Summary of "Nick Olson is Proud to Call Himself a Decorator" – Business of Home Podcast

Release Date: March 17, 2025
Host: Dennis Scully
Guest: Nick Olson

Introduction to Nick Olson

In this engaging episode of the Business of Home Podcast, host Dennis Scully welcomes Nick Olson, a seasoned decorator and former protege of design legend Miles Red. Nick Olson has carved a niche in the interior design community by blending classical references with bold colors, playful patterns, and a distinctive sense of wit, making traditional interiors appear fresh, dynamic, and full of personality.

The Catalyst: A Letter to Miles Red [02:42 – 08:43]

Nick Olson recounts a pivotal moment in his career initiated by a heartfelt letter to Miles Red. Fresh out of Columbia University with a Bachelor's in Architecture, Nick found himself at a crossroads, uncertain about pursuing a traditional architectural career. Inspired by an article on Miles Red, Nick decided to reach out despite having little expectation of a response.

Notable Quote:
Miles Red [05:14]:
"I had to like make the font like 10 or 11 point because there was like the fan letter part and then there was like, and a little bit about me that went on for embarrassingly too long just to show kind of like the breadth of my interest."
(Timestamp: 05:14)

To his surprise, Miles responded warmly, leading to an interview that swiftly turned into a job offer. This opportunity marked the beginning of Nick's professional journey in the interior design industry.

Working Under Miles Red: Learning the Ropes [08:43 – 15:38]

Nick describes his initial experiences working for Miles Red, highlighting the fast-paced and efficient nature of Miles's operations. There was no formal training; instead, Nick was thrown into the deep end, learning on the fly by managing urgent projects and maintaining high standards.

Notable Quote:
Miles Red [15:24]:
"Miles worked so quickly and efficiently that there was no kind of sitting down for training. It was like, you will figure this out because we have these XYZ jobs that are ongoing and it's urgent."
(Timestamp: 15:24)

This hands-on approach instilled in Nick a strong work ethic and a keen understanding of both design and business management, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors.

Creating His Own Space: The Apartment Project [15:38 – 22:37]

A significant milestone in Nick's career was decorating his own studio apartment, which became a showcase of his skills and creativity. This project not only allowed him to experiment with his design aesthetic but also caught the attention of Domino Magazine. A housewarming party attendees, including Sarah Ruffin Costello and her husband, the photographer Paul Costello, captured Nick's work on film, leading to his feature on the cover of Domino's November 2006 issue.

Notable Quote:
Miles Red [17:59]:
"It's all thanks to Miles, because I would not have the chutzpah to do that well."
(Timestamp: 17:59)

This exposure significantly boosted Nick's reputation, opening doors to further opportunities such as contributing a column to Domino.

Navigating the Financial Crisis and Launching His Own Firm [22:37 – 31:36]

The 2008 financial crisis posed challenges for the interior design industry and Domino Magazine. Recognizing the uncertain economic landscape, Nick decided to pursue his passion independently. With Miles's support and referrals, Nick launched his own firm, emphasizing lean operations and maintaining low overheads—strategies he learned from Miles.

Notable Quote:
Miles Red [24:51]:
"Keep the overhead low. He would not over invest in, you know, his office space at the time was very inexpensive."
(Timestamp: 24:51)

This prudent approach allowed Nick to sustain and grow his business even amidst economic downturns.

Expanding the Business: Growth and Referrals [27:04 – 36:40]

Starting with small projects and leveraging referrals from Miles and satisfied clients, Nick gradually expanded his portfolio. Early successes included designing high-profile apartments featured in magazines like House Beautiful, which further established his credibility in the industry.

Notable Quote:
Miles Red [29:03]:
"Do you need, if you're prone to hiring a designer or decorator, you're probably gonna hire a decorator."
(Timestamp: 29:03)

Nick emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality and building strong client relationships, which have been essential in his firm's sustained growth.

Decorator vs. Designer: Embracing the Title [31:41 – 41:02]

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the ongoing debate between the titles 'decorator' and 'designer'. Nick proudly identifies as a decorator, valuing the collaborative and hands-on aspects of his work without the constraints of formal design education.

Notable Quote:
Miles Red [32:18]:
"I proudly embrace decorator. I was told decades ago that to be an interior designer, you have to have, like, a license and, you know, a degree."
(Timestamp: 32:18)

Nick asserts that while the titles may carry different connotations, both roles aim to achieve beautiful and functional spaces, and the semantics do not overshadow the shared goals.

Defining His Aesthetic: Blending Tradition with Modernity [41:02 – 55:43]

Nick discusses his personal design aesthetic, which eschews simplistic labels in favor of a more nuanced approach. He incorporates traditional furniture shapes and antiques with modern artwork and contemporary elements, striving to create spaces that are both timeless and current.

Notable Quote:
Miles Red [50:33]:
"I have a brown carpet and I have a brown den at home. I am looking at a brown carpet."
(Timestamp: 50:33)

This eclectic mix allows Nick to tailor each project to the client's preferences while maintaining his unique signature style.

Challenges in the Industry: Pricing and Client Expectations [45:15 – 55:43]

The conversation touches on the rising costs within the interior design industry, including tariffs and material price increases. Nick acknowledges the anxiety these factors cause but remains committed to delivering quality without compromising his design integrity.

Notable Quote:
Miles Red [47:18]:
"Good, fast and cheap. Pick two. You're never gonna get all three."
(Timestamp: 47:18)

He emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations with clients and focusing on delivering value, even as costs fluctuate.

The Role of Social Media and Personal Branding [55:43 – 58:18]

When discussing the prevalence of social media in the design industry, Nick expresses a more reserved approach. While he appreciates its role in marketing, he prefers meaningful engagement over striving for online fame.

Notable Quote:
Miles Red [56:53]:
"I do not really want to look at myself on the camera, believe it or not... If everybody's doing it, then I'm like, well, then why do I have to do it, too?"
(Timestamp: 56:53)

Nick values authentic connections and substantive content over the pressures of maintaining a constant social media presence.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey and Future Aspirations

Throughout the episode, Nick Olson reflects on his journey from an aspiring architect to a successful decorator, highlighting the influences, challenges, and philosophies that have shaped his career. His pride in being a decorator is evident, as he continues to blend traditional and modern elements to create vibrant and personalized spaces for his clients.

Final Notable Quote:
Miles Red [58:18]:
"I am a huge fan of the podcast and everything you do. I'm serious. It's fabulous."
(Timestamp: 58:18)

Nick's story serves as an inspiring testament to following one's passion, the value of mentorship, and the importance of defining one's own path in the ever-evolving interior design landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Mentorship Matters: Nick's relationship with Miles Red was instrumental in his career development, providing guidance and opportunities that shaped his professional trajectory.

• Adaptability and Resilience: Navigating the financial crisis and economic uncertainties required strategic planning and a lean business model, enabling Nick's firm to thrive.

• Embracing Identity: Proudly identifying as a decorator, Nick emphasizes the value of collaborative creativity over rigid titles, fostering a versatile and client-focused approach.

• Balancing Tradition and Innovation: By blending classical elements with modern design, Nick creates unique and dynamic interiors that resonate with diverse client preferences.

• Authentic Engagement Over Social Media Pressure: Prioritizing meaningful interactions and substantive design work over the demands of social media fame ensures sustained professional fulfillment and integrity.

This episode offers valuable insights for interior design professionals and enthusiasts alike, highlighting the significance of mentorship, personal branding, and adaptability in building a successful career.