iDesign Lab

• From Belts to Brand: Hadley Pollet's Journey of Ethical Design

  Send us a textHow does a moment of personal tragedy transform into a thriving 20-year fashion legacy? For Hadley Pollet, it began with a simple belt made from vintage trims wrapped around a buckle—a design that caught the eye of five strangers at a Boston brewery who all asked the same question: "Where did you get that belt?"That serendipitous moment sparked the beginning of an accessories brand built on the radical notion that fashion should be personal, not disposable. With no formal fashion education but armed with innate creative talent and business savvy gained from publishing and PR careers, Hadley found herself at a crossroads after 9/11 claimed the life of her mother's husband. This profound loss became the catalyst for reinvention, pushing her to embrace design as both creative outlet and healing process.What sets the Hadley Pollet brand apart isn't just its vibrant colors or distinctive jacquard designs, but its deep commitment to ethical production and female empowerment. Hadley personally visits every factory partner, ensuring they're locally owned (preferably by women) and that female workers receive equal pay to men—sometimes having frank conversations with male owners about wage equity. This matriarchal business model extends to an artisan training program that teaches craftspeople in developing regions how to cross-pollinate techniques and reach global markets.While many designers chase department store distribution, Hadley deliberately shuns these channels, criticizing them for "building their business on the backs of creatives." Instead, she partners with small boutiques that create meaningful shopping experiences and understand the brand's unique value. As she explains, "There's too much sameness in the world"—a philosophy that's kept her brand vibrant while others struggle with unsold inventory and identity crises.Ready to discover accessories that speak to your authentic self? Explore the colorful world of Hadley Pollet and join a community of women who understand that true style comes from expressing who you really are, not following what everyone else is wearing.Learn more at:https://twinteriors.com/podcast/ https://scottwoolley.com

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• Dimmers, Kelvins, and Mood: Why Your Home Lighting Matters

  Send us a textDiscover the transformative power of proper lighting as we illuminate one of interior design's most overlooked yet impactful elements. Have you ever wondered why some spaces feel instantly inviting while others leave you feeling on edge? The secret might be hanging right above your head.We dive deep into the science of light temperature, revealing why professionals focus on Kelvins rather than watts. That harsh, headache-inducing light in your office? It's likely around 5,000 Kelvins – a clinical brightness that belongs in hospitals, not homes. For your living spaces, we recommend the warm, flattering glow of 2,700-3,000 Kelvins that instantly creates a cozy atmosphere. This seemingly small detail can dramatically transform how you feel in your space without changing a single piece of furniture.Beyond temperature, we explore the game-changing versatility of dimmers, the energy-efficient benefits of LED technology, and the revolutionary freedom of cordless lighting solutions. From creating consistent ambiance throughout your home to strategically placing lights for architectural interest, each tip helps you craft spaces that not only look beautiful but feel incredible to live in. We challenge traditional fixture placement rules and encourage creative approaches to layered lighting that express your personal style.Whether you're renovating, redecorating, or simply wanting to enhance your existing space, these practical lighting insights will elevate your home's design while positively affecting your mood and wellbeing. Take control of your environment by understanding how proper lighting sets the tone for everything that happens within your walls. Ready to see your home in a whole new light?Learn more at:https://twinteriors.com/podcast/ https://scottwoolley.com

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• Why 3D Rendering Is Essential Before You Spend a Dime on Renovation

