EP 065 | How Interior Designers Can Sell Luxury with Confidence with Cecil Adams
Are you holding clients back from choosing the best option because you’re afraid to show them the splurge?
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Cecil Adams about bravery, confidence, and the value of strong trade relationships in an interior design business. From presenting luxury products to discussing money clearly, Cecil shares practical advice for helping designers lead clients with greater confidence.
For interior designers, being brave means knowing your worth, using your resources wisely, and giving clients the opportunity to say yes to exceptional choices.
In this episode, we learn:
• How trade and supplier reps can support your business and client experience
• Why clear tax procedures help prevent order delays and confusion
• How discussing money upfront creates stronger client relationships
• Why knowing your worth makes pricing conversations easier
• How presenting luxury options allows clients to make informed decisions
• Why confidence is essential when recommending high-value products
Design Intervention
Cecil’s advice: Be brave.
Cecil Adams has worked in the home furnishings industry for well over 20 years, first as a Visual Merchandising Director, and later as VP and Creative Director for Expressions Custom Furniture, then Creative Director for rug manufacturer Trade Am. Upon leaving Trade Am, Cecil ran his own consulting business before coming to work at Currey & Company, where he is now VP and Creative Director. He has been with Currey since 2005.
In that time he has worked on both sides of the design collaboration table with designers including Candice Olson and Bunny Williams, institutions such as the Winterthur Museum and the Smithsonian, and textile fashion house Echo and Aviva Stanoff Designs.
Cecil likes to say he came into home furnishings through the door of visual merchandising and fashion, both areas that he is passionate about. He has developed product in all areas of the home furnishings world, including textiles, lighting, upholstery, and case goods.
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.
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