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

    5 HR AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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

  7. 20 JAN

    Trials and Triumphs

    We are back with a classic "Trials & Triumphs" episode! After a hiatus from sharing their own home updates since August, Caroline, Taryn, and Liz sit down to catch up on what has really been happening behind their own front doors. The ladies discuss the highs and lows of homeownership, from Liz’s dining room paint regret (and redemption) to Caroline’s nightmare scenario involving a toilet overflow the day after Christmas. Taryn shares a genius lighting hack for guest rooms that lack hardwiring, and Caroline reveals how she finally tackled the basement clutter that had been weighing on her for five years. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Test Paint in Different Seasons: Liz shares a cautionary tale about painting her dining room "Ancient Marble" in the winter, only to realize that when spring foliage arrived, the green light bouncing in washed the color out completely. She eventually repainted it "Retreat" by Sherwin Williams for a much richer look. The "Smart Plug" Guest Room Hack: If you have a room with no overhead lighting or hardwired sconces, Taryn recommends putting floor and table lamps on smart plugs or timers. This ensures guests never have to walk into a pitch-black room and fumble for a switch. Don't Let the "Big" Projects Scare You: Caroline put off organizing her basement storage for five years because it felt like a massive undertaking. Once she finally started, she and her husband finished the entire project in just two afternoons. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome back to Trials & Triumphs 01:00 Liz’s Paint Trial: Why "Ancient Marble" didn't work in spring 02:00 Liz’s Triumph: The new dining room color ("Retreat") 06:00 Discussing "Malted Milk" (pink) paint for Liz’s kitchen 12:00 Caroline’s Triumph: Cleaning out the basement after 5 years 15:30 Caroline’s Trial: A lightning strike and an expensive tree removal 17:00 Update on Caroline’s needlepoint stockings 19:00 The custom bed that wasn't ready for Christmas (and why that was lucky) 20:45 Caroline’s Trial: The sewer line backup disaster 23:00 Liz’s amusing update on her neighbor's strict Airbnb rules 26:00 Taryn’s Triumph: Finishing the living room drapes and chairs 29:45 Tip: How to handle drapes over air vents 31:30 Taryn’s Triumph: Solving the dark guest room problem with automation 34:00 Taryn’s Trial: The pool heater fail on a warm Christmas Also Mentioned: Paint Color: Sherwin Williams "Ancient Marble" (Liz's Trial)  Paint Color: Sherwin Williams "Retreat" (Liz's Triumph)  Paint Color: Sherwin Williams "Malted Milk" (Liz's Potential Kitchen)  Husky Industrial Shelves (for basement storage)  Fabric: "Keir Capri" (Caroline's daughter's bed)  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

    45 min

  8. 16 JAN · BONUS

    Our 2026 Resolutions & Home Decorating Goals

    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  18:00 The universal struggle of organizing "junk drawers" with kids  20:00 Plant Goals: Keeping Fiddle Leaf Figs alive and planting Peonies  25:00 Liz’s Goal #1: Creating a "Home Maintenance" calendar  28:00 Liz’s Goal #2: Raised bed gardening and navigating shade trees  31:00 Liz’s Goal #3: Empty nesting and converting a teen bedroom into a home office  Also Mentioned: Plantopia (Book mentioned by Taryn)  Skylight Calendar  IKEA PAX Systems (for closet hacks)  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

    38 min
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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
    469
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    How to Decorate

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