Affordable Interior Design presents Big Design, Small Budget

Betsy talks about kitchen designs, and gives another update about her recent move!

Betsy answers listener questions on curtains, TV stands, and gives updates on her recent move!

I am joined again by a very special and meaningful guest, Thom Filicia. Not only is he the top designer and founder of Thom Filicia Incorporated, but he is the entire reason I am a designer today. So let's dive into part two of my conversation with him on the evolution of design. If you have missed last week's episode on Thom's background, how his love of interior design began, and the most difficult part about being a new designer for him, then you will want to go back to part one of this conversation.  This episode, we discuss… [1:41] What it means to be an innovator in the design space right now [9:04] Evolution of design to include more everyday types of people [12:26] What Thom is most excited about in design right now [14:13] Stepping into the client role as a designer when designing for yourself   Connect with Thom: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest   Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

I'm excited to be with you this week as I am joined by a very special and meaningful guest, Thom Filicia. He is known for his role as an expert designer on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy TV show and is the top designer and founder of Thom Filicia Incorporated. He is the entire reason I am a designer today. Let's take a look at his take on internships in the design space, what led him to become an interior designer, and one of the most discouraging parts of being a new designer. This episode, we discuss… [3:30] Thom's beliefs about the power of internships in the design space [6:46] A glimpse into Thom's origin story as a designer [14:02] How his love of architecture turned into a passion for interior design [23:43] The most difficult part about being a new designer Connect with Thom: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest   Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

This is one of the last recordings in my current house because we are moving to the new Connecticut house very soon. To keep with my relationship analogy - I am breaking up with what I thought was my forever love and am about to get married to somebody amazing in Connecticut.  I'm starting to really appreciate all the things I took for granted about this current home, like the panoramic view of the Hudson Valley right in front of me as I record podcasts. I am very excited to get to our new home in Connecticut, but I am definitely going to miss this place. So to distract myself from the sadness, I am digging into the mailbag to answer some of your questions. This episode, we discuss… [2:50] Whole house renovation from standard Spanish-style to clean and hygge (Dina) [16:35] Decorating a bedroom with an odd door swing  (Alison) Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign Uploft Interior Design Academy: https://www.uploftinteriordesignacademy.com/ 

I am joined today by special guest Courtney Clark, an Uploft Interior Design Academy student. She has been on the podcast before to share her personal story, from being interested in interior design to enrolling in the academy and now working for herself and taking on clients. Since I get asked so much by prospective students about what an actual coaching session entails, Courtney has graciously agreed to help me give you a snapshot of what these look like inside the Uploft Interior Design Academy for our students. This episode, we discuss… [3:54] Bringing the suitable artwork into an open floor plan to create a more intimate feel [13:00] Guidelines for incorporating molding into an open floor plan design [20:06] The most significant challenges being faced as a new business owner [28:06] Following up with clients after the initial presentation to finalize selections [33:27] Supply chain issues and how to articulate that to clients [38:14] Letting go of the need for approval and finding fulfillment in your interior design path Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign   Uploft Interior Design Academy: https://www.uploftinteriordesignacademy.com/ 

Two special guests that you may already know are joining me today, Kelly Wilkniss and Anita Joyce, from Decorating Tips and Tricks Podcast. I love their podcast, and the information they share is so harmonious with what I share with you. With this being such a natural connection, it was a no-brainer for me to have them on the show to share about themselves and give some of their favorite tips and tricks for decorating. This episode, we discuss… [2:07] Kelly and Anita share their lives before design + how they go into interior design [6:16] Creating a more personal connection with podcasting + how they co-host together [12:44] Using photographs to capture a different view and the evolution of a space [14:59] The three crucial lighting sources you need for each room [18:24] Artwork sizing for the focal point of a room [22:53] Leave room for negative space instead of cluttering things up [25:38] Limiting your color palette to just a few cohesive colors [27:06] Create a sense of flow from room to room [32:17] Avoid the trendy designs you see all over the place online [37:28] Finding your style and aiming for a collected look that resonates with you Connect with Kelly + Anita: Decorating Tips and Tricks Podcast + Website Kelly's Website Kelly's Instagram Kelly's Youtube Channel Anita's Website Anita's Instagram Anita's Facebook Anita's Pinterest   Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

I'm joined again for the third week by special guest Paulina DuPain, a fellow designer at Affordable Interior Design by Uploft. She has an extensive background in the interior design industry before coming to the firm seven years ago. She is the perfect person to help answer all of your business questions. If you are wondering who Paulina is, check out Part 1 of this series to learn more about her background.    Last week, we talked about creating an apartment space that not only felt cohesive but distinct as well, item sourcing issues, how to deal with upset clients because of those issues, and so much more. Be sure to listen to parts 1 and 2 before diving into this week's episode with more questions from the mailbag about the business side of interior design.   This episode, we discuss… [2:10] Sticking to a client's budget when designing (Lisa) [6:01] Having bad experiences with sourcing companies and ways to avoid that (Francis)  [9:00] How to become an interior designer and find confidence (Virginia) [17:42] Finding more clients to consistently have something to work on (Susie) [24:30] Learning to design in a style outside of your comfort zone (Renee) Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

I'm joined again this week by special guest Paulina DuPain, who is a designer at Affordable Interior Design by Uploft. She has been on previous podcast episodes before, and I knew her insight on the business side of interior design would help answer some more of your questions this week for part 2 of this series on the Business of Interior Design.   Last week, we talked about the rewards and challenges of the interior design industry, setting boundaries with clients, and so much more. Be sure to listen to that episode before diving into this week's episode with more questions from the mailbag about the business side of interior design.   This episode, we discuss… [2:15] Creating an apartment space that feels distinct yet cohesive (Francis) [7:01] How to deal with clients that are upset with item sourcing issues (Chan) [12:07] Pushing the paint color boundary with clients and what colors to stay away from (Jim) [19:51] Day-to-day life as an interior designer and typical schedule (Rachel) Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign  

This week I'm joined by special guest Paulina DuPain, who has been on previous episodes of the podcast.  She has been in several different aspects of interior design in her career of over 10 years, so I thought she would be the perfect person to answer some of your questions with me about the business side of interior design. This episode, we discuss… [2:03] Paulina's background in interior design [3:50] The most challenging and rewarding parts of the interior design industry (Millicent) [12:31] Working on boundaries and setting them with clients (Wendy) [16:00] Getting your clients on board with your vision (Sarilou) [19:20] Advice for those who dream of pursuing interior design (Pam) Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

It's officially official now - I'm engaged, and the contract has been signed on the beautiful Connecticut house with 15 acres! My husband has now finally seen it and thinks that it is spectacular. The place definitely ticks all the boxes, but now I'm in this phase where I have cold feet. Did we make the right decision, or am I suffering from a typical case of ‘house fomo'? I'm trying to squash those thoughts, especially by getting rid of all communication with real estate agents in both areas we were looking to buy and getting rid of notifications about new listings online. I am avoiding buyer's remorse at all costs, and things are starting to get exciting now!   However, I am a bit nervous because we closed on our current house on June 25th and move into our new home on August 17th. That leaves us with a considerable gap, and I can solve that problem, except there is one bigger issue. I have fully designed the new space, taken measurements, and have everything listed out, but nowhere to ship items. I'm in limbo between both spaces for now, so let's jump into answering some of our questions from the mailbag. This episode, I answer questions about… [6:39] Narrowing down a new style for a hallway (Nicola)  [17:27] Recent move into a rental home space that needs more style (Erin) To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

In this episode, Betsy sits down with Andy Cerrone to help you learn about your land. 

  I'm officially engaged to the lovely house from Connecticut with 15 acres! The caveat is that we don't have a date yet, so I don't know when to break up with my current partner - or house, that is; even though we've sold the house, things are still up in the air for now.    The beautiful dream house is everything I could have asked for. I can't believe we got it after looking for a year and a half and losing no less than six places with astronomical bids. Again, I can't believe we've got a home, but there's a catch. We made the offer with no contingencies and no inspection. After having the inspector show up as my cousin for my second visit to the house, he said the house looked phenomenal. So the offer has been accepted, and we have signed the paperwork, but we are waiting for the current homeowners to sign the contract. What an exhausting process this has been. In the meantime, let's dive into some of your fabulous questions from the mailbag before all the noises of my neighbors' leafblower, and jackhammer begin again! This episode, I answer questions about… [5:42] New layout for a living room that was once a dining room (Alicia)  [18:15] Flooring decisions for a kitchen and dining room (Ranae)  To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

Betsy answers all of your burning design questions! 