  Send us a textRenovating a home without falling into trend traps requires deliberate choices and a clear vision. Scott and I just purchased a mid-century modern house as an investment property, planning to renovate and sell it within six weeks. This process has sparked fascinating conversations about maintaining design integrity while creating broad appeal for unknown future owners.Walking through established neighborhoods reveals volumes about renovation history—you can immediately spot which houses were updated in the 80s, 90s, or 2000s because they bear the unmistakable marks of those era-specific trends. Our current project house has suffered this exact fate, with multiple owners making disjointed updates that ignored the home's original mid-century character. Some elements added "old world" vibes popular in the 90s while others introduced modern touches from later decades, creating a visual disconnect throughout the space.The revolutionary approach we're using involves comprehensive 3D visualization of the entire property before spending a dollar on actual renovations. This technology allows us to virtually walk through the transformed space, making critical budget decisions by seeing exactly how including or excluding specific elements will impact the final aesthetic. It's essentially "taking a photo in the future" of your finished space, eliminating the surprise factor that so often leads to disappointment in renovation projects. Whether you're planning a full home remodel or a simple kitchen update, investing in this visualization process saves time, prevents costly mistakes, and ensures your renovation honors your home's authentic character while thoughtfully updating it for contemporary living. Discover how you can apply these principles to your own projects by visiting twinteriors.com.Learn more at:https://twinteriors.com/podcast/ https://scottwoolley.com

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• Navigating Home Remodeling with Monika Zasada

  Send us a textEvery renovation has the potential to be a beautiful journey or a costly nightmare, and the difference often comes down to how the project is managed from day one. In this eye-opening episode, we welcome Monika Zasada, founder of D-Mazing and a true renovation curator whose mission is transforming chaotic remodeling projects into organized, transparent, and even joyful experiences.Monika's fascinating journey from communist Poland (where she studied American literature) to the Hamptons construction scene provides the foundation for her unique perspective. Growing up in a country where housing was scarce and personal ownership limited, she developed an almost spiritual connection to the concept of home as sanctuary. This passion eventually led her to construction, where she quickly recognized fundamental flaws in how renovation projects are typically managed.With refreshing candor, Monika dismantles the renovation myths that cause so many projects to go off the rails. She explains why competitive bidding actually works against homeowners, why budget transparency is essential, and why bringing your contractor into the process during the design phase—not after—can save both money and heartache. Her four-phase approach (design, pre-construction, construction, and closeout) creates a framework that keeps projects on track while maintaining the collaborative spirit essential for success.For homeowners unable to engage Monika's full services, her "Nailed It" online course delivers her methodology in an accessible format. As she tells us, "Most likely you will end up with a horror story on your hands. I am promising you a good action movie. It will not be perfect... but it will be worth it." Whether you're planning a kitchen refresh or a complete home transformation, this episode delivers invaluable wisdom that could save your renovation—and your sanity.Learn more at:https://twinteriors.com/podcast/ https://scottwoolley.com

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• Furniture's Secret Weapon: How Trade Showrooms Empower Designers with Maria Mendoza

  Send us a textWhat does it take to build a thriving business that empowers interior designers at every stage of their projects? Maria Mendoza reveals the answer, drawing from her nearly four-decade journey through the design world.Starting with a foundation in architecture and interior design when drafting was still done by hand, Maria shares her fascinating evolution from custom furniture sales to running large-scale design projects in Venezuela. When political circumstances forced her family to relocate to Florida, her deep understanding of designers' needs led to a transformative business model at DRC Showrooms.Unlike typical furniture retailers, DRC operates exclusively to support design professionals. Maria has created a haven where designers can bring clients to a beautifully curated space with access to over 170 premium manufacturers. More than just a product showcase, the showroom functions as a working studio where designers can create presentations, select materials, and receive comprehensive support with purchasing, delivery coordination, and post-installation troubleshooting.Maria's passionate commitment to quality is evident throughout our conversation. She advocates for American-made furniture not only for its craftsmanship but for the reliability of manufacturers who stand behind their products. With refreshing candor, she explains why investing in quality pieces makes financial sense even for shorter-term use: "You want it to look new for those three years. You don't want to buy something and then in three months the thing is falling apart."The growth of DRC into multiple South Florida locations reflects the region's booming design scene, with Maria noting they welcome approximately three new designers daily who have relocated to the area. Her family-oriented approach to business (now including her daughter who handles digital operations) creates a warm, collaborative environment where designers feel supported and protected.Ready to discover how trade resources can elevate your design projects? Listen now and gain valuable insights from one of the industry's most experienced voices on creating lasting client relationships through exceptional quality and service.Learn more at:https://twinteriors.com/podcast/ https://scottwoolley.com

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