Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production

Ariel Okin
  • 4.7 (43)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Delve into the personal worlds of the top interior designers & tastemakers around the globe – interviewed by Ariel Okin, House Beautiful Next Wave Designer, Founder of Fenimore Lane, and Contributing Writer to Vogue, Architectural Digest, & Coveteur. These insightful conversations range from a designer’s favorite resources when sourcing for clients, to how creatives, shopkeepers, and artisans built their businesses, and more. Tune in each Wednesday as Ariel welcomes a new guest to discuss their career journey, design inspirations and even share a little advice for fellow design enthusiasts!

  1. DEC 17

    From the Mississippi Delta to Reed Smythe: Keith Meacham’s Story of Friendship and Craft

    Some people collect memories; others collect stories, objects, and traditions. Keith Meacham does it all, creating a beautiful alchemy of unexpected home goods that celebrate her Mississippi roots. This week on Talk Shop, Ariel heads to the heart of the American South to welcome Keith Smythe Meacham, co-founder of Reed Smythe & Company, the home goods shop she launched in 2018 with her dear friend and fellow Mississippian, the late Julia Reed, a beloved industry legend. Rooted in the Mississippi Delta and shaped by a deep respect for craft and collaboration, Reed Smythe & Company partners with artisans across the South and beyond to create uncommon goods for house and garden. Keith shares her journey from a long career in public education to entrepreneurship, the power of female friendship, and the importance of trusting your gut, both in design and in life. Keith’s work and home have been featured in Veranda, Elle Decor, Flower, and Southern Living, and she’s been recognized as a Southern Living Tastemaker and a judge for the Garden & Gun Made in the South Awards. From career pivots and creative risk-taking to honoring legacy and building community through design, this is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation about making a home, and a life, that feels true to you. — Learn More about Reed Smythe: https://reedsmythe.com/ Follow on social: https://www.instagram.com/reedsmytheco/ Explore Keith’s ShopMy storefront: https://shopmy.us/shop/mksmeacham — To join Ariel and our Season 5 guests on ShopMy, download the ShopMy app, create a shopper account, and start building wishlists and shopping your favorite pieces: https://go.shopmy.us/join/arielokin

    48 min

  2. DEC 10

    How Shea McGee Built a Design Powerhouse: One Home at a Time

    This week, Ariel sits down with Shea McGee, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Studio McGee, and one half of the powerhouse duo behind the beloved design brand. Shea shares how a single home remodel, documented casually on social media, sparked an unexpected career pivot, growing into the Studio McGee universe we know today. She walks us through the evolution of her brand: from launching her design firm in 2014 to building a thriving e-commerce platform, McGee & Co., and spearheading collaborations with Target, Kohler, Ann Sacks, and more. Ariel and Shea also dive into her bestselling books, Make Life Beautiful and The Art of Home, and of course, her hit Netflix series Dream Home Makeover. Thoughtful, grounded, and endlessly creative, Shea reveals how she’s helping millions “Make Life Beautiful” through elevated, accessible design. You’re going to love this conversation. — Follow Shea: https://www.instagram.com/shea_mcgee Learn more about Studio McGee: https://www.mcgeeandco.com/ Explore Shea’s ShopMy storefront: https://shopmy.us/shop/sheamcgee — To join Ariel and our Season 5 guests on ShopMy, download the ShopMy app, create a shopper account, and start building wishlists and shopping your favorite pieces: https://go.shopmy.us/join/arielokin?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=talkshop

    44 min

  3. DEC 3

    Inside the World of Guy Oliver: Britain’s Master of Timeless Design

    This week on Talk Shop, Ariel heads across the pond to welcome one of the UK’s most accomplished interior designers: Guy Oliver, the creative mind behind Oliver Laws in Mayfair. Guy’s path to design is anything but conventional, from childhood weekends hunting antiques in Scotland, to leaving home at 17 to serve in the Royal Navy, to ultimately becoming one of Britain’s most respected designers and philanthropists. Guy has transformed some of the world’s most storied hotels, including Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Shelbourne in Dublin, and even redesigned the State Rooms at 10 Downing Street. But beyond his work on luxury hotels and private estates, his passion lies in craft, heritage, and cultural preservation. As Creative Director of the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, Guy works to restore historic architecture in Afghanistan, trains local artisans, and integrates their extraordinary craftsmanship into projects around the world—including his suites at The Connaught, where Afghan woodcarving and miniature painting add profound depth and narrative. This conversation is filled with lessons on creativity, purpose, resilience, and the power of design to honor history. It’s an inspiring look at a life lived with curiosity and conviction. — Learn more: https://www.oliverlaws.com/ Explore Guy’s ShopMy storefront: https://shopmy.us/shop/guyoliver — To join Ariel and our Season 5 guests on ShopMy, download the ShopMy app, create a shopper account, and start building wishlists and shopping your favorite pieces: https://go.shopmy.us/join/arielokin?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=talkshop

