Affordable Interior Design Presents Big Design, Small Budget

Betsy Helmuth discusses premium membership benefits, shares a personal update, and tackles overheating in New York apartments. She answers listener questions about kitchen design, disguising a keyboard, and living room layout, and warns about upcoming furniture price increases. 0:00 Premium membership benefits 1:17 Introduction by Betsy Helmuth 1:31 Betsy's personal update 2:23 Overheating in New York apartments 5:10 Upcoming furniture price increases 7:31 Listener question from Nicola about kitchen design 12:24 Listener question about disguising a keyboard 16:56 Listener question from Desiree about living room layout 27:12 Closing remarks and upcoming episode information - You don't need a high-end designer or a lot of money to get a luxe look in your home. - Furniture prices are expected to rise by 20% in December, so now is the time to buy. - Adding hardware to cabinets and using peel-and-stick backsplashes can quickly and affordably update a kitchen's look. Additional show notes: Click here to ask Bet

Betsy Helmuth introduces new visual content and announces a YouTube channel launch. She shares social media links and a special midweek update. Betsy also discusses Uploft's expansion, detailing open positions for a sales and business manager, online shopper, and interior designer, encouraging listeners to apply. 0:00 Introduction to new visual content 0:08 Announcement of new YouTube channel 0:37 Social media presence and links 1:18 Special midweek announcement 1:25 Expansion and hiring announcement 1:50 Details on sales and business manager position 2:35 Details on online shopper position 3:41 Details on interior designer position 4:30 Encouragement to apply and closing remarks - Affordable Interior Design now has a YouTube channel where you can see recordings and clips of podcast episodes, enhancing the visual experience of design concepts discussed. - Affordable Interior Design is expanding and hiring for three positions: a remote sales and business manager, a part-time online shopper, and two part-time

Betsy Helmuth announces premium membership and celebrates episode 300. She introduces a new licensing opportunity and answers listener questions from Laura in Folsom, Matthew in Seattle, and Franzy in Bavaria. She encourages reviews, questions, and introduces the new YouTube channel and social media pages. 0:00 Premium membership announcement 1:25 Celebrating milestones and episode 300 4:18 Encouragement to leave a review 4:44 Introduction of a new licensing opportunity 8:12 First listener question from Laura in Folsom, CA 17:10 Second listener question from Matthew in Seattle, WA 22:24 Third listener question from Franzy in Bavaria, Germany 25:59 Encouragement to submit questions 26:26 Announcement of new YouTube channel and social media pages - Celebrating milestones is crucial for recognizing hard work and feeling successful, rather than just moving from one goal to the next. - Standing desks can be functional but often lack style and can be tricky to keep organized due to exposed cords and minimal stora

Libby Rothschild joins Betsy Helmuth to discuss MLMs, including the origin and downfall of Lula Rich. They explore Betsy's personal experiences, the legal aspects, and the impact of nepotism in business, highlighting key lessons learned from the Lula Rich story. 0:00 Becoming a premium member 1:17 Introduction by Libby Rothschild 2:35 Introduction of Libby Rothschild 5:02 Understanding MLMs 7:22 The origin story of Lula Rich 10:04 Betsy's experience with MLMs 15:13 Legal aspects of MLMs 22:11 Nepotism in business 28:27 The downfall of Lula Rich 51:57 Lessons learned from Lula Rich - You don't need a high-end designer or a lot of money to get a luxe look in your home. - Women with entrepreneurial drive can move mountains and create substantial impact when channeled correctly. - Maintaining product quality and caring for the people who sell it are essential for long-term business success. Additional show notes: Click here to ask Betsy Helmuth a design question. Click here to upgrade to a premium member and

Betsy Helmuth discusses Halloween excitement, kids' costume challenges, and the commercialization of the holiday. She answers Stacy's dining room and primary bedroom ceiling questions, offers tips on using drapes, and introduces the new YouTube channel. 0:00 Premium membership introduction 1:25 Halloween excitement and personal anecdotes 2:38 Kids' costume choices and challenges 4:22 Commercialization of Halloween 6:22 Mailbag introduction and submission details 7:01 Stacy's dining room questions 18:29 Stacy's primary bedroom ceiling dilemma 26:42 Drawing attention with drapes 28:23 Announcing the YouTube channel - Halloween is a great time to get inspiration by peeking into other people's decor while trick-or-treating with your kids. - When dealing with low ceilings and unusual tray ceilings, painting the walls a mid-tone neutral and using a lighter shade for the ceiling can help balance the space visually. - Replacing ornate dining chairs with simpler, contrasting ones and adding a rug can make a dining r

