How to Decorate

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 236: designer Chauncey Boothby Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

In today’s episode, we are pleased to welcome Connecticut-based designer Chauncey Boothby of Chauncey Boothby Interiors. Chauncey has cultivated an aesthetic that’s classic yet contemporary. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including House Beautiful, Domino, New England Home Magazine, and The Wallstreet Journal. In 2018 she was named a House Beautiful Next Wave Designer. We talk about how Chauncey creates clean yet cheerful spaces, her love for antiques and vintage pieces, how to give rooms layers, her use of fabric for inspiration, and much more!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

What is Chauncey’s background and how did she find a career in design?
How Chauncey came to love antiques and vintage pieces.
Why Chauncey doesn’t want a room to look like a catalog.
How to get creative with old or existing pieces.
What does Chauncey take into account when designing children’s rooms?
How does Chauncey get all the color details to work together in a space?
How does Chauncey like to customize Roman shades and other drapery for everyday use?
Why Chauncey likes to focus on function and durability in design; especially for kid’s rooms.
What is Chauncey’s use of fabric for inspiration and grounding for a room?
How does Chauncey create custom paint colors?
What does Chauncey do to decorate for the holidays?
Chauncey’s tips & tricks for entertaining and hosting guests.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Sarah,

This is a great space with a lot of potential, but I understand your dilemma with the layout. I would definitely replace the curtains. With the radiator at the bigger window, you may not be able to draw them, so that may be a good spot for layering a shade behind it. With the other pair of windows if there is space to put curtains behind I would do that, otherwise, you can do outside mounted Roman shades at the same height as the curtains. In terms of finish, I would do either black or brass; I personally love mixing finishes. I would layer in a lot of classic table lamps and floor lamps for lighting with nothing too contemporary. Then I would replace the ceiling fixture with something a little more contemporary. And yes we would all recommend a fireplace screen! A whitewash to the fireplace brick could be a nice way to brighten it up. I’m not sure what the primary function of this room is, but if there are other places to watch TV I would not recommend it in this space. So I would make the TV more secondary and not mount it over the fireplace. But if this is the only room you have for TV watching then so be it! I don’t often use sectionals but rather a sofa with a pair of chairs or a chaise component. If you do go with a sectional, the performance velvet is a good idea and a tight back will be less maintenance with kids. It all depends on if this is a cozy TV space or an entertaining space. How you organize and divide the furniture will be dictated by the purpose of the space. One way might be to have a pair of sofas flanking the fireplace with the TV on the opposite wall and chairs in other sections. Another way is to use back-to-back sofas to divide the room. With the 2 doors going out to the mudroom, you don’t have to use both doors and you can utilize that space instead of making it a thoroughfare. I think the space between the two windows would be a great place to put a mirror or piece of art with a chest below, and I wouldn’t put a bookcase there. If you really want a bookcase I would put it in a corner of the room especially if toys and such will be in there. For rugs, again, it will depend on how this will be laid out. Smaller or even round rugs will be less committal and better for smaller seating areas.

Good luck and send us photos!

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Ep. 235: designer Jeremy D. Clark Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

Our guest today is interior designer Jeremy Clark based out of Birmingham and Nashville. He is the founder of Jeremy D. Clark Studio; a full-service design studio specializing in luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality projects from coast to coast. His timeless style has been featured in Veranda, Southern Living, One Kings Lane, and a variety of lifestyle blogs and publications. We talk about his layered approach to colors and patterns, his love of painted floors, his tips for tablescapes, and more!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

How did Jeremy get started in design?
Which designers have influenced Jeremy?
How does Jeremy incorporate so many layers and colors while staying neutral?
More about Jeremy’s Birmingham Showhouse project.
When is a good time for a canopy bed?
Jeremy walks us through the Nashville Condo project.
Find ideas on Jeremy’s Shop section of his website.
Jeremy’s tablescapes work in Veranda and his tips for decorating.
What colors does Jeremy gravitate to?
All about Jeremy’s use of trim, textures, and patterns.
Why Jeremy loves painted floors and how to use them right.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Liza,

First of all, we are so sorry for your loss. We are going to help make this space awesome for you.