    53 min

  4. NOV 26

    Revisiting A S2 Favorite: Annie Meyers-Shyer on a life Inspired by Film & Design

    While we’re preparing new episodes, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes: Annie Meyers-Shyer. A friend, and returning guest to the show, Annie has meticulously been documenting the renovation of her family’s historic home in sunny Los Angeles on her instagram account, @thisoakhouse – and it’s quickly become a fan favorite. So whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting, this episode is a must-listen. — Originally from LA, Annie comes from a life grown up in Hollywood, thanks to her filmmaking parents, the iconic writer, director and producer Nancy Meyers and her father, also a writer, director and producer, Charles Sheyer. Annie’s love for design and fashion has followed her from a young age, as a fresh out of college editor at Harper's Bazaar to working on the PR team at Chanel, and has most recently landed her in the form of a modern day design oracle. Ariel sat down with Annie to chat all things interiors, home inspiration, renovation musts and don'ts, and more! — Explore Annie’s ShopMy storefront: https://shopmy.us/shop/thisoakhouse — To join Ariel and our Season 5 guests on ShopMy, follow these simple instructions: 1. Download the ShopMy app, linked below 2. Sign up for a Shopper Account 3. Create a Circle with Ariel & your favorite tastemakers! (For inspiration, we've added some of our #TalkShopPod favorite ShopMy storefronts from guests past and present below!  Start building wishlists and shopping curated goods from your favorite tastemakers all in one place: https://go.shopmy.us/join/arielokin?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=talkshop --- Shop Friends of the #TalkShopPod's ShopMy Storefronts:  - Annie Meyers-Shyer, This Oak House LINK: https://shopmy.us/shop/thisoakhouse  - Louise Roe, Sharland England LINK: https://shopmy.us/shop/louisevroe -Paloma Contreras, Paloma Contreras Design + Paloma & Co LINK: https://shopmy.us/shop/palomacontrerasdesign  - Amanda Jones Vaughan, That Said LINK: https://shopmy.us/shop/amandajonesvaughan - Eliza Crater Harris, Sister Parish Design LINK: https://shopmy.us/shop/sisterparish?Section_id=312498&tab=collections

    51 min

  5. NOV 12

    The Things That Matter: Nate Berkus on Home, Style, and Storytelling

    This week on Talk Shop, Ariel is joined by one of the most influential designers of our time, Nate Berkus. Known for his classic, layered, historically-rooted approach to interiors, Nate has spent nearly 30 years helping people create homes that reflect who they are, not just how they live.  Starting his interior design firm at just 24, Nate’s world has since expanded far beyond interiors, into product collections, television, film, and bestselling books. From curated furniture collections to collaborations with Kravet, Living Spaces, PetSmart and more, Nate’s design sensibility extends into every corner of the home. Nate is also the Travel Ambassador for Celebrity Cruises, and even served as Executive Producer on the Oscar-winning film The Help–multifaceted is an understatement. Nate has authored two New York Times bestselling books, and his newest book, Foundations: Timeless Design That Feels Personal, out November 18th, is the most intimate distillation of his philosophy: your home should tell your story, and that story should unfold slowly, over time. Join us for this warm and wise conversation with the wonderful Nate Berkus. - Join Nate and Friends on November 18th for a special event in NYC at Symphony Space: https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/nate-berkus-and-friends-foundations-timeless-design-that-feels-personal — Learn more: https://nateberkus.com/ Follow Nate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateberkus/ Explore Nate’s ShopMy storefront: https://shopmy.us/shop/nateberkus?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=nateberkus-storefront — Get Started on ShopMy Today To join Ariel and our Season 5 guests on ShopMy, create a free shopper account to build create a free shopper account to build wishlists and shop your favorite pieces: https://shopmy.us/home/shoppers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=talkshop

