We want to teach you how to decorate! We'll help you unleash your inner decorator with interviews from interior designers, sharing the trials and triumphs from our own homes, and answering your burning decorating questions. Brought to you from the Ballard Designs team.
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Howtodecorate Podcasts

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Ep. 418: Adding Twists to Tradition with Andrew Howard
58:54
58:54
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58:54This week, Caroline and Liz sit down with Jacksonville-based interior designer Andrew Howard: Renowned for his vibrant take on traditional design, Andrew shares his journey from working in his parents' design store to becoming a celebrated designer. The discussion explores how to inject playful elements into traditional spaces, highlighting the sig…
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Ep. 417: Crafting Colorful Elegance with Palmer Weiss
1:02:03
1:02:03
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1:02:03Caroline & 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 sha…
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Ep. 416: Home Is Where The Heart Is with Olivia Westbrooks
1:01:17
1:01:17
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1:01:17Caroline 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 famil…
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Ep. 415: Embracing Bold Design with Susan Ferrier
1:01:24
1:01:24
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1:01:24Caroline 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 transf…
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Ep. 414: 100 Ways to Feel at Home with Emma Kemper
58:43
58:43
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58:43Caroline 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 aes…
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Ep. 413: Elevating Everyday Design with Kate Figler
1:03:22
1:03:22
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1:03:22This 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 influen…
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Ep. 412: How We Make Our Products at Ballard Designs
58:26
58:26
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58:26In 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 finishe…
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Ep. 411: Dorm Room Decorating with Frances Lacefield Hovis of Room 422
46:30
46:30
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46:30We 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 beddi…
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Ep. 410: Crafting Stunning Arrangements with Canaan Marshall - Outdoor Mini-Series Pt. 4
57:01
57:01
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57:01We 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,…
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Ep. 409: How to Shop for Plants Like a Pro Gardener with Mark Thompson - Outdoor Mini-Series Pt. 3
1:12:07
1:12:07
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1:12:07We 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 ga…
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Ep. 408: Mastering Outdoor Spaces with Landscape Designer Carmen Johnston - Outdoor Mini-Series Pt. 2
1:05:55
1:05:55
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1:05:55In 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…
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Ep. 407: Spring Gardening Tips from Landscape Architect Brantley Snipes - Outdoor Mini-Series Pt. 1
1:10:43
1:10:43
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1:10:43This 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 challe…
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Ep. 406: Defining Elegance with Marshall Watson
1:05:25
1:05:25
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1:05:25We'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 …
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Ep. 405: Interiors of a Storyteller with Stephanie Sabbe
1:03:06
1:03:06
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1:03:06Join 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 jou…
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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. Caroli…
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Ep. 403: Coastal Designs with Stephanie Mahaney
52:48
52:48
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52:48Taryn 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 designin…
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Ep. 402: Antique Hunting Tips & Tricks with Debbie Mathews
1:13:20
1:13:20
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1:13:20Caroline, 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 …
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Ep. 401: Decorating Trend Report for 2025
1:09:08
1:09:08
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1:09:08What 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 tr…
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Ep. 400: Celebrating 400 Episodes with Karen Mooney + Q&A's!
1:12:02
1:12:02
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1:12:02Can 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…
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Ep. 399: This is Home with Jeffrey Alan Marks
1:01:15
1:01:15
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1:01:15This 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 Cal…
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Ep. 398: Timeless Design Tips with Liz Williams
51:57
51:57
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51:57This 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, skillf…
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Ep. 397: The Secrets of Slow Design with Gabriela Eisenhart
52:03
52:03
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52:03We have the pleasure of welcoming to the show Gabriela Eisenhart: the talented founder of Silo Studios in Atlanta, GA. With over a decade of experience & notable features in Architectural Digest and House Beautiful, Gabriela has made a name for herself designing beautiful spaces that blend personal stories with warmth and comfort. In this episode, …
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Ep. 396: Classic by Design with Michael S. Smith
1:09:14
1:09:14
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1:09:14We are thrilled to kick off 2025 by welcoming the legendary Obama White House interior designer Michael S. Smith to the show. With nearly 35 years in the industry, Michael has an incredible wealth of knowledge when it comes to creating beautiful spaces that blend traditional charm with modern elegance. During our conversation, he shares insights fr…
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Ep. 395: Decorating Throwback Series (Part 3)
1:30:13
1:30:13
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1:30:13In the third and final installment of our decorating throwback series, Taryn shares her favorite episode with the group and teases the comprehensive mini-series on home building (episodes 229-232). This mini-series brings together a wealth of expertise from interior designer Maggie Griffin, architect Kevin Clark, and builder Aaron Burgess. The conv…
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Ep. 394: Decorating Throwback Series (Part 2)
1:17:34
1:17:34
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1:17:34Continuing their series of favorite throwback episodes, Liz, Caroline, and Taryn reminisce on memorable conversations with past guests before shining a special light on Ep. 318* with Brooke and Layla Gianetti. Liz urges listeners to listen in to the story of the Gianettis, exploring their transformative journey from California to Tennessee to estab…
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Ep. 393: Decorating Throwback Series (Part 1)
1:12:24
1:12:24
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1:12:24In Part 1 of our new annual throwback series, Caroline, Taryn, and Liz revisit a memorable conversation with Susan Ferrier from Ep. 84* of the show that has inspired Caroline's approach to interior design since. Susan Ferrier is a celebrated interior designer from Atlanta, GA. Known for her strategic use of light, texture, and contrast, Ferrier pro…
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Ep. 392: Blending Tradition & Trend with KOBEL + CO
59:06
59:06
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59:06We're thrilled to welcome Mallory Robbins and Elizabeth Bennett of Kansas City's design duo KOBEL + CO, who are celebrated for their distinctive style that seamlessly blends timeless treasures with modern aesthetics to create uniquely intimate spaces. Mallory and Elizabeth share their secrets for crafting moods that capture both heart and style, ki…
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Ep. 391: Designing a Healthier Home with Kishani Perera
50:32
50:32
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50:32This week, Caroline and Liz welcome the visionary interior designer Kishani Perera, who merges aesthetics with health to create her signature Healthy Homes™. Kishani's approach to design emphasizes the use of curated, non-toxic materials and thoughtful design choices that not only respect the environment but also enhance the physical well-being of …
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Ep. 390: Designing Elegance & Comfort with James Thomas
58:38
58:38
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58:38Liz and Taryn chat with celebrated interior designers James Dolenc and Tom Riker of James Thomas. Since 2003, James and Tom have been transforming homes with their unique design philosophy centered on elegance and comfort. They discuss their journey from commercial interiors to high-end residential design, emphasizing details, historical understand…
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Ep. 389: Color Theory with Christine Markatos-Lowe
44:40
44:40
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44:40Join Caroline and Taryn as we chat with talented Santa Monica-based designer Christine Markatos-Lowe, who dives deep into her innovative theory of color and space. Get ready to be inspired as Christine shares her expert insights on mastering the color wheel, sparking emotions through color choices, and her top tips for finding the perfect hue harmo…
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Ep. 388: Our 2024 Holiday Hosting Special!
1:06:35
1:06:35
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1:06:35This week, the ladies come together in Taryn's stunning new dining room for our much-loved annual holiday hosting special (can you believe it’s been a whole year already?! ) The trio are here to spill their personal hosting secrets and cherished holiday traditions, starting with Thanksgiving hosting rituals and meal prep hacks to deep dives into th…
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Ep. 387: The Perfect Room with Marie Flanigan
1:00:49
1:00:49
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1:00:49This week, Taryn and Liz welcome back award-winning interior designer and author Marie Flanagan, who discusses her newest book, 'The Perfect Room: Timeless Designs for Intentional Living.' Marie shares insights from her extensive work, including her approach to architectural interiors, the importance of texture, and how to blend elegance with funct…
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Ep. 386: Carson Kressley's Holiday Must-Haves
1:03:46
1:03:46
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1:03:46We're excited to welcome back style icon and TV personality Carson Kressley, who shares his favorite holiday decorating and hosting tips as we get into the swing of the season. From tree trimming parties and coordinating guest rooms to serving simple yet crowd-pleasing food for holiday gatherings, Carson's practical advice aims to make the holiday …
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Ep. 385: Design Rules with Elaine Griffin
1:16:10
1:16:10
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1:16:10We're joined this week by acclaimed designer & author Elaine Griffin, where we dive deep into the fundamentals of decorating through her 2009 best-selling book, 'Design Rules: The Insider's Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator.' The ladies discuss proportion principles, the impact of personal style, and the importance of timeless design, all while …
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Ep. 384: The Art of Wallpaper with Jenn Gracie
42:44
42:44
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42:44This week, the ladies get a first-hand look into the captivating world of custom hand-painted wallpaper with guest Jenn Gracie: a 6th generation member of the esteemed Gracie Wallpaper family. Our conversation revolves around the firm's newly published book 'The Art of Gracie,’ the first-ever book and inside look at the history, design process, and…
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Ep. 383: An English Vision with Ben Pentreath (Pt. 2)
52:29
52:29
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52:29Following last week's episode, Caroline shares the second half of her extended conversation with renowned architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath. The two continue their discussion of Ben's latest book, 'An English Vision', as well as practical decorating tips for making your house feel like your home. Watch our FULL INTERVIEW with Ben Pentre…
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Ep. 382: An English Vision with Ben Pentreath (Pt. 1)
55:14
55:14
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55:14This week, Caroline hosts the show solo with renowned architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath. The two delve into Ben's extensive career, current design projects, and then discuss Ben's latest book, 'An English Vision.' Ben gives insights on common design challenges, the thought processes behind sustainable urban planning, and the architectur…
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Ep. 381: Creating Cohesive and Functional Spaces with Cullman & Kravis
46:33
46:33
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46:33This week, we welcome designers Ellie Cullman and Lee Cavanaugh from the iconic design firm Cullman & Kravis, who discuss their latest book, 'Cullman and Kravis Interiors.' Although "Cullman & Kravis Interiors" is technically the fourth book from designer Ellie Cullman, it is the first book that showcases her own firm's approach to blending traditi…
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Join Caroline, Taryn, and Liz for another exciting round of Trials and Triumphs! Liz shares her recent adventure in helping her sister transform a mudroom and laundry room with stunning color palettes and tile choices. She also recounts a nerve-wracking experience with malfunctioning hardwired fire alarms that led to a chaotic visit from firefighte…
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Ep. 379: 5 Design Principles for an Artful Home with Josh Young
1:00:05
1:00:05
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1:00:05This week, we welcome artist and tastemaker Josh Young. After living in Milan for six years, Josh returned to the U.S. and launched Josh Young Design House in 2017, gaining recognition for his distinctive art style and home designs. His work has appeared in major publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Vogue Italia. In his debut …
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Ep. 378: Entertaining and the Art of Gathering with Stephanie Nass
42:58
42:58
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42:58In this episode, we're excited to welcome Stephanie Nass—also known as "Chefanie"—who shares her expertise in hosting unforgettable gatherings. As a chef, host extraordinaire, and author, Stephanie has organized parties for a wide range of guests, from celebrities to royals. Her new book, "Swing By: Entertaining Recipes and the New Art of Gathering…
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BONUS episode: Explore James Farmer's Cozy & Custom Built Cottage Farmhouse
44:08
44:08
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44:08We 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 ch…
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Ep. 377: The Design of a Country Estate with Cathy Purple Cherry
1:11:42
1:11:42
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1:11:42Besides 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 Ches…
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Ep. 376: The Art of Harmonious Home Design with Rachel Cannon
1:00:57
1:00:57
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1:00:57This 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 imp…
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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…
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Ep. 374: The Savage Style with Jonathan Savage
53:42
53:42
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53:42This 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…
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BONUS episode: Neutral Done Right in Birmingham, AL with Zoe Gowen
33:29
33:29
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33:29This 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,…
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Ep. 373: Shingle and Stone with Thomas Kligerman
53:54
53:54
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53:54This 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,…
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Ep. 372: New Items We're Loving for Fall 2024!
1:05:10
1:05:10
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1:05:10Get 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 ins…
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BONUS episode: Explore a Client's Newly Renovated Home in Duluth, GA. with Schilling & Co.
27:07
27:07
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27:07We 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 ele…
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