Stay ConnectedGrandma’s Silver explores the culture of everyday life, from design and interiors to food, tradition, and the rituals that shape how we live.
Hosted by Allie Kochinsky, each episode features thoughtful, approachable conversations with designers, historians, and tastemakers, uncovering the meaning behind timeless style and enduring traditions.
New episodes every Wednesday.
Copyright: © Copyright Allie Kochinsky
In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with interior designer and author Ashley Gilbreath to explore her journey in the world of interior design and her philosophy of creating spaces that are timeless, elegant, and full of personality. Ashley shares insights from her book, The Joy of Home, and reflects on her most memorable projects, including the Kips Bay and FLOWER Magazine Decorator Showhouses. Listeners will learn how she blends classic and contemporary elements, balancing style with livability, and how her design approach can inspire both professional designers and enthusiasts at home.
Key Topics Discussed
• Ashley’s journey into interior design and influences
• Design philosophy: creating timeless, elegant, and fun spaces
• Blending classic and contemporary elements in interiors
• Insights from her book, The Joy of Home
• Experiences with prestigious projects like Kips Bay and FLOWER Magazine Showhouses
Visit Ashley's website and online shop here.
Purchase her book here.
If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.
In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Ellie Isaacs, Director of Preservation and Historic Properties at the Historic Savannah Foundation, to explore the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Ellie shares the stories behind Savannah’s most significant landmarks and historic sites, offering insight into the delicate balance between preservation and modern development. Listeners will learn about the role of community, public advocacy, and education in protecting historic spaces, as well as the broader importance of safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations. This conversation is perfect for anyone who loves history, architecture, and the timeless charm of Southern cities.
Key Topics Discussed
• Savannah’s historic landmarks and cultural sites
• Balancing preservation with modern development
• Community engagement and public advocacy in historic preservation
• The mission and impact of the Historic Savannah Foundation
• Insights into maintaining the city’s unique charm and heritage
Visit the Historic Savannah Foundation's website here.
Read about Savannah!
Start here: www.arcadiapublishing.com/GRANDMILLENNIAL
Code: GRANDMILLENNIAL
If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.
Step inside Caroline’s Cakes, a bakery rooted in family heritage and culinary tradition, with Richard Reutter, steward of the beloved business. In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Richard shares how the bakery honors his late mother’s recipes, preserves timeless desserts, and keeps the family legacy alive for future generations.
From Mother’s Day celebrations to everyday treats, discover how the bakery balances authenticity with growth, embraces hospitality, and continues to delight its community with classic, cherished confections.
Whether you’re passionate about heritage cooking, family-run businesses, or culinary storytelling, this conversation is a heartfelt exploration of tradition, sweetness, and the art of preserving recipes across generations.
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In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Jena Ellenwood, renowned mixologist and cocktail educator, to explore the art of crafting vibrant, seasonal drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Drawing on her experience working with brands like Cartier, Jena shares tips for mixology, flavor combinations, and stocking a home bar to elevate entertaining at home. Listeners will learn how to create memorable drinks for gatherings, embrace seasonal ingredients, and return to the timeless traditions of hospitality, where thoughtful entertaining brings people together. This conversation is perfect for seasoned cocktail lovers and novice hosts alike, offering inspiration to entertain with confidence, style, and a touch of flair.
Key Topics Discussed
• Seasonal cocktails and creative non-alcoholic beverages
• Tips for stocking a home bar and entertaining guests
• Techniques for refreshing flavor combinations and mixology basics
• The return to timeless hospitality traditions
• Making entertaining approachable, memorable, and fun
Check Jena out in "A Quick Drink"!
References:
In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Becky Rapinchuk, founder of Clean Mama, to explore the art of spring cleaning, home maintenance, and sustainable living. Becky shares her journey from using toxic cleaning products to creating a brand that emphasizes safe, effective, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Listeners will gain practical tips for daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal cleaning routines, along with strategies for time-saving and sustainable homemaking. This conversation is perfect for anyone looking to refresh their home, adopt healthier habits, and bring intention and care to daily domestic life.
Key Topics Discussed
• Becky’s journey to founding Clean Mama and her philosophy on safe, sustainable cleaning
• Practical routines for daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal spring cleaning
• Tips for eco-friendly, time-saving homemaking
• Creating a healthy and organized living environment
• Inspiration for making homekeeping feel approachable and rewarding
Purchase Becky's books here:
In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Katie Jacobs, Nashville native, author, stylist, and photographer, to explore the joy of celebrating everyday life. Through her blog Styling My Everyday and her two cookbooks, Katie shares how to create memorable gatherings that are simple, elegant, and heartfelt.
They discuss her philosophy that celebrations don’t have to be fussy to be meaningful, how to set beautiful tables effortlessly, and the little touches that make hosting at home a joy. Katie also reflects on her experiences working with Southern Living, Martha Stewart Living, Draper James, and Crate & Barrel, sharing practical tips and inspiration for elevating celebrations without stress.
Whether you love hosting, entertaining, or simply creating moments that matter, this conversation is a celebration of style, nostalgia, and the joy of bringing people together.
Key Topics Discussed
• Katie’s philosophy: celebrating simply and joyfully
• Tips for hosting gatherings at home with style and ease
• Creating beautiful tablescapes without overcomplicating things
• Insights from her work with Southern Living, Martha Stewart Living, and lifestyle brands
• Infusing personal style and warmth into everyday celebrations
Purchase Katie's books:
In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky talks with fashion and textile historian Lynne Zacek Basset about the rich history, cultural significance, and enduring legacy of quilts. From their practical beginnings to treasured heirlooms passed down through generations, Lynne shares fascinating insights into quilting techniques, design evolution, and the stories stitched into every piece.Listeners will also learn tips for preserving and caring for quilts, ensuring these pieces of material culture remain vibrant for future generations. This conversation is perfect for anyone interested in heritage crafts, textile history, or meaningful heirlooms.
Key Topics Discussed
• The evolution of quilting techniques through history
• How quilts reflect cultural identity and family traditions
• The role of quilts as heirlooms and storytelling objects
• Tips for preserving and caring for quilts at home
• Lynne’s work as a historian and museum consultant
Instagram: @lynnezwoolz
If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.
In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with interior designer Sara Hillery to explore her timeless, approachable design philosophy. Sara shares how she blends comfort, elegance, and fun in residential interiors that reflect personality, heritage, and style.Listeners will also get an insider’s look at her Kips Bay Decorator Show House experience, from receiving the news of her selection to finding inspiration and executing her installation. Sara opens up about the creative process behind designing standout spaces, the role of family and tradition in her work, and what makes her hometown of Richmond, VA, so special. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a collector of meaningful interiors, or simply love beautiful spaces, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a peek behind the curtain of high-level residential design.
Key Topics Discussed
• Sara’s design philosophy: blending comfort, elegance, and personality
• The inspiration and process behind her Kips Bay Decorator Show House installation
• How family, tradition, and hometown influence her approach to design
• Steps from conceptualization to execution of her most memorable projects
• Creating interiors that stand the test of time
Resources:
In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky talks with acclaimed author Crystal Wilkinson about her book PRAISESONG for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks. Crystal shares the family recipes, cultural traditions, and heartfelt stories that shaped her culinary journey, offering listeners a glimpse into the heritage and history behind Appalachian cooking.They discuss how her grandmother and family passed down recipes and wisdom, the importance of preserving these culinary traditions, and the enduring role of food in connecting memory, culture, and family. This conversation is a celebration of Black Appalachian culinary history and the stories that live on through recipes and kitchens.
Key Topics Discussed
• Crystal Wilkinson’s book PRAISESONG for the Kitchen Ghosts
• The legacy of Black Appalachian cooking
• Preserving ancestral recipes across generations
• How food connects memory, culture, and community
• Stories behind her family’s culinary traditions
RESOURCES:
In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky speaks with interior designer and author John Phifer Marrs about the art of designing around collections. Drawing from his book Interiors for Collectors, Marrs shares how to create spaces that showcase cherished treasures, antiques, and artwork while reflecting personal style and passion.Together, they explore classic elegance, storytelling through interiors, and the importance of authenticity, giving listeners practical and inspiring ideas for elevating their own homes. Whether you’re a collector, a design enthusiast, or simply love beautiful interiors, this conversation offers a peek into Marrs’ approach to thoughtful, collection-centered design.
Key Topics Discussed
• Marrs’ book Interiors for Collectors and his design philosophy
• Blending classic elegance with personal style
• Integrating antiques, artwork, and heirlooms to tell a story
• Highlighting collections in your home
• Why authenticity matters in creating meaningful interiors
Resources:
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