214: Tamara Day, LIVE from KBIS

This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide, recorded live at KBIS in the KBIS Podcast Studio, sponsored by AJ Madison.

Today, we're speaking with designer, television host, and author Tamara Day. We're catching up on her most recent achievements in the industry and how she balances and prioritizes the creative and business sides of design. Tamara also shares her hot design takes in kitchen and bath, how she successfully collaborates with brands to elevate her design projects, and the inspiration behind her recently published book, Laid-Back Luxe.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

• Tamara shares how her business has expanded from television-only projects to coast-to-coast residential and commercial design work.
• She explains the key differences between designing for TV clients versus private clients, including process, team structure, and client experience.
• Separate teams, procurement systems, and support staff have been essential to balancing multiple sides of her business.
• Tamara discusses why the best brand collaborations are built on creativity, trust, and solving practical design challenges.
• She highlights one of her favorite collaboration examples: creating statement lighting that works beautifully in homes with 8-foot ceilings.
• Live from KBIS, Tamara shares her favorite trends in kitchen and bath, including colorful appliances, standout hardware, and more maximalist design.
• She talks about the emotional experience of creating her new book, Laid-Back Luxe, and why she wanted it to feel approachable for every kind of home.
• Tamara reflects on how her definition of success has shifted from business milestones to building a life that allows for meaningful time with family.

NOTABLE QUOTES

• "I'm not looking for partners that just want my name on stuff."
• "I want partners that actually want my ideas and my vision and want to implement that."
• "You have to be scrappy in this business."
• "There's always a way to solve a problem, right?"

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

• Tamara Day Website: https://tamaraday.com/
• Tamara Day on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaraday

SPONSOR LINKS

• AJ Madison Pro: https://www.ajmadison.com/pro