How to Decorate

Ballard Designs
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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.

  1. Timelines, Tiles, & The "Fifth Wall" with Studio Wellington

    4 DAYS AGO

    Timelines, Tiles, & The "Fifth Wall" with Studio Wellington

    This week, we are thrilled to welcome Stephanie Abernathy and Ashley Malone, the creative forces behind Studio Wellington. With backgrounds in history, art history, political science, and interior design, this dynamic duo brings a uniquely informed approach to their projects. Currently in the thick of a massive personal home renovation, Stephanie shares the unvarnished reality of what it actually feels like to live through construction. The ladies break down exactly how long you should spend planning before swinging a hammer, why you should pick your appliances before your cabinets, and the biggest "green flags" to look for when hiring a general contractor. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Pick Appliances and Stone First: Before you finalize your cabinet layout, you need to select your appliances. The sizes and types of appliances you choose will dictate the function and flow of the entire kitchen. After that, pick your stone (like countertops or a slab backsplash), as this will drive the aesthetic direction of the room. Look for Contractor "Green Flags": When interviewing a contractor, a major "green flag" is if they walk through the job site with you and actively take notes. If they claim they will remember everything without writing it down, that's a warning sign. Another red flag? If they refuse to provide any sort of timeline or refuse to be transparent about their costs. Don't Assume the Tile Layout: Never assume the installer knows where you want the tile to start. You should always provide a tile diagram or physically be on-site to tell them exactly where the first piece should go, otherwise, you might end up with awkward, sliver-sized cuts in the most visible areas. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Stephanie and Ashley of Studio Wellington 05:00 Why planning a major renovation can (and should) take up to a year and a half 09:00 Building your team: Do you want to get bad news from this person? 25:00 The importance of detail down to the outlet covers 37:00 Why appliances and stone must be selected first 40:00 Why you need to hand a "lighting binder" to the framing crew 56:00 The variables of construction and dealing with unexpected changes 01:13:00 Green flags and red flags when hiring a contractor 01:20:00 The golden rule of tile installation: Tell them where to start! 01:26:00 Treating the ceiling as the "fifth wall" 01:31:00 Closing thoughts & where to find Studio Wellington Also Mentioned: Studio Wellington | Website Follow them on Instagram: @studio.wellington Shop Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 35m
  2. Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 4 - Pat Altschul

    10 MAR

    Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 4 - Pat Altschul

    We are wrapping up the Carson Kressley mini-series with a bang! For his grand finale, Carson invites his dear friend and the "grand dame" of Charleston, Patricia Altschul—star of Bravo’s hit show Southern Charm. Carson and Miss Pat discuss her fascinating background as an elite art advisor in the 1980s and 90s, her long-standing collaboration with the legendary decorator Mario Buatta (the "Prince of Chintz"), and the history of her stunning 1853 Greek Revival home in Charleston. She also shares her expert tips for navigating online auctions, the secret to a perfect martini, and why classic English country design never goes out of style. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Do Your Homework Before Buying Art: Pat recommends visiting museums, galleries, and auction houses just to look before you start buying. Once you find your style, always check the condition of a piece—she suggests investing in a portable blacklight to spot any repairs, cracks, or in-painting on antique art. Shop the Apps for Hidden Gems: You don't have to spend a fortune to get great pieces. Pat swears by local auctions and the LiveAuctioneers app to find everything from French porcelain to vintage jewelry. She also highly recommends Stair Galleries for scoring incredible upholstered pieces from the estates of famous decorators. The Timelessness of Mario Buatta: Pat worked with Mario Buatta on four homes over 30 years. She notes that his rooms stand the test of time because he adopted the English country style—focusing on classic floor plans, the right scale, and high-quality, comfortable upholstered pieces that look even better when they are a little faded and lived-in. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome to the final episode of the Carson Kressley Takeover! 01:30 Meet Patricia Altschul: Art advisor, author, and star of Southern Charm 04:30 Growing up in Richmond, Virginia with an eclectic mix of French antiques and Chinese rugs 07:00 Pat’s career as an art advisor in the 80s and 90s (and flying the Concorde) 10:30 How to start collecting art and why you need a portable blacklight 13:00 The best auction sites: Stair Galleries and the LiveAuctioneers app 16:30 The history of Pat’s Charleston home: The 1853 Isaac Jenkins Mikell House 19:00 Working with legendary decorator Mario Buatta over 30 years 23:00 Why Mario's classic "English country" rooms still look fresh today 32:30 Pat's former home on Oyster Bay in Long Island 38:00 How Pat ended up on Southern Charm 40:00 Charleston must-dos and the city's incredible food scene 44:00 The secret to the perfect Southern martini 47:30 Entertaining in New York City in the 1990s 51:30 Pat's collection of Ballard Designs crystal lanterns Also Mentioned: Pat's Book (referred to by Carson as Eat, Drink, and Remarry) LiveAuctioneers App Stair Galleries Shop the Carson Kressley Collection at Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min
  3. Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 3 - Bobby Flay

    3 MAR

    Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 3 - Bobby Flay

    We are back for Part 3 of the Carson Kressley mini-series! This time, we are trading the design studio for the kitchen, recording live from the set of Beat Bobby Flay in New York City. Carson sits down with his good friend, the Iron Chef himself, Mr. Bobby Flay. Bobby turns the tables and lets Carson do the baking (featuring his famous Amish-adjacent Pennsylvania Dutch custard pies!), while the two discuss the undeniable link between hospitality, food, and interior design. Bobby breaks down the psychological trick of the "Orange Glow" in his restaurants, how he works with his interior designer Olivia Jane, and the layout secrets of his personal home kitchens in New York, the Hamptons, and London. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Flatter Your Guests with Lighting: Bobby insists that lighting is the unsung hero of a successful restaurant or dinner party. He aims to create an "Orange Glow" in his spaces to ensure that everybody feels like they look good while dining—if they feel good about how they look, they’ll have a better time. Design for You, Not for Resale: Bobby strongly advises against designing your home based on what a hypothetical future buyer might want. Instead of living in a safe, generic space for "resale value," you should design your home for the way you want to live in it right now. The Best Way to Serve a Crowd: When entertaining at home, Bobby rarely does plated dinners. He prefers a "family style" approach because it feels comforting and allows guests to take exactly what they want. His top entertaining essential? A collection of really cool trays to easily carry food and drinks around the room. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome to Week 3 of the Carson Kressley Takeover!  01:00 Live from the set: Carson bakes for an Iron Chef  03:00 Why interior design is just as important as the menu  04:30 The secret to the "Orange Glow" lighting  07:00 Bobby’s partnership with his interior designer, Olivia Jane  09:00 Why Bobby loves shopping for vintage furniture on 1stDibs  16:30 How a chef designs his own kitchens: 18-foot islands & Hamptons bistro tables  19:30 Why you shouldn't design a house just for "resale value"  20:40 Entertaining tips: Trays and family-style meals  22:00 Designing his 1920s Tudor house in Saratoga and his London apartment  27:00 Bobby & Carson’s London restaurant and hotel recommendations  29:20 The pie reveal: Strawberry and Raspberry custard  32:00 Sneak peek at next week’s guest: Pat Altschul  Also Mentioned: Bobby's Podcast: Bobby on the Beat  London Spots: Berenjak, Scott's, Brat, The Broadwick Soho hotel  Bobby's Restaurants: Amalfi, Brasserie B, Bobby's Burgers  Vintage Shopping: 1stDibs  Shop the Carson Kressley Collection at Ballard Designs  Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min
  4. Ep. 454: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 2 - The Junk Gypsies

    24 FEB

    Ep. 454: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 2 - The Junk Gypsies