    1h 5m

  6. NOV 5

    The Art of the Nursery: Sara Adam Slywka on Nestig and Design

    If you’ve ever fallen down a rabbit hole looking for the perfect crib or nursery chair , something stylish, safe, and built to last, chances are you’ve come across Nestig.  This week on Talk Shop, Ariel is joined by Sara Adam Slywka, co-founder of Nestig, the beloved children’s furniture brand that’s redefining modern nursery design. Born from Sara’s passion for creating thoughtful, design-forward spaces for families, Nestig has quickly become known for its beautifully crafted cribs, furniture, and decor that balance form, function, and emotion. Before launching the company, Sara studied at Duke University and earned her MBA from Columbia Business School, where she met her co-founder at Nestig. Her background in merchandising and marketing helped shape her approach to building a brand that feels both elevated and deeply personal. Under her leadership, Nestig has built a devoted following of parents who care just as much about craftsmanship and sustainability as they do about style. — Learn more: https://www.nestig.com/ Follow Nestig on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nestig/ Explore Netstig's ShopMy storefront: https://shopmy.us/shop?AllBrand_id=1141 — Get Started on ShopMy Today To join Ariel and our Season 5 guests on ShopMy, create a free shopper account to build create a free shopper account to build wishlists and shop your favorite pieces: https://shopmy.us/home/shoppers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=talkshop

    39 min

  7. OCT 29

    Building on Tradition: A Conversation with Bill Curtis & Russell Windham

    Welcome back to a brand-new season of Talk Shop with Ariel Okin, brought to you by ShopMy! With ShopMy, you can discover and shop the pieces experts actually use and love in their own homes—all in one beautifully curated place. To kick off Season 5, Ariel sits down with two of the most respected names in American architecture: Bill Curtis and Russell Windham, founding principals of the award-winning Houston-based firm Curtis & Windham Architects. For more than three decades, Bill and Russell have collaborated to create homes and gardens that celebrate classical design through a modern lens—grounded in craftsmanship, proportion, and a deep respect for history, yet always infused with warmth and livability. Bill, who began his career working under the legendary architect Allan Greenberg, brings a scholar’s eye to architecture’s historic roots. Russell, whose background in both architecture and interiors lends a refined sensitivity to scale and comfort, complements that expertise with an instinct for how people truly live. Together, they’ve built a body of work that has been widely published and honored with countless awards, and most recently captured in their new book with Rizzoli, Building on Tradition—a stunning follow-up to their first monograph, A Vision of Place.  Tune in as Ariel talks with Bill and Russell about their creative partnership, the evolution of their firm, and what it means to design homes that stand the test of time. — Learn more: https://www.curtisandwindham.com/ Follow Bill and Russell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtisandwindham/ Explore their ShopMy storefront: https://shopmy.us/shop/curtisandwindham?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=curtisandwindham-storefront — Get Started on ShopMy Today Join Ariel and our Season 5 guests on ShopMy by creating a free shopper account, then start building wishlists and shopping your favorite pieces: https://shopmy.us/home/shoppers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=talkshop

    51 min

  8. SEP 17

    Global Style, California Cool: A Conversation with Peter Dunham

    This week on Talk Shop, Ariel is joined by the award-winning Los Angeles designer, Peter Dunham. Known for his signature California-cool-meets-international-chic style, Peter has built a multifaceted career that spans interior design, fabrics and wallpapers, and his iconic showroom, Hollywood at Home. Raised in France and educated in England, Peter made his way to New York before settling in Los Angeles in 1998, where he launched his design firm. Five years later, he introduced a textile and wallpaper collection that has become a beloved industry staple. In 2007, he opened Hollywood at Home, a destination for furnishings, textiles, and vintage finds that has since expanded from LA’s La Cienega Design Quarter to New York City. Most recently, Peter published his first book, The World of Peter Dunham: Global Style from Paris to Hollywood (Vendome), a celebration of his refined yet worldly design perspective. Tune in for a conversation about his journey, his inspirations, and what continues to drive his ever-evolving vision. — Learn more about Peter Dunman’s Textiles: https://peterdunhamtextiles.com/ Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterdunhamdesign/ And pick up his book now: https://www.vendomepress.com/products/the-world-of-peter-dunham

    53 min
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4.7
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43 Ratings

About

Delve into the personal worlds of the top interior designers & tastemakers around the globe – interviewed by Ariel Okin, House Beautiful Next Wave Designer, Founder of Fenimore Lane, and Contributing Writer to Vogue, Architectural Digest, & Coveteur. These insightful conversations range from a designer’s favorite resources when sourcing for clients, to how creatives, shopkeepers, and artisans built their businesses, and more. Tune in each Wednesday as Ariel welcomes a new guest to discuss their career journey, design inspirations and even share a little advice for fellow design enthusiasts!

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