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, I sit down with Debbie Mathews LeRoy, the Nashville-based antiques expert and interior designer behind Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. With more than 30 years in the business of fine antiques, Debbie has built a reputation for her classic, curated style—and her guiding philosophy that "every room needs at least one antique."
We chat about the enduring charm of collected interiors, how her background shapes her design approach, and why antiques continue to bring soul and story to today's homes. Debbie shares what makes a space feel timeless, the pieces worth investing in, and how to start incorporating antiques into your home–even if you're new to the hunt.
RESOURCES:
In this episode of Grandma's Silver, we're joined by Elizabeth Hutchinson, founder of Hibiscus House—a Florida-based brand that specializes in sourcing vintage furniture and transforming it with custom lacquer for a fresh, statement-making look.
We talk about the joy of giving old pieces new life, why vintage still resonates with today's design lovers, and how Elizabeth has carved out a niche that's as nostalgic as it is colorful.
If you're a vintage lover who loves bold, breezy style, this conversation is for you.
RESOURCES:
In this conversation, I sit down with Sophia Demirtas, founder of Fanm Mon, the radiant brand known for its folkloric embroidery and globally inspired femininity. Sophia shares how her multicultural life experience shapes her vision—from the symbolism behind Fanm Mon's lush, hand-embroidered garments to the intentional way her team honors heritage and sustainability.
Fanm Mon explores how clothing can be both a celebration of self and a bridge between cultures, and how tradition and a love for artistry inform every pieces. If you've ever felt moved by the story behind a garment–or are looking to be—this episode is for you.
RESOURCES:
In this episode, I'm joined by event planner Cameron Forbes, owner of Forbes Functions in New York. Cameron shares how she built a career around celebrating life's most beautiful moments. We dive into her philosophy on meaningful entertaining, her favorite ways to host in the warmer months, and how to elevate even the simplest gatherings with a thoughtful touch. Whether you're planning a cocktail party or an intimate summer dinner, Cameron's tips and perspective will inspire you to create gatherings that are warm, elegant, and full of charm.
RESOURCES:
In this episode of Grandma's Silver, we're welcoming the queen of container gardening—Steph Green, founder of Contained Creations. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Steph has made a name for herself transforming patios, porches, and window boxes with bespoke seasonal planters that brim with color, texture, and charm.
We dig into her approach to spring and summer container gardens, how to think about pots as part of your home design's story, and the secrets behind a truly eye-catching arrangement. From favorite plant combinations to the classic thriller-filler-spiller method, Steph shares her best tips for creating containers that feel both curated and carefree.
RESOURCES:
In this episode of Grandma's Silver, we journey to the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Sarah Platt—archaeologist, professor, and part of the team behind a groundbreaking excavation at the Heyward-Washington House, co-lead with John Fisher from The Charleston Museum.
Dr. Platt walks us through the layers of history being unearthed—literally—as she leads the College of Charleston's in-semester archaeology field school in partnership with The Charleston Museum. Together, we explore the 18th-century gunsmithing workshop once operated by John Milner Sr., the enslaved artisans who sustained it, and the many lives that moved through this storied site.
We talk about what archaeology can reveal that written records cannot, how material culture brings forgotten narratives into focus, and why it's so important to make this kind of work more accessible to students and the public alike.
This is a conversation about preservation, participation, and the power of uncovering the past—one artifact at a time.
RESOURCES:
Step into the world of Pantry Hill, where history is told through recipes and the warmth of a home filled with tradition. In this episode, I sit down with Darien Rozell to talk about the power of heirloom recipes, the art of pie-making, and the joy of curating a cozy home with objects that tell a story. Darien shares how her family's deep roots and love of food have shaped Pantry Hill's mission, from hosting workshops at their home to preserving generations-old culinary traditions.
Whether you're a passionate home cook, a lover of vintage treasures, or simply seeking inspiration for a more meaningful connection to your heritage, this conversation will leave you craving a slice of something homemade and heartfelt.
RESOURCES:
For 50 years, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House has been at the heart of the design world, showcasing the work of visionary designers while raising millions for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. Now, with the release of Iconic Rooms: Kips Bay New York Decorator Show House at 50, the Show House's legacy is being celebrated in a whole new way.
In this episode, I sit down with Nazira Handal, Director of Special Events & Corporate Partnerships for Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, to explore the making of this milestone book, a behind-the-scenes look at how these show houses come together, and the legacy Kips Bay is leaving on the world of interior design—and on the lives of thousands of children.
RESOURCES:
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
