Slow Style Home: Decorating Personal, Meaningful Interiors

Zandra Zuraw
  • 4.7 (216)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Slow Style Home: Decorating Personal, Meaningful Interiors

You want a home that’s uniquely you. One that reflects your passions, values and lifestyle. And you want to create one on your own, without having to hire a designer, breaking the bank, or hurting the planet. The challenge is that there are too many voices telling you what trend to jump on, what rules you must follow, and what “beautiful” looks like. Plus, you don’t want to scrap everything you own and start all over. It’s hard to know how to wrap your arms around this big, important concept called “home!” On this podcast, you’ll learn from the experts exactly why some rooms work (and others don’t), how to master a mix of styles and preferences when you have a bunch of them jumbled together, and inspiration for being brave and taking the creation of your dream home into your own hands.  

  1. 6D AGO

    How The Brits Create Character-ful Homes with Ros Byam Shaw

    When I first discovered Ros Byam Shaw’s writing, I felt like I’d found someone who truly saw homes the way I did — not as stage sets or style statements, but as deeply personal spaces layered with time, memory, and quiet beauty. In this episode, I get to speak with Ros Byam Shaw about her work as a writer and her newest book, “ Perfect English, Small and Beautiful”, her longtime collaboration with photographer Jan Baldwin, and what she’s learned from years of stepping inside some of the most thoughtful homes in Britain. We talk about the charm of unshowy interiors, why rooms don’t need to shout to be compelling, and how trends often miss the point. Ros shares stories from her time at World of Interiors, what makes a home feel lived-in and loved, and why it’s perfectly fine — even wonderful — not to have a “celebrity home.” This conversation felt like a deep exhale. I hope it reminds you, as it reminded me, that personal style isn’t about impressing anyone — it’s about making a space that feels like you. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

    46 min

  2. APR 28

    Nantucket by Design: Where Travel, History, and Home Come Together

    In this episode, I explore how real-world experiences — especially travel — can deeply enrich our homes and design choices. I introduce the fourth skill of my Slow Style framework, "Enrich," and talk with Bill Richards and Marla Mullen, co-chairs of Nantucket by Design 2025. We discuss how honoring a sense of place, like the spirit of Nantucket, can shape meaningful interiors, and why in-person events like this are so powerful for design enthusiasts. Bill and Marla give us a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s theme, Interwoven, and what makes this four-day celebration of design, art, and history truly unforgettable. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

    24 min

  3. APR 21

    How Design Can Transform Your Life: “Spatial Alchemy” with Olga Naiman

    In this episode, I talk with Olga Naiman, author of Spatial Alchemy, about how design can help us move through change, break old patterns, and support who we’re becoming. Olga shares how her own journey—starting with something as simple as reupholstering a chair—led her to a deeper understanding of the connection between our homes and our inner lives. We get into the core idea of spatial alchemy: using design not just to make things look nice, but to reflect and support real emotional shifts. Olga walks us through how small design choices—like moving a desk, upgrading your water glass, or changing what you look at every day—can help us feel more grounded, clear, and aligned. This isn’t about buying more stuff or getting it “right.” It’s about tuning into how your space is affecting you, and how small shifts can open up real change. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

    37 min

  4. APR 14

    How To Be Purposeful With Color: Bailey Li’s Evocative Murals and Listener Q&A

    In this episode, I talk with Bailey Li, a self-taught artist and interior designer known for her powerful murals and bold, emotionally driven spaces. We walk through a few of her standout projects, always shaped by what a client wants to experience, emotionally, in a room.  Bailey believes design should reflect not just who you are, but who you're becoming. Then we move on to a listener Q&A regarding how to choose a color palette for your whole home and what to do with empty rooms while they wait to be furnished over time.  Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

    26 min

  5. APR 7

    Fix My Room: Open Plan Living Room Edition

    In this edition of the Fix My Room series, I share a one-on-one coaching call with Charlotte, we discuss how to blend her style with the house's current rustic design. We explored furniture arrangement in her large, open living area and kitchen, and tackled her concerns about a big blank wall, appropriate rug size, and making better use of a wood stove. We examine multiple layout options for her brown leather and pink velvet sofas, consider different seating arrangements, and discuss lighting and wall decor to create distinct, functional areas for TV watching, relaxation by the fire, and game nights with friends. We also discussed painting the wood trim and incorporating her black-and-white artwork and shelves filled with books and plants to enhance the room's personality and character.  Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

    32 min

  6. MAR 31

    The Strategic Use of Color: Transforming Builder-Grade Spaces with Gabriela Eisenhart

    My guest today for our “Think Like A Designer” series is Gabriela Eisenhart, founder of Silo Studio Design. We cover a lot of bases in this conversation: finding inspiration for a “wow” moment in a kitchen; how to use color in a mostly neutral living room; mixing heavy and light layers to create a serene bedroom; what to do with that empty area you may have on the 2nd floor landing space; and the biggest bang for your buck when you’re trying to outfit a home or room that has no obvious architectural style.  In other words, maybe it’s a builder-grade shell and you want to personalize it and give it some character!   Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

    36 min

  7. MAR 24

    What Does Your Entryway Say About You? Barrett Oswald On Personalization And Impact In Design

    In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sit down with designer Barrett Oswald to examine the thought process behind her stunning, layered interiors. We explore the power of color, the role of texture, and how composition can transform a space—whether it’s a grand entryway or a cozy nook. Barrett shares insights from her work on both historic and modern homes, explaining how she uses color drenching to create immersive atmospheres, entryways to set the tone, and a mix of materials to bring warmth and depth to a room.  We also discuss the importance of designing with intention, making bold yet thoughtful choices, and mastering the mix of old and new to create a home that truly reflects your personality. Plus, Barrett gives us a peek into her own home and the personal design choices she’s made. She also shares photos of her work taken by the talented Tim Lenz. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance beauty and function or how to make your space feel both sophisticated and inviting, you won’t want to miss this conversation! Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

    28 min

  8. MAR 17

    African Design Legacy Goes Global: Nasozi Kakembo's Guide to Authentic Decorating

    In this episode, I interview Nasozi Kakembo, author of 'African Decor Edit,' who shares her experiences traveling across Africa meeting artisans, and creating home accessories. Nasozi's book underscores the importance of understanding the cultural context behind African decor, highlighting 16 significant objects and how they are artfully incorporated into homes around the world. She emphasizes the historical and regional significance of these pieces, often misrepresented by colonial borders. Nasozi shares fascinating stories, including her challenging experience making Batik in Ghana and her insights on the cultural symbolism of the Juju hat from Cameroon. We also discuss ethical shopping practices and the creative adaptations of African design elements in various global homes, including her own. The conversation touches on the balance between appreciating and respecting cultural artifacts and the unfortunate rise of mass-produced imitations. Through her work, Nasozi advocates for supporting authentic African artisans and preserving the integrity and beauty of their craft. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

    30 min
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About

You want a home that’s uniquely you. One that reflects your passions, values and lifestyle. And you want to create one on your own, without having to hire a designer, breaking the bank, or hurting the planet. The challenge is that there are too many voices telling you what trend to jump on, what rules you must follow, and what “beautiful” looks like. Plus, you don’t want to scrap everything you own and start all over. It’s hard to know how to wrap your arms around this big, important concept called “home!” On this podcast, you’ll learn from the experts exactly why some rooms work (and others don’t), how to master a mix of styles and preferences when you have a bunch of them jumbled together, and inspiration for being brave and taking the creation of your dream home into your own hands.  

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