How To Decorate

We are popping the champagne for a very special episode! To celebrate the launch of his exclusive new collection with Ballard Designs, the fabulous Carson Kressley joins Caroline, Taryn, and Liz as a special co-host for a 4-part mini-series. And for his first guest? It’s none other than his original Queer Eye castmate, best friend, and acclaimed interior designer Thom Filicia. Carson and Thom take a trip down memory lane, revealing the hilarious story of how they first met during the "chemistry test" for Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Thom opens up about his classical training at the legendary firm Parish-Hadley, his philosophy on "Democratic Design," and why he believes every room needs a mix of price points to feel authentic. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Embrace "Democratic Design": Thom believes great design shouldn't be reserved for the elite. Whether it's a custom piece or a catalog find, good design is accessible at every price point. The magic happens when you mix them together—high and low, ol

We are so excited to welcome interior designer Elizabeth Bolognino to the show! With offices in Westport, Connecticut, and South Florida, Elizabeth is known for her signature "Layered Minimalism"—a style that blends clean, contemporary lines with traditional warmth and comfort. Elizabeth joins Caroline and Liz to explain why "minimalism" doesn't have to mean cold or empty: She breaks down the psychology of beige (and why it’s actually good for your brain), her "secret sauce" for making neutral rooms interesting, and why she treats rugs like the "shoes" of a room. Plus, she shares her forecast for the next big kitchen trend: the "Unfitted Kitchen." Quick Decorating Takeaways: The "Touch Test" for Budgeting: When deciding where to splurge and where to save, Elizabeth has a simple rule: If you touch it, spend the money. Invest in high-quality sofas, fabrics, and rugs because you physically interact with them. Save money on items you only look at, like curtain rods, side tables, or decorative hardware.

We are thrilled to welcome Ray Booth back to the podcast! Ray is an acclaimed interior designer, a partner at the award-winning firm McALPINE, and the author of the beautiful new book, The Expressive Home. Ray sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to discuss how his background in architecture shapes every interior decision he makes. He shares why he views drapery as "punctuation," the optical illusion of black window mullions, and why he believes "editing is the key to happiness." Quick Decorating Takeaways: Drapery is Punctuation: Ray uses drapery not just for windows, but as "commas" in a room—creating pauses, dividing large spaces, and softening the acoustics to create intimacy in an otherwise "hard" architectural box. The "Eyeliner" Effect: When painting window mullions (the strips between glass panes), Ray prefers dark colors (black or bronze) over white. Dark mullions act like eyeliner—they frame the view and disappear to let the eye focus on the landscape, whereas white mullions stop the

It is our favorite time of year: the 2026 Trend Report is here! Caroline, Taryn, and Liz are joined by the Ballard Designs Product Design Team—Hillary Park, and Will Turner—to break down exactly what is coming next in the world of interiors. The team reveals the surprising colors predicted to dominate (including "Green Glow" aka Slime and "Fresh Purple"), why "Builder Khaki" is making a nostalgic comeback, and the specific design aesthetic that bridges the gap between Gen Z and Boomers. They also discuss the move away from gray, the evolution of bouclé, and why your next gallery wall should feature "weird" personal art. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Brown is the New Black: Move over, cool grays. The team confirms that brown—from "Cocoa Powder" to "Builder Khaki"—is the dominant neutral for 2026. It pairs perfectly with the trending warm metals (like nickel) and "dirty" pastels. Embrace "Grandma Crafts": High-tech is out; analog is in. The trend of "Grandma Crafts" is huge, with needlepoint, embroider

We are back with a classic "Trials & Triumphs" episode! After a long hiatus from sharing their own home updates (since August!), Caroline, Taryn, and Liz sit down to catch up on what has been happening behind their own front doors. The ladies discuss the highs and lows of homeownership, from Liz’s garage flood nightmare to Caroline’s victory over a builder-grade "boob light." Taryn gives a major update on her Facebook Marketplace bed project (spoiler: it’s finished!), and Caroline explains why she finally ditched her trendy jute rug for a vintage estate sale find. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Don't Fear the "Floater" Rug: Caroline shares her win with a vintage 8x11 rug. While 9x12 is the standard for living rooms, she explains that you can break the "all legs on" rule with a slightly smaller vintage piece as long as the front legs of your furniture anchor it comfortably. Spray It, Don't Brush It: Taryn confirms that for intricate furniture (like a spindle bed), a paint sprayer is non-negotiable. I

The ladies are ready to kick off 2026 with some ambitious decorating goals! In this special bonus episode, Caroline, Taryn, and Liz sit down to map out their home and personal resolutions for the year. They are putting their goals on the record now so they can hold themselves accountable in 2027. From tackling "treacherous" basements and organizing chaos closets to navigating the emotional transition of empty nesting, the hosts share the big projects they hope to tackle (and the budget realities holding them back). What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 01:30 Taryn’s Goal #1: Tackling the "treacherous" basement and finishing the gym  06:00 Taryn’s Goal #2: The emotional transition of a nursery into a guest room  08:00 The $100 Facebook Marketplace King Bed find  12:00 Caroline’s Goal #1: The Entryway Dilemma (Wallpaper vs. The Messy Closet)  16:00 Caroline’s Reupholstery List: Needlepoint footstools and worn-out linen  18:

The team is thrilled to welcome Meredith Page and Liz Livingston, the creative duo behind the Atlanta-based design firm Page House Studio. With a combined 15 years of experience in interiors and fashion, they joined forces in 2023 to create a studio that focuses on bespoke design and a curated collection of accessories—specifically, their signature pedestals. Meredith and Liz join Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to discuss how they transitioned from coworkers to business partners, the power of elevating everyday objects, and why "the edit" is the most crucial step in any design project. They share their secrets for creating dynamic vignettes, the importance of "triangulation" in styling, and why a pedestal is the missing ingredient your bookshelf needs. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Elevate with Pedestals: Give your small treasures and collectibles the importance they deserve by placing them on a pedestal. This adds instant height and architecture to a vignette, preventing small items from getting lost on a she

We're excited to welcome Seattle-based interior designer Lisa Staton to the show. With more than 20 years of experience, her firm is known for seamlessly blending current trends with timeless appeal to create spaces that feel both fresh and rooted in history. Lisa joins Taryn and Caroline to discuss her East Coast upbringing, how she navigates the "algorithm era" of design, and why she believes every room needs a mix of old and new. She shares her philosophy on "Soup and Symphony" design, how to choose the right white paint for your region, and why the house itself is always the first client. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Use the House as Your Guide: Let the home's original architecture be your "guiding life force" when renovating. Matching details like millwork to the original style creates a cohesive foundation, allowing for trendy updates without losing character.  Practice "Soup and Symphony": Focus on how all design elements work together rather than critiquing individual pieces. Like a so

We're excited to welcome husband-and-wife design duo Heather and Matt French to the show. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, their firm, French & French Interiors, is known for creating luxurious yet livable spaces that are rich in color, pattern, and storytelling. Heather and Matt join Caroline and Liz to discuss their unique journey from careers in natural medicine and building to becoming interior designers. They share how they blend their Southern roots with the distinct architecture of the American Southwest, why they believe in "softening" a harsh landscape with cozy florals, and how they turned their own home into a "designer lab." Quick Decorating Takeaways: Find Your "Keystone" Fabric: Heather anchors her elaborate color palettes with a single multi-colored "keystone" fabric that serves as a roadmap for the entire design scheme. Create a Respite from the Environment: Rather than mimicking harsh outdoor landscapes, Heather and Matt recommend using soft florals and wallpapers to create a cozy in

We are wrapping up our special three-part holiday series! For the finale, Liz takes the mic to share her absolute favorite holiday episode from the How to Decorate archive. Liz chose Episode 386 with the delightful Carson Kressley (Queer Eye, RuPaul’s Drag Race). Liz loves this episode because Carson embodies the spirit of "lavish yet achievable" holiday cheer. In this hilarious and tip-filled conversation, Carson breaks down how he turns the day after Thanksgiving into a tree-trimming party, his secret for serving fast food on silver platters, and why he color-codes his guest towels. Quick Decorating & Hosting Takeaways: Match the Decor to the Room: Don't force a red and green color scheme if your room is blue. Carson suggests tailoring your holiday decor to the existing room palette (e.g., aqua ribbons and silver ornaments in a blue room) so you don't have to overhaul your daily decor. The "High-Low" Party Menu: You don't need to cook for days to be a great host. Carson’s signature move is serv

