How to Decorate
Ballard Designs
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Top 10 How to Decorate Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best How to Decorate episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to How to Decorate for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite How to Decorate episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
04/21/20 • 62 min
We’ve been waiting to get her on for a while, and this week we sit down with Skye Kirby Westcott, Ballard’s Senior VP of Merchandising and Design. She talks with us about her impressive tenure in design industry and how she seamlessly blends different styles. Skye also shares where she finds inspiration for new products and what trends she is excited to see come (and go) in the future and at Ballard.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode
- Skye is responsible for much of the vision of Ballard, and she pulls her inspiration from many things including her travels around the world. She has an extensive background in design and merchandising and a love of interior design.
- Yes, it is possible to blend the eclectic and colorful with the modern and contemporary. Skye talks about the different styles within her homes in Atlanta, Connecticut, and even her “tree house” in LA.
- Skye’s time as an exchange student in Sweden introduced her to how the culture took time and thought to decorate their home, and she soon fell in love with their design style and IKEA. She talks about working for IKEA and how it still inspires her today.
- Skye gained a ton of experience from working on the team that developed the first Anthropologie store, and developed more skills while at Lillian August in New York.
- We can learn a lot from asking customers about what they don’t like.
- Tips for creating a card catalog of inspiration while traveling, and to have an eye out for art and design elements that you will forever appreciate from your travels.
- What product design trends Skye is looking forward to going away.
- Why Skye believes we should finish one room at a time to build our confidence and sense of accomplishment.
- Skye discusses where Ballard is headed visually, including the influence of Scandavidian design.
- Get excited for some color in upcoming Ballard bedding collections!
Mentioned In This Episode:
Ep. 120: textile designer Lisa Fine
How to Decorate
12/24/19 • 50 min
Textile designer Lisa Fine joins the show this week to talk about how she got into textile design, the path that unfolded after a trip to India, and the top things we should know when working with textiles. Lisa also shares the inspiration behind her new book, Near & Far, and wisdom she has inherited from starting and running her own business. This episode will also support that there is beauty in imperfection, and if you love something you can find a place for it in your home.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
- How Lisa got into textile design, and why she feels it is such a crucial piece to having a home that is both stylish and comfortable.
- The travels to India that got Lisa even more passionate about textiles, and also what she loves so much about Persian textiles.
- A few twists and turns that occurred while Lisa was growing her own business, and how she took them as learning lessons to get even better.
- Why Lisa loves a hand-printed linen so much, and how it creates a natural yet custom made look.
- Beauty is in imperfection, so embrace the flaws and know it’s okay to not have things perfectly perfect!
- Lisa works in homes that range from grand and opulent to refined and simple. Hear how she makes things work for each particular space.
- Lisa believes if you love something, you can find a place for it in your home.
- Why we are here for the trend of using one particular pattern to the point where it becomes a neutral.
- Slipcovers can be a great way to give your couch shape and a streamlined look, but there are certain things you need to know when using them.
Mentioned In This Episode:
Decorating Dilemma
First, Lisa loves that you want a lot of seating areas, and this space is great for entertaining already! It also seems like putting the dining room near the kitchen would work well, and we either vote for a round table to welcome a break from the square, or put the dining room table in front of the fireplace where the sofa is. Maybe the length of the sofa goes perpendicular to the fireplace, and put the two chairs across from it. A slip to cover the chairs would be a great way to match the sofa and have a theme carry across the room. We would love to sit in front of the fireplace too, so feel free to get creative with your seating in front of it!
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We think it’s brilliant the way you have used tape to outline where everything will go, so good use of understanding proportion already! We are okay with the TV in front of the fireplace, and just suggest bringing in more round shapes in your bookshelf accessories to add some softness to the room.
Ep. 241: Vivian & John Bencich of Square Feet Studio
How to Decorate
02/22/22 • 48 min
Today we welcome husband and wife team, John & Vivian Bencich. They are the founders of Square Feet Studio; an award-winning architect, planning, and design firm based in Atlanta. With Vivian’s background as an interior designer and John’s as an architect, they and their team specialize in smart, simple, and sustainable designs meant to last a long time. They have created beautiful and warm spaces throughout Atlanta including many popular restaurants like the iconic Kimball House. Listen in as they share tips on how to recreate our favorite restaurant ambiance in the home, the importance of numbers in planning, how to use a holistic approach to design, and more!
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
- How did Vivian and John get their starts?
- How John and Vivian take a holistic approach to design.
- A glimpse into how they create such a warm, intimate, and hospitable space like in the Kimball House.
- What tips & tricks do they have for narrowing down a style?
- What small yet important adjustments do professionals bring into design plans?
- What are their thoughts on impulse buys within the design plan?
- How a restaurant mood can translate to residential design and how to create it.
- How we can design a home while thinking about how we move through our space.
- How to create a mood in an outdoor room or space.
- Tips & tricks for choosing the right paint color (and not wasting time or money).
Decorating Dilemma:
Hi Bev,
We like the way the color looks! But if you want to change it, I would not recommend a darker gray and would instead make it very warm. From Benjamin Moore, I would suggest using either Calm or Lacey Pearl to go with the blue furnishings. To select the right paint color in the future I would suggest getting sample pods and painting a 3’ x 3’ square on the wall. To test how it looks in different lights you could either paint one square on every wall or use a loose piece of drywall and move it around. Always test the actual paint sample vs. pictures or swatches!
Another tip we have, even though you didn’t ask, is to pull the seating apart a bit to air out the space. Great job with the space, Bev!
Mentioned in This Episode:
11/11/22 • 21 min
We are back with our special series highlighting the FLOWER magazine showhouse here in Atlanta. This episode features the celebrated Dallas-based interior designer, Cathy Kincaid. Known for her use of color and her exquisite eye for antiques, Cathy talks to us about how no detail is too small, her love of cozy bedrooms, and her tips for creating elegant yet livable designs inside your home. Cathy talks more about different ways to personalize your bedroom including getting clear on how you like your lighting, bed dressings, textiles, and furniture set up.
If you’d like to visit the house in person you can purchase tickets here, and also follow along with the podcast series whether you can see it in person or not!
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
- Cathy loves smaller bedrooms and finds them to be super cozy.
- What was Cathy’s inspiration behind the color choice in the bedroom, other than it being the woman's domain?
- The influence of the baby Taj on the bedroom design.
- Cathy dives more into her choice of fabric and drapery in the bedroom.
- What are some ways that we can create bedrooms that feel elegant, timeless, and livable?
- How we can bring more comfort to ourselves in the bedroom, and also make it family-friendly for other partners, children, and of course...our pets.
- Some ideas if you are like Cathy and want a desk somewhere in your bedroom.
- Beautiful lighting ideas and how to make your nightstand more functional.
- Cathy gives some great bed sheet recommendations and is not one to spend her morning stacking a million pillows.
- What are some classic colors for a bedroom that stand the test of time?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Ep. 287 Styling Secrets with Robin Zachary
How to Decorate
12/13/22 • 59 min
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:
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!
Ep. 294: Blending Past and Present with Mallory Mathison
How to Decorate
01/31/23 • 63 min
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!
Ep. 300: Listener Q&A Special!
How to Decorate
03/14/23 • 74 min
This week marks the 300th episode of our podcast, which means it's time to attempt our very first lightning round Decorating Dilemma Q&A special episode! Thank you so much for listening and support the How to Decorate podcast over the years. To honor our podcasting milestone, today's episode is all about authentically answering your home decorating questions: Caroline, Taryn, and Liz break down your Instagram-submitted questions by topic, from decorating with patterns and colors, living room layouts, outdoor styling questions, and even a few mystery wildcard questions.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
- When will the color gray die?
- What are some good color trends for traditional transitional designs?
- Why the color wheel is a great tool for picking a color palette.
- Decorating with patterns versus solids.
- Is there a limit to the number of chairs in a room?
- The power of pattern in your room.
- How to create a zone in your home.
- How do you style a coffee table?
- How to add cozy ambiance for outdoor space lighting.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Ep. 186: designer Traci Connell
How to Decorate
03/02/21 • 67 min
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:
Ep. 372: New Items We're Loving for Fall 2024!
How to Decorate
07/30/24 • 65 min
Get ready to dive headfirst into fall with over 200+ NEW products from Ballard Designs!
This week, Caroline and Taryn are joined by Valerie from Ballard’s product design team. The trio not only discuss their favorite new fall products from last week’s launch, but also highlight the creative journey behind each new collection & design, revealing insights into this Fall’s design trends, materials, and the true artistry that goes into each piece.
Don’t miss out! Watch this week’s episode on YouTube to see our new fall products in real time.
What You’ll Hear This Episode:
- The inspirations that fueled the design of the fall collection.
- Highlights from the new Dover bed collection and the chic Anderson dining furniture.
- How to mix classic and modern aesthetics for a timeless look.
- The role of color and texture in elevating your home decor.
- Essential elements of multifunctional designs that suit various lifestyles.
- A closer look at the whimsical Lily canopy bed and its unique features.
- Insights on selecting the right textures and finishes to enhance your space.
- The fascinating process behind choosing names for new products.
- Tips for styling your home to reflect the warmth and charm of the season.
New Fall Products Mentioned:
- Shop All New Items
- Dover Collection
- Newberry Collection
- Bone Inlay Collection
- Jax Burl Sideboard
- Jax Dining Table
- Astrid Round Accent Table
- Bow Napkin Rings
- Liliana Buffet Lamp
- Nash Ottoman
- Lucaya Ottoman
- Kenzie Hand-Knotted Rug
- Anderson Collection
- Lucie Round Dining Table
- Lily Canopy Bed
- Hewitt Sofa
- Terry LED Lamp
- Birdie Lamp
Also Mentioned:
- Ballard Designs
- Bunny Williams Stained Bamboo Article
Ep. 335: Holiday Decorating and Hosting Q&A (Part 2)
How to Decorate
11/14/23 • 64 min
Ribbons and garland and mistletoe, oh my! This week, we talk all about fall decor and transitioning from Thanksgiving to Christmas in Part 2 of our 2023 Holiday Hosting Q&A. We share our favorite traditions and how they have evolved over the years, when we start to put the turkey themed items away and put up the tree, and our favorite things from smaller ornaments to large decorations. We also get into some gift wrapping techniques (that even your dog will love), where to score some beautiful garland and mistletoe, and advice for creating a cohesive look in your holiday festivities.
Watch along with this week's episode here on the Ballard Designs official YouTube channel.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode:
- How our holiday decor has evolved over the years.
- Kid-friendly holiday craft ideas that involve the whole family.
- Must-do’s for a beautiful ribbon that won’t be a hassle to work with.
- What we’re adding in our Christmas collection this year, including gorgeous wreaths and Garnet Hill Mistletoe.
- How to match your wrapping paper with your holiday decor - it’s possible!
- Mixing modern vs traditional Christmas decor.
- Okay, really how long should we keep the pumpkin for?
- Great tips and tricks for holiday entertaining.
Mentioned in This Episode:
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FAQ
How many episodes does How to Decorate have?
How to Decorate currently has 406 episodes available.
What topics does How to Decorate cover?
The podcast is about Design, Podcasts, Arts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on How to Decorate?
The episode title 'Ep. 159: How to Pick the Perfect Chair' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on How to Decorate?
The average episode length on How to Decorate is 61 minutes.
How often are episodes of How to Decorate released?
Episodes of How to Decorate are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of How to Decorate?
The first episode of How to Decorate was released on Oct 25, 2016.
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