Business of Home Podcast Summary

Title: The Thursday Show: Rue Editorial Director Kelli Lamb on Rebuilding After the LA Wildfires. Plus: Burke Decor Goes Dark
Host: Dennis Scully
Guest: Kelly Lamb, Editorial Director of Rue Magazine
Release Date: April 24, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Business of Home Podcast, host Dennis Scully welcomes executive editor Fred Nicholaus to discuss the latest news affecting the interior design community. Topics include the shutdown of Burke Decor, the impact of tariffs on the antiques market, and the rising demand for high-end panic rooms and bunkers. The episode also features an in-depth interview with Kelly Lamb, the Editorial Director of Rue Magazine, who shares her personal experience rebuilding after losing her home in the LA wildfires.

News Segment

Burke Decor Shuts Down

Fred Nicholaus provides a comprehensive overview of Burke Decor's closure. Founded in 2008 by Erin Burke, the Ohio-based e-commerce retailer faced numerous challenges leading to its downfall.

• Key Points:

  • Initial success as a dropshipping company with a curated selection of renowned brands.
  • In 2023, the company began experiencing significant operational issues, including failure to deliver products and issue refunds.
  • Legal troubles escalated with lawsuits from major lenders and FedEx, culminating in Erin Burke's personal bankruptcy.
  • The company ceased operations last week amidst ongoing financial and legal struggles.

• Notable Quote:

  “There's no good, graceful way to go out of business. But certainly, Berk Decor did not exemplify best practices in dealing with a very distressed situation.” – Fred Nicholaus [06:32]

Impact of Tariffs on the Antiques Market

The discussion shifts to the potential easing of tariffs on Chinese imports and its mixed implications for the home industry.

• Key Points:

  • Optimism about tariffs potentially being reduced by the White House, but uncertainty remains.
  • US Vintage could benefit from tariff-free status, potentially increasing demand for antiques and vintage furniture.
  • However, tariffs now also apply to imported antiques, complicating the market for those sourcing from Europe.

• Notable Quotes:

  “It's hour by hour, minute by minute. It is really just the talk of the industry.” – Fred Nicholaus [13:40]

  “There's something about seeing your project in... having a copy of it in your office... There's little for a designer that's more exciting than that.” – Dennis Scully [22:29]

Booming Demand for Panic Rooms and Bunkers

Coralie Kraft’s New York Times article highlights the surge in demand for luxurious panic rooms and bunkers, driven by a growing number of Americans preparing for potential disasters.

• Key Points:

  • A third of American adults have invested $11 billion in doomsday prepping over the past year.
  • These panic rooms are becoming more accessible, moving beyond elite clientele to the general public.
  • Multifunctional uses beyond doomsday scenarios, such as safe rooms for fires or tornadoes, are increasing their appeal.

• Notable Quote:

  “I do think that that's indicative of all kinds of depressing things about the breakdowns in society and our divisions in this country.” – Fred Nicholaus [30:20]

Interview with Kelly Lamb: Rebuilding After the LA Wildfires

Guest: Kelly Lamb, Editorial Director of Rue Magazine
Topic: Personal and Professional Rebuilding Post-Wildfires

Background and Career at Rue Magazine

Kelly Lamb shares her journey with Rue Magazine, detailing her transition from an online-only platform to a print publication in partnership with Danny SEO and Barry Rosenbloom.

• Key Points:
  • Joined Rue in 2012, eventually leading the shift to print in 2021.
  • Emphasizes creating a welcoming and diverse publication that reflects a variety of styles and regions across North America.
  • Highlights the importance of personal connection and storytelling in design media.

Personal Tragedy: LA Wildfires

Kelly recounts the harrowing experience of losing her Spanish Revival home in Altadena to the Eaton Fire on January 7th.

• Key Points:

  • Despite being in an urban area, the wildfire devastated her neighborhood, obliterating her home and valuable personal and artistic belongings.
  • Describes the emotional toll, including PTSD and grief over the loss of her husband's artwork and personal items.
  • Details the immediate response, including the difficult decision to relocate to McCall, Idaho, for safety and healing.
  • Discusses the challenges of rebuilding amid rising costs exacerbated by tariffs and unclear insurance provisions.

• Notable Quotes:

  “I have to hold onto that optimism and hold on to what I love about home and know that I can create it again.” – Kelly Lamb [56:21]

  “We can at least kind of ground in that [the magazine].” – Kelly Lamb [50:16]

Impact on Editorial Perspective

The tragedy has deepened Kelly's understanding of home, emphasizing spaces that reflect personal stories and resilience.

• Key Points:
  • A shift towards highlighting spaces with soul and personality rather than solely on-trend designs.
  • Focus on homes that tell a story, fostering a sense of curiosity and personal connection among readers.
  • Strives to convey optimism and the enduring meaning of home through Rue Magazine.

Closing Remarks

Dennis and Fred conclude the episode by highlighting industry developments:

• Substack's Growing Influence:

  • Kelly Wearstler and Laura Riley are among notable figures leveraging Substack for publishing home-related content.
  • Fred encourages listeners to explore Substack as a burgeoning platform for designers and creatives.

• Upcoming Events:

  • Dennis mentions the upcoming Ticking Tent event in New Preston, Connecticut, noting high ticket demand.
  • Highlights Mikel Welsh's participation in a video series with Veranda magazine, focusing on rebuilding after wildfires.

• Notable Quote:

  “There's nothing better than having a magazine that you haven't cracked open yet.” – Kelly Lamb [37:26]

Key Takeaways

• Burke Decor's Shutdown: A cautionary tale of the volatility in e-commerce within the home design sector, emphasizing the importance of sustainable business practices and effective crisis management.

• Tariffs and Market Dynamics: The potential easing of tariffs presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly for vintage and antique dealers, while heavily impacting imported goods from China.

• Rising Demand for Safety Features: The increasing interest in panic rooms and bunkers reflects broader societal anxieties, yet also offers innovative opportunities for designers to create functional and luxurious safety spaces.

• Personal Resilience in Design Leadership: Kelly Lamb's experience underscores the profound personal and professional challenges faced by individuals in the design industry, highlighting the intersection of personal tragedy and industry leadership.

• Evolving Media Landscape: The shift from traditional print to digital and self-publishing platforms like Substack signifies a transformative period for design media, empowering designers to take control of their narratives.

Conclusion

This episode of the Business of Home Podcast provides a multifaceted exploration of current challenges and trends in the interior design community. Through insightful discussions and personal narratives, Dennis Scully and his guests offer valuable perspectives on navigating business closures, market shifts due to international trade policies, and the emotional journey of rebuilding after disaster. Kelly Lamb's story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required both personally and professionally within the design industry.

Listen to the full episode on Business of Home Podcast