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. HACE 3 H

    Ep. 460: Tradition Made New: Soulful Architecture & Site-Specific Design with Timothy Adams

    Our guest today is award-winning Atlanta architect Timothy Adams. His firm, T.S. Adams Studio Architects, has become synonymous with classical lines and highly detailed craftsmanship. Tim sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to talk about his beautiful new book, Tradition Made New: Houses with a Sense of Soul and History, which celebrates homes that feel grounded, authentic, and built to last generations. Tim shares his architectural process, explaining why a home's design must always start with the physical lot it sits on. He discusses the difference between "timeless" and "soulful" architecture, how to balance a client's modern taste with a traditional neighborhood, and why he always takes time to drive around a community to study the local materials before drafting a single plan. Quick Decorating & Architectural Takeaways: Design for the Site First: Before finalizing a design or layout, you must consider the lot. Tim explains that a house should be deeply responsive to its topography and surroundings. He uses the site visit to figure out how to capture the best natural light and views, while strategically positioning the house to block out negative elements like a neighbor's garage or a cell tower. Blend In on the Outside, Be Yourself on the Inside: If your preferred style clashes with a historic neighborhood, find a compromise. Tim shares a story of a client who wanted a highly contemporary home on one of Atlanta's most traditional streets. To respect the neighborhood, Tim designed a classic stone English manor exterior, but kept the interior architecture incredibly clean and modern. Aim for "Soulful" over "Timeless": Tim prefers the term "soulful architecture" over the overused buzzword "timeless". By rooting a house in the right historical proportions, strong details, and authentic regional materials, you create a home that feels lived-in and relevant for decades, rather than just designing for a fleeting trend. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction of Timothy Adams 00:55 Discussing Tim's new book, Tradition Made New 01:35 How Tim designs projects to respond to their specific location and topography 04:00 Honoring good views and hiding the bad ones during the initial design phase 06:15 Why Tim studies the older homes and materials in a community before building 07:20 Compromising on a modern house on a traditional street in Atlanta (West Paces Ferry) 08:45 Designing for longevity and resale value vs. designing just for yourself 09:30 The concept of "soulful" architecture and finding inspiration in history 11:00 How to position a house on a narrow lot or a standard subdivision 01:01:00 Closing thoughts & where to get the book Also Mentioned: Book: Tradition Made New: Houses with a Sense of Soul and History by Timothy Adams T.S. Adams Studio Architects | Website Follow them on Instagram: @tsadamsstudio Shop Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your 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

    1 h 2 min

  2. 31 MAR

    Trials and Triumphs

    We are back with a brand new "Trials & Triumphs" episode! It has been a minute since Caroline, Taryn, and Liz sat down to share their personal home updates, but they are back to spill all the details on what has been happening behind their own front doors (and as they jokingly point out, it's mostly "trials" this time around!). Liz kicks things off by officially starting the planning phase for her long-awaited kitchen renovation, which has quickly snowballed into a bathroom renovation, too. Taryn celebrates finally tackling some overdue exterior home maintenance and reveals her plans for a "big bed swap" to refresh her guest room. Finally, Caroline shares a homeowner's nightmare: a major plumbing backup that led to a shocking discovery about her house. Quick Decorating & Homeowner Takeaways: Visualize with Tape: If you are planning a renovation, use brightly colored tape (like Liz's hot pink tape) to outline cabinet, sink, and appliance placements on the floor. It helps you visualize exact clearances and traffic flow before anything is actually built. Beware of Scope Creep: Liz shares how easily a kitchen renovation can expand. Once you start opening walls and moving plumbing in a 100-year-old home, it often makes sense to tackle adjoining rooms (like her main and guest bathrooms) at the same time to save on future headaches. The Power of Power Washing: Taryn reminds us of the importance of exterior maintenance. After living in her home for five years, her white gutters were turning green from organic growth. A simple pressure washing completely revitalized the look of her home's exterior. Know Your Plumbing: Caroline shares a cautionary tale about assuming you are on city sewer. After a major backup and weeks of "camp baths," she discovered her home actually runs on a buried septic system—meaning all those French press coffee grounds she'd been putting down the disposal were a huge mistake! What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome back to Trials & Triumphs! 01:30 Liz’s Trial/Triumph: Officially starting the kitchen renovation 03:00 Visualizing the new layout with hot pink tape and the sink placement debate 05:00 The reality of renovating a nearly 100-year-old home (and discovering asbestos) 07:00 Scope Creep: Adding two bathroom renovations to the kitchen project 34:00 Taryn’s Triumph: Finally tackling exterior home maintenance and power washing the gutters 38:00 Taryn’s Trial/Triumph: The "Big Bed Swap" and moving the king bed to the downstairs primary 41:00 Designing the guest room with an antique French poster bed and marine blue wallpaper 44:00 Caroline’s Trial: The major plumbing backup and the Roto-Rooter visit 47:30 Digging up the yard to install a cleanout trap and discovering the septic tank 52:00 Why you should never put coffee grounds down a garbage disposal 54:00 Three weeks of "camp baths" and surviving without a working shower Also Mentioned: Shop Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your 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

