How to Decorate

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 186: designer Traci Connell Mar 02, 2021

Show notes

Today’s guest is Dallas-based interior designer and business coach Traci Connell. Traci’s work has been featured in Traditional Home, Luxe Magazine, and many more. Traci is known for her signature method, “Ease of Glamour”, where she aims to create homes that are easy to design, easy to live in, and overall practical. She tells us what it means to make a home “bulletproof”, how she implements technology in her process, her advice for emerging designers, and more.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Trials & Triumphs about dust jackets on books, a black cat on a white sofa, spring planting projects, and some funny decorating videos on designer Kevin Isbell’s Instagram.
What Traci means by “bulletproof” homes and the evolution of performance fabrics.
What is on the horizon for performance design?
When is it okay to choose something more delicate in design?
How Traci uses technology to improve clients’ ease of living.
What Traci does to make large, open homes feel cozier.
How to divide a space with drapery.
When to use something classic vs. when to push boundaries.
How Traci designed a house for a client that wanted no accessories.
Why renovation is more challenging than new construction.
What elements does Traci find make a home more joyful?
Tips from Traci for aspiring and emerging designers.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Courtney,

The biggest hiccup here is that it’s a long, narrow space. My initial thought is to flip the areas and put the TV over the fireplace. Then a sofa right in front on the wall in front of the fireplace. There is no room for a coffee table, but you could put two storage ottomans on either side of the sofa in a matching or coordinating fabric. Then you could roll those over when you’re watching TV and almost create a modular-type sectional. At the door where there is a bookshelf of shoes, I think you could use some vertical storage. You could definitely put a little rug right there, too. On the other side of the room where there is a door opening, you could flank two matching storage bookcases and you could store the toys there. That far side of the room is great for a play area. We think toy storage should not be in the entryway but rather where the playing happens…unless they are outside toys! You could also put two swivel chairs there that could be moved around.

For the windows, I would add some panels in white oak or seagrass. For the window coverings, I would add Roman shades to all of the windows to match what you already have. If you do move the TV to the rock wall, I would add a light fixture that’s tight to the ceiling but sprawls out. Since you like the blue, you could paint the ceiling a light grey-blue in a satin or flat finish. You could even match the color inside the built-ins. If you really do entertain in this room, you could also add a mobile bar cart. The modular approach to the room will definitely give you more flexibility.

For the dining room area with that “awkward space”, I would take out the white shelves in those curved niches. Then maybe wallpaper back in there and/or do floating shelves so it doesn’t go wall-to-wall. You can change the hardware and leave the bottom, but I love the curve. In the middle, if you can, take it all out. A nice and airy art light with a beautiful piece of large art would be lovely. The buffet can then be on the other wall for more storage. And then move a light over there, as well.

Where that hole in the floor is where the hearth was, hopefully, you can patch it with wood because it doesn’t seem like you really want a fireplace. A little bit of construction there, but not too much.

Well, there you go, Courtney! Those are your marching orders! Good luck!

Mentioned in This Episode:

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Ep. 185: Britt & Damian Zunino Feb 23, 2021

Show notes

Our guests today are a husband-and-wife team, Britt and Damian Zunino, of the Manhattan based architecture and interiors firm Studio DB. Their work has been featured in Luxe Magazine, Architectural Digest, The New York Times, ELLE Decor, and many others. We talk about their love of creative spaces, how New York has influenced their style, and how they aim to create a space that is beautiful but also livable, their collaboration process, and more. Their work exudes a swankiness that we really love, so be sure to check out their portfolio!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

How Britt would describe their style.
Discussing the curvilinear elements, features, materials, color palette and other customization they chose for The Symon project.
More about Britt and Damian’s unique country home outside of the city.
Britt’s tips for making bold choices start with choosing a color palette.
Designing around the unique pipes in the TriBeCa Franklin Street Loft.
How to design when you have very high ceilings.
Why you should invest more in lighting, especially with kids at home.
What is Britt and Damian’s collaboration process?
Where does the color palette in their projects come from?
How they design custom cabinetry with creative detailing.
Tips & Tricks for designing kid’s rooms and small spaces.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Malorie,

