Collaborating with her husband to create a design-construction duo
• The significance of community and mentorship in her career growth
• Revising her pricing structure to enhance profitability and cash flow
• Leveraging local television as an effective marketing tool
• Balancing flat-fee and hourly billing to meet creative and business needs
• Preparing for her most significant TV project to date and expanding Gray Space's recognition

Mentioned:

• Home Ec Op Website
• Home Ec Op Instagram
• Natalie’s Wallpaper Collection with Mitchell Black
• Artfully Designed on Discovery +
• Home Ec Collection with Mitzi Lighting
• Natalie’s Book: Start with the Art

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 50% off your first year + a 14-day free trial with Sortly. https://sortly.com/hydc

In this heartfelt and vulnerable episode, Shaun and Rebecca open up about their personal mental health journeys and how those experiences impact their lives as interior designers and creative entrepreneurs. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, they shed light on how common mental health struggles are within the design industry, and how important it is to build a life and business that supports your mind and body.

Together, they share their own stories of burnout, depression, therapy, and medication, while encouraging fellow designers to normalize conversations around emotional well-being. This isn't about quick fixes—it's about real talk, compassion, and taking steps (big or small) toward mental resilience in a creative industry that often demands so much.

In this episode they discuss:

• Why it's important to name and acknowledge your emotional state without shame
• The emotional crash that can follow the adrenaline of busy periods and client work
• Tips for recognizing and responding to situational versus long-term depression
• The benefits of therapy, medication, and consistent mental health check-ins
• How somatic stretching and body awareness can support emotional release
• Drawing boundaries with email, social media, and business energy drains
• The struggle of detaching your identity from your business and client feedback
• Finding healing and connection through your design community and close friends

Mentioned:

• BetterHelp
• TalkSpace
• Psychology Today

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 50% off your first year + a 14-day free trial with Sortly. https://sortly.com/hydc