    We are back for Part 2 of our Carson Kressley takeover! This week, Carson invites his "partners in crime," Amie and Jolie Sikes—better known as the Junk Gypsies—to the podcast. Broadcasting (virtually) from Round Top, Texas, the sisters share the story of how they turned a love for "junking" into a global lifestyle brand. Carson and the Gypsies discuss the magic of the Round Top Antiques Fair (the "Super Bowl of Junk"), why you should mix velvet with raw wood, and how to decorate with "glitter and dirt." Quick Decorating Takeaways: Mix "Glitter and Dirt": The Junk Gypsy aesthetic is all about contrast. Don't be afraid to pair a crystal chandelier with chipping paint, or velvet upholstery with rustic wood. The friction between fancy and rough is what makes a room interesting. Buy What You Love (It Will Fit): When shopping at flea markets or antique shows, ignore the "where will I put this?" doubt. Amie and Jolie believe that if you truly love a piece, you will find a place for it—even if it ends up in the bathroom holding towels. Souvenirs > Trends: Your home should be a scrapbook of your life. Carson and the girls discuss why buying weird, unique items from your travels (like a giant roadside sign or a beat-up guitar) beats buying a generic trend from a big-box store every time. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome to Part 2 of the Carson Kressley Mini-Series! 02:00 Meet the Junk Gypsies: Amie & Jolie Sikes 05:00 What is Round Top? Explaining the "26 miles of treasure" in Texas 09:00 The "Glitter and Dirt" Philosophy: Mixing fancy with rustic 14:00 Why you shouldn't worry about "where it will go" when buying vintage 20:00 Designing for Miranda Lambert: Airstreams & Tour Buses 28:00 The "Wander Inn": The sisters’ hotel project in Round Top 36:00 How to shop a flea market like a pro (and why you need a flashlight) 45:00 Carson’s favorite finds: The "Giddy Up" art and "Howdy" pillows Also Mentioned: Junk Gypsy Company (Amie & Jolie's Brand) The Wander Inn (Round Top, TX) Round Top Antiques Fair Shop the Carson Kressley Collection at Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 16m
  5. Carson Kressley Takeover Pt. 1 - Thom Filicia

    17 FEB

    Carson Kressley Takeover Pt. 1 - Thom Filicia

    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, old and new. Don't Be Afraid of Brown: Thom and the team discuss the resurgence of brown as a dominant color in interiors. Thom loves using warm, earthy neutrals (like chocolate, rust, and camel) to create spaces that feel grounded, sophisticated, and cozy. Your Home Should Tell Your Story: Authenticity is key. Carson and Thom emphasize that your home should reflect you—not just a showroom. Incorporate personal items, travel souvenirs, and pieces that have history to give your space a unique "fingerprint". What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome to the Carson Kressley Mini-Series!  01:00 Carson introduces his new collection with Ballard Designs  04:00 Thom Filicia joins the chat and the story of his legendary 5-minute naps  10:00 Thom’s new home in Aspen and the process of designing for yourself  21:00 Translating personal fashion into interior design and lessons from Dress My Nest  29:00 What it was like designing for David Bowie and Iman  38:00 Reminiscing about Queer Eye and Get a Room with Carson & Thom  42:00 The art of High/Low design and why rooms shouldn't be too perfect  51:00 Thom’s classical training and Albert Hadley’s rule about the "element of surprise"  01:01:00 Advice for young designers starting out in the industry  01:05:00 Where to find Thom Filicia’s showroom and product collections  Also Mentioned: Shop the Carson Kressley Collection at Ballard Designs Thom Filicia | Website Follow Thom on Instagram: @thomfilicia Follow Carson on Instagram: @carsonkressley Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 12m
  6. Layered Minimalism with Elizabeth Bolognino

    10 FEB

    Layered Minimalism with Elizabeth Bolognino

    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. Rugs are the "Shoes" of the Outfit: Elizabeth believes you should never design a room from the top down. She starts with the rug because it grounds the space and dictates the palette—just like you wouldn't pick your shoes last when planning an outfit. Try an "Unfitted" Kitchen: To make a kitchen feel more like a living space and less like a sterile lab, Elizabeth suggests removing upper cabinets and using furniture-style pieces. Try swapping a built-in island for a large work table or using an antique armoire for pantry storage. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 01:00 Defining "Layered Minimalism": How to clean up lines without losing warmth 07:00 The Psychology of Beige: Why we crave neutral spaces in a chaotic world 13:00 Texture: The "Secret Sauce" to keeping neutrals from being boring 19:00 Splurge vs. Save: Elizabeth's rule about tactile objects 23:00 Why the rug is the "shoes" of the room 27:00 The "Unfitted Kitchen" trend: Ditching upper cabinets for furniture 36:00 Elizabeth's own 1940s Colonial renovation 46:00 Decorating Dilemma: How to zone a long, narrow living room/entryway Also Mentioned: Elizabeth Bolognino | Website Follow Elizabeth on Instagram: @ebolognino Book mentioned: The Psychology of Color Shop Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min
  7. Ep. 451: The Expressive Home with Ray Booth

    3 FEB

    Ep. 451: The Expressive Home with Ray Booth

    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 eye right at the glass. Hang Lighting for Humans, Not Ceilings: In rooms with double-height ceilings, resist the urge to hang chandeliers too high. Ray suggests hanging them lower—within the "human scale"—so they feel touchable and help ground people in a cavernous space. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 01:30 Ray’s architectural background and his "biased" approach to interiors 04:00 How to choose materials based on your personal story 10:00 Why Ray uses drapery as "punctuation" and acoustic softening 16:00 Building a neutral palette: Using contrast to create harmony 21:00 Window Mullions: Why dark paint makes the view clearer 25:00 The Art of Editing: "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should" 28:00 Ray’s take on AI in design (featuring a nod to Steve & Brooke Giannetti) 34:00 Human Scale: How to make grand rooms feel intimate 40:00 Lighting tips for high ceilings 44:00 The "Deconstructed Sectional": How to improve flow around large furniture 48:00 Closing notes & where to find Ray Also Mentioned: The Expressive Home by Ray Booth (New Book) Evocative Interiors by Ray Booth (Previous Book) McALPINE | Website Ray Booth Design | Instagram Steve & Brooke Giannetti Shop Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min
  8. Ep. 450: Trend Report 2026

    27 JAN

    Ep. 450: Trend Report 2026

    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, embroidery, and paint-by-numbers becoming the ultimate way to unwind and decorate. Look for the "North Star": Celestial motifs are having a moment. Look for stars, moons, and zodiac themes in hardware, bedding, and fabrics as people seek direction and meaning in their homes. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome to the 2026 Trend Report 01:30 How the team predicts trends (Fashion Snoops, WGSN, Veranda) 04:45 The 5 Big Color Predictions: Transformative Teal, Wax Paper, Fresh Purple, Cocoa Powder, and Green Glow 06:30 The "Slime" Green debate and the board game Hues and Cues 11:00 The resurgence of Khaki and Ralph Lauren nostalgia 14:00 Cornflower Blue: The "Happy" color that isn't going anywhere 16:30 Metals: Why Nickel is overtaking Chrome 20:30 Paint Colors of the Year (Cloud Dancer, Warm Eucalyptus, hidden Gem) 23:00 Material Trends: Leather, colored stains, and the decline of shiny glam 26:00 Is Bouclé over? (Spoiler: It's evolving into skirts) 28:00 The "Nancy Meyers" Aesthetic vs. Maximalism 34:00 Pattern Trends: Lattice, Ribbons, and "Weird" Checks 41:30 Fun Micro-Trends: Cabbage Ware and "Vampire Core" (Oxblood) 43:00 Celestial motifs and the "North Star" theme 54:00 "Weird Art": Why you should frame cigarette packs and personal relics 58:00 The rise of "Grandma Crafts" Also Mentioned: Board Game: Hues and Cues Trend: Nancy Meyers Aesthetic Paint Color: Pantone "Cloud Dancer" Shop Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 9m
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ballard Designs
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    471
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    How to Decorate

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