We love the idea of bringing in the pink, but with the color palette that you have we need to bring something to tie it in. The first option would be to incorporate a fun wallpaper on the ceiling that had some of these colors to bring it all together. Maybe something in pink with a micropattern. We thought maybe it would be nice to add two more swivel chairs that had a pretty back so you can see that right when you walk in but also be able to turn them around to watch television. We have even done something where we have upholstered the back of the chair in a different fabric that is a little more playful and the seat is more durable. Rather than having all of the furniture on the outside of the room, the swivel chairs will help pull it in and engage that space. Another option if you didn’t want to go the wallpaper route is to paint the ceiling a little bit of a softer green than what’s on the walls so it feels like a more uniform envelope of color. We love the idea of a stripe on the rug. Also, something in a pretty neutral, like a seagrass rug, would be nice. Then you could even layer on top of it with a more colorful or patterned rug to anchor the seating space. That one can be much smaller and cozier, and the bottom rug would stretch more towards the walls. To touch on the blue chair, the shape is really interesting but since you have so many lighter colors in the room you could reupholster this one to fit better with the room. It would be nice to even add a little footstool or side table.

We also want to say that you’ve done a really good job! We love the custom sofa, the sofa table, the lamps, the sconces, the bench seat. It’s a great space and you’re really onto something that you just need something to tie it together. Good luck and send us the after photos!

Mentioned in This Episode:

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Ep. 184: designer Alison Giese Feb 16, 2021

Show notes

Our guest today is San Antonio-based interior designer, Alison Giese, who recently relocated from Northern Virginia. Her work has been featured in Rue Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Home, and more. Alison’s signature style is to give the homes she designs character and soul, while still keeping it minimal and elegant. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and check out her Monday Mood Boards every week! We love them and so will you.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Trials & Triumphs! Taryn welcomed baby Miles! Ordering blinds, the Cat Lawyer, carpeting the basement, and finding a perfect workspace in the home.
Alison’s career began in sales before she pivoted to design.
How her time in Brazil influenced Alison’s style.
Redefining what neutral colors are and Alison’s selection process.
Cabinetry and hardware trends and preferences.
How Alison uses “restraint” and minimalism in her design.
Breathing life into a space with greenery.
How many towels to display in bathrooms.
When and where to use small lamps.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Beth,

We agree that most of the upholstery does feel a little big for this space. For a sofa, I think you could try a sectional with a chaise at the end. You would have to measure the room and map it out first either with a scale drawing or using painter’s tape on the floor. Caroline personally loves the Hartwell sofa for this space, especially in front of a window because it has a pretty low back. It’s also really comfortable without being too deep. And it comes in leather, too! If you do go with a leather sofa, you could try an upholstered ottoman to soften it up. Whatever you go with, just make sure you pay attention to the height and the length of the arms; try to keep it more compact so it doesn’t look as bulky. Depending on if you want the big lounging sofa or not, you could also add additional seating—maybe even some vintage chairs since they have a smaller footprint.

I love the large chair in the corner; it kind of looks like a reading nook with the lamp next to it. Potentially the other chair in the other corner does feel oversized so that could be an opportunity for a smaller chair or even a little café table. So many people are having to carve out even the tiniest spaces for homeschool or home office, so if you don’t have that this could be that place.

We love your built-ins. You could easily make those a fun color and utilize some of that storage for kid stuff. The carpet is great too!

For the TV stand, your current media stand looks a little too deep so you could give yourself more walkway space if you got a stand that is smaller. Like we mentioned in another episode, an IR repeater is a clever way to help you tuck away your electronics.

Lastly, we think you could add some more lamps or even hire an electrician and put some sconces in.

Thank you for sending in your question, Beth! Good luck and send us some photos!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Alison Giese Interiors

Alison Giese Interiors on Instagram

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Ep. 183: architect Andrew Cogar Feb 09, 2021

Show notes

We are thrilled to welcome back our guest today Andrew Cogar who is an architect and president of the award-winning firm Historical Concepts. We discuss his new book, Visions of Home: Timeless Design, Modern Sensibility, collaboration, the narrative of a house, a closer look at a historic Charleston single house, designing around honesty, the concept of the creative process, and more.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Trials & Triumphs! Karen’s lingering Christmas issues, the Wilcox mirror, adorable doormats, our love of Etsy, Taryn’s old bricks, where to store the extra toilet paper, and Caroline’s new dishwasher.
What are some examples of “sparks of joy” as it relates to architecture?
Why collaboration is a fun puzzle.
What is the concept of a “house narrative”?
Recent shifts around the open floor plan.
Considering the guest experience and privacy in a house.
Reinterpreting the historic Charleston single house featured in Andrew’s book.
The importance of designing even the small spaces.
Why it’s imperative to be honest with your design team about how you want to live.
What Andrew studied and learned while in London.
The concept of creative process; emphasis on two separate words.

