How to Decorate

1. Ep. 491: Terracotta Design Build

   11.11.202656 Min.Als Nächstes

   Ili Hidalgo, architect, interior designer, and co-founder of the Atlanta-based firm Terracotta Design Build, joins the podcast to demystify the often intimidating intersection of architecture, interior design …

   Shownotes

   Ili Hidalgo, architect, interior designer, and co-founder of the Atlanta-based firm Terracotta Design Build, joins the podcast to demystify the often intimidating intersection of architecture, interior design, and construction. She explains how keeping all three disciplines under one roof allows her team to row in the same direction, ensuring that beautiful designs are actually buildable and stay aligned with realistic budgets.

   
   

   • The Design-Build Advantage: When the architect, designer, and contractor are on the same team, every design line drawn is tied to a specific construction cost, preventing runaway budgets. Ili stresses that clients must be completely honest about their budgets upfront so the team does not accidentally over- or under-deliver on the initial design.

   • Hidden Construction Costs: Clients are often surprised by the overhead expenses required before the "pretty" things are even ordered. A significant portion of a budget goes to demolition labor, dumpster dumping fees, site containment (to prevent mud runoff fines), and tree removal or recompense funds.

   • Renovation vs. New Construction: Renovations can sometimes be more expensive than starting from scratch because the labor involves both undoing and redoing. A good architect will evaluate zoning requirements, future floodplains, and your home's equity before finalizing whether to renovate or build new.

   • Where to Splurge: Always invest in the hidden systems of the house (plumbing and electrical) and in architecture that respects the neighborhood's fabric. For interiors, splurge on high-quality furniture frames that can be endlessly slipcovered or reupholstered over the years.

   • The Invisible Magic of Circulation: The unsung hero of a great home is how you move through it. Logical room adjacencies, sensible sightlines, and practical switch and plug placements (like hidden appliance garages in the kitchen) make a home inherently comfortable without you ever noticing why.

   • Exterior Colors: Moving away from the trendy white brick with black mullions, Ili favors deep, moody jewel tones for exteriors—like a rich teal she recently used on a Victorian home in Candler Park, or dark greens and charcoal grays.

   • Surviving Construction: Because supply chain delays are a reality, Terra Cotta utilizes a 5,000-square-foot warehouse to order and hold materials before demolition begins. They are also building a new studio in Decatur that will feature rooftop apartments specifically for clients to live in during the most intrusive phases of their home renovations.

   You can keep up with Ili's upcoming projects—including a new resort community in North Georgia—on Instagram at @terracottadesignbuild and at terracottadesignbuild.com.

   If you had to choose between a moody charcoal gray or a deep jewel tone for the exterior of your home, which would you lean toward?

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2. Ep. 490: 10th Anniversary Episode

   05.11.20261 Std. 10 Min.Als Nächstes

   The How to Decorate podcast celebrates its 10th anniversary and nearly 500 episodes of design advice, interviews, and decorating dilemmas. Hosts Caroline, Taryn, and Liz reflect on their favorite conversations …

   Shownotes

   The How to Decorate podcast celebrates its 10th anniversary and nearly 500 episodes of design advice, interviews, and decorating dilemmas. Hosts Caroline, Taryn, and Liz reflect on their favorite conversations, the evolution of design trends over the last decade, and the most memorable lessons learned from top industry professionals.

   Memorable Design Lessons

   • Bunny Williams highlighted that successful design relies more on technical scale and function than aesthetic budget, offering advice that applies to any home.

   • Melanie Turner shared her practice of creating annual vision boards to map out her business and personal goals, resulting in an incredible home and career.

   • Architects like Gil Schafer and Stan Dixon changed the hosts' perspectives on how architectural scale directly dictates the feeling of a room before furniture is even added.

   • Kathy Graham provided approachable, humorous tips for floral arranging, encouraging hosts to mix in unexpected objects like a Barbie doll for fun.

   Decorating Dilemma Themes

   • Common listener challenges include managing double-story entryways, executing window treatments, and blending different styles in a marriage.

   • Solutions frequently center on nailing the proper scale, understanding design rules before breaking them, and introducing softness through rugs and drapery.

   A Decade of Trends

   • While stark black and white aesthetics dominated a decade ago, the design world is currently shifting toward warm hues, rich textures, and brown as the new neutral.

   • True timelessness is less about chasing specific colors and more about curating a space that functions perfectly for your specific lifestyle.

   What was the most significant change you made to your own home's design over the past ten years?

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3. Ep. 489: Sam Cochran

   27.10.202649 Min.Als Nächstes

   Samuel Cochran, Global Features Director at Architectural Digest, joins the podcast to discuss his book, American Designers at Home. The book offers an intimate look inside the personal residences of 20 …

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   Samuel Cochran, Global Features Director at Architectural Digest, joins the podcast to discuss his book, American Designers at Home. The book offers an intimate look inside the personal residences of 20 influential American interior designers, including Kelly Wearstler and Ken Fulk. Cochran explores how these professionals use their own homes as spaces to experiment and recharge, free from client demands, rigid timelines, and external expectations.

   • Specificity of Place: Rather than relying on red, white, and blue clichés, Cochran noted that modern American design is often defined by a deep connection to local architectural history and the surrounding environment.

     
     

   • The Freedom to Experiment: A shared American design ethos is the freedom to pull references from anywhere, honoring the past while maintaining the irreverence to break the rules, mix styles, and live with what you love.

     
     

   • Embracing the Journey: Many of the featured homes were born from transitional life moments and evolved slowly over years, proving that even for top designers, a home is a process of trial and error rather than a polished overnight success.

   • Ken Fulk (Provincetown, MA): Known for his polished, maximalist client projects, Fulk's personal waterfront home is a crumbling, weathered refuge where he preserves the historic house's peeling wallpaper and patina.

     
     

   • Roman and Williams (Montauk, NY): Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch’s home reveals a wild, time-worn connection to nature that contrasts sharply with the slick, romantic commercial spaces they are known for designing.

     
     

   • Jessica Helgerson (Paris): Helgerson embraced thrift and creativity in her small Paris apartment, hand-stenciling a bedroom mural and mimicking the building's basement millwork cutouts for her green kitchen cabinets.

     
     

   • Jean Liu (New York, NY): The Dallas-based designer created a quiet personal escape in a grand uptown Manhattan studio, utilizing the extra-thick walls of Joseph Pulitzer’s former Gilded Age mansion to create an acoustic refuge.

     
     

   • Markham Roberts: A masterclass in mixing styles, Roberts’s home is an eclectic, effortless mishmash that proves you have to truly know the rules of design history before you can successfully break them.

   Cochran hopes readers walk away from the book remembering Dorothy Draper's philosophy that decorating should fundamentally be fun. You can follow him on Instagram at @samuelcochran and find American Designers at Home anywhere books are sold.

   
   

   If you had the freedom to completely ignore timelines and expectations, which room in your home would you experiment with first?

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4. Ep. 488: Elizabeth Lawrence & her new book with Bunny Williams

   20.10.202655 Min.Als Nächstes

   Elizabeth Lawrence, partner at the interior design firm Williams Lawrence, joins the podcast to discuss her first book, Decoration, co-authored with her partner Bunny Williams. The book functions as a …

   Shownotes

   Elizabeth Lawrence, partner at the interior design firm Williams Lawrence, joins the podcast to discuss her first book, Decoration, co-authored with her partner Bunny Williams. The book functions as a collection of essays that groups rooms by stylistic similarities rather than presenting individual projects, drawing inspiration from vintage French design books. To encourage readers to slow down and step away from screens, the physical book features a photo-free, linen-textured cover and pages that alternate between matte cardstock and gloss finishes.

   • Rules of Scale and Floor Plans: While Lawrence believes most interior design rules can be broken, scale and a solid floor plan are the two non-negotiable exceptions. A strong floor plan serves as a roadmap that dictates the proper scale of the room's pieces, allowing you to confidently mix heavily carved antiques with clean, modern lines.

   • Shopping for Antiques: When out shopping, it is best to take a photo or a tear sheet of an item you love, even if it does not fit your current project, because you will likely find a place for it in the future.

   • Approaching Art: Art should be chosen for its personal meaning rather than simply to match a room's color palette. Artwork must be placed thoughtfully based on scale and medium, such as keeping delicate works on paper out of brightly lit spaces. Additionally, swapping out a heavy or dark frame for something simpler can completely transform a piece you thought you disliked.

   • Wall Brackets: Adding wall brackets to a gallery wall provides three-dimensional interest and breaks up the flatness of frames. Brackets can hold jars, plates, or sculptures, and they often add grounding symmetry to an otherwise asymmetrical layout.

   • Slipper Chairs: Small slipper chairs are versatile pieces that transition easily from a first apartment to a forever home. They can be placed in bedrooms for stacking books, covered in terry cloth for a bathroom, or used as supplemental seating in living rooms.

   • Chair and Ottoman Pairings: Pairing an upright chair with an ottoman creates a dedicated reading spot. This combination also provides a practical alternative seating option for guests who might struggle to get out of a deep sofa.

   • Hurricanes: A signature of Bunny Williams and John Rosselli, large hurricanes add necessary height and scale to coffee tables and dining tables. They also provide atmospheric candlelight, which can easily be achieved with modern remote-controlled, battery-operated candles.

   • Dining Chair Details: Because the outside back of a dining chair is the first thing you see when entering a room, Lawrence recommends embellishing it with custom embroidery, a ticking stripe, or a small check pattern.

   • Celebrating Artisans: Decoration features photography highlighting the chaotic, dusty workspaces of the craftspeople, painters, and upholsterers who make the designs possible. Lawrence notes that clear communication and pushing for custom samples lead to the best collaborations, citing one instance where a trusted artisan seamlessly reconstructed a three-foot lacquered jar that had shattered on a limestone floor.

   You can purchase Decoration by Bunny Williams and Elizabeth Lawrence on Amazon via Rizzoli, and you can keep up with Lawrence's work on Instagram at @elizabethmlawrence and @williamslawrence.

   
   

   What is one unusual antique or piece of art you have kept an eye on, even if you do not currently have the perfect spot for it?

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5. Ep. 487: Corine Maggio

   14.10.202654 Min.Als Nächstes

   Designing with Vibe and Layers with Corine Maggio California-based interior designer Corine Maggio joins the podcast to break down her strategy for adding warmth and character through strategic layering. The …

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   Designing with Vibe and Layers with Corine Maggio

   California-based interior designer Corine Maggio joins the podcast to break down her strategy for adding warmth and character through strategic layering. The founder of Corine Maggio Design focuses her work on cabins, cottages, and historic homes, specializing in creating casual, deeply personal spaces that reflect the real lives of her clients.

   • The Four Pillars: Corine bases every project on a careful balance of the client's style, their everyday lifestyle, the home's architectural style, and the budget.

   • Visual Vocabulary: Rather than relying on design terminology like "modern," which means different things to different people, she requires clients to pull four to six inspiration images per room to establish a clear visual vibe.

   • Sequential Sourcing: After establishing a space plan to serve as a shopping list, she sources the most substantial pieces first—like a living room sofa—since they carry the strictest requirements. From there, she pieces the room together like a puzzle, using smaller additions like lamps or chairs to continuously pull the room's style in the desired direction.

   • The Rule of Contrast: Items sitting next to one another should always contrast in either color tone (light, medium, or dark), texture, or pattern scale to keep the room dynamic and prevent it from falling flat.

   • Envelop the Room: Avoid plain white drywall by applying architectural texture to the walls and ceilings. Corine utilizes paneling, tongue and groove, beadboard, wainscoting, and wallpaper to make rooms feel cozy and complete.

   • Embrace Patina: A home should not feel like a pristine showroom. Incorporating materials that age, scratch, and dent gracefully, like real marble, fosters a relaxed environment where families do not have to stress over spills or daily wear.

   • Subtle Accessories: When hunting for accessories at estate sales, look for textured, neutral items like paper mache bowls, woven potato baskets, or antique brass boxes. These items add layered depth and utility without demanding too much visual attention or overpowering the room's main features.

   • Design for Yourself: The most timeless, successful homes are created when owners stop worrying about trends or what their guests might think, and instead design exactly what they would want if no one else were ever going to see the space.

   You can keep up with Corine's work by following her on Instagram at @corinnemaggiodesign or by visiting corinnemaggiodesign.com, and you can shop her favorite versatile entryway storage piece, the Ballard Designs Nina Apothocary Cabinet.

   
   

   If you were to design a room purely for yourself with zero concern for trends or what guests might think, what is the first bold choice you would make?

   
   

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6. Ep. 486: Alton LaDay & Olivia Westbrooks

   06.10.202653 Min.Als Nächstes

   Alton LaDay and Olivia Westbrooks join the podcast to discuss Alton’s new book, In the House: Celebrating America's Leading Black Interior Designers. The book profiles 33 of America's most talented black …

   Shownotes

   Alton LaDay and Olivia Westbrooks join the podcast to discuss Alton’s new book, In the House: Celebrating America's Leading Black Interior Designers. The book profiles 33 of America's most talented black interior designers, tracing both contemporary talent and historical pioneers. Alton, a veteran marketing director and PR firm owner, was inspired to write the book during the 2020 lockdown to highlight positive success stories within the design community. Olivia, an interior designer and host of Hallmark’s Home is Where the Heart Is, is one of the featured designers in the book.

   
   

   Key Takeaways from the Episode:

   • Focusing on the Individual: When selecting the 33 designers, Alton required them to have nationally published work but prioritized their personalities and personal stories. To emphasize the people behind the designs, every designer in the book receives a full-page headshot.
     
   • A Vast Array of Styles: The designers in the book are intentionally not listed alphabetically. This layout mixes up the design styles—from traditional to modern, neutral to colorful—to keep the reader engaged and demonstrate that black designers are not a monolith.
     
   • Unconventional Paths to Design: Many of the featured designers discovered interior design as a second career, transitioning from corporate roles or law. One designer was a highly successful attorney on track to become a partner before leaving to go back to design school.
     
   • Finding Inspiration Early: Olivia discovered her passion for design as a child by watching Christopher Lowell on the Discovery Channel in the 1990s. Her mother enrolled her in a weekend intensive program at the Art Institute of Houston, eventually leading Olivia to earn a degree in interior design from LSU.
     
   • Historical Pioneers: The book also touches on the history of black designers, such as Harold Curtis Brown. Brown is considered the first documented black interior designer, known for his work on the Saratoga Club and Hotel Navarro in the early 20th century, though it is believed he later had to pass as white to continue his career in the 1930s.
     
   • Inspiring Future Generations: Olivia notes that the book serves as a vital historical record and a tool to show future generations what is possible. By showcasing such diverse talent, the book keeps the door open for aspiring designers and normalizes the presence of black designers in top national publications and show houses.
     
   • Personal Triumphs: Alton shares the inspiring story of Tiffany Brooks, a featured designer who has balanced a highly successful career with severe health challenges, including a kidney and pancreas transplant after being diagnosed with diabetes at age six.
     

   Also Mentioned in This Episode:

   • In the House: Celebrating America's Leading Black Interior Designers is available at major outlets and Phaidon.com.
   • Follow Olivia Westbrooks on Instagram at @oliviawestbrooksinteriors or visit oliviawestbrooks.com.
   • Watch Olivia on Hallmark Plus's Home is Where the Heart Is.
   • See Olivia's living room project on the Ballard Designs House Tour series on YouTube.

   Please send in your decorating dilemmas to [email protected] so we can help you with your space! Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.
   

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7. Ep. 485: Ben Pentreath's New Book

   29.09.20261 Std. 13 Min.Als Nächstes

   British architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, A Year at the Parsonage, co-authored with his husband, Charlie McCormick. The book functions as a deeply …

   Shownotes

   British architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, A Year at the Parsonage, co-authored with his husband, Charlie McCormick. The book functions as a deeply personal visual diary of the 15 years the couple spent living in an 1820 Regency house in Dorset, England. Rather than staging polished lifestyle scenes, Ben and Charlie photographed the book themselves, capturing authentic daily moments, the evolving interiors, and the passage of seasons in Charlie's beloved garden.

   Ben initially rented the Dorset parsonage in a rundown state, complete with black mold—a condition he prefers, as it allows for updates without feeling guilty about tearing out a previous landlord’s expensive renovations. Nestled in an unspoiled estate village owned by the Williams family for nearly 300 years, the home began with neutral pale gray and white walls due to a lack of time and budget. Over the years, the home's palette shifted drastically:

   • The dining room was painted "Victoria Plum," a 1960s purple inspired by David Hicks that looked magical by candlelight but made guests look ill during the day. It was later painted bright sky blue and eventually wallpapered for a Morris & Co. photoshoot.

     
     

   • The kitchen transitioned from white to Farrow & Ball's burnt orange "Wet Sand," then to a high-gloss bright yellow that felt like living inside an egg yolk, before finally returning to white.

   While Ben stresses that architectural and structural decisions should be thoroughly planned, he believes interior decoration is easily overthought.

   • Embrace Change: Repainting a room is an inexpensive and fast way to completely shift a home's energy.

   • Physical Inspiration: To avoid losing digital inspiration, Ben prints out his phone screenshots, cuts off the social media logos, writes notes on the back, and pins them to his office wall to discover his personal style over time.

   • The Soul of a Room: A room's true character comes from its people, pets, and the practical comfort of daily life, not from perfectly color-matched piping.

   When the Williams family decided to sell the Dorset estate, Ben and Charlie embraced the change and moved to Scotland. They purchased a mid-18th-century home called Westness on Rousay, an Orkney island with only 200 residents. The unspoiled property features a ten-acre garden where Charlie is currently clearing an overgrown Victorian walled space to cultivate vegetables.

   
   

   Have you ever experimented with a bold paint color that looked vastly different in the daylight than you originally intended?

   Please send in your decorating dilemmas to [email protected] so we can help you with your space! Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

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8. Ep. 484: Scott Sottile | Ferguson & Shamamian

   22.09.20261 Std. 5 Min.Als Nächstes

   Scott J. Sottile, a partner at the prestigious residential architecture firm Ferguson & Shamamian, joins the podcast to discuss his firm’s new book, Transformations. Published by Rizzoli and written by Guy …

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   Scott J. Sottile, a partner at the prestigious residential architecture firm Ferguson & Shamamian, joins the podcast to discuss his firm’s new book, Transformations. Published by Rizzoli and written by Guy Trebay, the book highlights 15 distinct projects spanning from subtle restorations to radical rebuilds across the United States. Scott shares his deep passion for traditional architecture, which was cemented during his time studying Thomas Jefferson’s historic designs at the University of Virginia. He explains how to preserve the historical integrity of an old home while ensuring it functions seamlessly for modern, multi-generational living.

   
   

   • The Mark of Great Architecture: A successful historical renovation should look completely effortless and timeless, leaving no heavy-handed imprint of the current architect. The goal is to make it look as though the modern updates have always been there.

     
     

   • Keep Buildings Alive: Historic buildings should not be "mothballed" or turned into untouched museums; they survive best when they remain active, useful, and adapted for contemporary life.

     
     

   • Designing for Reality: Before renovating, homeowners must separate their aspirational lifestyle from their actual daily routine. Do not dedicate vast resources to massive entertaining spaces or chef-level kitchens if you only host twice a year and primarily order takeout.

     
     

   • Scale and Intimacy: When dealing with large rooms, create small, intimate seating arrangements—like a pair of chairs by a fireplace or a cozy bay window—so the space feels comfortable for intimate conversations, not just a crowd of twenty-four.

     
     

   • Finding a True Builder: Seek out a "builder" who understands the art and craft of construction, rather than just a "contractor" who pushes paperwork. Ask to tour projects they completed five to ten years ago to see how their hidden weatherproofing, finishes, and exterior technologies have actually held up against the elements.

     
     

   • Elevating Historic Details: To achieve a historic look without an unlimited budget, focus on substantial millwork. Skip standard big-box trims and visit a local lumber yard for thicker, more shapely door casings, bases, and cornices inspired by historic pattern books. Additionally, major window manufacturers often have specific historical lines featuring traditional putty-stop profiles that add immediate gravitas.

     
     

     Also Mentioned:

     • Transformations by Ferguson & Shamamian Architects.

     • Follow on Instagram: @fergusonshamamian.

     • Historic architecture resources: The White Pine Series, pattern books by Asher Benjamin, and the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) via the Library of Congress.

       
       

       Please send in your decorating dilemmas to [email protected] so we can help you with your space! Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

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9. Ep. 483: Annie Meyers-Shyer & This Oak House

   15.09.202658 Min.Als Nächstes

   Former Harper's Bazaar editor and Chanel executive Annie Meyers-Shyer joins the podcast! Annie became an "accidental influencer" after launching her Instagram account, @thisoakhouse, to document the renovation …

   Shownotes

   Former Harper's Bazaar editor and Chanel executive Annie Meyers-Shyer joins the podcast! Annie became an "accidental influencer" after launching her Instagram account, @thisoakhouse, to document the renovation of her family home. Now, she's sharing her thorough research, design tips, and beautiful editorial photography in her debut book, This Oak House.

   Annie chats with Caroline and Liz about how her fashion background translates to interiors, her most agonizing design decisions, and why you should absolutely video your walls before the drywall goes up.

   • Prep with Purpose: Before meeting with her architect or designer, Annie would send a short bulleted list of functional needs (e.g., "plug in a drawer for a hair dryer") alongside a highly curated Pinterest board to establish a clear visual and written narrative.

     
     

   • The Magic (and Torture) of Paint: Paint was one of the hardest decisions for Annie. To get an accurate read on a paint sample, paint it onto the actual material of the wall (like beadboard vs. plaster), remove any blue painter's tape that might cast a colored shadow, and pull up pink floor coverings like Ram board.

     
     

   • Cohesive Finishes: To keep her home feeling connected, Annie selected a short list of materials—like wood floors and marble—and simply rinsed and repeated them throughout the house.

     
     

   • Working with a Designer: Be completely honest about what kind of client you are going to be. If you want to be deep in the weeds and highly collaborative, tell them upfront so you can ensure your working styles are a match. Also, never underestimate the value of hiring kind people.

     
     

   • Record Your Walls: Before the drywall goes up, walk through your home and take a video on your phone. Knowing exactly where the electrical and plumbing are hiding behind the walls will save you massive headaches if you ever need to make changes later.

     
     

   • The Case for the Formal Living Room: Annie purposely designed her living room to be a TV-free, adult-focused space. While her kids are allowed in the room, it brings her joy to have one space in the house that stays exactly how she left it.

     
     

   • The Nancy Meyers Connection: Annie's mother is legendary filmmaker Nancy Meyers, known for her coveted movie sets. Annie notes that the magic of those movie homes is deeply tied to the complex characters, the wardrobe, and the story being told, which is a great reminder that your own home should tell the story of the people living inside it.

