In the first episode of our special four-part series, Laura Thornton—founder of Thornton Design and The Profit Academy for Interior Designers—shares the essential financial foundations every designer needs to run a truly profitable business. Drawing from her own journey and real-world client stories, Laura breaks down the difference between revenue, profit, fixed and variable costs, and tackles the age-old designer dilemma: margin versus markup.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up your studio, this episode will help you ditch the guesswork and build a business that’s as beautiful behind the scenes as it is in front of the camera. Learn why profit isn’t what’s left over, but what you plan for—and get simple, actionable steps you can take today to understand your numbers and design your business with confidence.
Don’t miss the start of this powerful series! And remember, if you found this episode helpful, leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts to help more designers discover the show.
Ready for the next episode in the series?
- Listen to Part 2 - Time is money, literally
- Listen to Part 3 - Efficiency gains, they belong to you
- Listen to Part 4 - Follow the Profits, not all projects are sexy
If you loved this series and are ready to master the art of pricing your design services, I've created the thing just for you! The Profit Academy for Interior Designers.
This course is your ultimate guide to mastering the financial side of your design business. You’ll gain the clarity, tools, and confidence to price your projects for maximum profit, build client trust, and create the thriving business you’ve always dreamed of.
In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.
This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.
Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.
Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.
The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign
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