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Olivia,

The biggest challenge is that this is a pass-through room and it’s hard to get around this square layout. My advice is going to come more from an architectural standpoint than interior design. First, I would suggest putting up a wall. Most people think of this as an impossible task, but it’s not! It’s actually some of the cheapest and simplest construction to do as long as it doesn’t involve any electrical or plumbing. Assuming the fireplace is a gas insert, I would close up that space above the couch and I would put the fireplace on that wall. Incorporate it in a complete wall of bookcases and built-ins and have the TV worked into the bookcase more to the right. You could get a big reading chair and ottoman to be able to take advantage of the fireplace. I would then shift the cased opening and put that where the fireplace was (assuming those are closets and not a powder room) and move the opening there. That way you can have a 3-sided enclosure at the West side of the room. You can put a couch or sectional where the TV currently is, so it really takes advantage of the natural daylight coming in from the sunroom. This really creates two zones; one is a sitting and reading zone and the other one is more of a living room. Being able to see this from the front entryway will really bring it in with the rest of the house. You can spend just as much money and time trying to solve this room, but I think making these inexpensive and simple changes will really unlock so much potential in the space. Hopefully, this is helpful and works out! – Andrew

With regards to the rug, we think you should try to find the biggest rug you can find for the space. Usually anywhere from 3inches to a foot of space around the edges works well. It will really help ground and center the room in a good way.

Good luck, Olivia!

Mentioned in This Episode:

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Ep. 182: designer Lindsay Atapattu Feb 02, 2021

Show notes

Today’s guest is Boston-based interior designer, Lindsay Atapattu, of LEB Interiors. Her spaces incorporate traditional elements in a clean, edited way. We talk about her love of traditional and where it meets modern, which elements are making a comeback, which elements are trending, designing with kids in mind, using color and chintz, and more.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Trials & Triumphs! Updates on Taryn’s house and waiting for the baby to arrive, a new bed and sofa from Ballard, empty nesting, innovative ways to hide cords and devices using an IR repeater, and missing curtains.
How Boston and Lindsay’s family background has affected her style.
How Lindsay decorates areas that are not considered “beautiful”.
Lindsay recommends decorating in layers and buying quality items that will last, but also looking for budget items.
Where should families with kids splurge, and save, their dollars?
Which traditional style elements are coming back?
Decorating for kids’ rooms.
What elements are trending?

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Jamie,

The first thing I want you to do is get in there and paint the walls. I always say paint it white if it’s a big room; you can always change it. Get two of the same rugs; one for the dining space and one for the living space. They can be different sizes, or really different designs if you want, but keep it cohesive.

Next, let’s talk pendants; I would definitely pare from 4 pendants down to 2 or 3. Go for larger pendants and use painter’s tape to mark where you might want to place them. In terms of the lamps behind the sofa, that’s tough. You really have to have the outlets in the ground instead of coming out of the wall; especially with kids running around. Depending on the positioning you could have cords go under the rugs and plug into a wall if it’s close enough. The best thing to do would be to have an electrician come and if you have a basement, see if they can run a cord and drill up. If you’re having one come in to quote the pendants, you might as well get a quote for that too. Otherwise, I would say forego the lamps behind the sofa and add one on an end table closest to the outlet or even a floor lamp.

Now the sofas; I think if you have a basement for the kids to go to that’s a perfect place for slipcovers. The space in the photo I think is a little more formal so I wouldn’t do the slipcover unless you’re going for more of a farmhouse look. Just be sure, to be honest with yourself about how often you’ll take the slipcover off; because it’s a pain! Ballard and others make really great performance fabrics these days, so I would opt for using that on a more formal piece in this room… especially if you have another place for the kids to hang out.

Finally, we would all like to see you add some fabric or texture to add softness to your seating so it’s not all wooden (i.e. the stools and the dining room chairs). You have a good base here. Good luck, Jamie!

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Schwartz House on Instagram

Brie Channel Bed

Ballard Pleated Lampshades

Bissell Spot and Stain Cleaner

LEB Interiors

LEB Interiors on Instagram

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Ep. 181: designers Barry and Amanda Lantz Jan 26, 2021

Show notes

On the show today we have father and daughter design duo Barry and Amanda Lantz of Lantz Collective in Carmel, Indiana. We talk about Barry's art collection, why art is the perfect starting place for color, their new fabric collection with Kravet, and how their aesthetics differ.

What You'll Hear on the Show:

The unique paths they both took to interior design
Why color is the perfect starting place for your home's palette
How to use color and contrast to create drama in your room
Why it's important to struggle in the design process (or any creative process)
Symmetry and asymmetry and why your room needs a little of both
How their new fabric collection came about

Show Notes:

Find all of the show notes at howtodecorate.com/podcast.

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Ep. 180: designer Matthew Patrick Smyth Jan 19, 2021

Show notes

Today’s guest is acclaimed interior designer and photographer Matthew Patrick Smyth. He has been on ELLE Décor’s “A” List, his work has been featured in House Beautiful, Traditional Home, New York Magazine and more. He also wrote a new book “Through a Designer’s Eye: A Focus on Interiors”. We talk about his polished yet comfortable spaces, his love of artisanal pieces and antiques, his attention to detail and light, and some touching personal stories.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Trials & Triumphs about feeling at home in a temporary rental, a pregnancy announcement (!), COVID within the family, tearing down and rebuilding a house, a nightmare new build next door, considering new drapery, and dishwasher woes.
Matthew explains how his process begins — starting with the floorplan.
Where Matthew finds his artisanal pieces and what he loves about them.
Matthew’s love of antiques led him to interior design and carries into all elements of his style.
How Matthew’s experience as a photographer impacts his design.
The ways Matthew was able to decorate a casual seaside home and still use antiques.
Why Matthew has an affinity for round dining tables and what chairs he recommends.
More about Matthew’s personal home and falling in love with it.
Matthew uses upholstery to modernize an older house with all antique interiors.
Matthew’s love of black(ish) paint.
What Matthew does to individualize the work for his clients.
Matthew shares about his work and friendship with Gloria Vanderbilt.
How is a designer’s eye different from the average person’s?

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Jenny,

First of all, thank you for including the floorplan—so helpful! This is a very generous width for a dining room so the sideboard is not going to throw off the room; there’s still plenty of room and no flow problem whatsoever. It’s not a floor to ceiling piece, so your eye will go right over it. I would put a big mirror over the sideboard to reflect the windows and the beautiful view. That will really open up the room. It’s really important to keep that chandelier centered with the windows so I would not touch that. The table centered in the room is the way to go. It’s good that you’re thinking about it now…but don’t overthink it! It’s actually a nicely designed floor plan and well proportioned; I wouldn’t play with that. You’re in good shape, Jenny!

Matthew

Mentioned in This Episode:

Matthew Patrick Smyth

Matthew Patrick Smyth on Instagram

Through a Designer’s Eye: A Focus on Interiors on Amazon

Zillow Gone Wild on Instagram

The Schwartz House on Instagram

Chicology Roller Blinds

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Ep. 179: Picking Paint Colors with Fran Keenan Part II Jan 12, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Part 2 of “Picking Paint Colors” with interior designer Fran Keenan. If you missed Part 1, take a listen to episode 178. Today we talk all about exterior paint colors as well as a word we used a lot in Part 1—nuance! We also cover more of your FAQ’s all about paint including at what point in the design process to decide upon your paint color, how to make sure your bold wall doesn’t look cheap, and some expert tips in choosing specific paint brands and colors.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Why picking an exterior paint color is a much bigger decision than interior
Should you paint brick?
How to choose front door colors
Tips for choosing specific paint brands and colors
What Fran loves about Farrow & Ball paints
Fran breaks down her favorites within paint decks in several different brands
Why paint should be the very last thing in your design
What should trim color for white walls be?
Can the front and back of interior doors be painted different colors?
Should outlet covers be painted the same or different color?
How to make sure a bold wall color doesn’t look cheap and/or depressing?
What is Samplize?
Paint ideas for coffered ceilings
If you are doing DIY, should you use a roller, a brush or a spray?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Fran Keenan Design

Fran Keenan on Instagram

Ep 178 Part 1

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Ep. 178: Picking Paint Colors with Fran Keenan Jan 05, 2021

Show notes

More than any other topic, we're constantly getting questions about paint -- how to pick it the right one? What are the best colors? Which finish to use? We're answering all of your questions with today's guest, interior designer Fran Keenan. We're big fans of Fran's work, and she was a guest on episode 83. She's always picking bold, saturated color in her design work, so we thought she'd be the perfect designer to chat with us about one of the trickiest elements of design, paint. In Part 1 of this two part series, we're talking about picking colors.

What You'll Hear on This Episode:

We talk about why paint she be the last thing you choose in a room
Questions you should ask before you pick paint colors like, what is the narrative?
Paint is the easiest thing to change
Light is a huge factor in how your paint and your furnishings will appear in your room
Picking paint when you have a new build
Testing samples, how many to test and where to test them
Why paint should be the answer to questions about the tempo and vibe of your room
What it means for a paint to have 'age'
Should all of your paint colors across your house look good together?
We'll cover more paint FAQs and more in next week's episode
We talk a lot about 'nuance' and what that means in paint

Show Notes:

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Ep. 177: designer Debbie Mathews Dec 29, 2020

Show notes

Our guest today has been in the antique business for over 30 years. Debbie Mathews owns Nashville-based antique shop, Debbie Mathews Antiques and Design, and also created an interior design portion of the business in 2012. We talk all about Debbie’s love of antiques, why people shouldn’t be afraid to purchase them, and the best pieces to look for. Plus, Debbie weighs in on some Decorating Dilemmas about accent walls and mixing silver and gold!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

How Debbie got started in antiques and design in childhood and how it evolved.
Why Debbie thinks people shouldn’t be “afraid” of antiques and how every room should have one.
Tips for falling in love again with pieces you’ve had for a long time.
Why Debbie is always on the hunt for a writing desk both for her shop and her clients.
Debbie’s love of a Louis Philippe chest and mirrors.
Which professionals to look for when restoring antiques.
How to know when to leave an antique “as is”.
Tips for feeling comfortable when buying an antique.
Online sites for purchasing antiques.
One of Debbie’s biggest goals is to make antiques more approachable.

Decorating Dilemma(s)

Hi Sheryl,

First, I love accent walls! Nothing can quite transform a space like paint. Your focal point wall with the fireplace has too many different paint colors, and I definitely think you should paint the whole wall and cubbies one color. Leave the fireplace and the mantle as they are. I think it will make it more impactful and also more cohesive. This will also highlight that beautiful Oriental rug you’ve inherited. We all agree that we like the warm brown accent color so use that for the whole wall.

We can’t wait to see it!

Jamie,

Absolutely I think you can mix this china with gold. One of the reasons I say this is because many of us, including myself, have china with a gold rim and we’re using silverware! Also, so many of the kitchens we are designing now have stainless steel appliances, but I’ll still use brass hardware and plumbing fixtures. I actually really like mixing metals, but I don’t like going beyond 2 metals. I don’t think there are any hard and fast rules in creating a tablescape, and I like mixing silver and gold. I think of it as creating a painting. When you have a white plate, you could start with a colorful tablecloth or placemat and think of the other layers as accents that work with your “painting”. I’m also okay with mixing patterns. I’m personally a big fan, especially as we struggle for normalcy in 2020, of using a family heirloom in my tablescape. You can also search for older pieces in antique shops or garage sales. Karen says go ahead and stick a salad plate in your bag and carry it around with you so you can layer it up with what you find and see how it looks and feels. She also thinks you can add some more gold accent pieces like these gold partridge salt and pepper shakers!

Thank you, Jamie!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Debbie Mathews Website

Debbie Mathews on Instagram

Debbie Mathews Antiques on Instagram

Debbie Mathews on Chairish

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