     
     

   • Follow Annie on Instagram: @thisoakhouse

   • Pick up her new book, This Oak House, available on September 15th.

   • Try the hot fudge recipe included in her book

   Please send in your decorating dilemmas to [email protected] so we can help you with your space! Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

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10. Ep. 482: Entertaining with a Side of Chaos with India Hicks

    08.09.202654 Min.Als Nächstes

    We are thrilled to welcome back writer, designer, entrepreneur, and former model India Hicks to the podcast! As the daughter of legendary British interior designer David Hicks, India grew up surrounded by …

    Shownotes

    We are thrilled to welcome back writer, designer, entrepreneur, and former model India Hicks to the podcast! As the daughter of legendary British interior designer David Hicks, India grew up surrounded by formal theatrical design, but her 30 years living in the Bahamas have distinctly softened her approach. She joins us to discuss her fourth book, Entertaining with a Side of Chaos, which serves as part memoir and part tablescaping guide.

    • Embrace the Unexpected: Rather than stressing over a flawless evening, prioritize gathering, putting phones down, and fostering meaningful conversations. India once moved a fully set dining table for 30 people into a breezy lane at the last minute simply to escape the summer heat.

    • Invest in Folding Furniture: To maintain flexibility in where you host, India highly recommends using inexpensive folding tables and folding bamboo chairs. This allows you to easily move your party to a new location on a whim.

    • Forage and Improvise: When traditional floral centerpieces aren't an option, look to what you have in abundance. A basketful of tomatoes or a line of reclaimed glass jars acting as bud vases can create a dramatic and beautiful tablescape.

    • Curate the Conversation: Using assigned seating isn't about stuffy hierarchy; it shows you have thoughtfully considered your guests. It saves everyone the awkwardness of finding a seat and allows the host to pair people who will spark fascinating discussions.

    • Build the Table Foundation: Start your tablescape with the tablecloth to set the tone. If using an ugly folding table, cut a bolt of plain fabric to the floor to hide the legs, then layer your decorative tablecloth or runner on top.

    • Mix and Match: Your crockery and glassware do not need to perfectly match. A collection of chipped blue-and-white plates sourced individually from antique stores brings wonderful character to a meal.

    • Read her new book: Entertaining with a Side of Chaos.

    • Follow her on Instagram: @indiahicksstyle.

    • Subscribe to her weekly Substack newsletter.

    • Shop her table linens collection with Pomegranate.

    What is the most chaotic moment you have ever experienced while hosting a dinner party?

    Please send in your decorating dilemmas to [email protected] so we can help you with your space! Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

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11. Ep. 481: Meg Braff, Gracious Interiors

    01.09.202657 Min.Als Nächstes

    Welcome back interior designer Meg Braff to the podcast! Meg first joined the show in 2017 to discuss her first book, The Decorated Home, and now she returns to celebrate her second book, Gracious Interiors …

    Shownotes

    Welcome back interior designer Meg Braff to the podcast! Meg first joined the show in 2017 to discuss her first book, The Decorated Home, and now she returns to celebrate her second book, Gracious Interiors, published by Rizzoli.

    Growing up in Mississippi, Meg watched her mother and grandmother host beautiful, thoughtful parties, and she has carried that effortless Southern hospitality into her design firm. She sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to discuss how she optimizes floor plans for hosting, why every guest room needs wallpaper, and her favorite tricks for making formal antiques feel approachable.

    • Design for Entertaining: Meg begins every project by analyzing the floor plan to maximize how a family lives and hosts. She looks for ways to provide multiple dining options, like a small setup for six indoors or a long table for thirty outdoors, and uses elements like pergolas and outdoor fireplaces to extend the entertaining season.

      
      

    • The "Dress Rehearsal" Trick: A great host makes entertaining look effortless so guests never feel like an inconvenience. Meg recommends setting your table the day before to ensure you have the right counts for flatware and vases, and turning on your playlist an hour early. This allows you to be fully dressed and enjoying a cocktail right before the doorbell rings.

      
      

    • Thoughtful Guest Rooms: Wallpapering a guest room is an easy way to make visitors feel expected and special. Elevate the stay by clearing out the medicine cabinet, stocking it with nice toiletries, and leaving out a water carafe, a small plate of fruit, and a note with the Wi-Fi password.

      
      

    • Demystifying Wallpaper: Meg—who launched her own expansive fabric and wallpaper line 18 years ago—loves bold patterns, but notes that even a simple grasscloth adds necessary warmth, depth, and texture to a room lacking architectural details. She also encourages hanging artwork directly over wallpaper, provided the pieces relate to each other in scale.

      
      

    • Mixing Antiques & Textures: To keep formal antiques from feeling stodgy or unapproachable, Meg mixes in mid-century pieces, like brass and glass coffee tables. She also uses woven materials, like French rattan chairs, bamboo altar tables, or jute rugs, to visually lighten a room and make it feel younger.

      
      

    • Go-To Accessories: Meg frequently layers her rooms with vintage brass, nautilus shells, colored or clear glass hurricanes for romantic lighting, and robust collections of books to make spaces feel truly lived-in.

      
      

      Also Mentioned:

      • Follow Meg on Instagram: @megbraffdesigns

      • Visit her shop in West Palm Beach on Georgia Avenue

      • Books by Meg Braff: Gracious Interiors and The Decorated Home

        
        

      Please send in your decorating dilemmas to [email protected] so we can help you with your space! Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

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12. Ep. 480: Trials and Triumphs

    25.08.202648 Min.Als Nächstes

    Welcome to How to Decorate! It has been quite a while since our last Trials and Triumphs episode, but Caroline, Taryn, and Liz are back with plenty of personal decorating updates. Between full basement …

    Shownotes

    Welcome to How to Decorate! It has been quite a while since our last Trials and Triumphs episode, but Caroline, Taryn, and Liz are back with plenty of personal decorating updates. Between full basement renovations, bold reupholstery projects, and a very exciting upcoming video series, the hosts have been incredibly busy getting their homes in tip-top shape. Plus, learn why you should always provide your upholsterer with a detailed spec sheet—and why you might want to leave sewing box pleats to the professionals.

    
    

    Taryn's Trials & Triumphs:

    • Guest Room Swap: Taryn officially transformed her downstairs primary bedroom into a guest room, painting the bed a beautiful muted green and bringing in some fresh floral pillows from Ballard Designs. She also finally brought up her old black picture frames from the basement to add contrast to the space.

      
      

    • Basement Progress: The basement walls are finally closed in with drywall. Taryn and her husband created another guest bedroom (shopping the basement for leftover furniture and adding a queen mattress) and finished a bathroom complete with a tiled standing shower.

      
      

    • Home Gym: Taryn finally got a dedicated workout room in the basement, requesting foam flooring, mirrors, box fans for air circulation, and a TV to check her lifting form.

      
      

    • New Art & Wallpaper: Taryn hung a gallery wall on the back stairwell featuring a new briny, acidic green mixed-media floral painting from AK Hardman. She also installed a botanical grid Sanderson wallpaper in her breakfast room, making the window-filled space feel like a beautiful greenhouse.

      
      

    • Taryn's Trial: Feeling confident after pulling her sewing machine out, Taryn spent eight hours attempting to sew her own box-pleat cushion covers for her dining chairs using a purple lilac gingham and maroon piping. It was a total disaster, looking more like a kindergarten drawing or a Catholic school skirt.

      
      

    Liz's Trials & Triumphs:

    • House Tour Prep: The team is filming 10th-anniversary house tours for YouTube. The filming deadline gave Liz the kick in the pants she needed to finally tackle lingering projects. She replaced the original "boob lights" in the laundry room, swapped out a rusty bathroom vanity, and scrubbed and repainted her front security door.

      
      

    • Pillow Perfection: Liz utilized Ballard Designs' free in-house design services to help coordinate and select all the pillows for her primary bedroom.

      
      

    • Liz's Trial: Prepping to send her son Finn across the country for art school. They are clearing out old boxes—including one labeled "pre-move" from six years ago—and preparing for dorm life. She plans to eventually completely renovate his bedroom and bathroom, but is holding off until the dust settles from the college move.

      
      

    Caroline's Trials & Triumphs:

    • Coffee Table Swap: Caroline decided against reupholstering a broken storage ottoman and instead purchased the Sabine coffee table from the Ballard outlet. She loves having a hard surface for entertaining snacks and a bottom shelf for styling design books.

      
      

    • Chartreuse Bedding: Influenced by Taryn's love of the color, Caroline added the new wavy-patterned Violet bedding in chartreuse to her dark blue bedroom.

      
      

    • Lamp Love: After borrowing a Sutton Tortoise mini glass lamp for the video shoot, Caroline loved it so much she bought it, pairing it with a ticking stripe brown shade to perfectly illuminate a corner of her kitchen counter.

      
      

    • Caroline's Trial: Caroline took a TV room ottoman to be reupholstered in a hot pink Rebecca Atwood performance fabric. Because the performance fabric looked identical on both sides, the upholsterer accidentally sewed it inside out. They fixed it quickly, but Caroline (and Taryn) advise always making a detailed spec sheet with fabric swatches to avoid confusion when dropping off furniture.

      
      

    Also Mentioned in This Episode:

    • Be on the lookout for the How to Decorate 10th-anniversary YouTube house tours coming soon.

    • Ballard Designs' Free Design Services.

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13. Ep. 479: Designing Homes that Evolve with Anne Hulcher Tollett

    18.08.20261 Std. 18 Min.Als Nächstes

    We are thrilled to welcome Richmond, Virginia-based interior designer Anne Hulcher Tollett to the podcast! As the founder and principal designer of Hanover Avenue, Anne’s work has been featured in House …

    Shownotes

    We are thrilled to welcome Richmond, Virginia-based interior designer Anne Hulcher Tollett to the podcast! As the founder and principal designer of Hanover Avenue, Anne’s work has been featured in House Beautiful, Veranda, The Wall Street Journal, and Architectural Digest. She is known for designing spaces that feel deeply personal, honoring both the historic architecture of a home and the unique lifestyles of the families who live in them.

    Anne sits down with Caroline and Liz to talk about how she uncovers her clients' true personal style—even retiring fabrics after using them to prevent cookie-cutter designs. She shares her secrets for choosing long-term furniture investments with "good lines" that seamlessly move from house to house, how to break out of the Pinterest algorithm trap, and why you should look to your own closet for home color palette inspiration.

    Quick Decorating Takeaways:

    • Reveal the Client's Aesthetic, Don't Impose Yours: Anne views her job as revealing her clients' personal style rather than leaving her own design stamp on a home. To ensure a custom, couture feel for every family, her firm intentionally retires fabrics once they've been used in a project.

    • Break the Pinterest and Instagram Algorithm: Relying too heavily on social media can trap you in a "cookie-cutter" design loop because the algorithm feeds you more of what you've already looked at. To find fresh inspiration, look to fashion designers, historic home tours, local show houses, or museum exhibits instead.

    • Invest in "Good Lines": When building a furniture collection that evolves with you, prioritize pieces with beautiful, timeless silhouettes and classic lines. A high-quality piece of furniture with good lines will naturally pair beautifully with other styles and can easily transition from your first small apartment to a larger family home.

    • Look to Your Wardrobe for Color Palettes: If you're struggling to find a home color scheme, look at what you love to wear. Your closet naturally holds the tones, textures, and patterns you feel most confident and comfortable around.

    • Lower Your Artwork: A common mistake is hanging art too high up on the wall. Bring your artwork down closer to eye level or anchor it closer to your furniture to create a more intimate and cohesive arrangement.

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 00:34 Welcome to Anne Hulcher Tollett of Hanover Avenue

    • 01:34 Why Anne loves working across varied design styles to avoid feeling bored

    • 02:00 The methodology behind uncovering a client's aesthetic and why she retires fabrics

    • 05:00 Breaking free from the social media algorithm trap to find authentic design inspiration

    • 10:00 Pulling imagery and grouping ideas onto a physical or digital board to find common threads

    • 15:00 Scale, traffic flow, and arranging furniture at comfortable, conversational heights

    • 22:00 Why one good piece of furniture will always go with another good piece of furniture

    • 27:00 Buying for longevity: Navigating small apartments, first sofas, and prioritizing beautiful lines

    • 35:00 How to translate your personal wardrobe style into your interior design palette

    • 42:00 Managing complex family dynamics and designing spaces that adapt to kids and lifestyle changes

    • 48:00 Lighting lessons: Dealing with fixtures that look pretty but don't emit enough light

    • 55:00 Hanging artwork at the correct visual height to anchor a room

    • 01:00:00 Decorating Dilemma: Solving layout challenges, awkward dimensions, and hiding cords for off-the-wall floating furniture

    Also Mentioned:

    • Hanover Avenue | Website

    • Follow Anne on Instagram: @hanoveravenue

    • Shop Ballard Designs

    Please send in your decorating dilemmas to [email protected] so we can help you with your space! Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

    Happy decorating!

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14. Ep. 478: Decorating as Composition with Lauren Wodicka

    11.08.20261 Std. 1 Min.Als Nächstes

    Welcome to How to Decorate! Today, Taryn, and Liz are joined by Lauren Wodicka, the founder and principal designer of LBW Studio based in Loudoun County, Virginia. Lauren shares her fascinating career evolution …

    Shownotes

    Welcome to How to Decorate! Today, Taryn, and Liz are joined by Lauren Wodicka, the founder and principal designer of LBW Studio based in Loudoun County, Virginia. Lauren shares her fascinating career evolution from a classically trained fine artist and gallery owner to a sought-after interior designer. We explore how she applies the principles of oil painting to interior design, the importance of knowing "when to stop," and how to intentionally collect antiques that give a room a lived-in soul.

    
    

    Quick Decorating Takeaways:

    • Treat Rooms Like Paintings: Apply fine art principles like tone, composition, and focal points when arranging furniture and decor.

    • The Power of the Edit: Just like an artist must know when to stop painting to avoid overworking a canvas, a decorator must know when to stop adding objects to maintain a room's intended feeling.

    • Embrace the "Lived-In" Look: Do not fear using natural materials like marble; pieces that get dinged and damaged over time add incredible history and charm, much like ancient Italian palazzos.

    • Invest Wisely: Dedicate your budget to long-lasting statement pieces like beautiful lighting fixtures, antique mirrors, and solid dining tables. You can save money on easily swappable items like lamps, ready-made pillows, or heavily used kitchen chairs.

    • Master the Gallery Wall: When hanging multiple pieces of art, keep your spacing uniform by using a standard three-inch gap between frames to create a sense of visual organization.

    • Go Big in Small Spaces: Powder rooms and small foyers are perfect jewel boxes for bold mural wallpapers, giving you maximum visual impact without a massive square-footage cost.

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 00:34 Lauren’s background as a fine artist, studying in Florence, and opening an art gallery in Old Town Alexandria.

    • 08:17 How formal training in oil painting directly translates into creating balanced interior design floor plans.

    • 12:12 Tips for editing a room to ensure spaces feel full yet purposefully restrained.

    • 17:28 How to pull design inspiration out of clients who aren't quite sure what their style is.

    • 20:57 Adding longevity and character to your home by mixing fresh new pieces with crusty, gilded antiques.

    • 26:01 Finding affordable antique art and the rules for styling large gallery walls.

    • 30:33 Deciding between a large gallery wall and a mural wallpaper, especially in challenging two-story foyers.

    • 34:25 Why your home should reflect your current season of life, even if that means basketballs and cleats rolling around the entryway.

    • 41:14 Identifying which pieces are worth the investment and which pieces you should save on.

    • 45:18 Simple ways to switch up your decor seasonally, like color-coordinating books, swapping lampshades, or introducing new custom pillows.

    • 52:10 A heartwarming story about Lauren’s son asking to learn how to oil paint with her in the studio.

    Also Mentioned:

    • Lauren's Studio: LBW Studio

    • Instagram: @lbwstudio

    • Send your decorating dilemmas to [email protected]

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

15. Ep. 477: Alex Kaehler's new book, A Welcoming Home

    04.08.20261 Std. 7 Min.Als Nächstes

    Welcome back to How to Decorate! Today, we are joined by returning guest and Chicago-based interior designer Alexandra Kaehler. She recently published her highly anticipated debut book, A Welcome Home: Inviting …

    Shownotes

    Welcome back to How to Decorate! Today, we are joined by returning guest and Chicago-based interior designer Alexandra Kaehler. She recently published her highly anticipated debut book, A Welcome Home: Inviting Interiors, which features eight stunning homes designed for young families. Alexandra shares the behind-the-scenes process of writing her book, designing for her bold sister, and why every room doesn't need to serve every function.

    Quick Decorating Takeaways:

    • Embrace Patterned Upholstery: A patterned sofa or sectional acts as natural camouflage for spills, making it perfect for families with kids or dogs. Patterned upholstery can also serve as the central statement piece in a small room that might otherwise feel flat.

      
      

    • You Don't Always Need Drapery: Sometimes skipping window treatments altogether allows strong architecture and beautiful windows to shine. This edit can prevent a room from feeling overly stuffy or sweet.

      
      

    • Ground Sweet Patterns with Bold Colors: If you use a delicate or sweet wallpaper, pair it with a bold, unexpected color—like an eggplant leather banquette—to keep the space from feeling too juvenile or formal.

      
      

    • Balance Heirloom Dining Sets: A full matching antique dining set (table, chairs, buffet, and corner cabinet) can quickly feel stuffy. Counterbalance the formality by wrapping the room in a vibrant, tropical mural wallpaper to inject lightheartedness.

      
      

    • Design for Your Reality: If you don't actually cook or entertain large crowds, don't design a massive open-concept chef's kitchen. Build the house for how your family actually lives, even if that means a closed-off galley kitchen with polished marble and an antique oil painting hung over the sink.

      
      

    • Protect the "Destination" Room: Dedicate at least one cozy room, like a formal living room with a fireplace, to be completely TV-free. This creates a designated destination for gathering, reading, and conversation.

      
      

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 01:02 Alexandra discusses the two-year waiting process of publishing her first book and the joy of returning to design storytelling.

    • 10:10 Designing her sister's house: Navigating a "more is more" aesthetic and fully committing to a pattern-drenched primary bedroom.

    • 21:47 The 1920s Arts and Crafts bungalow project featuring whimsical saturated colors, a purple banquette, and a bold yellow butler's pantry.

    • 35:49 Designing a closed-off, aesthetic-driven galley kitchen for a family that unapologetically does not cook.

    • 46:30 Alexandra's own home renovations, the importance of floor-to-ceiling windows, and why she loves a formal living room.

    • 54:24 The clever, double-sided hidden TV Alexandra's husband requested for their kitchen and screened porch.

    • 01:02:05 Why Alexandra specifically chose to design her book without a fussy dust jacket.

    Also Mentioned:

    • Book: A Welcome Home: Inviting Interiors by Alexandra Kaehler

    • Instagram: @alexkaehlerdesign

      
      

    Please send in your decorating dilemmas to [email protected] so we can help you with your space! Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and please leave us a review.

    
    

    Happy decorating!

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16. Ep. 476: Best of Archives: Parisian Design

    28.07.202653 Min.Als Nächstes

    Welcome to How to Decorate from Ballard Designs! While the team takes a short summer break, they are re-sharing a handful of their all-time favorite podcast episodes. Today, Caroline, Taryn, and Liz sit down …

    Shownotes

    Welcome to How to Decorate from Ballard Designs! While the team takes a short summer break, they are re-sharing a handful of their all-time favorite podcast episodes. Today, Caroline, Taryn, and Liz sit down with American interior designer David Jimenez to discuss his path to living in Paris and his Rizzoli book, Parisian by Design: Interiors by David Jimenez. David shares the secrets behind effortless Parisian style, the art of layering, and how to create deeply personal spaces filled with joy and memories.

    Quick Decorating Takeaways:

    • Embrace Antiques for Continuity: The French are known for holding onto the pieces they buy and passing them down through their families. Bringing familiar, story-filled antiques into a new home offers a comforting and reassuring atmosphere.

      
      

    • Curate a "Salon Style" Gallery Wall: To replicate the gallery walls seen in the Louvre Museum, start hanging artwork on thin metal rods right under your room's ceiling molding.

      
      

    • Mix Finishes Fearlessly: Do not feel constrained by strict design rules regarding matching wood or metal finishes. Mixing dark and light woods, or nickel and brass, brings energy and vital contrast to a room.

      
      

    • Leverage Large-Scale Pieces: Create dramatic "highs and lows" in your spaces by mixing oversized items with smaller ones. A large piece of art or a tall secretary desk provides visual surprise and hierarchy.

      
      

    • Utilize Decorative Screens: Room dividers can introduce subtle layers of texture and color, or serve a highly practical purpose like masking an unattractive view outside a window without blocking the natural sunlight.

      
      

    • Anchor with Black: Black serves as an excellent underlying punctuation mark in a room. Using black lampshades is a reliable way to add contrast and prevent a space from feeling too monotonous.

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 00:00 An introduction to the summer "best of" series and a warm welcome to guest David Jimenez.

    • 04:52 David’s career journey, starting as a Gap salesperson and leading to his relocation to reinvent a historic French brand.

    • 08:37 The beauty of investing in antiques and the reassurance of bringing familiar furniture into new spaces.

    • 13:55 How to casually layer your decor over the course of a relaxing afternoon.

    • 16:27 Tips for constructing a Louvre-inspired gallery wall with high placements and metal rods.

    • 20:20 Why breaking traditional design rules about wood and metal finishes breathes life into a room.

    • 23:02 Using scale and oversized pieces to create necessary visual drama.

    • 25:37 Practical and aesthetic applications for decorative folding screens.

    • 29:02 The inspiration behind David's favored 7cm-wide black and white striped curtains from the Marché Saint-Pierre.

    • 32:25 Why black lampshades and pops of dual-tone colors help ground a space.

    • 34:29 How observing master designers like Madeleine Castaing can influence your own design choices.

    • 37:23 Exploring the second half of David’s book, featuring an insider’s guide to Parisian artisans and shopping destinations.

    • 41:01 The crucial etiquette for shopping at French flea markets, starting with a polite greeting.

    • 44:07 Finding bold color inspiration within historic French museums and former homes.

    • 51:29 Details on where to purchase Parisian by Design and where to follow David's work online.

    Also Mentioned:

    • Book: Parisian by Design: Interiors by David Jimenez

    • Marché Saint-Pierre (Paris fabric market)

    • David Jimenez's website: davidjimenezstudio.com

    • David's Instagram: @davidjimenezstudio

    • Send your decorating dilemmas to [email protected]

      
      

    Parisian by Design: Interiors by David Jimenez For a closer look at the stunning interiors discussed in today's episode, this visual overview highlights the elegant photography and practical styling advice found inside David Jimenez's book.

