Business of Home Podcast Summary

Title: The Thursday Show: Who gets to call themselves a designer? Plus: Why Elizabeth Ralls bought Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
Host: Dennis Scully
Release Date: December 12, 2024

Introduction and Overview

In this episode of the Business of Home Podcast, host Dennis Scully engages with Fred Nicholas, the publication's executive editor, to delve into pressing topics within the interior design community. The discussion navigates through significant industry news, including the looming TikTok ban, Architectural Digest's AD100 list, the rise of direct-to-consumer brands, and the enduring debate over the titles "designer" versus "decorator." The episode culminates with an insightful interview with Elizabeth Rawls, the new owner of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

TikTok Ban and Its Impact on Designers

Fred Nicholas (03:31) outlines the context of the potential TikTok ban, explaining that President Biden's recent legislation mandates TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a nationwide prohibition by January 19. The discussion highlights concerns over national security and the app's influence on American public consciousness.

Fred: "TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a company based in China... there's a lot of concern essentially just that the Chinese Communist Party is unduly involved in TikTok, and TikTok is unduly involved in American public consciousness." (04:10)

Dennis Scully (06:21) reflects on the platform's growing significance in the design community, noting its role as a crucial space for emerging designers to build audiences and secure licensing deals.

Fred: "I feel like every month or even every day that goes by, I feel like TikTok matters more and more for designers... It is the platform of choice for the rising generation." (06:58)

The conversation underscores the uncertainty the ban poses for designers relying on TikTok for exposure and business growth, emphasizing the platform's integral role despite ongoing debates about its future.

AD100 List: Evolution and Implications

Fred Nicholas (09:37) shares his impressions of the latest AD100 list by Architectural Digest, noting a shift towards younger, less familiar names and a fresh aesthetic.

Fred: "I was struck by the degree to which I'd never heard of these people. They felt like really fresh, cool faces." (09:37)

Dennis Scully (10:05) concurs, pondering whether the expanded list signifies an evolution in design processes and styles, potentially introducing innovative directions within the industry.

Fred: "I think it would be wrong to assume that just because TikTok... that shift is happening one way or the other, and I think it's just a reality that we're all going to confront..." (08:27)

The hosts discuss the AD100's relevance today, debating its impact on both established and emerging designers and contemplating the influence of associated directories like the AD Approved Directory.

Liloi's Direct-to-Consumer Venture: June Liloi

Fred Nicholas (14:57) introduces Liloi's ambitious launch of June Liloi, a direct-to-consumer brand offering over 3,000 SKUs spanning furniture, lighting, decor, art, and rugs.

Fred: "This is the first time that they're going direct to consumers. It's a big collection, 3,000 SKUs. That is a lot." (15:09)

Dennis Scully (16:03) speculates on Liloi's motivations, suggesting a desire to expand brand reach and reduce reliance on wholesale channels, paralleling similar moves in the industry.

Fred: "This is a very big push. It clearly really do believe in this model, and it'll be interesting to see how it's received..." (16:45)

The segment explores the challenges and potential successes of transitioning from a wholesale to a direct-to-consumer model, highlighting the strategic importance of brand recognition and diversified distribution.

New Media Ventures in Design: Kelly Wearstler and Others

Fred Nicholas (21:10) discusses prominent designers embracing new media platforms. Notably, Kelly Wearstler launched a Substack newsletter, while Joanna Gaines debuted a Masterclass, and Bunny Williams unveiled a video series on Create Academy.

Fred: "Kelly's letter. 'Worst of the World.' ... once Kelly's on board, I mean, it's over." (21:38)

Dennis Scully (22:58) appreciates how these ventures allow designers to connect more directly and authentically with their audiences, fostering deeper engagement and showcasing their expertise.

Fred: "These are very much modern platforms that reward a deep dive... it's less about single articles and more about comprehensive content." (26:17)

The conversation highlights the shift from traditional media to personalized, content-rich platforms, enabling designers to share in-depth insights and build loyal followings.

Designer vs Decorator Debate

One of the episode's central themes is the ongoing debate over who has the right to title themselves a "designer" versus a "decorator." Fred Nicholas (28:26) introduces the topic, reflecting on historical context and the evolution of the terminology within the industry.

Fred: "The shift from decorator to designer was sort of meant to convey, hey, this is a real profession... It's about professionalism and not just aesthetic choices." (31:12)

Dennis Scully (32:09) shares insights from industry professionals who defend the distinction based on education and certifications, while others argue that clients remain indifferent to the titles.

Fred: "There's no law that says you have to have a degree to call yourself an interior designer... but the public generally accepts interior designer as the standard term." (33:49)

The discussion emphasizes the need for mutual respect within the industry, advocating for recognition of both roles' valuable contributions without fostering divisiveness.

Interview with Elizabeth Rawls: Acquisition of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

In an exclusive interview, Elizabeth Rawls (37:26) discusses her acquisition of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, outlining her extensive tenure with the publication and her vision for its future.

Elizabeth Rawls: "I have a lot of sweat equity in the business... bringing in more personnel was key to setting myself up for success." (38:48)

Dennis Scully (40:45) prompts Rawls to elaborate on the publication's history, its evolution, and her strategies to enhance community engagement through live events like Designer Show Houses.

Elizabeth: "Our mission is to inspire and educate through content and events. These show houses serve as pop-up showrooms and networking opportunities for our clients." (50:27)

Rawls highlights the importance of maintaining a hyper-local focus while adapting to modern challenges, such as integrating AI and expanding digital offerings. She expresses optimism about Atlanta's dynamic real estate market and the publication's role in connecting consumers with bespoke design solutions.

Elizabeth Rawls: "In 2025, people are looking to us to source specific design needs... our live events bridge the gap between content and community engagement." (47:11)

The interview underscores Rawls' commitment to preserving the magazine's legacy while steering it towards innovative growth and deeper community integration.

Industry Highlights: Pantone's Color of the Year and Creative Directors

In the closing segment, Fred Nicholas (59:44) comments on Pantone's announcement of "Mocha Moose" as the Color of the Year, reflecting on its prevalence in current home designs despite mixed personal opinions.

Fred: "Pantone's Color of the Year is Mocha Moose... it's interesting to see them put a stamp on it, even if the name makes me hungry." (60:55)

Dennis Scully (61:13) relates this trend to past industry discussions, noting designers' predilections for rich brown tones as expressions of wealth and comfort.

Additionally, Dennis shares his admiration for Joanna Cornak, the creative director at Holly Hunt, emphasizing the scarcity and impact of visible creative directors in the design industry.

Dennis: "Joanna Cornak is a spectacular creative director... it's always worth seeing what she's done." (61:15)

Fred: "It's strange that our industry doesn't have as many visible creative directors as fashion, but they exist and deserve more attention." (62:52)

The episode concludes by celebrating influential figures who shape design aesthetics and advocating for greater recognition of creative leadership within the industry.

Conclusion

This episode of the Business of Home Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of current trends, challenges, and debates in the interior design world. From the implications of a potential TikTok ban and the evolving AD100 list to the strategic launch of direct-to-consumer brands and the nuanced "designer vs decorator" discourse, Dennis Scully and Fred Nicholas provide valuable insights. The in-depth conversation with Elizabeth Rawls further enriches the discussion, highlighting leadership transitions and the importance of community engagement in regional publications. Industry highlights round out the episode, celebrating influential contributors and emerging trends shaping the future of design.

Notable Quotes:

• Fred Nicholas (04:10): "TikTok is owned by ByteDance... there's a lot of concern essentially just that the Chinese Communist Party is unduly involved in TikTok..."

• Dennis Scully (06:21): "I do think it's an increasingly significant platform in our industry."

• Fred Nicholas (09:37): "They felt like really fresh, cool faces."

• Elizabeth Rawls (38:48): "I had to set myself up for success to be able to take over this magazine and still be with my family."

• Fred Nicholas (31:12): "The shift from decorator to designer was sort of meant to convey... professionalism."

• Elizabeth Rawls (50:27): "These show houses serve as pop-up showrooms and networking opportunities."

• Fred Nicholas (60:55): "Pantone's Color of the Year is Mocha Moose... it's interesting to see them put a stamp on it."

• Dennis Scully (62:52): "It's strange that our industry doesn't have as many visible creative directors as fashion."

For More Information:

Explore more insights, browse job listings, or partake in workshops by visiting businessofhome.com. To connect with the show, email us@podcastbusinessofhome.com.