How to Decorate

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 226: designer Lauren Liess Nov 09, 2021

Show notes

Our guest today, designer Lauren Liess, has quite an impressive rap sheet. She began writing her blog, Pure Style Home, in 2008 and has since written the two best-selling design books Habitat and Down to Earth. Her new book, Feels Like Home, is hitting shelves this Fall. Her HGTV show, Best House on the Block, follows her and her husband as they design and renovate homes throughout the DC metro area. Her work has been featured in House Beautiful, Country Living, Traditional Home, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, and many more. We talk about how she manages her incredibly busy life, embracing the imperfect, her new book, lighting toys on fire, and much, much, more!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

How Lauren’s design journey began.
More about Lauren’s new book Feels Like Home.
How does Lauren manage her very busy life and balance her work and family?
What does Lauren do to bring out her calming aesthetic in her projects?
Some tips & tricks for finding the “diamond in the rough” of houses.
How does Lauren recommend embracing imperfection?
What is Lauren’s approach to managing all the “stuff” with kids?
Lauren’s gardening tips and favorites.
What are some of Lauren’s go-to white paint colors?
Some staples in Lauren’s new book.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Hillary,

I can identify with this right now! My advice is to arrange things as best as you can and hang up some artwork even though they aren’t quite right; just enough to make it feel like home. My house is a mess right now, so I’m trying to live each day one at a time. I’m bringing in simple things like branches, flowers, candles, and good music and meals. Focus on experiences and bringing the outside! It’s so hard and we get it! It’s definitely a mental exercise in patience when you can’t quite make the space the way you want it, but find the joy where you can.

Mentioned in This Episode:

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Ep. 225: architect Roger Seifter Nov 02, 2021

Show notes

We are long overdue for our conversation with the amazing architect Roger Seifter. He’s a partner at the renowned firm Robert A.M Stern Architects (RAMSA) and has designed houses all over the world including in the US, UK, India, and Canada. His work has been featured in Architectural Digest, House & Garden, The New York Times, Lux, and many more. He recently co-authored the book HOUSES with his colleagues featuring projects and the design work from the firm. We talk all about his processes, projects in the book, adapting to different architectural styles, and more!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

All about the process of writing HOUSES and the projects in the book.
Details about the incredible Las Olas project featured in the book.
Roger’s advice about designing or landscaping when you can’t build from scratch.
What is Roger’s process in building and designing a house?
How much input does a client have in a project?
How ornamentation is used in Mediterranean architecture.
Why a geographic location often dictates the architectural style of a building.
What’s the best way for a person to learn about architectural styles?
Is there such a thing as too much in terms of texture, ornament, patterns, etc., and how do you decide when and where to use it?
How to work with a boxy house.
More about Roger’s personal home in New Jersey he designed with his wife — a fellow architect.
Details on the Kiawah project that RAMSA worked on.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Amanda,

The easiest answer is DO NOT put a glass top table in the dining room; I would put a nice wood table. There’s enough beautiful tile that we don’t need to see through it, but you could do with some leggy chairs. Regarding the fireplace; it’s beautiful but it’s tiny, so it would be odd to focus the furniture around the fireplace. Your instinct to mount the TV in the built-ins is the way to go and then position the furniture in a way that you can actually sit in it to watch. I would put the sofa across the room with the two chairs opposite it and then some pull-up chairs by the fireplace. In terms of types and colors of furniture, I would keep the upholstery simple and soft in a neutral, lighter color. Then use pillows that pick up the colors from the tile. Just remember not to pick oversized furniture that will overpower the floors. If you decide to go without a rug, you’ll be relying on your furniture and window coverings to balance the sound, so maybe steer towards lush, skirted upholstery and ample, soft curtains. A bonus with skirted chairs is you can have them on swivels to access both the TV and the fireplace!

This is an amazing space and we can’t wait to see it finished. These floors are so unique and such a treat to see! Please send us the after photos.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Roger Seifter

RAMSA: Robert A.M. Stern Architects

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Ep. 224: designer Mikel Welch Oct 26, 2021

Show notes

We are thrilled to welcome the talented and hilarious Mikel Welch this week. Mikel shares his colorful journey with us to becoming an interior designer and TV show host, going from offering free design on Craigslist to now working on The Drew Barrymore show and co-hosting Roku’s Murder House Flip. Mikel talks with us about how set design informed his perspective on home decor, the bold move he made with Steve Harvey that paid off, how he taught himself design, and the importance of knowing what you are working with before you commit to anything in design. Mikel also has great advice for spray painting, finding the right plants, and navigating thrift stores.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Mikel has always been bold and not afraid to jump in and say “yes”.
Posting on Craigslist to help people decorate one room led to Mikel meeting a decorator on Dexter, which opened his mind to the wonderful world of set design.
From Jerseylicious to The Steve Harvey Show to Design Star, what are some of Mikel’s takeaways from set design and TV?
What is it really like working with Drew Barrymore?
His rule of thumb — if you can touch it, it needs to be real!
How Mikel creates drama when working with a neutral palette.
What’s really behind those big barn doors in his NYC apartment.
The importance of planning out the scale and laying out images to see if the elements work. Don’t be shy to get in there and really work it through.
Ways we can create impact and have fun with spray paint.
Why Mikel calls showhomes the gift that keeps giving and his love of Kips Bay.
His thrift store rules learned from Emily Henderson. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hell no! And always do a second lap.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Melissa! Thanks for writing in. Mikel loves your Pinterest board of wonderfulness but wants to narrow it down so we can get down to what will work best. First, start with wallpaper, which should be the backdrop. Mikel would like to see soft white trim, which would make it bright and airy, and really balance things off. For the awkward window, large drapery is one option. Another can be a singular rod with pinch-pleated draped, in a solid color. In terms of furniture, consider spray painting the dresser so it matches the crib and swapping out the hardware for something more modern. Your artwork may work great on a larger wall as your impact pieces, and it will pick up on the wallpaper just across the way. We know you believe the layout is awkward, but make some of these changes and we think you will be pleasantly surprised! Last but not least, Mikel has to say it — the carpet has got to go! If you rip it out in just the nursery, hopefully, there’s something great underneath. You’ve got the bones, now you just have to lay everything down!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Mikel Welch: Website | Instagram

The Drew Barrymore Show

Emily Henderson

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Ep. 223: architect Peter Pennoyer Oct 19, 2021

Show notes

We are so thrilled to welcome renowned and veteran architect Peter Pennoyer to the show. Over the last 30 years, he has grown his business, Peter Pennoyer Architects, to a 50-person firm of architects, interior designers, and related professionals with projects completed all over the world. He has co-written seven (!!!) books including most recently the introduction for Rowdy Meadow: House - Land - Art available now. We talk in-depth about the house in the book, the many details involved, and Peter’s approach to this and every project.

Also, be sure to take our survey at the end of the episode!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Trials & Triumphs with a basement turned art studio, communicating with a builder and architect, hosting visitors, falling in love with a hallway, modern sconces, gardening fails, robot vacuums, and maternity leave!
Background on the house and property in Peter’s new book Rowdy Meadow: House - Land - Art.
Were all of the craftsmen on the house based locally in Cleveland?
Peter gives a description of what the Czech Cubism of the house looks like and its origin.
How long was the design process?
Was it difficult to make the house feel like home while also being museum-quality?
More about the incredible tilework of the house.
How was it mixing antique pieces with modern pieces?
What it was like coordinating with so many people on a project.
What it was like working with all the landscaping and incorporating it into the design.
What is Peter’s favorite part of the house?
Did Peter approach this project the same as his other projects?
Creating a 16-sided room!
What is Peter’s favorite part of any building process?
Why Peter recommends every design professional visits Prague.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Consuela,

I think you’re very lucky that your apartment is facing South on a high floor, is full of light, and that the living room has windows on the long side. There are two ways to do this. One is to place an L-shaped couch in the Northeast corner of the room with maybe a club chair facing into the corner. Then place the TV to the left of the window on the other wall. This will give you more space to have a larger desk which could also double as a table to host friends to eat in that room instead of the small breakfast room. With this option, you would have to take that door off the hinges. It’s taking up too much room and I don’t think you’ll ever close that. The other way is to have the TV on the narrow, East end of the room. And then place a sofa and two chairs in a more conventional set up around the fireplace facing the TV. It would also give you plenty of room to put the desk against the West wall. With either option, I think you could hang a fabric panel or identical large-size mirrors on the niches of the fireplace wall. I think the radiator would look better if you take that large box off of it (if you don’t have small children) and you could pay someone to clean it up and paint it.

This is a really great NYC apartment with a beautiful view. Good luck and please send us after photos! We want to see if you chose option 1 or 2… or neither! As always, we recommend using our Room Planner.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Peter Pennoyer Architects

Peter Pennoyer on Instagram

Rowdy Meadow: House - Land - Art

Stray Dog Designs

A Year at Clove Brook Farm by Christopher Spitzmiller

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Ep. 222: stylist & author Melissa Penfold Oct 12, 2021

Show notes

We are joined today by our first Australian guest ever! Melissa Penfold is Australia’s foremost authority on style and design, a bestselling author, columnist, editor, and journalist. She calls her book Living Well by Design the ultimate decorating book. Melissa talks about keeping design simple, functional, and uniquely you. We also discuss a lot of pointers from her book to help you create a style that makes you happy.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

What was Melissa’s process and selection for creating her book?
Why Melissa doesn’t think design is “hard”.
How to play up your home’s strengths.
How to differentiate your house especially in a subdivision.
What are Melissa’s g0-to design elements?
How to shop for quality no matter your budget.
Why having a variety of textures is so important.
It’s important to use every room in your house; and make them all your happy place!
How does design in Australia differ from design in the US?

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Emily,

What would make the biggest difference of all is to open up the entire back as one large door ceiling to floor. I’m not sure if that’s in your budget, but it would make it fabulous! However, if you want to stick with what you’ve got you can correct the window and sliding door by getting rid of the vertical blinds and hanging new curtains from the ceiling. Hang them on the left on a metal rod and use fabric the same color as the walls; it doesn’t have to be expensive but use it in abundance. Go wider than the window and do a proper Roman shade instead of faux. I like the floors and the tulip table, but I would lose the tablecloth and put the chairs around the table in a pair. I would also keep the banquet and the Ikea cabinet. If you want to change the paint just carry it through the whole space. It’s a lovely color, but you could go slightly warmer with less grey and more beige. I would also change the handle on the sliding glass door to something more modern. A very large, rectangular rug in that space would also anchor the whole area.

One thing I would do outside is get two large potted trees just outside that door; maybe orange or olive trees. You could even grow something along that fenceline--jasmine smells lovely and grows like wild!

Good luck, Emily! You’re 90% there. Please send us photos when you’re done!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Melissa Penfold

Melissa Penfold on Instagram

Living Well by Design

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Ep. 221: designer Lilse McKenna Oct 05, 2021

Show notes

Our guest today is interior designer Lilse McKenna. Before starting her own firm, she worked with designers Markham Roberts and Lindsey Coral Harper and drew inspiration from their styles. She has since had her work featured in House Beautiful, The Wallstreet Journal, Real Simple, and more. Her signature style is rooted in tradition yet layered with colors, textures, and patterns. We talk about how she uses layers, where she searches for killer fabrics, her best budget buys, and more!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Why Lilse wants your interior to make you “think”.
How did Lilse get started?
What does Lilse love about fabrics?
Tips for the pattern people and non-pattern people.
What are Lilse’s rules for sconces, wall art… and mattress heights?
What are Lilse’s thoughts on the “Grandmillennial” style?
Are vertical line patterns in wallpaper a new trend?
Where does Lilse like to save vs. splurge on items?

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Melissa,

I like the Pinterest example you showed with the custom shower curtain that was especially long, hung close to the ceiling, and almost to the floor. You may have to custom make it, but I would get an ivory linen with a narrow contrast banding on all 4 sides that pulls from the colors of the wallpaper. This will make sort of a fabric wall and make it look less “bathroomy”. You could even have the shower curtain made with pinch pleats or grommets to make it look more like a curtain.

Good luck! We are very invested in your shower curtain so show us after photos!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Lilse McKenna

Lilse McKenna on Instagram

Etsy

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Ep. 220: designer Charlotte Lucas Sep 28, 2021

Show notes

We are beyond thrilled to welcome our guest today, Charlotte Lucas, of Charlotte Lucas Interior Design based in Charlotte, North Carolina! Since starting her business in 2012 she has been featured in ELLE DECOR, Southern Living, Veranda, House Beautiful, and more. Charlotte also has an incredible fabric and wallpaper line called House of Harris. We talk about Charlotte’s love of color and patterns, how she balances funky and traditional, using layers, and more!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Trials & Triumphs with nursery completion, organizing kid clothes, basement flooding, house updates, and caretaker insight.
Charlotte’s approach to choosing bold upholstery.
How Charlotte helps her clients visualize their spaces with artist renderings.
What is Charlotte’s process for getting to know the client and their tastes?
When, where, and how does Charlotte use a contrast wall?
How does Charlotte balance traditional and daring styles?
More about Charlotte’s fabric & wallpaper line House of Harris.
Charlotte leans towards funky MCM pieces, but mixes them in with other styles.
Charlotte loves using layers and telling a story in a space.
What are Charlotte’s g0-to accessories and where do her clients usually struggle?
What unusual pieces does Charlotte like to put on bookshelves?
What is Charlotte’s approach to gallery walls?
Important questions about designing Taryn’s door!

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Shari,

We just did this for a client! A beach house is all about embracing where you are. So this is a place to restrain from color, as hard as it is, and go for texture, layers, and warmth. I like to do this with materials like caning, bamboo, rattan, and anything woven. There are so many vintage dealers both in local coastal outlets and online for wonderful pieces like this. I would definitely keep the furniture neutral but maybe add soft color with a lamp/lampshade or other accessory; your pillows would be a great place to add some. You could even paint one of those woven pieces. Try to grab color inspiration from your natural, outdoor surroundings (i.e. sky, sunset, sands, plants, etc) at different times of day. Another great thing for a beach house is grasscloth wallpaper. It’s not terribly expensive and it provides incredible texture; there are a lot of brands out there. You could even do it in the back of the bookshelves! We think your rug is too small, so think you should either size it up, or layer it with another bigger rug. With an open floor plan, it is important to create defined and separate spaces. Light fixtures in the kitchen or dining area could definitely help accomplish this.

You already have a great base, so no drastic suggestions! You can message me on Instagram at @charlottelucas if you have more questions or want to send me after photos!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Charlotte Lucas Interior Design

Charlotte Lucas on Instagram

House of Harris

Blinds.com

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Ep. 219: designer Janie Molster Sep 21, 2021

Show notes

We are so thrilled to welcome back our guest today, Janie Molster, who you may have heard on episode 117. She is an interior designer from Richmond, Virginia known for decorating spaces with exuberant color and a masterful mix of antique and contemporary pieces. Since we last spoke to her in 2019, she has written a book called House Dressing: Interiors for Colorful Living. Today we chat about her signature color usage, antiques, the importance of balance, and designing your house for TODAY and not waiting for someday!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Trials & Triumphs with gallery walls and wires, soft washing a 90 year old house, getting rid of bats, new windows and doors, finding the perfect nursery rug, and doggies ruining the perfect nursery rug.
Janie’s philosophy is to make homes glamorous yet durable.
Balance is the key!
What are Janie’s rules when it comes to window treatments?
How does Janie do pink so well?
How to still have fun and be bold with neutral colors.
What are Janie's tips to shop for antiques?
What antique piece is Janie currently in love with?
Janie’s design philosophy on ceilings and floors.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Christie,

I love where you’re going with the performance fabrics! To your point about patterns, I’m with you and think you should stick with a solid color. They have come a long way. If it were me, I would definitely consider going slightly darker on your sofa and in a warm taupe or gray to ground your room. Overall for your space go for warmth. On that back wall, I would do some sheer curtains (you can hear my rant earlier in the episode about curtains!). Then I would consider a console table for the back of that sofa. I can tell you’re drawn to a quieter mix of materials, so for patterns I would focus on pillows and lampshades. You could add something like an upholstered bench for when you have guests over and you could potentially add some pattern there. I would not get hung up on adding pattern to the pair of chairs; I would go with performance linen white. Art, like you said, is a great way to add color! Lastly, with the spaciousness of your room I think you can size up on your coffee table. Your furniture is rather spread out so I would consider pulling it in to make it more convivial. Don’t create a “time out” space for your guests!

In your dining room, the chandelier is great. But it could also really use some beautiful and bold curtains! I would also consider painting the walls all the same color. If you’re nervous about patterned curtains, you could use the same color as the paint for warmth. And the colors from the rooms should speak to each other. Then I would put something fabulous that lives in the center of your dining table. It doesn’t have to literally be “alive” as it could be a collection of vases, sculpture, etc.

You have such a great space with wonderful lighting. We love it and can’t wait to see what you do!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Janie Molster Designs

Janie Molster Designs on Instagram

House Dressing also available at Target, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

HTD Episode 117

Chairish

1stDibs

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Ep. 218: Dutch interiors w/ Barbara de Vries Sep 14, 2021

Show notes

Our guest today, Barbara de Vries, has a most impressive and varied background as a creative. Her prolific career includes launching CK at Calvin Klein, working on projects for Ralph Lauren and Pantone, creating her own fashion line, and co-founding her own publishing and media company. She also worked as a model and an environmental activist. Today we talk to Barbara about her new book, Coming Home: Modern Rustic, Creative Living in Dutch Interiors.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Barbara’s adventurous career path.
How Barbara’s Dutch lineage has inspired her philosophy and style.
The difference between using the old and the new in the US vs. Europe.
How the work from home movement is evolving our spaces.
Cultural differences make a big difference in kitchen size and design.
Why we all can benefit from using more daily conservation efforts.
A Decorating Dilemma about the power of well-adjusted drapes.
What can we learn about Dutch Interior Design to take into our own homes?
Barbara was a model and an environmental activist?

Decorating Dilemma

I must say I have never seen a house with all the ceilings painted before and I understand that not being your style. Ideally, you would paint all over everything. If your budget doesn't allow it, though, then I would advise painting the ceilings white. Your house would immediately come much lighter and bright. Going room by room, I would buy 2 paintings and a mirror for the dining to the wall to the left of your window. I wouldn't worry about a rug because the light reflects beautifully on the natural wood floor. Drapes could also make it look cozier in there. I would get large vases and keep fresh flowers in there. I would also paint the wall below the staircase and the hallway ceiling white. I would live with the terracotta in your living room and maybe add some pieces that reflect that color. If there isn't a rug in there, I would get a rug that picks up on those colors. And if you don't want to paint, maybe try tile underneath the cabinets.

If all the suggestions are too much work, I would definitely start with the white ceilings, white dining room, and white panel on the stairs. It's a great, sunny space! We would love to see the after photos!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Barbara de Vries

Going Dutch Interiors on Instagram

TED Talk - Plastic is Forever

Coming Home: Modern Rustic, Creative Living in Dutch Interiors

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Ep. 217: designer Philip Mitchell Sep 07, 2021

Show notes

We are so excited to welcome back one of our favorite guests, Philip Mitchell, of Philip Mitchell Designs to the show! He is a Toronto and New York-based designer with a full-service firm. He has been featured in House Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens, House & Home, Veranda, Architectural Digest, and more. His upcoming book, Collected Interiors: Rooms That Tell a Story, is available for pre-order now. We talk about Philip’s love of storytelling, finding joy in the unexpected, a commitment to loving your space, and ART!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Discussing Philip’s new book and his belief that a house should tell a story.
Philip’s two questions he asks all clients.
What are some exercises we can do to edit our own design ideas?
How Philip breathes new life into old pieces.
Philip’s philosophy and approach to art.
Why Philip thinks loving a piece is more important than style or investment value.
Philip loves unconventional places to display art.
When does Phillip like to place lighting on art?

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Sarah,

Your space and your view are extraordinary! These are all great questions. For me, the number one thing regarding the paint is that Northern rooms are tricky. It looks as though you are in a very tropical location. I would tend to go very neutral, use one of the whites you have because then it will not fight with all of the colors that will change throughout the day with the light. Regarding the shelves, I agree with all of your suggestions. I love the idea of doing a new pair of chairs. I would also add a third chair by the fireplace. I love the family gallery wall, but I would move it to where you have that contemporary piece of art. Then you can move that piece to the “gallery” wall. Just swap them! It’ll be a great focal point. I know you are on a budget, so I would find similar fabric drapery panels to match what you already have on some of those bare windows. I don’t feel that your lamps are too small, but I would probably move the side table with the lamp over to the sofa backing to the dining room. Then I would look into adding another small side table where we are taking that one away. Then possibly a floor lamp there and over by the small chair next to the fireplace. Instead of having a giant ottoman in that big floor space, how about more than one thing? Maybe a rectangular ottoman (forget the tray...it always falls with kids!), round table, and square table. It will add some flexibility and practicality with a room that the family uses often. Let’s also toss some color in here with pillows, drapery, or other accents.

We are so jealous of your view and think buying this place was the RIGHT move! Thank you so much for listening and please send us some after photos!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Philip Mitchell Design

Philip Mitchell Design on Instagram

Pre-order Collected Interiors: Rooms That Tell a Story

Ep 54. with Philip Mitchell

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