If you have been following along on my house hunting journey, then you know what I mean when I say that I have a new online boyfriend and just had my first date. That's a house, of course. It's this beautiful yellow house with teal shutters and a cottage in the backyard in the Connecticut area. I'm obsessed! I wasn't allowed to go see this house for two weeks, but I have finally been able to take a look inside. We just got over covid, and with it being Memorial Day weekend, I decided to pack up the kids to hike a nature trail right by the beautiful yellow house to take a peek at it. My boyfriend looked amazing, but the catch is that we couldn't look at one room inside the house. No one is allowed to look until it is sold. Who knows what I'm getting into with this whole online dating thing, but I'm planning to put an offer in on it tomorrow even though my husband hasn't seen it yet. That's just how I roll! To help keep my mind off of my new boyfriend, let's answer some of the questions you've sent me in the mailbag.   This episode, I answer questions about… [8:20] Finishing a basement with shelving or decorative paneling (Brenda)  [14:49] Creating a cozy open concept space to piece everything together (Justine)  To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

As you know, the mailbag is running a bit low so as I wait for it to be refilled, I still wanted to make sure to get out an episode for you. This episode is going to be a bit of a design TMI. I am currently working on a handful of projects so I'm going to share with you what I'm working on wit clients and challenges I'm having along the way.  If you're watching this on YouTube, you may notice that I'm looking down a little bit and that's because I'm referencing my client questionnaires to make sure that I'm remembering things correctly.  This episode, we dive into: [3:12] Restaining floors in a large apartment  [12:10] Completely overhauling a fixer upper  [16:40] Designing an eat in kitchen nook  To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

  You might be wondering why my episodes have been a little all over the place this month. That's because of two reasons. One, after this episode, I am officially out of questions as the mailbag is now empty so make sure to go submit your burning questions over at affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast. The second reason that my episodes haven't been consistent is because well, life has been pretty chaotic lately. We have been house hunting like crazy and coming up empty. Both my daughter and husband also caught COVID within the last two weeks so my son and I booked a hotel room for a week because with my line of work, I cannot afford to get sick. Both of them recovered and were feeling great then we had a death in the family and my husband flew to LA to attend the funeral. Once in LA, he started feeling sick again and turns out COVID struck again. I appreciate you sticking with me while I release episodes on an irregular schedule.    This episode, I answer questions about… [6:07] Choosing the best finishes for kitchen cabinets (Bobbyee)  [14:11] Sprucing up a bar area (Michelle)  [21:33] Finding your design style (Heather)  To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

I'm still going through real estate options online, and it's starting to remind me of online dating. As I scroll through pictures, I'm trying to imagine myself in this house. Is this my forever house? Maybe I get a big crush on the house, or I find deal breakers. I'm trying to enjoy the ride, even though it's an emotional roller coaster. Thankfully, you have sent me some questions to distract me from my home search! This episode, I answer questions about... [8:59] Adding color and creating a TV wall in a living room (Heather) [19:38] Making a tiny living room cozy (Veronica) To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages. Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

Betsy answers questions about making a new home feel like a home

April is flying by, and I'm getting ready to go to a conference! I'm grateful to have this opportunity to reconnect with my business friends, and I hope you all are able to get out there as well. I hope you're traveling, meeting up with old friends, and getting re-energized with new ideas. I have some new ideas for you today, thanks to the mailbag! This episode, I answer questions about... [5:48] Incorporating a home office into a living space (Andy) [14:40] Art placement and sizing in a large room (Jennifer) To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages. Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

Affordable Interior Design is hiring a Design Business Manager.  Are you or someone you know the right fit? Apply today at https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/careers

Today we're celebrating 7 years of podcasting! I have done well over 300 episodes including bonus episodes, I have an amazing tribe of premium members, and I have all of you devoted listeners. I'm so grateful for you all providing me with so much inspiration via your questions, pictures, and scenarios. It never gets boring for me, and I hope it never gets boring for you either! If you want to get me a gift for this anniversary, I would love it if you would leave a review wherever you listen to this podcast. Another way to show some love would be to become a premium member. Premium members not only get access to a bonus episode just for them every month, but they also have their own mailbag where they can write in and get their questions answered quickly. In addition, they have access to the archives of all past premium episodes. If you need more episodes to listen to, go premium! This episode, I answer questions about... [6:26] Incorporating sculptures and paintings into interior design (Sarah) [14:00] Natural rugs and materials for families with young children (Bailey) [17:39] Statement chandeliers (Betty) To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages. Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

I shared last week that we sold our house, and we sold for well over the asking price! As a designer, not only have I had amazing home stagers on the podcast but I also study staging a little bit. I dabble, but it is definitely a different skill set than designing. In The Academy, we have an amazing and very successful stager: Ashley Tapley of House Candy Home. She is based in California, but after a one hour Zoom session with her I am convinced that working with her is the reason we got top dollar in one weekend. If you're looking to sell, definitely look into House Candy Home!   Before getting into the mailbag, I share a few tips about staging a home: [5:36] Clear out your refrigerator and freezer [7:02] Refresh your pillows [8:01] Incorporate plants [9:22] Make it smell good - without trying too hard   This episode, I answer questions about... [12:21] Renovating a house you intend to sell within five years (Kimberlee) [16:16] Blending a love of color with a cabin aesthetic (Jennifer)   To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign  

April is upon us, and Spring is here at long last. We recently sold our house, and we're all having mixed feelings about it. My husband and I are thrilled with the amount we got, but I'm feeling nervous because we don't know where we're going next. We're giving up not just a house, but truly a member of our family. When I design homes for anyone, I want them to become more aligned with their home and to fall more in love with it. I want them to feel a sense of ownership and pride over their space. When I design my own spaces, I want each member of the family to truly feel represented by the design and functionality. I know we are going to feel even more excited about the next space, but there is a massive leap of faith involved with selling your house at the height of the market. I am very hopeful, however, that we will find the perfect place for us before we are displaced in July. This episode, I answer questions about... [4:31] A sideboard or buffet to store china in a formal dining room (Melissa) [11:45] Rugs in the dining room (Bailey) [16:35] A living room before and after (Ranae) To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages. Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

This week I'm joined by a special guest, Courtney Clark. I love bringing you inspiring stories of people who made a major turn in their lives and decided to pursue their passions in interior design. Courtney is a recent graduate of The Academy and I'm so excited to have her on because I know her story is going to be filled with messages and ideas that will resonate with you. They might even inspire you to start your own journey toward becoming an interior designer! This episode, we discuss… [2:34] Courtney's family and background [3:15] What inspired Courtney to pursue The Academy [7:44] Courtney's experience working for a designer [10:46] Jumping into interior design based on passion [12:23] The foundation of education for an interior design business [18:42] The trajectory of Courtney's interior design career [23:15] The elements of interior design that are lighting Courtney up right now [26:35] Courtney's favorite furnishing in her home Links: Check out The Academy Connect with Courtney:   Website Instagram   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

We finally did it! We decided to take advantage of the real estate bubble and put our house on the market. Not knowing where we are going yet is so discombobulating and distracting. As an interior designer, I need to design my next home. I also need to know what to take as I pack our current home. My heart is aflutter, but I am choosing to surrender and see what opportunities arise. I am going to have faith that the right thing will show up at the right time. I'll let you know when it happens, but in the meantime let me answer your questions! This episode, I answer questions about... [6:28] Investing in a leather couch (Lorri) [17:00] Coordinating curtains in a home with an open concept floor plan (Kirsten) [23:36] Installing Craftsman style door and window frames in a non-Craftsman style home (Monica) To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign  

Change is in the air! We are putting our house on the market, so we have to pretend that nobody lives there - but I do get to style my house every day before I leave. The business is getting a total rebrand, so things are starting to look different there as well. As I'm going through all these changes, I'm getting asked some big questions. It's been a long time since I've gone back to basics here on the podcast. People often ask me how I got started and why I decided to become an interior designer, so I thought I would share those answers here with you all.  This episode, I answer questions about... [3:34] Why I started Affordable Interior Design  [10:54] Why I really became an interior designer (hint: revenge!)   To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

Happy March - and almost spring! The sun is out, the warm weather is coming, and I'm feeling alive. I'm jumping right into the mailbag today, and if you have burning questions please feel free to submit them for some free interior design advice: affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   This episode, I answer questions about... [3:33] Buying window curtains and rods (Sabrina) [11:13] Keeping lighting fixtures cohesive within a transitional minimal style (Bee)   To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

Betsy welcomes the incredible Latoyia Smith

This episode is all about trends: what's going to be in for 2022 and what's going to be out.  You may be wondering why I didn't record this episode in January, but the month totally got away from me. I'm in the middle of a rebrand, I had to move out of my office, and I'm moving out of my house to go, who knows where. There is a lot of transition, but also a lot of reflection. Today I'm sharing upcoming trends, because it's never too late to incorporate trends into your space! I will also be sharing the things I hope go away in 2022, or the things I think are becoming obsolete.   My predicted interior design trends for 2022: [3:02] The pendulum swinging from gray to beige [4:22] Curved furniture [5:26] Carved furniture [6:44] 3D art [8:09] Benjamin Moore's color of the year [8:51] Pantone's color of the year [9:50] Canopy beds   My predictions for what will be out in 2022: [11:31] Gray washed wood [12:20] Open kitchens [13:34] Minimalism [14:38] Black hardware [19:42] Macrame   My mailbag is running low, and I could use some more letters from you all! If you have questions, thoughts, or ideas, please send them along. Fill out the form, and I would be happy to answer your question on an upcoming episode.   To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign  

Betsy answers all of you design questions with a little tough love!

Betsy tackles designing an office for working at home and other questions from this week's listeners!

As we near the end of January, I'm watching the snow and hoping I will be able to travel again sometime soon. In the meantime, I've decided to plan a staycation where I can check into a hotel for two days, order room service, and never leave my space. I'm going to envision the new year, have a virtual dinner with some of my business friends, and take some time to unplug in the safest way possible right now. I hope you're staying safe, and I hope you have things to look forward to as well. I'm so excited that you've continued to write in with lots of delicious questions, so I'm jumping back into the mailbag!   This episode, I answer questions about... [6:43] Placing a dining room table in the middle of a kitchen (Amelia) [15:35] Choosing the size of artwork to hang near a dining room table (Julieane) [19:05] Covering wood paneling (Eric)   To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign  

This week I'm joined by a special guest, Paige from Farmhouse Vernacular. Paige's content centers around a farmhouse she and her husband purchased four years ago, and they have spent the last four years renovating it to look as it might have looked when it was originally built. She has so many tips to share on how to incorporate historic pieces, without making a space look dated.   This episode, we discuss… [2:43] Purchasing antiques and shopping secondhand [5:51] Refurbishing old furniture [14:00] Salvaging fabrics and upholstered furniture [18:08] Taking advantage of deals online [22:40] Haggling on prices [30:20] Buying items at auctions [33:53] How to follow along with Paige's farmhouse renovation   Links:   Connect with Paige:   Website Podcast Instagram YouTube   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

I'm packing up my office this week, and feeling quite sentimental about the space.  I'm also realizing, however, that everything special to me in this space is something I brought with me.  Nothing in the space is intrinsically magical, but it's what I bring and what I feel in the space that makes it magical.  So whether you're downsizing, or moving on from a special space or job or relationship, just know that the magic is in you. This episode, I answer questions about... [7:53] Where to shop for a twin bed (Ranae) [14:02] Colors to compliment existing artwork while freshening a space (Tiffany)   To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

This week I'm joined by a special guest, Maria Failla. You guys know I do not have a green thumb, and while I appreciate plants, I am not a connoisseur.  Maria is a connoisseur, and you may know her from her podcast, Bloom and Grow Radio.  She is here to educate us on how to choose plants, how to place plants, and how to help plants thrive. This episode, we discuss… [3:28] Maria's history with plants [6:24] How to place your plants around a room [10:53] Natural light versus artificial light [16:59] The effect of the home environment on plant care [17:56] Low light plants [21:53] Plant food and fertilizer [26:17] Whether plants can thrive in low to no light [28:10] Fake plants [31:52] Low-maintenance plants [39:18] Fiddle-leaf fig plants [42:39] Plants and interior design Links: Connect with Maria Failla:   Website Podcast Instagram   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

Happy holidays! I hope you're able to relax, and to take some time to reflect on the last year and think about what is upcoming. I'm processing a big change myself, because in two weeks the storefront I've been in and loved for six years will no longer be mine. This is where I've grown my business, and I'm feeling a bit displaced.I've definitely been emotional, and I've been playing Dolly Parton's Hard Candy Christmas on repeat. When you find your little corner of the world where you feel large and in charge, and it's steeped in memories, it can be hard to let go. It's tough to feel uncertain during the holidays, but answering your questions always brings me joy. This episode, I answer questions about... [9:11] Where to purchase large paintings and framed photographs (Stephanie) [15:24] Choosing a color palette for a bathroom remodel (Vanessa) [20:09] Keeping a room cohesive (Diana) [24:56] Updating a kitchen without doing a full remodel (Diana)   To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

I'm so excited to be back with you today, and I am joined by a special guest.  You may know Julie Coraccio from her own podcast, Clear Your Clutter.  She focuses on the holistic aspect of decluttering, including mental, relationships, health, emotional and spiritual decluttering.     This episode, we discuss… [2:43] The difference between a designer and an organizer [5:26] Where to start when working with an organizer [7:31] How to know if you should be hiring a professional organizer [9:34] Determining the timeline for an organization project [11:03] What to look for when hiring a professional organizer [13:27] Sustainable organizing [21:30] Quick tips for kitchen organization [24:26] Quick tips for bathroom organization [26:52] Differences in organization between partners   Links:   Connect with Julie Coraccio:   Website Instagram Facebook Podcast   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

I hope your holiday season is going well! I haven't had a lot of supply issues with gifts, but I'm sort of glad I haven't found the right house yet because the lead times on furniture are so intense right now.  Today I'm digging right  into the mailbag so you can kick off 2022 with confidence and good design. This episode, I answer questions about... [3:27] How to decorate when you can't figure out the architectural statement (Sami) [18:08] Mixing metals with fixtures and hardware (Gonie) To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

Betsy talks about goals, saying what you want out loud, and answers your design questions!

Happy Thanksgiving! Are you supposed to be making cranberry sauce right now? Are you escaping into the bathroom, the closet, or the basement, just to catch your breath and get some alone time? I feel you!  I love having people over, and I love to cook (even though I'm not all that good at it!) but I'm an only child at heart and every now and again, I need my personal space.  So if you need some time to yourself to think about interior design, I have an episode for you! This episode, I answer questions about... [10:19] Making a bedroom feel balanced despite an unbalanced window placement (Carrie) [22:05] Updating a galley kitchen (Cindy) [23:39] Cabinetry [27:56] Crown molding, countertops, backsplash, and hardware [31:26] Lighting over the kitchen sink [31:49] Kitchen sink [32:22] The space between the kitchen and the open concept dining area To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

We're halfway through November. Kids' sports are winding down, and the supply chain issues have forced me to start my holiday shopping early. I also just learned that home goods will be going up in price, so I'm passing this warning on to you: Now is the moment to refresh your home with new furniture and decor. This episode, I answer questions about... [7:24] Decorating a kitchen without the budget for a renovation (Nicola) [11:58] Making a full length piano keyboard look good in a small space (Nicola) [16:21] Designing a combination living room and home office space (Desiree)   To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   [23:59] You can also hear more about how I am licensing my business model for interior designers.  If you want to avoid the school of hard knocks for your own business, head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast to learn more! Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

Want to work with Betsy? She has 3 positions available! Hear the details in this very special episode. 

Happy November!  I hope you're all doing well, staying warm, and are cuddled up by the fire listening to this podcast.  I'm kicking off this episode with a celebration of my recent podcast milestone (300 episodes)! Thank you all so much for being engaged listeners, sending me your questions, and participating in this special community.   I'm also sharing some business updates, and then I'm reaching back into the mailbag.   This episode, I answer questions about... [8:19] Brightening up a house with ‘non-trendy' paint colors (Laura) [16:40] Incorporating adjustable standing desks into home offices (Matthew) [22:05] Differentiating area rugs from wall-to-wall carpeting (Franzi)   To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

Wondering why I'm devoting an episode to LuLaRich?  If you're a regular listener, you know I love true crime and entrepreneurship - these two subjects meet in this docu-series on Amazon Prime.  My friend, Libby Rothschild, joined me to discuss the show and we are both sharing this episode on our respective podcasts.  LuLaRich is fascinating, and you won't want to miss our conversation.   This episode, we discuss… [5:38] Summary of LuLaRich [9:56] Multi-level Marketing (MLMs) [12:53] Creating a movement as a business owner [14:42] Selling products versus recruiting people [18:59] Nepotism in business [23:19] Policies and procedures in business [27:03] Sales and marketing versus management and operations [30:10] Staying true to core values within a business [33:41] Scaling without losing quality [39:14] Prioritizing people over profit [40:23] Pressure for retailers to look a certain way [45:03] Reducing competition and seeing other women succeed [48:50] The haves and the have nots [51:25] Top takeaways   Connect with Libby: Website Podcast Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

  Halloween is coming! I love to dress up, but I also love to accompany my children to the door and make sure they don't take too much candy… while also peeking at other people's decor. I hope you and your families are getting ready to have some fun during this season as well!  This week I'm digging back into the mailbag to answer some design questions.   This episode, I answer questions about... [6:26] Dining room window treatments (Stacey) [13:00] Dining room furniture (Stacey) [17:57] A baffling ceiling situation (Stacey)   To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

Change is in the air… I redecorated the storefront for Fall, and I got to buy some fun new things due to the flood damage.  This month we are also rebranding as Uploft Interior Design!  Don't worry, the podcast will stay as Affordable Interior Design - but it's by Uploft.  I'm really excited about the change, and it's going to allow us to expand and grow.  My life in general is a bit in flux right now, and I'm learning to enjoy the literal and metaphorical changes in seasons.   This episode, I answer questions about... [5:14] The best decor and furniture arrangement for a rectangular space (Stacey) [19:03] Treatment for a small window (Ranae) [24:12] Choosing drapery colors and patterns (Cara) To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

Happy October!  Today I'm sharing something that literally came to me in a dream after the last episode.  I have more to say about what it means to live your best life, and then we will get back to the mail bag.  I'm revising some responses to previous questions, so tune in to hear the tweaks I'm making to past answers. [2:29] Behind the scenes of making your dreams come true This episode, I answer questions about... [9:48] Lighting in an open concept room with eight foot ceilings (Brandi, episode 296) [12:28] How to handle it when you feel disappointed with interior design services (Lydia, episode 295)   To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Have you ever written me a question that you would want me to revisit?  Is there an answer I gave you that just wasn't a fit, or you wound up going in a different direction? I'd love to hear about it! Challenge me, and send your questions to affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast . Links:   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

I'm here with a guest this week! I love having a guest, because they provide inspiration and help me to think about new things in different ways.  While interior design seems like it's just one topic, there are many facets to any industry - and interior design is no different.  Justin Breen and I met through our business group.  We were put into a breakout session on Zoom and we connected right away.  He has some great things to share with you guys about the importance of knowing yourself as a designer and as a business owner. This episode, we discuss… [2:25] Interior designing your mindset [5:30] What entrepreneurs have to overcome [7:07] Staying in your zone of genius [8:25] Making a leap when it seems complex [10:12] Excuses versus motivation [12:05] Making an artistic dream come true [17:03] The Kolbe A Index and what your results mean for your business [23:40] Investing in your business [32:03] The importance of knowing yourself   Links:   Connect with Justin Breen:   www.BrEpicLLC.com www.linkedin.com/in/justinbreen1   Kolbe Assessment:   kolbe.com/kolbe-a-index/   Print Assessment:  https://paulhertzgroup.com   Disc Assessment:  https://thediscpersonalitytest.com   Achiever Assessment:  https://visionsparksearch.com/how-we-help/achiever-assessments/   Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com   Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book   Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign

I'm in a celebratory mood!  September holds a lot of meaning here at Affordable Interior Design.  It's back to school time, and it's also my anniversary.  I celebrated my personal anniversary with my husband of 11 years, and our anniversary happens to be September 11th.  So as a New Yorker, this date has extra meaning.  It was 9/11 that spurred me to become an interior designer. I also celebrated my business anniversary - it's my 16th anniversary of being in business.  I still can't have a big celebration due to the pandemic, so I'm celebrating in a small way.  It's me, my dog, and the podcast listeners.  It's really easy to miss the wins because you're so busy with the to-do list, so thank you for indulging me as I celebrate this win. I also want to celebrate that I get to help you guys by answering your questions. Please send me your questions at affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast .  I'm always excited to help you! This episode, I answer a question about... [14:31] To paint the ceiling, or not to paint the ceiling (Griffin) To see the accompanying pictures, make sure you head over to affordableinteriordesign.com/links and check out the YouTube channel or our social media pages.   Links: Website: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com Book: https://www.betsyhelmuth.com/my-book Become a Premium Member: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Submit Your Questions: https://www.affordableinteriordesign.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordableinteriordesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffIntDesign