How to Decorate

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 296: A Welcoming Elegance with Suzanne Rheinstein Feb 14, 2023

Show notes

We welcome internationally recognized interior designer Suzanne Rheinstein to talk about her third book A Welcoming Elegance and how she chose the beautifully photographed homes of the featured clients. Suzanne shares some great tips for those learning to decorate on how to transition into new spaces and re-imagine them, and how we can blend contemporary with antique.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

The inspiration behind Suzanne’s new book, A Warming Elegance.
How to use your home as a place to help a transition in your life.
The inspiration for the house in Montecito.
Blending contemporary with antique.
Suzanne’s love for drawings and old and new.
What are your favorite ways to make your home feel casual?
Suzanne’s zest for a party featuring all ages.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Decorating Dilemma

We are here to assist you with decorating your entryway and hallway! First, if you want to do vinyl wallpaper and find an all-over pattern that you like, we’re with you. Suzanne would cover every bulkhead and do a small pattern. Also, use the resources that large paint companies such as Benjamin Moore provide. Their people can be super helpful and knowledgeable. Suzanne is drawn to the beauty of the blue cabinets in the kitchen and the yellow door. The third color she would add is red…but a deep rose or a red with pink undertones.

We love some stripes too - more narrow lines give you a little more breathing room. You can bring in colors from other rooms.

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

Ep. 295: Planning Multipurpose Rooms with Elizabeth Lawrence Feb 07, 2023

Show notes

We welcome Elizabeth Lawrence, Interior Designer and Partner at Bunny Williams Inc. Elizabeth is an iconic designer known for her layered approach to traditional interiors, and her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor House, and much more. Elizabeth talks about her journey from intern to partner with Bunny, a few of her favorite Bunny-isms that make a room feel layered and comfortable, and some current things she’s loving in 2023. Elizabeth talks about her personal jumping-off point when starting in a home and how to add more creature comforts to your home.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Elizabeth talks about her journey from intern to partner.
How does Elizabeth’s personal style both align and dovetail with Bunny’s?
The one color both she and Bunny aren’t a fan of.
What about an unusual space that doesn’t have a natural layout? Are there different types of seating or things that one could try?
Ideas for moving around furniture in a simple way that yields powerful changes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ballard Designs

Elizabeth Lawrence IG

Bunny Williams Home

Decorating Dilemma

First, congratulations on a beautiful house that already has some great and older details! Elizabeth sees your vision for wanting to show off the trim around the windows, and an important thing to remember is that every room doesn’t have to be the same. For curtains, something not too heavy with a thin metal rod would be read. It’s also really pretty to paint the trim color, and you can pick one of the nice colors in the wallpaper and accent both the trim and the ceiling with it. For the ceiling, Elizabeth recommends a hint of gray, blue, pink, or something light and beautiful.

We like the wallpaper and the color options that it gives you, and you are lucky to have some good choices! Keep us updated, and thanks again for writing in.

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

Ep. 294: Blending Past and Present with Mallory Mathison Jan 31, 2023

Show notes

We catch up this week with Atlanta-based designer Mallory Mathison, who blends the classical richness of the past with endless design possibilities for today. Mallory’s work has been featured in Southern Homes, Atlanta Homes, and most recently in the 2022 Flower Magazine Show House here in Atlanta. We talked with Mallory about how much we loved her room, and the steps she took to create a glowy, gilded garden room. Mallory shares what she loves about showrooms, and shares a few key pieces of wisdom to make your space classic and comfortable, and always ready for the perfect party.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Mallory’s process of creating a character-driven showroom.
How Mallory chose warm glittery glowy lighting and the perfect pink in her Show House room.
How did Mallory hang her mirror in the show house on top of the beautiful fabric over a daybed?
How do we make our bars look amazing and what can we do to be always party ready?
The importance of staying on the good side of a contractor.
Wicker is like comfort food for the home.
How to use brackets in different ways.
Where Mallory starts with color on a project.
Tips for framing and creating a beautiful eye-catching gallery wall.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ballard Designs
Mallory Mathison: Website | IG

Decorating Dilemma

First off, what a cute kitchen! Mallory suggests really leaning into the historic nature of your home, instead of trying to make it “modern” and making it something that it’s not. First, we can make it feel cleaner and brighter, and definitely more stylish. For the color, Mallory suggests a very light soft celery green or green that has a bit more of a yellow base than a blue base. That's going to complement the purple tones much better than something that has a blue base. Check out Benjamin Moore’s “Stolen Moments 477”.

You can also add crown molding that's appropriate to the house in the kitchen. On the walls, Mallory suggests an eggshell so you have reflectivity. In your little charming breakfast nook, we think you should use the Margo Hanging Shade Light Fixture and for flooring, check out American Restoration Tile.

If you are needing to prioritize things, first do the lighting and then paint the cabinets. Thanks for writing in, and keep us posted!