    1 h 1 min
  3. The English Country Aesthetic with Steven Rodel

    24 MAR

    The English Country Aesthetic with Steven Rodel

    We are absolutely thrilled to welcome a truly iconic British designer to the show! Our guest today is Steven Rodel, Creative Director at one of the UK's most esteemed design practices, Guy Goodfellow. Guy Goodfellow is renowned for a deep knowledge of historic interiors, an impeccable eye for art and antiques, and a talent for creating homes that feel beautifully evolved. Steven brings a distinctly British perspective as he joins Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to talk about his recent London flat renovation and the secrets to achieving an authentic "English Country" look. He explains why rooms shouldn't feel "showy" or "themed," how to confidently display your personal style, and why every home needs a touch of eccentricity. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Embrace the Imperfect and Eccentric: An authentic, lived-in space requires a bit of eccentricity. Don't shy away from battered or worn antique pieces—like a well-loved games table that shows the history of how many games have been played on it. Avoid the "Themed" Look: A true English Country home balances heritage and comfort. The goal is to make a room feel like it has naturally evolved over the years, rather than looking like a stage set or a perfectly matched theme. Make the Hallway a Destination: If you have a long, dark, narrow hallway, don't just treat it as a pass-through space. Hang a gallery wall of personal photos to make people linger, use fun wallpaper, add sconces, and place a mirror at the very end to bounce natural light from adjacent rooms or skylights. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Steven Rodel  01:30 Steven’s design history and working with Guy Goodfellow  04:30 The Guy Goodfellow aesthetic: Rooted in history and tradition, but fresh and timeless  16:30 Creating rooms that are quiet, comfortable, and accessible rather than "showy"  26:00 Steven’s own London flat renovation and the editing process  32:00 Defining "English Country Home" style and avoiding the "themed" look  37:30 Why we should all allow space for eccentricity in our homes  41:30 Embracing imperfect antiques (and the charm of a battered games table)  43:30 Decorating Dilemma: Updating a dark, narrow hallway in an 1895 Martha's Vineyard cottage  48:30 Lighting tricks for corridors: Adding sconces and mirrors to bounce skylight illumination  52:00 Using gallery walls to turn a hallway into a destination space  54:50 Should bedroom colors perfectly match the hallway wallpaper?  55:20 Closing thoughts & where to find Steven  Also Mentioned: Guy Goodfellow | Website  Shop Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your 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
  4. Timelines, Tiles, & The "Fifth Wall" with Studio Wellington

    17 MAR

    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

    1 h 35 min
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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

    1 h 16 min
  8. 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

    1 h 12 min
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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.

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  • Creador
    Ballard Designs
  • Años de actividad
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodios
    474
  • Clasificación
    Apto
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    How to Decorate

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