Surprise! We are dropping a special bonus episode today. If you haven't seen it yet, we recently shared a stunning holiday house tour on our YouTube channel with the queen of Christmas herself, designer Suzanne Kasler. In this audio version of the official YouTube house tour, Caroline introduces a conversation between Suzanne and Ballard Designs President, Karen Mooney. They walk through Suzanne’s gorgeous Atlanta home, discussing why she is so obsessed with Christmas, her strategy for displaying massive collections without clutter, and how she manages to decorate three different trees (including one just for teddy bears!). Suzanne also shares her "3-Day Blitz" method for stress-free decorating and how she adapts her traditions as her family grows. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Group Collections for Impact: Don't scatter small collectibles (like nutcrackers or crystal trees) all over the house. Group them together in one specific area to create a "sculptural" statement that feels intentional rather than

We are back for part two of our special three-part holiday series! This week, Taryn takes over the host chair to introduce her favorite holiday episode from the archives. Taryn chose Episode 388: The 2024 Holiday Hosting Special, a sentimental favorite because it was recorded right at her own dining room table in her new home. In this cozy and practical conversation, the ladies discuss navigating family food traditions (like Taryn’s pierogies vs. her husband's healthy salads), Liz’s secret "Winter Berry Pie" recipe, and the ultimate timeline for stress-free hosting. Quick Decorating & Hosting Takeaways: The "Martha" Method: Caroline shares her system for stress-free hosting: create a master list 1-2 weeks in advance and assign every single task (even "fill ice trays") to a specific day so you never have to do everything at once. Focus on the Big Two: If you are low on energy for decorating, Taryn and the team suggest focusing only on a pre-lit Christmas tree and a great wreath for the front door.

The team is back for an emergency design session! Caroline, Taryn, and Liz hop on the mics to discuss the breaking news of the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer. While the hosts usually love dissecting color trends (and loved last year's Mocha Mousse), this year's selection of a "soft, airy white" has left them confused, bored, and a little suspicious. In this short bonus episode, the ladies debate whether this choice is a symbol of clarity or just a "builder-grade" cop-out. They compare it to the rich, earthy predictions from other paint brands, discuss the concept of "rage bait" marketing, and ask the ultimate question: Does a white color of the year actually influence interior design, or is it just the default setting? What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introductions 01:30 The Reveal: Pantone 2026 is "Cloud Dancer" (11-4201) 03:00 Taryn’s reaction: "It’s like not decorating" 04:30 Liz’s reaction: Why it fails to capture the moment 07:00 Caroline’s th

We are kicking off a special three-part holiday series! For the next few weeks, Caroline, Taryn, and Liz are each taking a turn replaying their absolute favorite holiday episode from the podcast archives. To start us off, Caroline revisits Episode 117 with Richmond interior designer Janie Molster. Caroline chose this episode because it completely changed her philosophy on holiday decorating. Janie explains why you don't need to force "red and green" if it doesn't fit your home, sharing her secrets for a holiday look that feels traditional yet surprising. She covers everything from managing a "hodgepodge" family tree to wrapping oddly shaped gifts. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Coordinate, Don't Clash: Your holiday decor should enhance your room, not fight with it. If your room has a pink and blue palette, use pink or blue ribbon and ornaments rather than forcing traditional red and green. The "Squint" Test: To ensure your tree has that professional glow, step back and squint your eyes at the lit tr

We're excited to welcome interior designer Sara Hillery to the show! Based in Richmond, Virginia, Sara’s firm blends function with one-of-a-kind decorative pieces to create story-driven rooms. Named a "Next Wave Designer" by House Beautiful and featured in Veranda and The Wall Street Journal, Sara joins Caroline and Liz to demystify "transitional" design and share her spirited approach to holiday decorating. Sara explains how she balances antiques with clean lines to create timeless spaces, her method for editing a room like an onion, and how she reinvents her holiday decorating theme every single year. She also shares her secret for keeping Christmas trees alive and her favorite way to spark conversation at dinner parties. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Peel the Onion: When defining your style, pin up everything you love on a board, then "peel back the layers of the onion" by removing items until you reach a harmonious balance of favorite pieces. Create a "Thread" Between Rooms: You don't need to p

The ladies are beyond thrilled to welcome iconic interior designer Peter Dunham to the show. After opening his design firm over 25 years ago in Los Angeles, Peter redefined the "Southern California casual" look, creating his own legendary design shop, Hollywood at Home, as well as his own textile, wallpaper, and furniture lines. He joins Taryn and Liz to discuss his debut book, The World of Peter Dunham: Global Style from Paris to Hollywood. Peter shares his fascinating journey from selling real estate in New York to designing for Jennifer Garner in LA, and how a meeting with Albert Hadley launched his textile career. He breaks down his philosophy on why a home’s "vibe" matters more than its look, how to use his "toolkit" to fix architectural issues, and why green is the ultimate neutral. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Follow the 70/30 Rule for Vibe: Peter suggests a home should be 70% planned and 30% serendipity (found objects, art, travel souvenirs). A true "vibe" comes from these collected, imperfect l

This week, the ladies welcome to the show Patrick Shelton, Senior Vice President of Sales at Valdese Weavers, to decode what “performance fabrics” really mean and how to choose the right one for your home. With hands-on training across spinning, dyeing, weaving, finishing, and testing, Patrick explains yarn-based versus finish-based performance (and where InsideOut, Crypton Home, Sunbrella, and Ballard’s Performance Queen’s Velvet fit), how to read fiber content, and what to expect for cleanability, durability, and fade resistance. What You'll Hear This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballor Designs Podcast 00:56 Meet the Expert: Patrick Shelton 01:34 Understanding Performance Fabrics 06:18 Types of Performance Fabrics 20:12 Cleaning and Maintenance Tips 06:25 Avoiding Bleach on Performance Fabrics 27:42 Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Needs 29:42 Pet-Friendly Fabric Options 30:59 Upholstery Cleaning Tips 35:26 Understanding Fabric Repellency 39:10 Emerging Trends in Fabric Design 44:52 The Importance o

This week, the ladies welcome Atlanta interior designer and HGTV Dream Home alum Brian Patrick Flynn to the show. Brian shares how a decade-plus in production design shaped his approach to color, materials, and storytelling, plus how becoming a dad is refocusing his work closer to home. The conversation spans his House Tour with Ballard, the realities of designing for camera versus real life, why he loves 5000K bulbs (and we don’t), and how he mixes fresh traditional with retro ’80s cues without feeling theme-y. Brian also digs into set design secrets (continuity, multiple-scale props), candid career pivots, and a rapid-fire “in vs. out” on trends from beige and pleated shades to white houses with black trim. What You'll Hear This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:33 Welcoming Brian Patrick Flynn 01:22 Brian's Journey with HGTV Dream Home 03:04 Designing Traditional Homes with a Twist 07:48 The Challenges of Supply Chains 11:35 The Role of SEO in Interior Design 21:43 Parenthood an

This week we welcome London-based interior designer Nicola Harding to the show to discuss her latest book "Homing Instinct." Nicola—whose work spans boutique hotels, restaurants, and royalty—shares her unconventional path into design, the influence of garden design on her interiors, and her human-led approach to layouts, color, and pattern. Listen to discover Nicola's strategy for finding a home’s "spirit" by listening to people and place; she also recounts a church-to-restaurant conversion, a vivid Italian project rich in terracottas and dusty reds, and the practical origins of her furniture and homewares line, all underscored by a commitment to craftsmanship and locally made materials. Key Takeaways: Prioritize how people live: start with layout and create human-scaled “places” (cozy corners, pools of light) before decorating. Use color boldly and early—paint is a low-cost, high-impact tool; layer similar tones for depth and mood. Treat stripes/checks and scaled repeats as neutral texture; mix s

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome featured Ballard Designs artist Anne Bohne to the show to discuss her creative journey, the inspiration behind her coastal and Southern landscapes, and how she translates hand‑painted art into textiles and home decor. Anne shares the inspiration behind her techniques (why she loves watercolor for its immediacy and acrylic for looser washes), ways to collect and live with art, and playful ideas—like painted mats and wrapped frames—that make artwork feel personal and playful in a home. Key Takeaways: - Watercolor is forgiving and portable; acrylic on raw canvas or Birch board yields lively effects. - Layer florals with geometric or block motifs for balance—look to antique textiles for inspiration. - Start collecting with what delights you (prints included); rotate art through rooms to refresh a space. - Painted mats, fabric‑wrapped frames, and bespoke framing add playful, personal touches. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introductions 01:00 Me