Betsy Helmuth chats with Ginny Rosenstratch about the joy of cooking, differentiating chefs from home cooks, and navigating vegetarian challenges. They discuss default dinners, box meals, favorite cookbooks, and essential kitchen tools like blenders and Instapots. 0:00 Introduction by Betsy Helmuth 0:35 Special guest: Ginny Rosenstratch 2:39 Ginny's background and distinction between chef and home cook 4:31 Finding joy in cooking 6:49 Default dinners and using box meals 8:32 Challenges of vegetarianism 11:42 Strategies for reducing meat consumption 17:02 Favorite cookbooks and vegetable sauces 23:07 Essential kitchen equipment: blenders and Instapots 36:11 Conclusion and where to find Ginny's cookbook - Cooking can become a joy rather than a chore when you have the right tools and reliable core recipes.  - Incorporating hooks, such as a favorite sauce or crispy side, can make vegetable-based meals more enticing and enjoyable for the whole family.  - White dishware is preferred by many chefs to better showca

Betsy Helmuth discusses premium membership perks, rebranding to Uploft Interior Design, and budget-friendly storefront decorating. She answers listener questions on furniture arrangement and drapery, shares lighting tips, and offers a personal anecdote about bedding. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership benefits 1:16 Show introduction by Speaker 3 2:19 Decorating the storefront on a budget 3:58 Rebranding announcement to Uploft Interior Design 5:20 Listener question from Stacy about furniture arrangement 11:52 Lighting recommendations16:30 Return from break and personal anecdote about bedding 19:11 Listener question from Renee about drapery 30:32 Closing remarks and additional content links - You don't need a high-end designer or a lot of money to get a luxe look by being your own interior designer. - Reusing and repurposing decorations from previous seasons can save money and still create a compelling and cozy look. - When choosing drapery, consider the room's existing color palette and patterns, and op

Betsy Helmuth discusses October's arrival, cold weather woes, and the importance of following your dreams. She reflects on past advice, acknowledges privilege, and shares lighting tips for open concept rooms. The episode wraps up with a reminder to trust the artist's vision. 0:00 Premium membership introduction 1:25 Welcome and October musings 2:20 Cold weather complaints 2:44 Reflecting on past advice 3:10 Following your dreams discussion 4:28 Acknowledging privilege and generational opportunities 10:21 Lighting advice for open concept rooms 13:03 Revisiting design feedback 18:39 The importance of trusting the artist's vision - Consider the constraints and opportunities of your current situation to make the best of your interior design journey. - Trust the vision of the artist or designer you hired, as their expertise can often bring about results beyond your expectations. - When dealing with design issues, understand the difference between subjective preferences and objective errors to approach solutions

Betsy Helmuth introduces her online class bundle and welcomes guest Justin Breen. They discuss their meeting, Colby scores, and Justin's entrepreneurial journey. Topics include challenges for high-level entrepreneurs, mindset, finding your strengths, complementary partnerships, investment, and self-assessment tools. Justin shares his online presence. 0:00 Betsy Helmuth discusses the online class bundle   1:24 Introduction of Justin Breen   2:03 Betsy and Justin discuss their meeting and Colby scores   3:06 Justin Breen shares his entrepreneurial journey   4:27 Challenges faced by high-level entrepreneurs   6:27 Justin's thoughts on mindset and overcoming obstacles   10:27 Importance of finding what you're good at and love to do   22:06 Importance of finding a partner who complements your skills   27:32 Discussion on the importance of investment   33:38 Betsy and Justin discuss the value of self-assessment tools   36:01 Justin Breen shares where to find him online - Transform your mindset by focusing on what

Betsy Helmuth shares personal updates, reflects on September's significance, and discusses the vision of Affordable Interior Design. She celebrates her business anniversary, addresses COVID-19 challenges, and answers a listener's question about bedroom and bathroom paint. 0:00 Online class bundle promotion 1:07 Introduction to the podcast 1:38 Celebratory mood and personal updates 2:43 September significance and anniversary with husband 5:05 Personal story related to September 11th 8:02 Purpose and vision of Affordable Interior Design 9:17 Business anniversary and challenges during COVID-19 13:06 Call for listener questions 14:23 Listener question from Griffin about bedroom and bathroom paint - Avoid using green paint in rooms where you see a lot of skin, like bathrooms and bedrooms, as it can cast an unflattering pallor. - Incorporating complementary colors or subtle undertones can enhance the overall look while maintaining balance and harmony in the room's design. - Celebrating small and large milestones

