Business of Home Podcast: Episode Summary
Host: Dennis Scully
Guest: Fred Nickelhaus, Executive Editor at Business of Home
Episode Title: The Thursday Show: What can designers do when showrooms go dark? Plus: Trump's new tariffs target Europe
Release Date: July 17, 2025
1. Introduction
In this episode of the Business of Home Podcast, host Dennis Scully welcomes back Fred Nickelhaus, the executive editor of Business of Home, to discuss the latest news impacting the interior design community. The episode covers a range of topics, including new tariff threats, the legal troubles of landlord Charles Cohen, challenges designers face when showrooms go dark, and emerging trends in podcasting studios.
2. Tariffs and Trade News
The episode begins with a deep dive into recent trade developments. President Trump has threatened to impose significant tariffs on various countries, set to take effect on August 1:
- 50% tariff on copper
- 30% tariff on goods from the European Union and Mexico
- 50% tariff on Brazilian imports
Fred Nickelhaus [05:08] emphasizes the potential impact of these tariffs:
"Adding 30% on top of what you already pay for Pierre Frey... it will have a huge effect on the design industry."
Dennis Scully [05:55] observes the market's current complacency despite these threats:
"Things are getting more expensive. That's what we can say for now."
The discussion highlights the immediate effects of these tariffs, such as the rise in furniture prices and broader inflationary pressures within the industry. Fred [07:58] notes the sluggish response from the design sector:
"I don't think there's anyone in the industry who can suddenly bring over tons of fabric to make up for that."
Dennis [08:48] adds that inflation is already being felt, evidenced by recent CPI numbers:
"Billions and billions of dollars has actually been collected [from tariffs]."
Both hosts agree that the industry is facing increased costs and uncertainty, with many hoping the tariffs may not fully materialize but recognizing their inevitable impact.
3. Charles Cohen's Legal Troubles
The conversation shifts to the escalating legal issues surrounding Charles Cohen, a prominent landlord in the design industry. His luxury superyacht, Seasense, has been seized by an Italian court, paving the way for foreclosure on his properties, including the prestigious 750 Lexington Avenue.
Fred Nickelhaus [10:45] provides an overview:
"He owns the Decorative Center Houston and has lost properties in Florida, creating a significant impact on the design community."
Dennis Scully [13:15] connects Cohen's troubles to the broader effects of the COVID-19 pandemic:
"Covid wiped out WeWork, which was a huge tenant in his headquarters. He turned out to have been wildly overextended."
The hosts express concern over the future of Cohen’s holdings and the potential ripple effects on the design industry, highlighting how the pandemic exposed underlying financial vulnerabilities.
4. Showroom Challenges: The Case of David Netto
Designer David Netto shared his troubling experience on Instagram regarding a showroom in Los Angeles that failed to deliver his order despite receiving payment. This incident underscores broader issues of financial instability and lack of transparency within the showroom sector.
Fred Nickelhaus [15:14] recounts the situation:
"The showroom had taken his money but didn’t pass it to the manufacturer."
Dennis Scully [17:18] reflects on the persistence of such problems:
"This has always been a problem... there's a need to figure out how to get a better sense of what's really going on for these businesses."
The discussion highlights the perennial nature of these challenges, exacerbated by long lead times and the decline of traditional credit checks. Both hosts stress the importance of vigilance and due diligence to mitigate risks.
5. Podcasting Studios and Interior Design
The hosts explore a trend highlighted by Andrew Zucker in El Decor: the creation of bespoke podcasting studios by interior designers. As podcasts increasingly incorporate video elements for platforms like YouTube, the aesthetic of these studios becomes crucial for personal branding.
Fred Nickelhaus [24:32] comments on the trend:
"There is pressure to do video... it's another way for them to convey personal brand."
Dennis Scully [25:20] humorously responds:
"What I saw in this article, Fred, was a lot of ivory boucle. And I thought, no, no, I will not allow."
Both hosts acknowledge the business opportunities this trend presents while expressing their own reluctance to redesign their studio spaces. They invite listeners to share their experiences and insights on this evolving aspect of interior design.
6. Industry Highlights
In the closing segment, Dennis and Fred share notable updates from the design world:
-
Magazine C: A South Korean publication that dedicates each issue to a single chair, offering an in-depth exploration of its design and significance. Fred [28:37] praises the magazine:
"Magazine C... it's quite a delight."
-
The Bubble House: A uniquely designed townhouse on 71st Street in Manhattan, known for its distinctive plexiglass bubble windows, is now on the market for the first time in over a decade. Fred [28:54] shares personal anecdotes:
"It's informally known as the bubble house... it's a local oddity."
-
Widener Co. Store: Alexander Widener, formerly of Samuel and Sons, has opened Widener Co. Store, an interior shop and guest cottage in Wiscasset, Maine. Dennis [30:47] offers congratulations:
"Huge congratulations to Alexander and his husband... exactly who you want taking care of you in Wiscasset, Maine."
These highlights showcase the diversity and creativity within the interior design community, inspiring designers to explore new ventures and appreciate unique design concepts.
7. Conclusion
Dennis and Fred wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay informed through businessofhome.com and to engage with the community by sharing their experiences and insights. They also tease upcoming content, including a feature on managing design fees and spotlighting innovative design projects.
Notable Quotes:
- Fred Nickelhaus [05:08]: "Adding 30% on top of what you already pay for Pierre Frey... it will have a huge effect on the design industry."
- Dennis Scully [05:55]: "Things are getting more expensive. That's what we can say for now."
- Fred Nickelhaus [10:45]: "He owns the Decorative Center Houston and has lost properties in Florida, creating a significant impact on the design community."
- Dennis Scully [13:15]: "Covid wiped out WeWork, which was a huge tenant in his headquarters. He turned out to have been wildly overextended."
- Fred Nickelhaus [24:32]: "There is pressure to do video... it's another way for them to convey personal brand."
- Fred Nickelhaus [28:37]: "Magazine C... it's quite a delight."
- Fred Nickelhaus [28:54]: "It's informally known as the bubble house... it's a local oddity."
- Dennis Scully [30:47]: "Huge congratulations to Alexander and his husband... exactly who you want taking care of you in Wiscasset, Maine."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing valuable information for listeners who haven’t tuned in.