You have great pieces and your space is so charming. You said the floors were beat up, but I think they fit the 1920s bungalow vibe. In terms of art, I think we should take away the petal motif above the already decorative mantle and add something simple instead. Let’s keep that circular mirror there and add the art above the sideboard. While the Zoe Table is wonderful, for your specific space I would recommend a sleek, nesting coffee table that can be multi-functional. I love mismatching chairs, personally, so I would scour Facebook Marketplace for something that’s patterned but still neutral so it doesn’t compete with what you have. You already have lots of warm tones and wood, but to make this space even cozier I would have sofa pillows with more contrast. If you wanted to add some woven wooden shades on the windows next to the fireplace that could be really cozy. A buffet lamp just when you walk in could also add a nice, warm glow. I would also add another piece of art above the art over the sideboard to draw the eye up. Lastly, if you’re in a good space to do this, some personal pictures could also be a nice way to showcase your memories.

You have already done such an amazing job…and on a budget! This space looks luxurious!

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Ep. 234: designer Travis London Jan 04, 2022

Show notes

Today’s guest is fabulous celebrity chef turned interior designer Travis London of Studio London Co. Travis has a unique style that fuses American design sensibilities with European glamor. His distinctive point of view on color and interiors has been recognized by media outlets including Architectural Digest, Domino, and more. This colorful episode is chock-full of quotes and wisdom from Travis about his love of dogs, how his different locales have influenced his design, why he believes in different glassware for every occasion, why he and his home always smell so good, and more. Travis is lifestyle!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

How Travis likes to mix colors.
Travis’s background from high school dropout to celebrity chef to interior designer and beyond!
How has living in Europe influenced Travis’s style?
Tips for how to make a room look BIG.
How has Miami influenced his color choices?
How does Travis recommend taking risks in design?
What are a few of Travis’s favorite kitchen designing tips?
Why is Travis passionate about glassware?
Travis designed the dining room in AD's The Iconic Home.
How often does Travis redo a room or house?
Designing with dogs in mind.
How does Travis eat healthy with a busy lifestyle?
What is Travis’s next step for his brand?
Does Travis have any pet peeves in dealing with clients?

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Stacy,

First of all, I’m going to say no to the seagrass. If it’s already a small space you’ll need a wood or tile floor and you can put a rug over that if you’d like. In terms of painting, paint it all the same color floor-to-ceiling except the border trim that’s on the inset tray that you talked about; that will accentuate it. When you choose the colors, think about how you want your guests to feel. Where the ceiling fan is, you can do a wide flush mount light or even better a flush mount chandelier like one from Kelly Wearstler. I would do wood blinds for window coverings. They are more decorative and allow for more light. They come in a wide range of colors as well.

The space is actually very nice and you would never know it was a garage! I would make this feel like a hotel suite. So I would also add two chairs in front of the bed, a small thin dresser on the wall and also a TV there, on the wall where you have that glass-like dresser I would add a mirror, and then, of course, two nightstands.

It could be so cozy in here! Travis is coming over!!!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Studio London Co.

Studio London Co on Instagram

Travis London on Instagram

AD's The Iconic Home Virtual Tour

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Ep. 233: Decorating a nursery with Naomi Coe Dec 28, 2021

Show notes

Our guest today is Southern California-based interior designer Naomi Coe. Naomi’s award-winning firm, Little Crown Interiors, specializes in designing nurseries and children’s rooms. Her book, Your Perfect Nursery, is a step-by-step approach to creating your dream nursery from both a practical and aesthetical approach. Naomi has been featured on Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight, as well as in publications like People, The Wallstreet Journal, and countless more. Naomi talks about the importance of walking into a nursery and feeling good, practical placements, safety tips, modern trends, and more!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Trials & Triumphs on windows & doors, making decisions, furnace maintenance, making room for the Christmas Tree, AirBnB odors, shower curtains, tubs, and more!
How did Naomi get started in nursery and kids’ room design?
Naomi’s book, Your Perfect Nursery, was born from a challenge to find one resource.
How does Naomi recommend starting the nursery design process?
Naomi gives us her top tips for crib, window treatment, and earthquake safety.
How to choose the right crib.
Naomi’s tips on choosing the right glider or rocker.
What should go on or in reach of the changing table?
Tips and tricks for arranging and storing kids' clothing.
How to design a room that grows with a child.
Why Naomi’s book is the perfect baby shower gift or resource for any new parent.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi (again) Jamie,

First of all, I would say paint the actual walls with the paint samples. It’ll look very different on the wall than it would on a board; especially white paint. I’m personally a big fan of Chantilly Lace, but it’s going to look different in every room and every home. I very much love the painted trim look right now; white walls with slightly darker doors and trim. I think Seapearl or Putty color could be pretty.