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17. Ep. 475: Best of Archives: Furniture Buying Tips

    21.07.20261 Std. 44 Min.Als Nächstes

    Welcome back to How to Decorate from Ballard Designs! While the team takes a short summer break, we are sharing some of our best and most beloved conversations from the archives. Today, we are re-airing our …

    Shownotes

    Welcome back to How to Decorate from Ballard Designs! While the team takes a short summer break, we are sharing some of our best and most beloved conversations from the archives. Today, we are re-airing our all-time most listened-to episode, and it is all about furniture shopping.

    
    

    Buying furniture is a big decision that can easily feel overwhelming, with countless options, price points, and potential mistakes. Caroline, Taryn, and Liz sit down to discuss how to approach furniture as a long-term investment and share practical tips on construction and fabrics so you never regret a purchase again!

    
    

    Quick Decorating Takeaways:

    • Know Your Space and Lifestyle: Before looking at styles, assess how you actually live. Are you eating snacks on the couch, hosting dinner parties, or accommodating pets? Knowing these details dictates what kind of fabric and cushion style you will need.

    • Test Drive Your Fabric: Fabric is often the most crucial element in determining a sofa's longevity. Order a full yard of your fabric swatch, wrap it around your favorite chair or dog bed, spill coffee on it, and see how well it cleans up before you commit.

    • Understand Construction Basics: Look for kiln-dried wood frames to prevent the frame from cracking. While eight-way hand-tied springs used to be the gold standard, modern suspension technology offers fantastic durability and comfort as well.

    • Avoid the "Showroom" Look: Do not buy a perfectly matched furniture set if you want a collected feel. Give your space personality by mixing leg styles (e.g., skirts versus exposed legs), arm shapes, and wood tones.

    • Create a Room Plan First: Do not shop in a vacuum! Map out your room on graph paper or use painter's tape on the floor to understand how pieces will actually fit, flow, and scale with your ceiling height.

    • Keep Swatches Handy: Stash your essential fabric and paint swatches, along with room measurements, in your car's glove box. You never know when you will spot the perfect piece while out shopping.

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 00:34 Intro to our summer "best of" series and why this is our most popular episode.

      
      

    • 01:44 Trials and triumphs: new babies, basement offices, hardware decisions, and carbon monoxide scares.

      
      

    • 25:41 Why buying a sofa starts with knowing yourself and testing out seats in a store.

      
      

    • 35:18 The nitty-gritty of sofa construction, from kiln-dried wood to spring types.

      
      

    • 46:39 The importance of choosing the right fabric and how to effectively "test drive" it.

      
      

    • 52:40 Observing where your guests naturally gravitate to optimize your room's seating layout.

      
      

    • 56:57 Dealing with long furniture lead times and why you shouldn't settle.

      
      

    • 01:01:54 Dining room strategies: picking wipeable fabrics and indestructible quartz or porcelain tables.

      
      

    • 01:07:21 How to effectively partner with a store's sales associate to find your perfect match.

      
      

    • 01:11:32 Designing a collected room without getting stuck in a "matchy-matchy" trap.

      
      

    • 01:16:04 Tips for budgeting your furniture layout piece-by-piece and pacing your purchases.

      
      

    • 01:22:10 How to scale pieces correctly using tape, cardboard, and line drawings.

      
      

    • 01:28:56 The furniture purchases the hosts regret most—and their all-time favorite statement pieces.

    Also Mentioned:

    • Shop Ballard Designs

    Please send in your decorating dilemmas to [email protected] so we can help you with your space! Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and please leave us a review.

    
    

    Happy decorating!

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18. Ep. 474: Best of Archives: Our Ultimate Bedding Guide

    14.07.20261 Std.Als Nächstes

    We are thrilled to bring you this special installment of our summer "best of" series! While the team takes a short summer break, we are reliving some of our absolute favorite episodes. Today, we are joined by …

    Shownotes

    We are thrilled to bring you this special installment of our summer "best of" series! While the team takes a short summer break, we are reliving some of our absolute favorite episodes. Today, we are joined by Ballard Designs' own in-house bedding and bath expert, Amy Jordan. With nine years at the company, Amy is the creative force behind the perfectly layered, catalog-worthy beds we all swoon over.

    Amy sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to break down everything you need to know about creating a beautiful, comfortable nest. From thread counts and fabric types to the secrets of mixing textures and arranging pillows, this episode is a masterclass in achieving the perfect bed.

    Quick Decorating Takeaways:

    • Know Your Bedding Materials: Percale acts like a crisp white button-up shirt and sleeps cooler, whereas sateen has a slight sheen and a tighter weave that sleeps warmer. Linen is highly breathable, becomes softer the more you wash it, and is incredibly durable—often lasting up to five years.

    • Avoid the "Blob" Effect: Don't just throw a single, solid duvet across the entire mattress. Break the bed up visually into thirds by folding the duvet down to expose a contrasting coverlet or quilt in the middle, leaving the fluffy duvet at the bottom.

    • Show Off the "Bell" of the Bed: When draping a quilt at the foot of the bed, pull the corners out into a triangle fold. This styling trick shows off how the fabric drapes and highlights decorative corner details, like a Greek key trim.

    • Double-Stuff for Fluff: The ultimate catalog styling secret for an ultra-plush bed is to double-stuff your duvet cover by putting two inserts inside it.

    • Size Up Your Sham Inserts: To make the flanges of a euro sham stand up perfectly and to reduce fabric wrinkles, purchase an insert that is two inches larger than the sham (e.g., a 28-inch insert for a 26-inch sham).

    • The Fluffing Trick: When placing your insert into a sham, shake it so all the fill settles to the bottom, then turn it upside down so that the fullest part sits at the top to support the flange.

    • Polyfill vs. Down: While down is luxurious, it can shift around inside the duvet cover. Polyfill is often better for maintaining its shape and structure without requiring constant fluffing.

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 00:34 Intro to our summer series and welcoming bedding expert Amy Jordan

    • 02:59 Breaking down materials: The differences between percale, sateen, and linen

    • 09:15 Understanding the difference between coverlets, quilts, and duvet inserts

    • 11:50 How to properly layer a bed to avoid the distracting "blob" look

    • 14:06 Styling the "bell" of the bed for a beautiful, draped effect

    • 18:40 Navigating pillow arrangements and the benefits of a long lumbar pillow

    • 25:00 The challenge of deep mattresses and getting coverlets to tuck properly

    • 28:00 Box springs, the hassle of bed skirts, and why fully upholstered beds are easier

    • 33:26 Bedding strategies for kids' rooms, including the European duvet method

    • 35:05 Choosing between down and polyfill inserts for your duvet

    • 41:40 Caroline's exact bed-making routine, hospital corners, and sham insert sizing tricks

    • 47:18 The catalog secret to achieving maximum fluff: Double-stuffing the duvet

    • 55:09 The great debate: Who actually makes their bed every morning?

    Also Mentioned:

    • Shop Ballard Designs Bedding

    Please send in your decorating dilemmas to [email protected] so we can help you with your space! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

    Happy decorating!

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19. Ep. 473: Best of Archives: Traditional Design with a Twist with Katie Rosenfeld

    07.07.202660 Min.Als Nächstes

    Welcome to our summer "best of" series! While the team takes a short break, we are reliving some of our absolute favorite conversations from the archives. In this beloved episode, we sit down with …

    Shownotes

    Welcome to our summer "best of" series! While the team takes a short break, we are reliving some of our absolute favorite conversations from the archives. In this beloved episode, we sit down with Massachusetts-based designer Katie Rosenfeld. Katie is known for her happy, family-friendly, and approachable style, but it is her ability to blur the lines between classic and modern—with bits of "quirky" added for good measure—that makes her work truly stand out.

    Katie joins the show to discuss her unwavering love for traditional design and why she believes "traditional with a twist" is an evergreen concept. She breaks down her philosophy on mixing patterns, why you should always opt for white bedding, and the importance of allowing for "imperfection" in your home to make it feel collected and lived-in rather than stiff and orchestrated.

    
    

    Quick Decorating Takeaways:

    • Define "Traditional with a Twist": The "twist" isn't just about using new items; it's about juxtaposition. Pair formal elements with casual ones—for example, adding a casual seagrass or sisal rug to a very formal dining room with mural wallpaper helps dress down the formality.

    • The Case for Pattern-on-Pattern: Katie believes that pattern is a design staple. If you love pattern, don't be afraid to use it liberally. If you want to keep the room feeling fresh, she suggests swapping the traditional ratio: instead of doing the main pattern on the drapes, try using a bold floral on your upholstered sofa or chair.

    • Keep Big Pieces Neutral: To avoid dating your room too quickly, keep your foundational pieces (sofas, large armchairs) neutral in color. Save your bold gestures for items that can be easily swapped out, like textiles, lamps, and smaller decorative accents.

    • Embrace "Imperfection": When a room is too orchestrated or "just so," it feels uncomfortable and stiff. Katie argues that a little bit of imperfection—a slightly crooked piece of art or a mix of disparate items—is what creates a warm, comfortable, and charming home.

    • The Power of White Bedding: Even if your room is off-white, keep your bedding crisp white. It serves as a fresh, clean foundation that allows you to play with patterned sheets or throw pillows without the room feeling cluttered.

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 00:34 Intro: Why we’re re-airing this beloved archive episode

    • 02:00 Traditional design: Defining "Traditional with a Twist"

    • 05:00 Updating formal spaces with contemporary lighting and casual rugs

    • 06:00 Why Katie loves florals and pattern-on-pattern layering

    • 09:30 The "Granny Chic" debate and why timeless style doesn't need a label

    • 12:00 The importance of tuning out social media trends to stay original

    • 14:00 Katie’s design background and the influence of her Southern roots

    • 22:00 A deep dive into Chintz: Cotton fabrics, saturated colors, and how to use them

    • 26:00 Ruffles, trim, and needlepoint: Historic details having a moment

    • 38:00 Maintaining a sense of imperfection to keep a home cozy

    • 44:00 Creating "moments" versus "Epcot" (making disparate rooms coexist)

    • 46:00 Decorating Dilemma: Solving "Zoom Gloom" in a dark blue/beige guest room

    • 56:54 Where to find Katie and her web series

    Also Mentioned:

    • Katie Rosenfeld & Company | Website

    • Follow Katie on Instagram: @KatieRosenfeld

    • Shop Ballard Designs

    Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

    Happy decorating!

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20. Ep: 472 Mastering Scale & Visual Balance with Sarah Vaile

    30.06.20261 Std. 12 Min.Als Nächstes

    We are thrilled to welcome Chicago-based interior designer Sarah Vaile to the podcast! Known for her bold use of color, fresh traditional style, and making classic spaces feel lively, Sarah has built an …

    Shownotes

    We are thrilled to welcome Chicago-based interior designer Sarah Vaile to the podcast! Known for her bold use of color, fresh traditional style, and making classic spaces feel lively, Sarah has built an incredible coast-to-coast design firm. After pivoting from a corporate advertising career in her late 20s, she trained under industry icon Celerie Kemble before striking out on her own.

    Sarah sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to tackle one of interior design's absolute trickiest topics: scale. She shares her brilliant real-world hacks for testing furniture volume before you buy, why she loves wall-to-wall "sofa drenching" in tight spaces, and how to layout a dual-purpose office and guest room to conquer the dreaded "zoom gloom."

    Quick Decorating Takeaways:

    • Scale is All About Visual Volume: Scale isn't just about simple dimensions; it's the balance of shapes, pattern, and mass in a room. When mixing antique and modern pieces, keep an eye on mass—newer furniture skews much larger ("California scale"), which can easily swallow up older heirloom items.

    • Get Physical in Your Space: Don't rely solely on 2D digital layouts. To build confidence before hitting buy, physically map out a room using blue painter's tape on the floor, arrange empty cardboard boxes to test physical height, or tape a 1-to-1 paper cutout of a light fixture straight to the wall.

    • Try "Sofa Drenching" in Small Rooms: Don't automatically buy a tiny love seat just because a room is tight. Small spaces can actually handle a giant sofa wrapped wall-to-wall. By making the entire room about the seating, you create an incredibly cozy, enveloping, and high-drama jewel box.

    • Don't Get Stranded on "Rug Island": A common design trap is placing a floating area rug in the dead center of a room with all your furniture pushed completely off it. To bridge your hard floors with your texturing, ensure your seating "straddles" both worlds by keeping their front feet on the rug and their back feet off.

    • Banish the Zoom Gloom: Dark colors like navy blue can throw an unflattering, shadowed cast on your face during computer calls. When designing a home office space, look for bright, invigorating colors that act like a flattering backdrop—think pistachios, corals, or soft apricots.

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 00:34 Welcome to Sarah Vaile & an introduction to her style

    • 02:22 Sarah's career pivot at 27, training at Parsons, and launching a firm during a recession

    • 04:36 Business bank accounting tricks and going pro with a Virginia plantation project

    • 06:00 Meeting an idol: How a hair salon appointment led to training under Celerie Kemble

    • 08:53 Why scale is the single hardest part of design and accounting for project "breakage"

    • 12:08 Moving past CAD: Using blue tape and physical mock-ups to save a layout

    • 18:03 The vintage buying hack: Asking a person to stand in photos for sizing comparison

    • 21:40 Dealing with post-holiday emptiness and shopping Ballard Designs' garland sales

    • 27:13 Transitioning scales: Moving light fixtures from 10-foot ceilings down to 8 feet

    • 30:21 Table lamps as the "mid-level jewels" that balance a room's high-low heights

    • 31:04 Curtain guidelines: Maximizing drama with ceiling-mount hardware and massive art

    • 37:18 How fabric patterns scale on furniture and what to avoid on tufted pieces

    • 44:38 The magic of small rooms and why they are perfect for packing in big sofas

    • 46:29 Rug guidelines: Double-rug zoning and custom on-site binding around a hearth

    • 51:34 Decorating Dilemma: Solving a small, dark guest room/Zoom room from Virginia

    • 56:40 Color trends and color seasons: The shift toward burnt oranges and terracotta

    Also Mentioned:

    • Sarah Vaile Design | Website

    • Follow Sarah on Instagram: @SarahVaileDesign

    • Shop Ballard Designs

    Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

    Happy Decorating!

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21. Ep. 471: Timeless Kitchen Design with Cyndy Cantley

    23.06.20261 Std. 9 Min.Als Nächstes

    In this episode, Caroline, Taryn, and Liz talk with kitchen expert Cyndy Cantley, principal designer of Cantley & Company. Cyndy joins the show to share her wealth of knowledge on building bespoke, beautifully …

    Shownotes

    In this episode, Caroline, Taryn, and Liz talk with kitchen expert Cyndy Cantley, principal designer of Cantley & Company. Cyndy joins the show to share her wealth of knowledge on building bespoke, beautifully functional kitchens that stand the test of time, drawing from a legendary career that includes a Bon Appétit magazine cover feature early in her business.

    
    

    The hosts pick Cyndy's brain about shifting kitchen trends—from the cringe-worthy pink laminates of the past to modern hyper-functional layouts—and get her top recommendations for cabinetry, countertop materials, and space planning.

    
    

    • Embrace the English Inset: To design a kitchen that looks gorgeous decades later, stick to timeless styles like simple English flush inset cabinetry. Limit your options rather than getting overwhelmed by hundreds of trendy door styles.

      
      

    • Prioritize Drawers Over Doors: Base cabinets with deep drawers are far superior to standard doors for storage because they eliminate the need to move items in the front to get to the back, making heavy pots and pans completely accessible.

      
      

    • The Case for Clear Islands: If space permits, aim for a clean kitchen island devoid of sinks, cooktops, or appliances. An uninterrupted surface creates an ideal multi-use environment for meal prep, serving, homework, and entertaining.

      
      

    • Design for Reality, Not a Dream: Avoid tailoring an expensive kitchen remodel around an idealized version of your lifestyle. If you only host formal dinners twice a year, don't sacrifice daily functionality for features meant only for entertaining.

      
      

    • The Magic of Real Stone: Don't let builders scare you away from natural marble. It's far more resilient than people think, ages with a beautiful European patina, and chips can easily be blended because it is solid rock.

      
      

    • 00:34 – Introduction to kitchen expert Cyndy Cantley.

    • 01:17 – Cyndy’s serendipitous start: Designing a show house kitchen that led to a project for award-winning chef Frank Stitt and a Bon Appétit cover.

    • 03:24 – The history of kitchen design trends, from pink Corian and pickled wood to painted finishes.

    • 06:04 – Falling in love with English inset cabinetry and keeping a portfolio timeless.

    • 09:17 – The anatomy of a cabinet door: Rails, styles, and maintaining perfect proportions.

    • 11:16 – Understanding the standard 4-inch toe kick and aligning it with major American appliances.

    • 12:24 – The functionality of wide drawers vs. standard doors and pull-outs.

    • 14:48 – Smart corner solutions: Why swing-out organizers beat old-school lazy Susans.

    • 16:35 – High-value internal inserts worth your budget: Alphabetical spice drawers, dual cutlery organization, and tray dividers.

    • 25:00 – Designing for pets: Incorporating custom dog bowl cubbies built with slab scraps.

    • 28:39 – Smart alternative storage: Utilizing ceiling-height cabinets and 12-to-15-inch deep floor-to-ceiling dish cabinets.

    • 30:36 – Appliance garages, coffee stations, and pocket door mechanics.

    • 36:38 – The truth about microwave placement, microwave drawers, and hidden panel-ready fridges.

    • 47:36 – Countertop deep-dive: Falling in love with marble, managing budgets, and color matching slabs.

    • 55:34 – Choosing kitchen flooring: The warmth of wood vs. traditional cold tiles.

    • 56:45 – Kitchen hardware layout tips: Mixing knobs, drop pulls, and custom backplates.

    • 01:00:06 – Functional spatial rules: Why right-handed cooks should always place dishwashers on the left and trash pull-outs on the right.

      
      

      Mentioned in This Episode

      • Cantley & Company: Cyndy's custom design studio specializing in bespoke cabinetry and space design.

      • Frank Stitt's Kitchen: The career-launching project featured on the cover of Bon Appétit.

      • Calacatta & Carrara Marble: The pros, cons, and budgeting realities of high-movement stones.

        
        

        Instagram: @cantleytoulman

      
      

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22. Ep. 470: Art, Textiles, and Timeless Partnerships with Susan Hable

    16.06.20261 Std. 15 Min.Als Nächstes

    In this episode, Caroline and Liz talk with artist and product designer Susan Hable. Susan is the co-founder of the Athens, Georgia-based design studio Hable Construction, which she runs with her sister …

    Shownotes

    In this episode, Caroline and Liz talk with artist and product designer Susan Hable. Susan is the co-founder of the Athens, Georgia-based design studio Hable Construction, which she runs with her sister, Katherine. Celebrating 27 years in business, Susan’s work spans lighting, furniture, fine art, textiles, and jewelry, all rooted in her bold, hand-painted patterns and joyful sense of color.

    
    

    Susan joins the show to discuss her 20-plus-year partnership with lifestyle brand Garnet Hill, her artistic origins, her approach to building an intentional art collection, and the story behind her historic 1905 home.

    
    

    Key Takeaways from the Episode

    • The Power of Small Patterns: While large expressions are artistic, small, tightly repeated patterns—like Hable Construction's iconic, best-selling "Beads" print—have a unique, calming effect that anchors a space. Small patterns add excellent grounding texture on everything from seat cushions to linens.
      
    • Trust the Emotional Value of Art: When collecting art, buy pieces that speak directly to your heart and make you feel a specific emotion, rather than shopping for what is trendy. If original art is out of your budget, high-quality prints, art books, and local school or community art auctions are excellent alternatives.
      
    • Design with Out-of-Print Inspiration: Rather than relying exclusively on the internet, Susan builds a personal library of physical books, estate sale finds, and historical reference materials to inform her custom textile patterns and landscape aesthetics.
      
    • Building a Historical Garden: For her 1905 home, Susan designed a garden mirroring traditional Victorian landscapes, prioritizing an organic mix of loose, "floppy" movements (like anemones and Gaura) bordered by clean, tight lines.
      

    Episode Timeline

    • 00:34 – Introduction to Susan Hable and Hable Construction.
      
    • 01:54 – Susan's artistic childhood, early mentors, and grandmother's influence on her style.
      
    • 06:17 – The accidental textile breakthrough after a trip to India that led to their first major retail order with Barneys.
      
    • 09:35 – How a dream inspired the sisters to pivot to screen printing and scale production.
      
    • 12:12 – The history of the signature "Beads" print and how it functions as design's "white shirt and jeans".
      
    • 18:12 – Sourcing creative inspiration from physical books, libraries, and out-of-print collections.
      
    • 34:56 – Moving from New York to Athens, Georgia, and renovating a historic 1905 home through the 2008 market shift.
      
    • 42:13 – Susan's philosophy on collecting art, avoiding trends, and shopping without friend interference.
      
    • 52:13 – Artists Susan loves, including Rose Wiley, David Shrigley, Leanne Shapton, and Martha Rich.
      
    • 59:36 – Tips for collecting local art through local auctions and charity events.
      
    • 01:02:24 – Designing the latest Garnet Hill collection: Portuguese linens, deconstructed tossed florals, and custom rickrack details.
      

    Mentioned in This Episode

    • The "Beads" Print: Susan's number-one-selling organic linear-circular pattern utilized across multiple product categories.
      
    • Garnet Hill Latest Collection: Features an apparel debut, high-drape Portuguese linen duvets, shams, and pajama sets trimmed with custom pale yellow rickrack.
      
    • Susan's Art Show: Currently on display at the Spalding Nix Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia.
      
    • Susan's House Tour: Available to watch on the Ballard Designs YouTube channel.
      
    • Artists Mentioned: Rose Wiley, David Shrigley, Leanne Shapton, Martha Rich, Louise Belcourt, Christie Bush, and Otis Jones.
      

    Where to Find Susan Hable

    • Instagram: @HableLand
    • Website: Hable Construction
    • Hable for Garnet Hill

    
    

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23. Ep 469: Faux Botanicals & Dark Paint with Abigail Ahern

    09.06.20261 Std. 3 Min.Als Nächstes

    We are thrilled to welcome British interior designer Abigail Ahern to the podcast! Known for breaking all the traditional design rules, Abigail is famous for her signature moody palettes, her bold take on …

    Shownotes

    We are thrilled to welcome British interior designer Abigail Ahern to the podcast! Known for breaking all the traditional design rules, Abigail is famous for her signature moody palettes, her bold take on botanicals, and her wildly popular faux floral collection. In addition to her booming interior design business, she has an e-commerce site, five books, and a popular YouTube channel.

    Abigail sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to discuss how she got her start working on the picture desk for Sir Terence Conran before her husband's job relocated them to Detroit, unexpectedly launching her hands-on interior design career. She shares her secrets for styling faux florals so they look incredibly authentic, why she will always champion a dark and moody room, and why lighting is the single most important element of any dinner party.

    Quick Decorating Takeaways:

    • Don't Be Afraid of the Dark: Abigail dispels the common misconception that dark paint makes a room feel smaller. She embraces dark, moody palettes because the deep colors actually blur the edges of a room, creating a cozy, enveloping, and sophisticated space.

    • The Secret to Faux Florals: When styling her famous faux stems, Abigail approaches arrangements with an interior design mindset. She recommends mixing contrasting textures (like pairing a delicate rose with a hearty hydrangea), varying the heights of the stems in your vase, and bending them so they don't just stand straight up. You don't have to be super delicate with them—the goal is to make the arrangement feel wild, organic, and intriguing.

    • Lighting is Everything: For Abigail, the lighting at a dinner party is even more important than the menu. She recommends layering lights at different heights around the room and using tea light holders all over the house to create an inviting, multi-dimensional glow that makes everyone feel relaxed.

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Abigail Ahern

    • 01:30 How Abigail started her career in publishing for Sir Terence Conran

    • 02:00 Moving to Detroit and diving into interior design without formal training

    • 06:00 The inspiration behind her incredibly lifelike faux floral collection

    • 12:00 Tips for bending, mixing, and styling faux stems to look wild and natural

    • 20:00 Why Abigail loves dark, moody wall colors and how to pull them off confidently

    • 30:00 The importance of layered lighting and varying light heights in a room

    • 45:00 Entertaining tips and why hospitality-style lighting matters more than the food

    • 59:00 Closing thoughts & where to find Abigail

    Also Mentioned:

    • Abigail Ahern | Website

    • Follow Abigail on Instagram: @abigailahern

    • Shop Ballard Designs

    Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

    Happy Decorating!

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24. Ep. 468: Expert Gardening Tips with Katie Tamony of Monrovia Plants

    02.06.20261 Std. 7 Min.Als Nächstes

    Today, Caroline and Tayrn are thrilled to welcome Katie Tamony to the podcast! Katie spent a decade (2001 to 2011) as the Editor-in-Chief of Sunset Magazine, celebrating the seamless indoor-outdoor living of …

    Shownotes

    Today, Caroline and Tayrn are thrilled to welcome Katie Tamony to the podcast! Katie spent a decade (2001 to 2011) as the Editor-in-Chief of Sunset Magazine, celebrating the seamless indoor-outdoor living of the West Coast. Today, she heads up marketing and trend forecasting for Monrovia, one of the country's premier plant nurseries.

    Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Monrovia grows over 4,000 varieties of plants—from trees and shrubs to perennials and exquisite edibles—across thousands of acres in the US. Katie joins us to discuss the fascinating world of plant breeding, the top landscape trends shaping our backyards, and why you shouldn't be afraid to aggressively prune your plants!

    Quick Gardening Trends & Takeaways:

    • Patio Culture: More people are focusing their gardening efforts on patios and balconies. Instead of just the traditional "thriller, filler, spiller" container combinations, homeowners are embracing wellness and luxury by potting single, stunning statement plants with lush, broad leaves.
      
    • The "Easy Sunday" Garden: Think of a Nancy Meyers movie landscape. This highly tailored look relies on the luxurious, year-round structure of traditional boxwoods paired with classic flowering shrubs like hydrangeas, roses, and camellias. This trend limits color palettes (like all white or white-and-blue) and utilizes mass plantings of a few varieties rather than a chaotic mix.
      
    • The Modern Meadow: A blend of wild and refined, this trend is incredibly popular with younger homeowners. It focuses on biodiversity by mixing native grasses with pollinator-friendly perennials like salvia, lavender, and agastache to invite bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds into the yard.
      
    • Exquisite Edibles: Gardeners are looking beyond basic tomatoes and berries. Thanks to clever plant breeding, people are now growing exotic fruits like kiwis and figs in colder hardiness zones, or even planting compact apple trees in patio containers.
      
    • Look closely at the branching: When shopping for shrubs, check if the plant is evenly branched on all sides. Good branching indicates the plant was pruned frequently and properly cared for at the nursery, meaning it will hold its shape much better in your yard.
      
    • Buy plants with tight buds: We are often dazzled by fully blooming plants at the garden center, but you will get a much longer bloom time at home if you purchase a plant that is still tightly budded (like peonies, which should be bought when the "eye" is just coming up).
      
    • Don't be afraid to prune: Many gardeners are too timid, but aggressive pruning is incredibly healthy for your plants. Cutting back perennials, hydrangeas, and trees at the right time helps them return fuller and with more blooms.
      
    • Dig a wider hole, not a deeper one: When planting, dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the plant's root ball. Ensure you aren't burying the plant too deep; the soil should just cover the root ball. Mix your native dirt with soil amendments, add a slow-release fertilizer into the hole, and always finish with a top layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
      

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 00:00 Welcome & Introduction
      
    • 03:00 Katie’s background at Sunset Magazine and joining Monrovia
      
    • 06:00 Monrovia’s 100-year history and the only annual plant they grow
      
    • 09:00 The top four landscaping trends: Patio Culture, Easy Sunday Garden, Modern Meadow, and Exquisite Edibles
      
    • 15:00 The history of founder Harry Rosedale and the iconic green Monrovia pots
      
    • 20:00 Why branching matters and why you shouldn't be afraid to prune
      
    • 25:00 The science of plant breeding, plant hunters like Dan Hinkley, and bringing fragrance back to roses
      
    • 32:00 The debate between native plants, invasives, and cultivars
      
    • 43:00 Nursery shopping tips and why fall is the best time to plant large shrubs
      
    • 54:00 The Nitty Gritty White Rose and using unique shrubs for your indoor cutting garden
      

    Also Mentioned in This Episode:

    • SunBelievable Sunflower: The only annual Monrovia grows! It stays compact and bushy, making it a perfect pot filler that produces up to 1,000 blooms from spring until the first frost.
      
    • Centennial Ruby Hydrangea: Monrovia's special 100th-anniversary release. It boasts a never-before-seen ruby color that ages to deep charcoal, with sturdy stems and thick leaves that hold blooms for 130 days.
      
    • Nitty Gritty White Rose: A compact rose popularized by designer James Farmer, who planted masses of them in containers around his pool for a stunning, bouquet-like effect.
      
    • Fatsia 'Camouflage': A beautiful statement plant with variegated foliage discovered by plant hunter Dan Hinkley.
      
    • Cutting Garden Shrubs: Step outside the box for your floral arrangements by clipping from shrubs like Leucadendron, compact Crape Myrtles, or Loropetalum.
      
    • Explore the Plant Finder Tool at Monrovia.com to find the perfect plants for your zip code.
      
    • Follow Monrovia on social media: @monroviaplants.

    
    

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25. Ep. 467: Dorm Room Design 101 with Lauren DeLoach

    26.05.202649 Min.Als Nächstes

    We have a wonderful returning guest this week! Atlanta-based interior designer Lauren DeLoach is back on the podcast to share everything she learned while designing and installing her daughter's freshman dorm …

    Shownotes

    We have a wonderful returning guest this week! Atlanta-based interior designer Lauren DeLoach is back on the podcast to share everything she learned while designing and installing her daughter's freshman dorm room at Ole Miss.

    As we launch the new Ballard Designs dorm line, Lauren sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to give the ultimate masterclass in dorm decorating. She explains how she tackled awkward cinderblock walls, the secret to finding the true dimensions of a dorm room, and why "Alien Tape" is a dorm parent's best friend.

    Quick Decorating & Dorm Takeaways:

    • Find the "Master Map": Don't just rely on the general dorm dimensions provided by the college. Lauren explains that to truly plan a layout, you need to seek out the building's "master maps" (often passed around in college parent Facebook groups). These maps will show you exactly where the architectural quirks are located in your specific room, like vertical plumbing chases and window soffits.

    • The Magic of Alien Tape: To soften the harsh cinder block walls, Lauren used a genius trick to hang full-wall drapery without drilling or damaging the school's property: Alien Tape! It provided enough grip to hold the drapes and create a beautiful faux-fabric wall behind the beds.

    • Pack in IKEA Bags: When moving a kid into college, Lauren highly recommends packing softer items in the oversized, zip-up plastic IKEA bags. They are incredibly durable, hold a massive amount of stuff, and can even be checked as luggage on a flight if you are traveling out of state.

    • Start with the Bed: In a dorm room, the bed is practically the only furniture you have to work with. Lauren and her daughter's roommate coordinated their space using a fresh "Spa and Sage" color palette from Ballard Designs. They started by picking a ditsy floral fabric for the headboards, and then layered the beds with the spa-colored Audrey coverlet and buffalo check duvets.

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Lauren DeLoach

    • 01:30 Designing a freshman dorm room at Ole Miss

    • 02:00 Starting the design with a "Spa and Sage" palette and buffalo check bedding

    • 03:00 The importance of coordinating designs with the new roommate

    • 04:00 Why you need the "master map" to find hidden chases and soffits

    • 20:00 Hanging wall-to-wall drapery with Alien Tape to cover cinder blocks

    • 28:00 Tricks for packing and moving using oversized IKEA bags

    • 36:00 Transitioning quality dorm decor into a future college apartment

    • 45:00 Closing thoughts & where to find Lauren's work

    (Note: Timestamps are approximate based on the transcript segments provided; be sure to double-check against your final audio file!)

    Also Mentioned:

    • Lauren DeLoach Interiors | Website

    • Follow Lauren on Instagram: @laurendeloachinteriors

    • Shop the Ballard Designs Dorm Line - ballarddesigns.com/dormcatalog

    Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

    Happy Decorating!

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26. Ep. 466: Trials and Triumphs

    25.05.202657 Min.Als Nächstes

    We are back for a long-overdue "Trials & Triumphs" episode! It has been a hot minute since Caroline, Taryn, and Liz sat down to share their personal home updates, but they have plenty of stories to catch up on …

    Shownotes

    We are back for a long-overdue "Trials & Triumphs" episode! It has been a hot minute since Caroline, Taryn, and Liz sat down to share their personal home updates, but they have plenty of stories to catch up on.

    Caroline gives a highly anticipated update on her daughter Birdie's room and shares a hilarious PSA about why you should always check your pockets before doing laundry. Plus, the ladies discuss the convenience of plug-in lighting and how to update a space without needing to hire an electrician.

    Quick Decorating & Homeowner Takeaways:

    • The Big Girl Bed Transition: Caroline shares that they finally received Birdie's new bed (which features a handy trundle!). It’s been a great success, and she emphasizes how proud kids get when they have a space that feels like their own "big kid" room.

    • The Magic of Plug-In Sconces: If you need extra lighting but don't want to hire an electrician or tear into your drywall, plug-in sconces are the way to go. Caroline recommends plug-in swingarm wall sconces (specifically mentioning some great finds from Lamps Plus) as an easy, stylish solution.

    • Laundry PSA: Always check your pockets! Caroline learned the hard way that accidentally washing a fish oil vitamin will leave your entire load of laundry smelling terribly.

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 00:00 Welcome back to Trials & Triumphs!

    • 01:25 Caroline’s Triumph: Birdie’s big girl bed has arrived and she loves showing it off

    • 02:00 Navigating the toddler bed transition (and a few minor tumbles)

    • 06:00 Caroline’s Trial: The fish oil vitamin laundry disaster

    • 12:00 Caroline’s Triumph: Updating lighting with plug-in swingarm wall sconces

    • 18:00 Catching up on Taryn and Liz's current home projects and finding the right "Homework Cafe" vibe

    Also Mentioned:

    • ⁠Lamps Plus⁠

    • Shop ⁠Ballard Designs⁠

    Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

    Happy Decorating!

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27. Ep. 465: Nathan Turner's New Book "I Love Decorating"

    12.05.202655 Min.Als Nächstes

    We are thrilled to welcome a designer who perfectly embodies American laid-back, high-style design: Nathan Turner! As a fifth-generation Californian, his work is infused with sunny colors, natural textures, and …

    Shownotes

    We are thrilled to welcome a designer who perfectly embodies American laid-back, high-style design: Nathan Turner! As a fifth-generation Californian, his work is infused with sunny colors, natural textures, and bold, fun touches. Nathan joins Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to talk about his highly anticipated third book, I Love Decorating: Creating Stylish, Thoughtful, and Personal Spaces.

    Nathan shares the hilarious and serendipitous story of his career, from getting a double major in business and economics to working as an antiques buyer in Europe simply because he spoke Italian. He also reminisces about his first Los Angeles shop, where his legendary in-store dinner parties accidentally launched his entire interior design career.

    Quick Decorating & Career Takeaways:

    • Be Open to the Unexpected Pivot: Nathan stresses the importance of being open to new opportunities, especially early in your career. Despite having a practical degree in business and economics, he leaned into his love of Italy and the Italian language, which eventually landed him a job as an assistant and buyer for an antiques dealer.

    • Make Your Space Feel Like a Home: When Nathan opened his first shop in LA, he didn't just display items on shelves—he reinstalled the building's little kitchen and started cooking for friends and decorators. By setting the shop up to feel like a real home and hosting events, he naturally showcased his aesthetic and inspired people to hire him.

    • Embrace the "Adventure Yes": Even when clients first started asking Nathan to design their homes, he didn't have formal interior design experience. He describes himself as an "adventure yes" kind of person: he agreed to the projects and trusted his eye, esthetic chops, and work ethic to figure it out along the way.

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Nathan Turner

    • 00:57 Discussing Nathan's new book, I Love Decorating

    • 01:41 How Nathan started his design career completely "by accident"

    • 02:07 Getting a degree in business and economics to appease his parents

    • 03:19 Studying abroad in Siena, Italy and embracing his "Italian era"

    • 05:18 The chance meeting with an antiques dealer in San Juan Capistrano

    • 06:12 Prematurely opening his own LA shop and running out of money by January

    • 07:14 The famous LA shop dinner parties and the LA Times feature

    • 08:22 Hosting elaborate events, like tenting the shop for a Turkish dinner

    • 08:51 Transitioning organically into residential interior design

    • 50:53 Closing thoughts and finding Nathan's fabrics at Ainsworth Noah

    Also Mentioned:

    • New Book: I Love Decorating: Creating Stylish, Thoughtful, and Personal Spaces by Nathan Turner

    • Previous Books: American Style and I Love California

    • Ainsworth Noah (Fabric Showroom)

    • Shop Ballard Designs

    Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

    Happy Decorating!

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28. Ep. 464: Bring Travel Inspiration Home with Jessica Whitley

    05.05.202653 Min.Als Nächstes

    Today we are thrilled to welcome Jessica Whitley, the creative director of Jessica Whitley Studios in Athens, Georgia. Jessica is a true multihyphenate: a former corporate CPA who swapped crunching numbers for …

    Shownotes

    Today we are thrilled to welcome Jessica Whitley, the creative director of Jessica Whitley Studios in Athens, Georgia. Jessica is a true multihyphenate: a former corporate CPA who swapped crunching numbers for designing beautiful spaces and creating art!

    Jessica sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to share her serendipitous career pivot, why she treats her own home like a "test kitchen," and how her travels across all seven continents influence her aesthetic. She also discusses the process behind designing the Rivet House—a stunning boutique hotel inside an old industrial mill—and explains why studying the "flight pattern" of a room is the true secret to good design.

    Quick Decorating Takeaways:

    • Study the "Flight Pattern": Jessica is obsessed with function. Before she worries about how a room looks, she analyzes how people will actually move through it. She suggests thinking about the "flight pattern" of a space—like who is opening the refrigerator door, where kids are running in, and how you entertain—to ensure the layout actually serves your daily life.

      
      

    • 
      

      Listen to the Location: It is easy to get caught up in whatever kitchen or bathroom is currently trending on Pinterest. Instead of copying trends, Jessica recommends looking at the specific location and architecture of the building and asking, "what does it want to be?" to create a much more authentic space.

      
      

    • 
      

      Treat Your Home Like a Test Kitchen: If you are nervous about design, use your own home to experiment. Jessica tested every fabric for durability against kids and guests in her own house before using them for clients, which gave her the confidence to know her designs would actually hold up to real life.

      
      

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    • 
      

      00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Jessica Whitley

      
      

    • 
      

      01:26 Jessica’s serendipitous journey from corporate accounting to art and interior design

      
      

    • 
      

      04:06 Treating her first home like a "test kitchen" for fabrics and function

      
      

    • 
      

      04:41 Shifting away from Pinterest trends to find authentic, location-specific design

      
      

    • 
      

      05:24 Why analyzing the "flight patterns" of a family is the key to good design

      
      

    • 
      

      07:17 How traveling the world (specifically the Cotswolds and Amsterdam) shapes Jessica's aesthetic

      
      

    • 
      

      07:51 The story behind designing the Rivet House boutique hotel in Athens, Georgia

      
      

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      49:37 The difficulty (and importance) of editing and restraint in design

      
      

    • 
      

      50:00 Closing thoughts & where to find Jessica's work

      
      

    Also Mentioned:

    • Jessica Whitley Studio | Website

      
      

    • Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jessicawhitleystudio

      
      

    • Rivet House (Athens, GA)

      
      

    • Shop Ballard Designs

      
      

    Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

    Happy Decorating!

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29. Ep. 463: Flowering Outdoors with Margot Shaw

    28.04.20261 Std. 4 Min.Als Nächstes

    We are so excited to welcome one of our favorite guests back to the podcast—the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Flower Magazine and a true entertaining expert—Margot Shaw! Margot sits down with Caroline, Taryn …

    Shownotes

    We are so excited to welcome one of our favorite guests back to the podcast—the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Flower Magazine and a true entertaining expert—Margot Shaw!

    Margot sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to celebrate the release of her gorgeous new book, Flowering Outdoors: Gardens and Parties. A follow-up to her bestselling book Living Floral, this new release focuses entirely on inspiring gardens and al fresco entertaining. Margot shares some of her favorite projects from the book, including the stunning restoration of the storied Gray Gardens estate, and explains why she believes place cards are a non-negotiable for any gathering.

    
    

    Quick Decorating & Entertaining Takeaways:

    Honor a Home's History: Margot discusses the beautiful revival of the iconic Gray Gardens estate by Liz Lange. When updating a historic property, Margot notes how important it is to keep the original spirit alive while adding your own personal touches (like Liz's dramatic round pool). It ensures the home feels referential and soulful, rather than just being a "pretty house".

    Never Skip the Place Cards: Whether you are hosting an elaborate dinner party or simply having dinner with a group of friends on a cruise, Margot insists that place cards are essential. Assigning seats eliminates the awkward "moment of panic" for guests figuring out where to sit, and it allows you to thoughtfully mix up the conversation.

    Embrace the "Stretch Goal": When flipping through beautifully styled tabletops and garden parties, it's okay if not everything is easy to replicate. Look for the simple, easy-to-accomplish details (like menus or pretty napkins) while also embracing the grander setups as aspirational "stretch goals" for your own hosting.

    
    

    What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

    00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Margot Shaw

    00:52 Discussing Margot's brand new book, Flowering Outdoors: Gardens and Parties

    02:25 Bringing the book's inspiration to life for spring entertaining

    03:28 The standout project: The history and revival of Gray Gardens

    04:14 How Liz Lange honored "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" in her restoration

    06:46 The process of curating content for the new book vs. the magazine

    08:14 The case for always using place cards to make guests feel comfortable

    01:00:07 Closing thoughts & where to get the book

    
    

    Also Mentioned:

    New Book: Flowering Outdoors: Gardens and Parties by Margot Shaw

    Previous Book: Living Floral by Margot Shaw

    Flower Magazine

    Gray Gardens

    Shop Ballard Designs

    Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

    Happy Decorating!

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30. Bonus Episode: Introducing our NEW Spring/Summer Catalog Items!

    24.04.202653 Min.BonusAls Nächstes

    Tuck in and get lost in the Spring 2026 catalog with us! In this special bonus episode, the team does a deep dive into the brand-new Spring/Summer 2026 Items. We’re covering all the inspiration behind the …

    Shownotes

    Tuck in and get lost in the Spring 2026 catalog with us! In this special bonus episode, the team does a deep dive into the brand-new Spring/Summer 2026 Items. We’re covering all the inspiration behind the season—from earthy pastels and coastal chic vibes to the return of classic motifs like ruffles, stripes, and natural wovens.

    Whether you’re looking for a "wow" moment for your bedroom with the wave-shaped Veda Bed or seeking the perfect outdoor setup with the Berkshire Porch Swing, we cover our absolute favorites that are landing in your homes this year. Plus, stay tuned until the very end for a "cheap and cheerful" surprise prize for our dedicated listeners!

    Products Mentioned:

    Carson Kressley Collection - https://bit.ly/3OELEri

    Westbury Woven Table - https://bit.ly/48kkrAT

    Veda Woven Bed - https://bit.ly/491huFp

    Reya Bar Cabinet - https://bit.ly/3OJJDdo

    Flamands Mirror - https://bit.ly/4tyST3h

    Henry Console - https://bit.ly/3Qph2KZ

    Ramona Dining Chair - https://bit.ly/3Oomr4p

    Torino Bookcase - https://bit.ly/4e8qWKH

    Victoria Secretary - https://bit.ly/4u6eUGk

    Maris Office Collection - https://bit.ly/4tzAYJI

    Regina Chandellier - https://bit.ly/4tZLtG2

    Berkshire Porch Swing - https://bit.ly/4e1AW8y

    Suzanne Kasler Bedford Collection - https://bit.ly/4d1izzw

    Biloxi Outdoor Collection - https://bit.ly/3OkMwkQ

    Kelly Outdoor Rug - https://bit.ly/4sPqggT

    Somerset Outdoor Collection - https://bit.ly/48kkkoX

    Alexandra Accent Plates - https://bit.ly/4mOQhf3

    Essie Bedding Collection - https://bit.ly/48npssp

    Halyard Striped Drapery - https://bit.ly/4cLy2mb

    Dayna Bed - https://bit.ly/4cvVIMs

    Andrea Armchair - https://bit.ly/4mP2WOT

    Bruno Kitchen Pantry - https://bit.ly/4e1Z1fr

    Briggs Storage Cabinet - https://bit.ly/42tbzW0

    Cecil Tea Light - https://bit.ly/4cPi3nb

    Tortoise Glass Candle Lamp - https://bit.ly/4mNJ6Uh

    
    

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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