How To Decorate

We are thrilled to announce a NEW House Tour on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel, available now! This time, Caroline travels to Perry, Georgia to visit the calm and custom-built cottage home of acclaimed designer & author James Farmer. Caroline and James explore his design philosophy, touching on how the surrounding environment influences his choices, his favorite colors and materials, and his approach to blending antiques with modern comforts. James also shares insights into creating indoor coziness, setting up inviting guest spaces, and the evolution of outdoor decor. Throughout, he emphasizes the importance of confidence in design, saying that creating a positively personal, unapologetic style lays the foundation for a welcoming home. Want to see this beautiful home with your own eyes? WATCH NOW on YouTube! What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Special Guest: James Farmer 01:43 Building Farmdale: A Labor of Love 03:07 Designing with Nature in Mind 05:11 Interior Evolution an

Besides having one of the best names in design, Cathy Purple Cherry is known for her uniquely holistic approach to design, embodying the ability to meet both the lifestyle and emotional needs of clients. In her first book, The Design of a Country Estate, Cathy offers a deeper look at the creation of a magnificent estate and working farm on the Chesapeake Bay. In our chat with Cathy, she shares insights into building her firm from the ground up, the creation of a magnificent country estate on the Chesapeake Bay, and the philosophy into her thoughtful, human-centric design process that has defined her decades-long career. What You’ll Hear On This Episode:  Cathy's firm founding journey and distinctive name story. How her firm has grown since opening in 1993. What made her write her first book about a single project? Cathy shares a timeline of the Chesapeake Bay estate project, which took about 5 years from start to finish. Her personal experiences and influences in design philosophy, including raising a

This week we welcome back Baton Rouge-based interior designer Rachel Cannon, who reminds us that our home is our space and we can (and should) design it specifically for our personal needs! Rachel shares her philosophy on designing for introverts and creating quiet spaces in homes. She discusses the importance of traditional floor plans and the impact of the pandemic on home design, and introduces her new venture, RCL Organizing. Rachel also offers insights on balancing open and closed spaces, designing for individual needs, and the challenges of organizing a home for longevity. What You’ll Hear On This Episode Rachel's philosophy on designing for introverts and creating quiet spaces in homes. The benefits of traditional floor plans over open concept designs. Introduction to Rachel's new venture, RCL Organizing, and its focus on integrating organization into the design process. The importance of understanding clients' habits and preferences when designing spaces. Beautiful ways to store and organize bea

Let’s catch up with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz in a long-overdue Trials and Triumphs episode! Despite Taryn’s computer acting up, she marches forward with the search for the perfect fabric for her bedroom drapery and shares her latest DIY project covering IKEA frames with fabric to create a personalized gallery wall. Liz gets crafty in the kitchen to cover her windows in a charming, vintage-inspired way, while Caroline celebrates the addition of some super cute new lighting including a pink scalloped lamp shade that’s too adorable. The ladies also shares their tips and tricks for keeping those gorgeous fiddle leaf fig trees alive and thriving.  What You'll Hear This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:36 Trials and Triumphs: Taryn's Frustrations 01:41 Fabric Choices and Home Updates 05:50 DIY Projects and Crafting Tips 15:53 Liz's Neighbor and Drapery Dilemmas 20:33 Charming Window Treatments 22:32 Painting Projects and Color Choices 24:54 Lampshade Updates and Trends 28:06 Indoor

This week we're joined by a return guest, Nashville-based designer Jonathan Savage of Savage Interior Design. Jonathan takes us on a journey through his design philosophy and experiences, as showcased in his beautiful newest book "The Savage Style." He also talks more about his approaching projects focusing on both function and aesthetics, his love for shopping and favorite places, and how he balances traditional and modern elements in his designs. Jonathan also shares some great tips on styling consoles, editing spaces, and creating impactful black-and-white interiors. What You’ll Hear On This Episode Jonathan's background and how his style has evolved since our last conversation in 2017. Insights into the process of creating his first book, "The Savage Style” and the inspiration behind that gorgeous book jacket! Jonathan's approach to shopping for design elements and his favorite places to find unique pieces. More about the dance of function and aesthetics when designing. The importance of contrast

This week, we're joined by interior designer Zoe Gowen for a tour of her clients' beautiful cedar shake home in Birmingham, Alabama. Zoe takes us through her design process, sharing how she blended traditional Southern style with modern Dallas influences to create a warm, layered neutral space. She reveals her strategies for incorporating antiques, mixing textures, and creating inviting spaces both indoors and out. What You’ll Hear On This Episode How Zoe transformed a traditional Alabama home with Dallas-inspired clean, neutral aesthetics. Tips for creating warmth and interest in a primarily white and neutral color palette. Strategies for mixing traditional elements with more contemporary pieces. The importance of layering textures and finishes in neutral spaces. How to use wallpaper panels to add architectural interest and define spaces. Tips for making a neutral home kid-friendly and livable. Zoe's approach to designing connected spaces like the living room, kitchen, and breakfast area. How to cre