Good luck with the new build! You’re already ahead of Taryn in the process!

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Ep. 232: Building A House Series: The Final Stages Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

This is the fourth and final episode of our Building a House series. If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to the first three episodes in the series. We are so grateful to put the “finishing touches” on the series with our guest host and interior designer Maggie Griffin. Maggie and her staff regularly help clients build and design primary residences and vacation homes from the ground up. She walks us through how to get started, realistic expectations, what parts of the home to invest in, and so many more of the questions you all have asked throughout the years!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

How to get the process started.
What goes on “the Google doc”?
The timeline and order for style selections.
A typical item that gets used as a focal piece to build around.
Where is the best place to invest money?
The kitchen is often the heart of the home; what’s important to consider?
Why does Maggie recommend going to a showroom?
Other rooms to focus on and invest in.
What are pantry trends today?
What are mud rooms looking like today?
Where are some nice places to tuck in a home office or workspace?
How to transition from the contracting phase to the installation phase.
What does the installation process with an interior design team entail; and what’s the full turnkey option?
How design on a primary residence differs from a vacation home.
What are some common pitfalls seen on a project?
Who do you call if something goes wrong within a year of construction?
Final thoughts on what the design process and finishing touches look like.
Is this is Maggie’s final home or will she build another from the ground up?

Mentioned in This Episode:

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Ep. 231: Building a House Series: Getting it Built Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

We are back for the third episode of our Building a House series! If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to the first two episodes in the series. Today we welcome to the show contractor Aaron Burgess of Freedom Construction. Aaron focuses primarily on high-end, custom homes in the resort town of Lake Oconee. Also with us again is interior designer and guest host Maggie Griffin. Aaron and Maggie talk about the collaboration process, navigating permits, the importance of walkthroughs, managing expectations, and so much more!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

How Aaron and Maggie first start working together on a custom home and the importance of having a good team.
Where to look and how to hire a contractor.
What should be the most important factor in choosing a contractor?
How can the appearance and cleanliness of a jobsite be indicative of the quality of contracting work?
Who typically handles permits and regulations for a build?
What’s the next step after getting a permit for a build?
Where are the best places to invest and/or save your dollars from a contracting perspective?
How are delays and timing affecting projects?
What do walkthroughs entail?
Why the framing walkthrough is the most important walkthrough of the project.
What are best practices for homeowners communicating and making change requests to contractors?
How much will the plan typically change or vary from the start to finish of the project?
What are 2 things that both Aaron and Maggie wish their clients knew before beginning a project?

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Ep. 230: Building a House Series: Planning & Design Dec 07, 2021

Show notes

We continue our Building a House series by welcoming architect Kevin Clark to the show. Kevin is a veteran and senior principal at the Atlanta-based firm, Historical Concepts. Also with us again is interior designer and guest host Maggie Griffin. Kevin explains why choosing the right architect can be a lot like a marriage, the different reasons people use an architect, creating a dream home specific to how you live, the importance of collaboration, and so much more invaluable advice.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Trials and Triumphs on Christmas decorations, custom cabinets, redecorating an AirBnB, skipping out of Thanksgiving cooking, creating a greenhouse, landscaping plans, and more.
Kevin walks us through his personal project in his Atlanta home.
How to choose the right architect.
The importance of walking through your daily routine and lifestyle when creating blueprints.
How often do people use architects for a renovation?
The different budget considerations and project level options of using an architect.
How much does a building sight complicate plans and home customization?
How many specialists you need in a new build and how they all collaborate.
How long do the design options/versions take?
When is it okay to tear down a house vs. maintaining the historical structure?
What do Kevin and Maggie wish clients would know about them, and the process, right away before getting started?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Historical Concepts

Historical Concepts on Instagram

Kevin Clark on Instagram

Episode 66 with Andrew Cogar

Episode 183 with Andrew Cogar

Maggie Griffin Design

Maggie Griffin at Home

Maggie Griffin Design on Instagram

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Ep. 229: Building a House Series: Getting Started Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