Betsy Helmuth shares a personal update and discusses back-to-school season. She addresses challenges with her storefront and a recent rent hike. Betsy answers listener questions about balancing career and family, lighting in open concept rooms, and matching woods for a cohesive look. 0:00 Introduction and premium membership announcement 1:24 Betsy Helmuth's personal update and back-to-school sentiments 2:50 Challenges with the storefront and rent hike 5:03 Listener questions and how to submit them 5:38 Question from Brandy about balancing career and family 8:37 Answer to Brandy's question about lighting in open concept rooms 14:15 Question from Joanne about matching woods and creating a cohesive look 20:01 Betsy's advice on mixing materials and adding color 23:48 Encouragement to listeners and call for more questions - Interior design with mid-tone woods and dark metals creates a cohesive and sophisticated look. - Flush mount light fixtures are ideal for rooms with eight-foot ceilings, but chandeliers can b

Betsy Helmuth discusses premium membership benefits, celebrates Affordable Interior Design's 16th birthday, and shares her casual summer look. She answers listener questions about handling inaccurate renovation plans and blending cabin interior styles, and highlights an online class bundle offer. 0:00 Premium membership benefits 1:26 Introduction and September greetings 2:01 Betsy’s casual summer look 3:39 Call for listener questions 4:05 Affordable Interior Design’s 16th birthday 5:39 Listener question from Lydia about inaccurate renovation plans 7:00 Detailed advice on handling service provider issues 14:05 Listener appreciation note from Emily 17:33 Listener question from Sarah about blending cabin interior styles - Small claims court can be a viable option if an interior designer's plans are unusable and they refuse to make necessary corrections. - Bringing elements from the original cabin into the new addition, such as wood paneling on an accent wall, can help create a cohesive flow between the spaces.

Betsy Helmuth discusses premium membership benefits, shares her vacation recap, and offers tips for back-to-school preparations. She defines rustic design, highlights its pitfalls, and explores the use of glass in rustic decor. Plus, she answers mailbag questions on German rental traditions and bathroom tile considerations. 0:00 Premium membership benefits 1:30 Betsy's vacation recap 2:07 Back to school preparations 2:22 Mailbag submissions reminder 3:15 Importance of working with clients 4:18 Definition of rustic design 6:31 Pitfalls of rustic design 7:49 Glass in rustic design 13:38 Mailbag: German rental traditions 16:06 Mailbag: Bathroom tile considerations 21:12 YouTube channel announcement 22:35 Thank you and sign off - Rustic design is characterized by visible wood grain, authentic materials, and a simple, handmade look that avoids overly polished finishes. - Incorporating glass elements such as mercury or seeded glass can help balance the heavy feel of rustic materials like wood and metal. - When ch

Betsy Helmuth introduces the online class bundle and welcomes special guest Shannon Aldridge. Shannon shares insights about her family, life in Florida, and journey into interior design. They discuss the importance of software, Shannon's challenges, and her confidence with clients. Shannon offers advice for aspiring designers and details about her business. Sponsors are acknowledged before closing remarks. 0:00 Betsy Helmuth discusses the online class bundle 1:24 Introduction to the podcast 1:40 Special guest Shannon Aldridge from Florida 2:35 Shannon shares about her family and life in Florida 3:06 Shannon's journey into interior design 4:30 Why Shannon chose the academy 7:29 Betsy's experience training designers and the importance of software 17:11 Shannon's biggest challenge in the academy 21:56 Shannon's confidence with clients using IQVIA and mood boards 27:28 Advice for aspiring interior designers 33:58 Shannon's business and where to find her 37:44 Thanking sponsors and closing remarks - You don't ne

In this episode, Betsy Helmuth discusses the benefits of premium membership, reflects on summer, and tackles client topics like modernizing condos, window treatments, art updates, and furniture with legs. She also answers listener questions on mixing metal finishes. 0:00 Premium membership benefits   1:26 Introduction and summer reflections   2:47 Starting with a client topic   3:15 Modernizing condos and apartments   6:18 Window treatment recommendations   7:59 Art and accessory updates   9:12 Furniture with legs   10:48 Moving to the mail bag   12:47 Mixing metal finishes - Remove excessive window treatments that don't function to allow more natural light and achieve a cleaner, modern aesthetic. - Replace small pieces of art and accessories with larger statement pieces to minimize clutter and create a bolder, fresher look. - Choose furniture with legs to create a lighter, less heavy feel that aligns with contemporary design principles. Additional show notes: Click here to ask Betsy Helmuth a design ques

Betsy introduces the premium membership, shares her love for summer, and draws design inspiration from a Pilates teacher's outfit. She discusses summer activities, announces rebranding and team expansion, and answers listener Derek's renovation questions. Tips include kitchen design, mixing finishes, and painting doors boldly. She also announces a new YouTube channel and social media links. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:26 Betsy's favorite season: Summer 2:09 Inspiration from Pilates teacher's outfit 3:29 Summer activities and listener engagement 5:07 Announcement of rebranding and team expansion 5:33 Mailbag: Derek's renovation conundrum 9:17 Advice on kitchen design and material choices 14:42 Discussion on mixing gold and stainless steel finishes 20:14 Painting interior doors in bold colors 28:17 Announcement of the new YouTube channel and other social media links - Lean into your summer spirit by creating magical moments with outdoor dining and embracing fun, seasonal fashion. - When redesign

Betsy Helmuth shares summer updates, discusses managing office heat, and plans with her kids. She talks about rebuilding after a storefront flood, answers listener questions, and covers Tabitha's modern Boho redesign and open shelving in kitchens. Plus, a promotion for YouTube and social media. 0:00 Premium membership promotion 1:25 Introduction and summer update 2:28 Managing the heat in the office 3:06 Summer plans with the kids 4:15 Storefront flood and rebuilding 5:08 Listener questions submission process 5:44 Mailbag introduction 6:06 Tabitha's modern Boho redesign 11:28 Open shelving in the kitchen discussion 24:00 YouTube channel and social media promotion - Incorporating heirloom pieces into your home can add a personalized touch, but sometimes moving them to a less conspicuous spot or restyling them is necessary to fit your aesthetic. - Layering rugs on top of wall-to-wall carpeting is generally not advisable unless the carpeting is very low pile, as it can create tripping hazards and won't sit wel

Betsy Helmuth discusses premium membership benefits, ways to support the podcast, and exciting news about new visual content including a YouTube channel launch. She answers listener questions about banquette seating, nursery rugs, and ceiling colors, and provides updates on the interior design academy. 0:00 Premium membership benefits 0:31 How to support the podcast 1:26 Exciting news about visual content 1:51 Launch of the YouTube channel 4:25 Thriving interior design academy 6:14 Listener question from Irina about banquette seating 15:29 Listener question from Kelsey about nursery rug 26:37 Listener question from Tabitha about ceiling color 30:21 Announcement about YouTube channel and social media - Adding a banquette can enhance dining comfort but may limit your table options and seating flexibility.  - Opt for mid-tone, low-pile rugs with subtle patterns to balance aesthetics and practicality in a nursery.  - Using a cool-toned white for ceilings can subtly complement wall colors without drawing attenti

Betsy Helmuth introduces guest Ashley Tapley, who shares her journey from marketing and graphic design to interior design. They discuss the importance of education, valuable tools from the academy, and combining staging with design. Ashley also offers advice for aspiring designers and marketing strategies. 0:00 Premium membership introduction 1:22 Podcast introduction 1:31 Guest introduction: Ashley Tapley 2:18 Ashley's background in marketing and graphic design 4:27 Ashley's journey from staging to interior design 6:10 Importance of education in interior design 8:55 Valuable tools learned in the academy 12:33 Combining staging with design projects 18:57 Academy experience and challenges 24:35 Using mood boards for client presentations 25:31 Doubling client load and marketing strategies 27:03 Advice for people hesitant to pursue design 31:23 Where to find Ashley online 32:37 Podcast closing and academy promotion - Investing in professional tools and software like floor planning and mood boarding can signifi

Betsy Helmuth shares her summer vacation in Maine, discusses Airbnb design tips, and lessons from booking vacation rentals. She answers listener questions about living room floors, family room makeovers, and fireplace wall design. Plus, a new YouTube channel announcement and sponsor messages. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:26 Betsy's summer vacation in Maine 2:49 Airbnb experiences and the importance of good design 6:00 Booking vacation rentals and lessons learned 8:08 Listener question: Veronica's living room floor dilemma 15:02 Listener question: Rana's family room makeover 23:26 Listener question: Cindy's fireplace wall and design style 32:51 Announcing the new YouTube channel and social media links - Comfort and safety in your living space are paramount, even when you're on vacation, so it's worth investing a bit more to ensure a restful and enjoyable experience. - When designing an open-concept living area, consider using drapes as an inspiration piece to introduce new colors and patterns,