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

Ep. 293: Trend Report for 2023 Jan 24, 2023

Show notes

It’s a really exciting show this week as we hear about the 2023 Ballard Designs Trend Report from Taryn and Hillary in Product Design. In this special episode, both Product Designers break down the latest in key interior design trends including color, finishings, wallpaper, and hospitality design. From a well-traveled home to color choices to a Barbie pink renaissance, we’ve got the latest and trendiest in interior design covered to help make your home an even more beautiful sanctuary.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

What is a trend report, and why did they go through this exercise?
What’s popping in pattern and color?
Some aspects of the well-traveled home.
The indoor garden movement? Sign us up.
A Pink Renaissance! Are we really living in a Barbie dream house?
Trends for 2023 colors like Pantone, raspberry, and terracotta.
Are chrome finishes going to get even more popular this year?
Trends in fabric and wallpaper.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ballard Designs

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

Ep. 292: Romancing the Home with Stewart Manger Jan 17, 2023

Show notes

It’s all about getting out of the routine and the regular this week as we welcome New York-based interior designer Stewart Manger to the show. Stewart has worked in some of the most celebrated design offices in the United States, and we talk to him about learning from David Easton, Bunny Williams, and David Kleinberg as well as his advice for new and upcoming designers. Stewart shares the inspiration behind his new book, Romancing The Home, and gives us a few expert tips on balancing both style and comfort in design.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

How the point of view comes from the voice of the house as well as the client.
Stewart’s ability to naturally blend traditional and modern while bringing in contemporary.
How working with celebrated names like David Easton, Bunny Williams, and David Kleinberg influenced him and what elements of their work and habits he draws into his own practice now.
How can we better distribute patterns around the room?
How small details can have a large impact, such as leading edges on drapery.
Ways to mix it up and get out of your own routine.
Why your upholstery should be comfortable, and the rule that you shouldn’t buy a chair if you haven’t sat in it!
Textured and tactile fabrics can make our furniture feel more comfortable.
Why Stewart is a big fan of white kitchens and that NOW is the time to buy that brown furniture.
How can we use rugs to warm up the room?
What was it like for Stewart to hop over to Scotland and design a castle?
The importance for future designers to work in a professional office for someone they admire.

Mentioned in This Episode:

How to Make a Bed with Bunny Williams

Decorating Dilemma:

Thank you for writing in Susan! First, you have a great home and you are doing very well! Next, it is not a missed opportunity if you don’t fill the space, so don’t worry about that. Stewart agrees that you don’t want to over furnish it, and sometimes there are areas that don’t necessarily need anything at all. With that in mind, we agree that a bench can be a great method to add more storage and still put your Christmas tree there. Also, there is a 3-inch span of the wall next to the door, and you may want to consider an oversized bracket or wall-mounted table that can serve as a perch. Check out the Julian wall bracket. Here you can also add some lamps or candles to add a nice glow.

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

Ep. 291: Celebrating Ballard’s 40th Anniversary Jan 10, 2023

Show notes

Karen Mooney, our fearless leader and President of Ballard Designs, joins us to celebrate the milestone of Ballard’s 40th Anniversary. We dive into the company history, how Ballard Designs grew into what it is now, and then Karen shares a few of her favorite trends over her 22 years with the brand. Then, we talk about what’s next for Ballard as it enter 2023 and everything beyond. Thank you so much for your support for Ballard Designs: we couldn’t have helped inspire home decorators over the past 40 years without our lovely patrons, community, and listeners like you.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Who is Helen Ballard?
The 40-year story of Ballard Designs.
The value add of upholstery and unique other special touches Ballard is proud to give their customers.
The history of architecture and design and the importance of mixing both high and low.
Okay for real, how do you sneak an ottoman into a room during a coffee break?
What really went on in the Ballard backroom?
What products do we think “what was that?”
Yes, monogrammed toilet paper is a thing.
The importance of doing your homework in the design process.
New Ballard news for 2023 and beyond.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ballard Designs

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

Ep. 290: Aphrochic and the Legacy of Black Design Jan 03, 2023

Show notes

It’s a very special episode this week as we welcome Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason, the brainchild of the husband and wife team behind AphroChic. Their latest release, AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home, is a gorgeous and impactful book that showcases the stories of numerous homes and the in-depth conversations with the residents that celebrate their unique family story. Jeanine and Bryan talk about the inspiration behind the book and how the story of home begins way before we enter the home we’re in now. They talk about the decision to create a design book that is also a history book, and the intention of storytelling in a way that is educational, expansive, and entertaining.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Jeanine and Bryan talk about their journey into Aphrochic and their “why” behind the book.
The families selected were some designers, but also teachers, chef, writers, and just people with aesthetic and authentic taste.
Aphrochic shows that design is so much more than just choosing color and a palette. It’s about creating a feeling and sharing your story.
The feeling of safety, freedom, and visibility is extremely important in many Black family homes.
Jeanine and Bryan talk about their own upbringings and how the feeling of a space impacted them to their adult lives.
Jeanine and Bryan talk about working together to write the book even through health challenges.
The stories in Aphrochic tell stories of both economic perspectives between Black and white homes and also feature beautiful portraits of resilience and joy.
What’s a “womb room?”
A bit about what’s next for Jeanine and Bryan, including their magazine Aphrochic Magazine and a line of products.

Mentioned in This Episode:

AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home

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

Ep. 289 Extraordinary Interiors with Suzanne Tucker Dec 27, 2022

Show notes

We welcome the wonderful Suzanne Tucker to the show this week, where she gives us a preview of her third book published last month, Extraordinary Interiors. Suzanne is recognized as one of the country’s leading interior designers, known for her endearing style, attention to detail, and passion for architectural and decorative arts. Suzanne talks with us about many things including the beauty of having a second set of eyes when making interior design decisions, how to put your own stamp on something, and why the bones of a room or space matters first before you start adding the extra things on top of it.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

How to put your own stamp on something in a way that gives it your personal touch.
The beauty of having a trusted friend and pair of eyes when it comes to design.
Why multi pigmented paint is such a great choice, and how it changes a room hour by hour.
How bringing in art that you love and feel connected to can tie a room together stylistically.
Why should we start with the “bones” and the framework before adding the little touches.
How lighting can completely transform a room and is a key component and the three different levels of lighting.
Suzanne’s talks about “mouse house” in Santa Barbara and how it gives her a beautiful respite for serenity and peace.
More about Suzanne’s new book, Extraordinary Interiors and a few of the special projects featured in it.
How we can make modern contemporary still feel warm and layered.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Suzanne Tucker: IG | Website

Extraordinary Interiors

Decorating Dilemma:

Thank you for writing, and between the slow pitch ceiling, and angled fireplaces, what a beautiful space you have. We all agree that it already has fantastic bones, so brava for that. Suzanne says that she would not worry too much about the door, and you can leave it as is instead of painting it a particularly strong color. As far as the little telephone table, the cute little bench with the navy upholstery, we suggest putting something over it. Possibly a mirror, but if you go that route, be sure to note what exactly it is you are reflecting. If it’s the kitchen, we may want to opt for something else.

If you aren’t feeling the chandelier, don’t worry about tossing it! Remember, someone’s trash is someone else's treasure.

We love the black wall, and you can paint it black or just change it to a black outlet so it disappears. In that outlet, you can plug in a pair of lamps.

Don't underestimate the power of having a piece of art in the kitchen. That's kind of fun. But, Suzanne also thinks the open shelves would be good there.

Thanks so much, and let us know how it goes!

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

Ep 288: Trials and Triumphs Dec 20, 2022

Show notes

It’s a fun trials and triumphs episode this week! We cover everything from fancy diffusers from Target to fill your home with lovely scents, and how pressure washing a white home can make a world of a difference. Liz finally tells the “tub story”, and we discuss how a new house doesn’t mean it comes without issues and putting some TLC into it. At the end, everyone shares their holiday plans and we dream about shopping in Paris.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Diffusers are great for old homes with a funky smell, or new homes with older dogs that also have a funky smell.
Some tips for hosting a book club at your home.
More on woven blinds and how they can level up a room.
Some of the first steps
What do you do with your kids when you’re having people over?
Wait, do our kids actually think we’re cool?
As Liz heads to Paris, we share some of our favorite places to shop there.

Mentioned in This Episode:

E. Dehillerin

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

Ep. 287 Styling Secrets with Robin Zachary Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

This week we welcome New York based prop stylist Robin Zachary. After working as the Creative Director for Bridal Guide Magazine, Robin launched her prop styling career and has since founded The Prop Styling Experience: a popular prop styling workshop. Robin talks with us about how to start styling with the things you already have and love, advice for those looking to get into the field, and more about her book, Styling Beyond Instagram: Take Your Prop Styling Skills From the Square to the Street.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

What exactly does a prop stylist do?
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about prop styling?
Advice for those looking to get into prop styling.
What led Robin to develop both her workshop and book?
How Instagram and Pinterest have changed the world of photography.
Robin’s great advice on how you can make things look beautiful on a daily basis.
How to find the perfect pillow cover for your sofa.
Some of the inspiration behind Styling Beyond Instagram.
A plug for Ballard - you can order any of our 350 fabrics and a pillow cover, and we will make it for you!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Robin Zachary

@robinzachary

Styling Beyond Instagram

Decorating Dilemma:

First, you have an incredible start, and your photos already look like an “after” with all the great textures. Now let’s get into it. You absolutely can find some throw pillows that unite all the colors together, and something in the family of colors should be fine, maybe even some stripes to contrast from the patterns already in the space. The pillows on the brown leather chairs are a little overpowering in size for that really unique shape, so you may want to downsize in a roll pillow that is navy. to quiet down the busy chairs.

Take a page from Robin’s book to find something with a contrasting texture to your sofa, and maybe try to find a real nubby linen or something kind of woven. The great thing about pillow covers is that it's easy to replace them and try something new. So order some to bring them home, you can send them back if they don't work.

It would be great to decorate the mantel for the holidays, with branches, bows, candles, and other winter tidings that you can transition out after the Christmas season.

We would have items that are ready to pick up and move as you need the table but keep the table decorated, and we would have a low floral arrangement or plant with a wide bowl on the table.

You are a great stylist, and thank you for taking the time to write in!

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected