How To Decorate

Caroline & Liz welcome renowned interior designer Palmer Weiss to discuss her unique journey into design. Originally from Charleston, S.C. and now based in San Fransisco, CA, Palmer launched her eponymous firm in 2002 and has since become renowned across the industry for blending traditional interiors with modern twists. In this episode, Palmer shares her approach to using color as a neutral, drawing inspiration from fabric, light, and personal experiences. Her insights provide a deep dive into maintaining sophistication and timelessness in spaces that appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. From the challenges of balancing practical items in design to making bold choices, Palmer offers listeners practical tips for creating harmonious interiors that resonate personally and aesthetically. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:33 Meet Palmer Weiss: A Journey from Charleston to San Francisco 01:21 The Art of Using Color in Interior Design 02:00 P

Caroline and Liz—joined by guest host Nakyrna Milner from Ballard Designs—welcome award-winning Atlanta designer Olivia Westbrooks. Known for her vibrant use of color and emotional approach to home design, Olivia discusses her new television show, 'Homes is Where the Heart Is,' on Hallmark Plus. The show highlights her journey of transforming family homes filled with emotional significance.  Olivia also shares insights into balancing bold colors with a client’s personal tastes, the challenges of filming a design show, and how she manages her creative projects alongside family life. The episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone passionate about creating homes with true heart and soul. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:35 Meet the Hosts and Special Guests 00:51 Nakyrna Milner's Background and Expertise 01:10 Introducing Olivia Westbrooks 02:44 Olivia's Journey to Television 04:35 The Emotional Connection to Home 07

Caroline and Liz welcome back the renowned interior designer Susan Ferrier to the show. Known for her dramatic, atmospheric interiors that blend boldness with practicality, Susan shares insights from her recent projects and design philosophy. This episode delves into creating emotionally resonant rooms, balancing light and dark elements, and transforming architectural challenges into stunning focal points. Susan also provides practical advice on choosing fabrics and creating effective window treatments, while emphasizing the emotional impacts of well-designed spaces. The episode wraps up with Susan offering expert solutions to listener questions about maximizing light in tricky spaces. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:34 Welcoming Back Susan Ferrier 02:17 Susan's Recent Projects and Inspirations 03:19 The Villa Viola Project 09:58 Designing with Bold Colors and Unique Elements 23:24 Creating Functional and Aesthetic Spaces 31:29 Anthro

Caroline and Liz sit down to chat with New York-based interior designer and author Emma Barrell Kemper, who shares insights from her new book, House Rules: 100 Ways to Feel at Home. Tune in to discover practical tips on creating mood boards, selecting paint colors, and future-proofing your home, along with advice on mixing metals for a timeless aesthetic.  Emma also discusses key aspects of home design, like budgeting, assembling a shopping list, and choosing the right rugs and furniture. As always, the episode concludes with a listener's decorating dilemma, providing expert recommendations tailored to individual design challenges. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:34 Meet Emma Barrell Kember 01:05 Emma's Book: House Rules 03:51 Gathering Inspiration for Your Project 08:47 Mood Boards vs. Scheming 13:43 The Importance of Paint Schedules 17:43 Common Paint Color Mistakes 20:03 Using Paint to Accentuate or Camouflage 24:17 The Power of the Col

This week, Caroline and Liz are joined by special guest host Jamie Corona from Ballard Designs' merchandising team as they dive into a delightful conversation with Nashville-based interior designer, Kate Figler. Kate shares her remarkable journey from a kindergarten teacher to a celebrated interior designer with insights into using regional influences to shape beautiful yet practical interiors. Watch this week's episode with images on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/40c7eps What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:33 Introductions of Special Guests and Host Announcements 01:53 Meet Kate Figler: A Journey to Design 02:32 Kate’s Path from Education to Decor 11:26 Family-Friendly Design Tips 23:17 Kate’s Nashville Influence 31:52 Kipps Bay Room Challenges 32:59 Venus Drawing Room: A Case Study 35:49 Creating Space Illusions 38:02 Furniture Planning Essentials 45:19 Addressing Listener's Bedroom Query 58:55 Closing Thoughts

In this special episode, Caroline and Liz take a deep dive into the fascinating world of product development and sourcing at Ballard Designs. Joined by special guests Patrick Farrell, Vice President of Merchandising and Product Design, and Sarah Hall, Senior Manager of Sourcing, the team unveils the intricate journey from initial concept to finished product on your doorstep (spoiler alert: the whole process takes 2-3 years!). Patrick and Sarah share behind-the-scenes insights on how ideas are generated from customer feedback, trend reports, and market influences, then refined through design iterations and meticulous testing. They also explain the complex logistics of vendor selection, how products are engineered, and the importance of global partnerships to maintain quality and craftsmanship.  The episode covers everything from drop testing and packaging to navigating tariffs and supply chain challenges—shedding light on how every detail ensures a stellar experience designed to unleash your inner decorator.

We welcome Frances Lacefield Hovis to the podcast, founder of the dorm-focused furniture company Room 422. Caroline, Liz, and Frances excitedly unveil the new Ballard Designs Dorm Collection in partnership with Room 422.  Throughout the episode, Frances shares her inspiring journey in starting Room 422 and discusses the creation of custom dorm bedding and decor. Frances also offers a wealth of advice on creating cozy and stylish dorm environments using Room 422 products, focusing on essential items such as headboards, bed skirts, and decorative pillows.  Watch the video version of this week's episode now on Ballard Designs' YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/nTAXTvqZC-I What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 00:34 Exciting News: Launching a Dorm Collection 00:43 Meet Frances Lacefield-Hovis 01:45 The Birth of Room 422 03:34 Growing the Business Through Trunk Shows 04:29 Adapting During the Pandemic 05:57 Designing Dorm Room Essentials 1

We conclude our four-part outdoor mini-series with special guest Canaan Marshall, a floral designer renowned for his breathtaking arrangements featured throughout Season 1 of HBO Max's Full Bloom.  Canaan shares his journey into floral design, offering invaluable tips on shopping for plants, creating stunning arrangements from grocery store flowers, and effectively maintaining your garden. The discussion also touches on container gardening and decorating for social gatherings, offering practical advice for beautifying both indoor and outdoor spaces for your house guests.  What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 01:05 Meet Canaan Marshall: Floral Designer Extraordinaire 02:42 The Art of Flower Arranging 04:48 Wedding Floral Trends and Tips 13:30 Grocery Store Flower Arrangements 17:04 Container Tips and Tricks 27:58 Tips for Cutting and Arranging Flowers 28:34 Using Different Flower Sizes and Containers 29:52 Reflexing and Enhancing Flower Appearance 32:3

We continue our outdoor mini-series by welcoming Mark Thompson to the show, co-owner of two iconic Birmingham businesses specializing in gardening and home decor. Mark shares his journey into the gardening world and provides valuable tips on how to shop for plants, care for them effectively, and tackle common gardening challenges. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of setting realistic expectations when shopping for plants, the benefits of starting with smaller specimens, and best practices for soil preparation. The episode also covers how to maximize outdoor spaces, handle invasive plants, and achieve a thriving garden, making it a must-listen for gardening enthusiasts of all levels. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:34 Meet Mark Thompson: Garden Shop Owner 01:44 Mark's Journey into Gardening 07:22 Opening the General Store 13:44 Tips for Shopping for Plants 18:59 Ensuring Plant Health and Maintenance 34:14 Garden Shop Plant Care Tips 3

In Part 2 of our Outdoor Mini Series, we welcome back landscape designer Carmen Johnston to talk about the art of decorating your outdoor spaces. Caroline and Liz discuss Ballard Designs' new Spring releases with Carmen and the importance of planning, choosing the right plants for your garden's sunlight exposure, and the use of frost-free dates for planting. Carmen also provides practical advice on container gardening, from soil preparation to plant selection using her 'three T's' method (tall, thick, and trailing plants). She emphasizes the importance of texture, variation, and the use of irrigation systems to keep plants thriving. Additionally, Carmen offers solutions for dealing with common issues like deer in the garden and highlights the benefits of professional garden planning. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 00:34 Welcoming Landscape Designer Carmen Johnston 01:16 Discussing the New Ballard Spring Release 03:06 Gardening Tips and Frost-Free Dates

This week, Caroline and Liz kick off a special four-part spring outdoor mini-series, welcoming back Mississippi-based landscape architect Brantley Snipes to the show. Together, they explore essential topics for spring gardening, including landscaping best practices, creating functional outdoor spaces, planting strategies, and tackling common challenges. Brantley shares expert insights on effective planning for landscape projects, optimizing budget considerations, and timing for installation. The conversation covers practical tips for designing driveways and entrances, choosing hardscape materials, and ensuring proper drainage. Additionally, listeners will receive valuable advice on common lawn issues, managing pests like deer, and maximizing backyard space. Watch this week's episode with images on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3DQucuB What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:34 Spring Gardening Mini-Series Announcement 00:53 Guest Introduct

We're thrilled to welcome back renowned interior designer Marshall Watson to the show to discuss his latest design book, Defining Elegance. Through Defining Elegance, Caroline and Liz explore Marshall's design principles plus how he seamlessly blends history with modern sensibilities across a variety of stunning environments, from the sun-drenched shores of Florida to the picturesque landscapes of Southern California. Marshall shares his unique journey from the world of acting to the realm of interior design, offering insights into the importance of scale and proportion in creating harmonious spaces. Decorators will benefit from Marshall’s expert advice on making perfect beds, the art of floating furniture, and how to create a cohesive home design that feels polished yet personal. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:35 Guest Introduction: Marshall Watson 01:41 Marshall's Design Philosophy and Career Journey 06:53 Designing for Scale and Proportion 08:44

Join Caroline and Liz as they welcome back Nashville interior designer Stephanie Sabbe to the show for an insightful and engaging discussion about her latest book Interiors of a Storyteller. Known for her unique ability to blend historic charm with modern sensibilities, Stephanie shares the personal stories that inform her design philosophy and journey. In this episode, you'll discover not just the importance of storytelling in the creation of timeless spaces, but also tips for effective yet livable color palettes, approaches to window treatments for challenging or unique features, and closet solutions that combine functionality with clean design. ***Watch this week's episode as recorded on Ballard Designs' YouTube Channel*** What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:35 Welcoming Back Stephanie Sabbe 02:06 Stephanie's New Book: Interiors of a Storyteller 05:37 The Importance of Timeless Design 10:17 Stephanie's Design Journey and Inspirations 16:49 The Role of

Join Caroline, Taryn, and Liz for another exciting Trials and Triumphs update! Liz kicks off the episode by sharing her winter projects, including hosting Thanksgiving successfully and revamping her dining room chairs with Ikea fabric. Taryn follows with her creative updates to her son's room, including repurposed headboards and DIY bedding. Caroline then shares a recent triumph with reupholstered vintage armchairs sourced from Facebook Marketplace, perfectly fitting into her TV room. Watch this week's episode as recorded on Ballard Designs' YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3QY46IN What You'll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 00:30 Trials and Triumphs: Holiday Recap 01:21 Spring Refresh: Dining Room Makeover 03:32 Unexpected Challenges: Heater Breakdown 04:26 Christmas Tree Decorating Tips 07:07 Taryn's Home Projects: Twin Beds and Wallpaper 13:03 Outdoor Updates: Adirondack Chairs and Greenhouse 16:27 Caroline's TV Room Makeover 18:42 Discovering Vintage Chairs

Taryn and Liz welcome designer Stephanie Mahaney to the show. Formerly the lead designer at the esteemed Campbell Interiors, Stephanie founded Stephanie Rae Interiors in 2014 and brings her flair for bold, colorful design to a wide array of clients between coastal Jupiter, Florida, and serene Maine. Our discussion dives into the nuances of designing homes in contrasting coastal environments, tailoring spaces for seasonal use, and crafting personalized, vibrant interiors. Stephanie also shares insights into her design journey, from early inspirations in her childhood to setting up her own thriving business. Her experiences offer listeners a masterclass in marrying practicality with creativity in home design. Watch this week's episode as recorded on Ballard Designs' YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/43ghnE7 What You'll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Meet Stephanie Mahaney: A Vibrant Design Journey 02:00 Growing Up in a Constantly Evolving Home 05:00 Transitioning Between Florida and Maine 06:

Caroline, Taryn, and Liz welcome back Debbie Mathews to the show, an antiques expert & dealer with over 30 years of experience running her showroom and design business in Nashville, Tennessee. Debbie shares her valuable insights on selecting timeless antique pieces that can seamlessly integrate into any home. Debbie also addresses essential pieces for newcomers to the antique world, provides practical advice on what to look for when buying and caring for antiques, along with tips for identifying current trends in the antique market. This week's episode is packed with expert tips and fundamental knowledge essential for anyone interested in antiques or looking to enhance their home decor. Join us for a delightful conversation filled with practical insights and a lively discussion on antiques! ***Watch this week's episode in video format on Ballard Designs' YouTube*** What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 00:35 Welcoming Antiques Expert Debbie Mathews 01:22 Key Pi

What interior design trends are we seeing across the industry here at Ballard Designs, you wonder? Join Caroline, Liz, and Taryn as they welcome back two of Ballard's talented product designers—Hillary Park & Will Turner—who share their expert forecasts, insights, and opinions about 2025's expected decorating trends. On top of unveiling industry trends, we also excitedly announce this year's new products and Spring collections, featuring the Venice and Asher outdoor collections, the Newberry furniture line, and some innovative new indoor/outdoor lighting solutions that we're 100% sure will be a new fan fav. ***Watch now on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel*** What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to How to Decorate the Podcast 00:34 Color Trends for 2025 05:38 Highlights from the Spring Collection 10:15 Exploring Color Trends for Fall 18:01 Modern Home Decor Styles 33:05 Maximizing Space Efficiency 33:45 Embracing Maximalism and Personal Touches 34:36 The Rise of Feminine Details

Can you believe it’s been 400 episodes already??? Join Caroline, Taryn, Liz, and Karen as they take a delightful stroll down memory lane, reflecting on their fabulous eight-year journey through the world of interior design and podcasting. Get ready for some laughs, nostalgia, and a whole lot of love as they share stories of personal growth, lessons learned, and the amazing friendships made along the way. But that’s not all: We’ve got some surprise shout-outs from our beloved past guests like Rachel Cannon, Nikki Papadopoulos, and Erika Ward, who share their favorite design nuggets to inspire you. Plus, our hosts take turns answering YOUR questions, revealing what their top Ballard products are, what must-read design books you need, and the rooms that get their creative juices flowing.  Watch this week's episode as recorded live in Karen's dining room on Ballard Designs' YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hwMVtx What You’ll Hear This Episode: 00:00 – Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 00:33 – Time to Celebrat

This week, we're thrilled to welcome renowned designer Jeffrey Alan Marks to the show, known for his appearances on Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators and his acclaimed book, The Meaning of Home. In our conversation, we dive into his latest work, This is Home, released this month with Rizzoli. The conversation explores Jeffrey's journey from his California roots to his training in London, revealing how his unique blend of Californian cool and English coziness informs his approach to interior design. Discover the challenges he faces when blending antiques with contemporary spaces, and gain insight into the evolving preferences of clients. Jeffrey shares personal anecdotes about balancing family life with the demands of design, reflecting on the impact of significant events like the California wildfires. ***Watch this week's episode as recorded in video form on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel*** What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 00:33 Welcoming Jeffrey Alan

This week, we’re delighted to welcome Liz Williams, a distinguished interior designer and founder of Liz Williams Interiors here in Atlanta. Trained under the talented Carter Kay, Liz has cultivated a unique style that marries timeless elegance with Southern charm. Her stunning work throughout the Southeast reflects her passion for antiques, skillfully combining traditional elements with modern designs for a timeless design style that anyone can get behind. In this episode, Liz shares her valuable insights on the evolution of design trends over the past two decades and her predictions for what’s ahead in 2025. Discover how to harmonize current trends with timeless decor to create a stylish home that stands the test of time. From thoughtfully incorporating color to selecting cherished antiques, Liz emphasizes the importance of blending personal taste with historical inspiration, resulting in a refined and enduring aesthetic that appeals to those who appreciate quality, tradition, and comfortability in their li