Style Matters Zandra Zuraw

I’m really excited to introduce you to a new book written by my guests, Jill Singer and Monica Khemsurov. It’s called "How To Live With Objects," and it’s a compilation of many things: their philosophy and approach to design; a primer that introduces us to history and context around specific objects and schools of design; and an inspirational coffee table book that showcases the homes of people who have really developed a very personal point of view, aesthetically. If you are passionate about interiors, you need this book in your library. Here’s my conversation with Jill Singer and Monica Khemsurov, authors of "How to Live With Objects."

It is my great privilege to introduce you to my guest today. Newell Turner is a bit of a legend when it comes to design and journalism. He’s responsible for the formation of the entire Hearst magazine editorial division, heading up three big shelter publications: Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and Veranda magazines. He’s just released a gorgeous new book called "Mexican: A Journey Through Design," which showcases not only his own photography but also his obvious love for his adopted country. The book is one you want to sink into and absorb the colors, textures, and exquisite details of various design eras throughout Mexico's history. But, if I do say so myself, this conversation with Newell is a pretty good companion piece because of how warm and candid he is. This has definitely been one of my favorite interviews I’ve ever done. Let's get to it.

My guest today is Anjie Cho, designer and author of “Mindful Homes: Create Healing Living Spaces with Mindfulness and Feng Shui.” What makes Anjie and her book so helpful is that she explains the principles of this ancient Chinese approach to creating spaces in a way that we can use in our modern lives and contemporary homes. Even if you’re skeptical about alternative medicine (and Feng Shui is kind of like a diagnostic and curative plan for our homes), you’re going to get something out of this episode. And that’s because Anjie understands that not all of Feng Shui needs to be applied literally. Without spoiling it any further, let’s get started with Anjie.

This is such a delightful episode thanks to my guest, stylist Dee Campling. She’s just come out with a book called “Camper Heaven: Van Life on the Open Road.” And if you’re imagining hippies living in VW buses back in the 70s, you won’t believe how that lifestyle has evolved! Dee shares the many ways and reasons people are creating these homes on wheels, from decked-out ski chalet-style horse trailers to modest but beautiful, portable weekend vacation spots. But what’s so great is Dee’s enthusiasm for the whole endeavor. She’s so wonderful to talk with that you’re going to be inspired to buy a camper van by the end of this episode! Here’s Dee.

My guest today is Sara Hillery, a designer in Richmond, VA. One of her great talents, in my opinion, is her ability to mix the qualities of elegance, something that’s been a hallmark of southern homes for decades, with a feeling of energy. In other words, she is able to combine youthfulness with wisdom and grace, as well as a maximalist’s penchant for detail with the sensibilities of minimalism. You’ll have to go to the show notes page on our website to really see what I’m talking about after you hear the conversation!

We’ve had Ki Nassauer on the show before—a couple of times, actually—and that’s because she loves antiquing, thrifting, repurposing, and collecting anything vintage. And if you know me and my Slow Style approach to decorating our homes, you know that I think that every house and every room really needs to have at least one thing that’s from a different era than the one we’re living in. Ki has spent her career working in media all around filling our homes with antiques and is currently the editor-in-chief of the online magazine, Lived-In Style. I highly recommend you subscribe to it, by the way. What we're talking about today is her beautiful new book, which is also called Lived-in Style." Let’s get started.