This week, we're joined by distinguished architect and designer Thomas Kligerman of Kligerman Architecture and Design. Tom takes us on a journey through his rich background and design philosophy, as showcased in his latest book and career monograph "Shingle and Stone." He shares insights on American architecture, the evolution of the shingle style, and how he blends traditional elements with modern design. What You’ll Hear On This Episode Tom's diverse background and how it influences his architectural approach.  The definition and evolution of American architecture, particularly the shingle style.  How Tom reinvents traditional shingle style with modern elements and sculptural forms.  The importance of rooflines and ceilings in architectural design.  Tom's approach to blending indoor and outdoor spaces.  Insights on color use in architecture, including bold choices like all-red exteriors.  How Tom addresses challenges in different geographical locations, like building a shingle-style house in Texas. 

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 se

We are thrilled to announce a NEW House Tour on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel, available now! This time, Caroline visits the beautifully transformed home of a Schilling & Co. client in Duluth, Georgia. Designers Michelle and Kat from Schilling & Co. discuss their approach to blending colors and patterns, tackling challenging architectural elements, and integrating antique accents to create balanced and functional spaces. They also offer practical advice on perfecting beds, using performance fabrics, and adding personal touches throughout the home. Want to see this beautiful home with your own eyes? WATCH NOW on YouTube! What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 01:49 Designing a Comfortable and Elegant Home 02:59 Color Palette and Layering Techniques 04:16 Challenges of Double Height Living Rooms 09:31 Sunroom Design and Fabric Choices 12:14 Dining Room and Office Design 20:53 Primary Bedroom and Bathroom 25:01 Guest Bedroom and Final Thoughts Also Mentioned: Schilling & Company Ballard Designs'

It's all about the cozy and playful this week with Amy Dalrymple, the Creative Director and Founder of Dalrymple Studio. In our chat, Amy shares tips for personalizing your approach to design, including lessons she's learned in her own career working with a wide variety of clientele. Amy also gives some great advice on creating interiors that are both timeless and full of warmth, designing for longevity, and incorporating bold, primary colors to bring joy and happiness to a space. What You’ll Hear On This Episode Amy's background and journey into interior design, including her childhood exposure to design through her parents' careers. Amy's design philosophy of personalizing spaces to reflect each client's unique personality and her playful approach to create warm and inviting spaces. How to design for longevity while still keeping things fresh and interesting. Advice for starting with a grounding base pattern and adding layers from that. Where Amy goes for inspiration when she needs that little spark.

This week, we welcome seasoned interior designer Jillian O'Neill. She talks about her innovative Design Retreat, an interior design weekend that empowers homeowners to tackle their home projects with confidence and to connect with industry professionals. Jillian discusses the importance of assembling the right design team, maintaining open communication, and embracing flexibility in home renovation projects. Jillian also gives a sneak peek at the upcoming San Antonio event and what attendees can expect!  What You’ll Hear On This Episode The Design Retreat’s purpose is to bridge the gap between homeowners working on a project and professionals. How the Design Retreat can help homeowners gain confidence in their home design projects and empower them to actively participate in the process. A mix of attendees at the retreat, including those building homes, real estate agents, and design enthusiasts. The importance of assembling the right design team and having good communication. Transparency in the desig

We are thrilled to welcome back designer Gail Davis to the show this week: based out of New Jersey, Gail been bringing soulful, elegant interiors to her clients for 15 years. As we catch up, Gail shares details about her latest personal renovation project—a stunning kitchen makeover. Gail also shares some of her own great tips on welcoming southern sensibility with the traditional, embracing the "lived in" look of your home, and how she entertains in style. She highlights the importance of texture in design, her love for cinematic interiors, and how to create spaces that feel like a warm hug. Gail also offers insights on balancing aesthetics with practicality, and shares some of her favorite cleaning hacks for maintaining a beautiful home. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: The “why” behind her renovation. How she made her kitchen both stunning and practical, along with the see through refrigerator that had to go. Realizing that what works for you may not work for everyone. What Gail loves most about he

Our guest this week is DABITO, known for his vibrant use of color, thoughtful approach to space, and signature eclectic maximalist design style. He has captured the hearts of many on social media through his blog, OLD BRAND NEW, where he shares decorating advice on infusing spaces with meaning through bold hues and refreshing decor. We chatted with Dabito about his maximalist style and how to bring bold design choices into a home. We're also excited to share our conversation about his first book, Old Brand New, and how to bring in wisdom from his design journey to your own home. Finally, DABITO gives unique insight on how color can help tell your story and encourage you to experiment with different styles in your home. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Dabito's journey into interior design, and how growing up in a multigenerational household had an impact on his creativity. Dabito talks about finding a safe space for self-expression while living with his siblings. His love of playing with warm and cool

Summer is in full swing with heat waves and road construction, so time for a fun share session with Trials & Triumphs! Taryn shares her progress on the dining room mural she's been planning for years, as well as her ongoing search for the perfect drapes. Liz installed a new fence but uncovered more than expected in her yard - finding a clever way to remedy the situation. Caroline has been visiting other designers' homes for our new House Tours series, and drawing inspiration along the way. We also chat about diffusers, lampshades, and essential oils while sharing the (sometimes humorous) realities of maintaining a home during these busy summer months. Also Mentioned:  Ballard Designs Watch the Full Episode - Ballard Designs YouTube Atlanta History Center Step Inside Lauren Robbins’ Stunning Augusta, GA Home | How to Decorate House Tours 

We are super excited to be launching a new House Tours series on our YouTube channel! To kick things off, we visited Lauren Robbins' gorgeous Tudor home in Augusta, Georgia. Caroline chatted with Lauren for over an hour about her decorating process and style. Now you can see all the visual details of Lauren's home that bring her design conversations to life, and listen here to their uncut hour-long discussion on this bonus episode. Lauren chats about her bright and happy "pretty room”, bedroom essentials, using colors to tell a story, and more about her signature elegant yet playful, gorgeous style. She also gives some great recommendations on picking an anchor fabric and tips for picking a loved piece to start as a jumping-off point for creating a whole home you love. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: More about the inspiration behind the home’s color palette and “pretty room”. The fun ways that optical illusion creates visual interest in designs. Starting with a loved piece as a jumping-off point. How

This week, we welcome Charleston based designer Betsy Berry. Known for her bold and dramatic approaches to designing traditional homes, Betsy also has a profound appreciation for historic architecture that stems from her upbringing in South Carolina. Betsy chats with us about balancing traditional and modern elements in interior design, preserving the architectural details in Charleston's historic homes, and her process for designing spaces that feel contemporary while celebrating romance and tradition. Betsy also shares her journey from studying fashion design to launching her career in New York and eventually starting her own firm in Charleston. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Betsy's upbringing in South Carolina and journey from studying fashion design to discovering her passion for interiors.  How working for top designers on extravagant projects for wealthy clients in New York shaped her eye and approach Betsy’s appreciation for the historic architecture she gets to work on in Charleston, from u

This week, we are joined by award-winning Atlanta based designer, Robert Brown. Known for his tailored and highly edited spaces, Robert shares some great tips for blending vintage pieces with a modern aesthetic, finding the right balance of traditional and contemporary, and using antiques in a way that feels fresh and exciting. We also chat with Robert about the similarities between the fashion industry and interior design, tips for navigating the antique market like a pro and how the storytelling aspect of antiquing is just as important as the design.  What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Tips for reimagining antiques to bring character to your space.  How can you tell when something doesn’t work?  Robert talks about a historic house in Atlanta and how it exemplifies starting with the architectural envelope.  Some insider hints for navigating online auctions, and the importance of always doing your research.  How to overcome insecurity about asking questions regarding antiques and making sure you stay in

This week we catch up with Zoe Gowen, owner of El Shoppo, former editor at Southern Living, and Caroline’s former boss! Zoe shares lessons learned during her time scouting and featuring homes across the South, from the importance of highlighting regional styles to the challenges of finding the perfect paint color. Zoe also opens up about how the experience influenced her personal design aesthetic over the years, as well as how her career path led to starting her own decorating business and textiles shop, El Chapo. She gives some great tips for elevating your home while embracing your unique and personal style. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: What Zoe’s time at Southern Living taught her about home decor. Your home should feel like YOU. How the inside of a cucumber serves as color inspiration for Zoe! What are decorating motifs that always work? There is no “one size fits all” approach. Cushion Back vs. Fitted Back Chairs. When it comes to mixing patterns, it’s all about balance and harmony. Why Zo

This week we welcome designer Sabah Monsoor. With a style influenced by her childhood in South India, Sabah shares her appreciation for traditional handcrafts. She recalls visiting pottery villages as a child and studying textiles in art school, experiences that taught her to value diverse techniques of craftsmanship. Sabah also chats with us about how to stir up inspiration and maintain a curious mindset, tips for using natural textures to layer and add an even deeper story to your space, and why we should think of our home as a living, breathing space. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: How growing up in India influenced Sabah’s love of the decorative arts. The diverse techniques Sabah learned while studying textiles and art in school. The importance of functional spaces in your home, such as a mudroom. It’s never too late to put energy into your dreams! Sabah gives great advice on feeding your artistic mind and drawing inspiration from unexpected places. The beauty of a formal room.  Natural materia

It’s been a busy few months of DIY repairs and decluttering—let’s share some trials and triumphs! This time around, the ladies talk about organizing books and who takes it to the next level, gardening projects and home decor updates, moving past wimpy drapery panels, and giving a basement a light, feminine makeover. We’ll also vent about a long struggle with a broken bed and a weekend-long transformation project. You’ll want to hear these updates to celebrate and vent alongside us.  Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs