How To Decorate

We welcome Los Angeles based interior designer and writer David Netto this week. David’s work has been featured in Vogue, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and many more. David is on the AD100 list, and has also written about the history of architecture and ensign for the Wall Street Journal and New York Times Style Magazine and is now a contributing editor for Town and Country. In our conversation, we talk with David about his inspiration for design, and his gorgeous new self-titled book. David shares more about how he creates a furniture plan, his love of the dramatic in design, and he shares a few practical tips for creating elegance in your home.   What You’ll Hear On This Episode: David’s father owned the historic fabric house, Cowtan & Tout.  From an early age, David had an appetite and appreciation for theater in decor, and combining the modern with antique.  How and why a slightly unfinished look can be elegant.  Using chairs like chess pieces in design.  A few of David’s other v

Watch this week's episode on our YouTube channel here. It’s our annual holiday edition of trials and triumphs, where we dive headfirst into the festive spirit and let off some holiday steam! This week, we spill the beans on our wins and challenges, from daydreaming about a pristine, white house to rescuing flowers from frostbite and crafting an enchanting indoor winter garden. Of course, we can't forget the super-adulting activities that add to the overall holiday magic, including the dreaded fridge clean-out. And, of course, we'll be sharing our secret recipes for achieving the perfect Christmas lights and decking out the most splendid tree in town. It's our way of spreading the holiday cheer and embracing the merry chaos that comes with it! Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs

Our guests this week are Emma Bazilian and Stephanie Diaz, the authors of Charm School: The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decorating for Today. Emma is a designer, writer, editor, and content director at F. Schumacher & Co. Stephanie is the art director at F. Schumacher & Co. In our chat, they talk about the path that led them to work together and the research and organization that went into Charm School. We discuss the balance between traditional and modern elements and the fun of identifying and incorporating small touches of traditional decorating throughout the design process. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: The origins of the “grand millennial” movement. How Emma and Stephanie learned to appreciate different styles yet still focus on their individual strengths. The process of how Charm School mixes archival images with present-day designers and how they found a balance to showcase both the traditional and modern. We take a trip down memory lane and remember some of our favorite memories of childh

It’s all about flower power this week as we welcome award-winning artist and fashion illustrator, Cathy B. Graham. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, New York Magazine, and more. Cathy has been a contributing editor to House Beautiful and Elle Decor. In our conversation with Cathy, we talk about the inspiration behind her recently released second book, Full Bloom: Joyful Designs for the Table. She gives us her expert tips on everything, from finding the perfect flowers for your event, to picking unexpected trinkets and additions that delight you, expanding your color palette, and creative table setting ideas.  What You’ll Hear On This Episode: How Cathy got into floral design from a background in fashion illustration. A few of the many things Cathy learned from working with the late floral designer and event planner, Robert Isabell. Yes, even those who aren’t super artistic can learn about floral design and arrangements and surprise themselves! More about Cathy’s beautiful ar

Simon Upton, celebrated as one of the world's leading interior photographers, has spent the past 25 years capturing the work of the foremost interior designers. His work has been featured in The World of Interiors, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, Vogue, House and Garden and more. In 2021, he published his first book, New York Interiors, and in September, he released his second book, London Living. In our conversation with Simon, he talks about the process behind his beautiful mastery of sharing the story of each homeowner, and the uniqueness of the different homes and stories that the spaces had to tell. Simon talks about the difference in his photography for London Living vs. an editorial magazine shoot, and why it was important to him to tell an honest story of London through his eyes.  What You’ll Here On This Episode: How Simon got into interior photography.  The importance of strong visuals in storytelling.  Simon’s process for the homes and rooms he featured in London Living.  Simon’s passion for

We're thrilled to be joined by design historian and author Emily Eerdmans, who opens up about her insights on the legendary decorator Mario Buatta (a.k.a. the Prince of Chintz). Emily first talks about the process of writing Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator, and how it’s different from Mario Buatta: Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration. And, yes, Mario fans should have both books in their collection. Emily then takes us through the fascinating journey of Mario, a trailblazer who incorporated personal branding into his design work, seamlessly adapted the English country house style to suit the American market, and crafted stunning designs using color and antiques. We dive deep into the heart of Mario’s design mantra with Emily, understanding the role of the four C's: chintz, curtains, color, and collections.  What You'll Hear This Episode: How Mario’s humble roots played into his design.  Why it’s so important for the next generation of designers to remember this icon.  The four C’s: chintz, cu

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

It’s a fun episode this week as we get ready for all things holiday. From large holiday parties to intimate festivities, we answer your questions about food, decor and hosting. We discuss how to set a beautiful table for the holidays, great food and drink that will wow your guests without costing a fortune, and setting up your home to welcome guests. We also share our checklist for when expecting guests to stay over and why it’s always more fun at the kids table.  Watch along with this week's episode here on the Ballard Designs official YouTube channel. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Kids tables - yay or nay? And if yay, how to make them cute, decorative and easily cleanable after the inevitable mess has been made.  Setting a beautiful table on a budget.  Favorite dishes to bring to a holiday dinner.  Flow of the party: pacing the meals out correctly and making sure everything is served in the right order and in time.  Some suggestions for great table wine that won’t break the bank.  Getting creative

We welcome Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller, a husband and wife power couple in the design world. For two decades they have designed chic, timeless, surprising spaces for their clients, some of whom you may recognize like Anna Wintour, Jessica Chastain, Annie Leibovitz, and more. They've been named to the prestigious AD100 list, and have been featured in publications like Town and Country, Vogue, House Beautiful and Architectural Digest. They've just recently released their second book, Defining Chic, and talk about embracing your personal take on luxury, designing for evolving families, and picking details that speak, scream or whisper. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: The inspiration for Defining Chic and why they chose the projects to showcase. How to create micro-environments and why they start with public facing rooms. Luxury doesn’t have to mean formal! In fact, they knock down the formality in homes with naturally welcoming materials. The Brooklyn brownstone that exemplifies that high-low luxury feel

It was design love at first sight for Janie Jones and Elizabeth Miles, the designers and founders of Birmingham-based Hundley Hilton Interiors. In this episode, they talk about meeting each other and how they inspire one another as a professional duo, tips for bringing new life to antiques, and creating a color palette that is timeless. Janie and Elizabeth share some tips for creating a beautiful and unique entertaining space, having patience for making big design shifts, and the beauty of being your own art collector. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Where did the name Hundley Hilton come from? Design tips to evoke formal flair, while still keeping it comfortable and welcoming. Their own methods for designing room by room instead of piece by piece. Working with colors that you love that will stand the test of time! Janie and Elizabeth’s collaborative approach to design. How to intentionally collect items you like. Slow down when choosing furniture! When you make sure it’s worth the investment, it wil

It’s a sexy AF show this week as the crew welcomes Bobby Berk, the design expert and Emmy-nominated TV host of Netflix’s Queer Eye. Bobby’s first book, Right at Home: How Good Design Is Good for the Mind was just released, and we are loving it already. Bobby talks about how feeling good in your space is crucial, and how to set yourself up for success. Bobby shares his one golden rule of design, the process behind writing his long-awaited book, and where to start if you’re looking for a home that feels like your own personal sanctuary. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: How Bobby got into design at 5 years old without even realizing it. The inspiration behind his new book Right at Home: How Good Design is Good for The Mind. Tips for creating your sanctuary at home, no matter what your budget is. Bobby’s book is a friendly guide that design is for everyone and that it’s all about embracing what you like. Some of the practical exercises in the book that Bobby includes help readers figure out what makes them

It’s all about trials and triumphs this week as we unpack the arrival of early Christmas presents, sliding doors leading to leaky floors, and the happy feeling when your teenager loves to pull weeds. We also talk about taking recommendations from paint colors from non-professional but well-meaning people, remembering to slow yourself down and not rush through projects, and prepping for an epic Halloween party. Mentioned in This Episode: Ballard Designs

This week our guest is S.C.-based interior designer Molly Basile, who brings an enjoyable twist to the often daunting task of home decor budgeting. Molly is renowned for her fresh, clean, and timeless interior designs. She has collaborated closely with our team at the Mount Pleasant store, recognizing her expertise in tackling budget-related topics. Molly provides valuable insights on budget initiation, prioritizing essential expenses, and obtaining cherished pieces within your financial constraints. Additionally, she shares firsthand observations, including specific figures from her experiences in the field. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: Molly’s non-traditional path to becoming a designer, and how she made a side hustle her full-time passion. Remember: everyone’s budget is different! Start where you are and what feels comfortable to you. What if you don’t have a budget going in to work with your designer? You have a rough idea of your budget - now where to start? Getting the basics down first such a

This week we welcome celebrated architect and true luminary in the field, Stan Dixon. Stan is known for his timeless and seamlessly integrated classical approach to architecture and has numerous accolades under his belt, including being named one of the ‘New Faces of Southern Style’ by Garden & Gun, and prestigious awards such as the SE Architect of the Year Award by Veranda Magazine. He discusses his debut book, Home: The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon, and the beautiful way his book not only shows the gorgeous rooms and spaces but really details how people spent their real lives in the house. Stan talks about how to figure out which details to bring into a project, and how it’s all about the relationship between fixtures and the rest of the space. What You’ll Hear on This Episode:  The process behind photographing the homes used in Stan’s debut book, Home: The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon. It was a real treat for Stan to go and take a couple of days to photograph each out be

Take a deep, restorative breath this week as we welcome Joshua Smith, an accomplished interior designer who has been transforming spaces and creating homes that evoke comfort and beauty since 2012. Joshua's journey began with a rich background in Texas real estate, which eventually led him to pursue his passion for interiors. After graduating from the New York School of Interior Design, he embarked on an inspiring journey under the mentorship of Steven Gambrel, a renowned figure in high-end residential and commercial design. Joshua's experiences culminated in the establishment of Joshua Smith, Inc. in 2013, earning him national recognition and features in esteemed publications such as House Beautiful, Veranda, and The New York Times. In this episode, Joshua talks about his creative process, his unique design philosophy, and his insights on creating spaces that resonate on a sensory level, making them truly feel like a home. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: How a Texas boy ended up as a New York designer, un

Discover the world of interior design through the lens of Hayley English, a Pasadena-based designer known for her embrace of warm finishes and hand-block printing methods. With a keen eye for patterns, colors, and textures, Hayley crafts inviting spaces that beautifully blend English and French design influences. In this episode, she shares insights on comfortable yet beautiful living environments that maintain their allure while allowing for flexibility, making her approach both sophisticated and practical. She talks about how to find your hero fabric and why she calls paisley her “happy fabric”. Hayley also talks about the surprising aspects of designing in Pasadena, CA, and how to bring that historical element into a modern-day home. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: Hayley is a third-generation designer and talks about the influence of having a mom and grandmother with a beautiful design eye. The surprising element of designing in California, especially in Pasadena. If you get stuck, remember that addi

This week, we welcome history buff Mike Lemieux and designer Jen MacDonald, stars of HGTV’s ‘Houses with History’. These passionate preservationists are dedicated to restoring historic homes in and around Plymouth, Massachusetts. With over a decade of experience, Jennifer and Mike have a knack for uncovering and reviving these architectural gems. In this episode, they talk about how they got into historic preservation, tips for decorating with a historic aesthetic, and their unique perspective on preservation. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: They got into historic preservation as a way to combine their desire to get out of the corporate grind and move toward their passion for historic real estate. A glimpse into some of the 14 houses they have restored for the show. What is a normal time frame from start to finish? How their work turned into a TV show - who knew Mike’s love of improv would have landed him on HGTV! Some things to consider when looking into an old house. The importance of being practica

It’s been a while since we’ve all caught up with each other, so we thought it would be great for another trials and triumphs episode! We start off talking about laundry room storage solutions, chinoiserie wall murals, and who of us is in their purple moment. Then, we talk about switching out a queen bed for a twin room, and the decorating that comes along with giving it a total refresh. We chat about colors and textures we are loving right now, and how a tape measure seems to just make everything better. Mentioned in This Episode: Ballard Designs Lyle Green Farrow & Ball Calamine

We talk about all things paint with the awesome Atlanta-based designer Sandie Mazzi. With a Master's in interior design from the Florence Institute of Design in Italy, Sandie honed her skills at prestigious firms like Christopher Maya Inc. before founding S. Mazzi Interiors in Atlanta. As a principal designer, she brings her vibrant and detail-oriented design approach to life, gaining recognition in leading publications like Atlanta Magazine, Pop Sugar, House Beautiful, and Modern Luxury. In this episode, Sandie gives great tips around paint color, texture and finish, from beautiful creamy whites to a dark and moody vibe.  What You’ll Hear on This Episode:  The global influence that is evident in Sandie’s portfolio from studying in Italy with other students from around the world, and spending time in New York before heading to Atlanta. Feel like picking a neutral is almost harder than picking a color? You aren’t alone.  Tips for knowing what paint color will work best in a space.  Advice on picking paint

Atlanta-based designer Andi Morse is celebrated for her distinctive blend of comfort and elegance, epitomizing the very essence of Southern style. Her remarkable design prowess has been showcased in publications such as Good Housekeeping, the Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, and Southern Living, among others. Join us as we talk with Andi about the heart of her design philosophy, focusing on two key pillars: family comfort and the art of accessorizing. Discover how these essential elements shape Andi's design ethos and create spaces that effortlessly harmonize style and soul. Andi gives great tips on entertaining, picking the right texture for your life, and some go-to layouts that provide comfort and livability. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: How Andi fell into design by happenstance. The power of durable fabrics when you have children. How Andi’s style has evolved over the years, and the inspiration behind her style that she calls “Southern with a California Edge.” What Andi looks for in performa