Ep. 385: Design Rules with Elaine Griffin

We'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 Elaine opens up about her Southern cultural influences, navigating different regional styles, evolving personal aesthetics, and strategic planning for young decorators. The episode also emphasizes how to incorporate cherished items, where and when to invest in quality furniture pieces, and how to adapt your design choices to life experiences in a meaningful way.

Watch this week's conversation as recorded on Ballard Designs YouTube.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 

• 00:00 Introduction to How to Decorate, the Podcast
• 00:36 Meet Elaine Griffin
• 01:16 ‘Design Rules’: The Timeless Guidebook for Home Decoraters
• 02:18 Practical Tips for Home Decor
• 15:47 The Emotional Connection to Home
• 16:34 Influences on Elaine’s Personal Design Style
• 31:20 Design Stages and Investment Pieces
• 36:22 How to Blend Treasured Possessions and Sentimental Items into Cohesive Design
• 38:47 The Evolution of Your Own Personal Style
• 39:28 Liz’s Card Catalog: A Journey Through Time
• 41:15 Reflections on Design and Sentimentality
• 58:35 Decorating Dilemma: Design Advice for a Lake Home
• 01:14:02 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Decorating Dilemma:

Follow along with images of this week's decorating dilemma on the How to Decorate Blog: CLICK HERE.

Hi Amanda,

First off, Elaine commends Amanda on her initial color choice of alabaster, describing it as a beautiful off-white that ranked among the top Sherwin Williams colors. She suggests that you need to focus on allowing the natural landscape to guide her color palette since the lake house likely offers a view worth highlighting. Elaine also emphasizes the importance of choosing colors that complement the scenery to ensure the view remains the focal point. For the screen porch, she recommends considering a daring, dark green to provide a dynamic contrast and allow the room to blend with the natural surroundings.

Elaine also shares key color rules, advising that Amanda match her home's interior and exterior styles to maintain cohesion, and suggests incorporating beige tones as an alternative to gray, which can look dated. Elaine points out the importance of considering natural light and how it interacts with chosen colors, encouraging Amanda to seek a palette that lasts and complements both the home's interior and its natural setting.

Give us an update when you finish this project, we really want to see what decision(s) you make!

- How to Decorate

Also Mentioned:

• 'Design Rules: The Book' | Order Your Copy Today!
• Elaine Griffin at Home | Website
• @elaine_griffin | Instagram
• Ballard Designs
• Watch the Full Episode