We are so excited to finally launch our new series, Building a House, that we’ve been talking about for many years! This is a multi-part series where we’ll welcome some amazing experts to help guide us through the entire process of building a brand new house. Joining us for the series is guest host Maggie Griffin. Maggie is an interior designer with a full-service firm in Georgia with a team of 10 working throughout the Southeast. She also has a retail component, Maggie Griffin at Home, and is working on a product line. Not only has Maggie recently done her own big personal project, but she regularly helps clients build homes from the ground up. Throughout the series, she’ll bring us some of her favorite experts, like an architect and contractor, while Maggie takes us through the interior design process.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Maggie walks us through her own personal project.
How to find a building site or property depends on which market you are in.
How to come up with a budget and how to finance a build.
Who is the first expert professional that people will contact when starting a new build?
The importance of keeping function in mind and everyday life in mind when you build.
How to prioritize what your needs are in a build.
Why Maggie likes to organize ideas on Pinterest.
The importance of driving around to find your house style and select the right architect or builder.
Other ideas for finding a building plan especially when you’re short on time.
So, who are the people you need to call and what is the timeline?
Maggie’s final words of wisdom on what people need to do to get started to Build Your Dream House.

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Ep. 228: All About Holiday Decorating Nov 23, 2021

Show notes

The holiday season is finally here! Today we’re talking all about decorating for the holidays with Ballard’s own Skye Westcott and Li Kurczewski. Skye is the SVP of Merchandising, Design, & Sourcing and Li is our Director of Decorative Accessories. Both are veterans in the industry and instrumental in curating Ballard’s holiday style every year. This episode will have you ready to pull out your holiday decorations and begin decking the halls!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Trials & Triumphs with a special guest, Karen!
Li & Skye’s impressive career backgrounds and where they’ve intertwined.
Skye believes in starting holiday decorating with tradition.
How to layer holiday decorating and evolve the house aesthetic through the seasons.
How to evoke emotion and hit all senses with decorating.
The debate over real and faux trees… and why Skye and Li are leaning faux!
The trends and color schemes for outdoor décor and lighting this season.
What patterns are in for this season?
What tree topper is everyone using?
All about tablescapes for this season.
Some holiday entertainment ideas, gift-giving tips, and other traditions.
Gift wrapping trends and ideas.
What are the holiday movies everyone watches each year?
A fun response game on our holiday styles (plus what is a tree collar)?!
Fun ideas to bring the whole family into the holiday decorating.

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Ep. 227: designer Emily C. Butler Nov 16, 2021

Show notes

Our guest today Emily C. Butler is a New York City-based interior designer. Her work has been featured in House Beautiful as well as multiple design books such as Elements Of Family Style written by one of our favorite podcast guests, Erin Gates. Emily’s signature style is beautifully grounded in tradition with a modern lightness. She has a particular flair for doing big designs in small spaces by bringing her big “Texas vibes”. We talk about how she does that, her use of color, her love of fabrics, and more!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

How did Emily get started in design?
Emily describes her style and how her use of color stands out in NYC.
How Emily manages to fit a lot of style into a small space.
What are some tips for setting up a small space?
Tips for the “drop zone” for keys, mail, etc.
Emily loves to use wallpaper and fabrics in her designs.
How Emily uses fun lighting like lamps and sconces in her design.
Details of the Upper East Side Apartment designed for a family.
What is Emily working on now?
How we use vintage finds in design.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Tara,

This is definitely an open space and I see some beautiful marble-type floors. The two cabinets you are referring to seem to be competing with one another because one is for the TV and the other is a China cabinet. I would maybe move the media cabinet against the long wall even though it’s in the pathway. There is a lot of circulation to consider in this apartment and this room is a pathway to multiple spaces. I agree the rug is a little small for the space and it’s also contrasting too much with the floor color so I would go with something more neutral. There is definitely room for more seating in the space; maybe even a pair of ergonomic chairs placed together. You could probably get an L-shaped configuration of seating going if you also add a loveseat and move the China cabinet out. Neutrals can be a little tricky and I see multiple whites in the space so adding some textures could help and add to the beachy theme. Something like a seagrass rug could be great. Where the dark chandelier is, I would suggest sticking with the theme of having a nod to the beach and adding texture with natural material. Once you remove the China cabinet it might not feel as formal in there and this would be a good space for something more natural and casual.

Good luck, Tara! This is a gorgeous space and please send us the after photos

Mentioned in This Episode: