Advertise on podcast: Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production

We’re continuing our run of bonus episodes ahead of Season 6 with the return of designer Elizabeth Lawrence, partner at Williams Lawrence and longtime collaborator of the legendary Bunny Williams. Since Elizabeth last joined Ariel on Talk Shop, she and Bunny have reached a major new milestone together: the release of their new book, Decoration, out now from Rizzoli. Bringing together nearly a decade of work, the book goes beyond a traditional project-by-project design monograph to explore how we develop our eye, understand what we’re drawn to, and create rooms that feel personal, layered and collected over time. Elizabeth joins Ariel to talk about writing her first book alongside Bunny, how their partnership has evolved, and why the best way to become a better decorator is simply to keep looking. They get into everything from preserving craftsmanship and resisting trends to sourcing slowly, getting scale right, mixing old and new, and knowing where it’s worth investing. Plus, Elizabeth shares her practical roadmap for tackling a room from scratch, why a beautiful home should still be a place where people feel comfortable actually living, and what she hopes readers will see differently after spending time with Decoration. Decoration by Bunny Williams and Elizabeth Lawrence is on sale now. Pick up your copy now: https://go.shopmy.us/p-54398417

Annie Meyers-Shyer is back on Talk Shop — and a lot has changed since her first visit. When Annie last joined Ariel, she was deep in the renovation of her Los Angeles home, documenting the process through her beloved Instagram account, This Oak House. Now, the house is finished, her debut book This Oak House is officially here, and she’s launched a collection with Target, with even more creative projects on the horizon. In this special bonus episode, Ariel and Annie catch up on what it’s actually like to live in a home after years spent obsessing over every detail, how Annie’s approach to personal style has evolved, and why the best interiors are the ones that feel unmistakably like the people who live in them. Annie takes us inside the making of This Oak House, from writing about the renovation while she was still in the thick of it to capturing the finished home in a way that feels authentic to real life. They also get into the lessons Annie learned along the way: where to spend and where to save, why mockups are always worth it, how to avoid getting swept up in trends, what to do before beginning a renovation, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is bring your team the problem instead of the solution. Plus, Annie reflects on finding an unexpected second creative chapter, learning to trust her own point of view, and the bigger lesson behind the journey from a “random Instagram account” to a book, product collaborations, and whatever comes next: sometimes you just have to bet on yourself. Pick up your copy of This Oak House now: https://go.shopmy.us/p-83823167

This week we are bringing you two special bonus episodes recorded live at the third annual Fenimore Lane Design Summit, with the second a thoughtful conversation about craftsmanship, preservation, and the enduring power of heritage-inspired design. Presented by Woven and moderated by Grace Beuley Hunt, Home & Design Editor at LUXE Interiors + Design, this panel brings together Shannon Davis, co-founder of Woven, designer and preservationist Stephenie Watts, and tastemaker and shopkeeper Alexander Widener. Together, they explore what it means to create homes rooted in history, place, and authenticity. From restoring historic properties and preserving original architectural details to sourcing natural materials and supporting traditional craftsmanship, the conversation examines how thoughtful design choices can create spaces that feel deeply personal and enduring. The panel also reflects on sustainability, intentional sourcing, and why so many homeowners are gravitating toward pieces with a sense of origin and story. At its heart, this discussion is about creating homes that not only look beautiful, but also foster connection—to history, to craft, and to the people who live within them. — Recorded live on June 6, 2026, at the Fenimore Lane Design Summit at the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Connecticut in partnership with The Shade Store.

This week we are bringing you two special bonus episodes recorded live at the third annual Fenimore Lane Design Summit, with the first welcoming listeners to a conversation exploring one of the most transformative elements of interior design: light. Presented by The Shade Store, and moderated by Grace Beuley Hunt, Home & Design Editor at LUXE Interiors + Design, this discussion brings together three celebrated designers, to examine how window treatments shape the mood, comfort, and architecture of a home. Our guests are Victoria Hagan, Founder, Victoria Hagan Interiors, Jennifer Hunter, Founder, Jennifer Hunter Design, and Lee Ann Thornton, Founder, Lee Ann Thornton Interiors. From balancing beauty and practicality to designing around natural light from the very beginning of a project, the panel explores how drapery, shades, texture, and proportion influence the way we experience a space. Along the way, the designers share their approaches to creating warmth, intimacy, and atmosphere, as well as the trends and innovations shaping the category today. Whether you're renovating a home, designing a single room, or simply fascinated by the details that make great interiors feel effortless, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the art of designing with light. — Recorded live on June 6, 2026, at the Fenimore Lane Design Summit at the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Connecticut in partnership with The Shade Store.

This week on Talk Shop, Ariel wraps up the season by welcoming fellow designer and friend Sarah Lederman in anticipation of the launch of her new textile and wallpaper line, Three Fates Textiles. A graduate of the New York School of Interior Design, Sarah began her career interning for Bunny Williams before joining Tom Scheerer. After her time under the two icons, Sarah developed a refined aesthetic that seamlessly blends classic elements with modern, unexpected touches, and branched out on her own to open her own firm. Sarah offers a collaborative, client-centered interior design experience rooted in creating spaces that are both beautiful and deeply functional. Her thoughtful approach, paired with extensive experience managing residential and commercial projects around the world, ensures no detail is overlooked. Her work has been featured in Domino, House Beautiful, Luxe Magazine, and more. She was recently named a featured designer by AD Pro for 2024 and included on The List by House & Garden. — Now available, discover Sarah’s textile line, Three Fates Textiles Learn more about Sarah Lederman Follow on social @SarahLedermanInteriors Explore Sarah’s ShopMy storefront — 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, now at go.shopmy.us! — Join us for this year’s Fenimore Lane Design Summit on June 6th and 7th!

This week on Talk Shop, Ariel sits down with someone who has played a deeply meaningful role in both her professional life and personal milestones: Sarah True, founder of True Event and the creative force behind the Fenimore Lane Summit. With over two decades of experience, Sarah True has become a premier leader in the wedding and event planning industry. Sarah’s passion for design began while studying alongside some of the most talented floral designers at the renowned Parsons School of Design. Working with flowers gave her insight into how color, texture, and fragrance can transform a space or event. Since 2009, Sarah has produced hundreds of weddings and events across the country, and has built strong relationships with some of the most elite vendors and venues in the industry. Not everyone can say that their job is their passion – Sarah is lucky that her job is her dream come true. Sarah is one of those rare people who instantly makes you feel calm, cared for, and completely at ease. And that energy is woven into everything she creates. From planning Ariel’s wedding to producing the Fenimore Lane Summit, Sarah has an extraordinary ability to design experiences that feel warm, intentional, and genuinely human. This episode is a love letter to gathering well, building community, and creating moments people carry with them long after the event ends. - Explore Sarah's ShopMy storefront — Join us for this year’s Fenimore Lane Design Summit on June 6th and 7th! Learn more about True Events: https://trueevent.com/ Follow on social @TrueEvents Ariel & Ben’s Wedding Photos — 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, now at go.shopmy.us!

This week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes: Louise Roe! — Joining Ariel this week on Talk Shop is Louise Roe – an iconic figure in the fashion and lifestyle industry who has worked as an editor, TV host, and writer for over 15 years. With a storied career that includes stints as a former fashion editor-at-large for Glamour magazine, as well as time writing for Vogue, Elle, The Telegraph and House & Garden magazine, Louise’s personal style is clearly honed and undeniably chic. After a decade in LA, Louise returned to England with her husband, Mackenzie, and their two young daughters, where she turned her passion for interior design into the next stage of her career, founding Sharland England in 2021. Tune in as Louise and Ariel discuss what drew her to pave a new path in design, the origin story of her brand Sharland England, where she finds inspiration, and all about her love for rattan. — Explore Louise’s ShopMy storefront: https://shopmy.us/shop/louisevroe — 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, now at go.shopmy.us!

This week on Talk Shop, Ariel sits down with Lilse McKenna for a thoughtful, personal conversation about designing homes that are meant to be lived in — and loved — over time. Lilse is known for creating spaces rooted in tradition and tailored to reflect each client’s personality and lifestyle. Drawing on years of experience in residential design, she expertly layers pattern, color, and texture to create interiors that feel sophisticated yet deeply livable. Longevity sits at the heart of her work, as she brings together a wide range of stylistic influences to ensure her clients’ homes can grow and evolve alongside them. In this episode, Lilse shares her path into design, from growing up surrounded by shelter magazines and strong opinions on furniture proportions, to training under esteemed designers Lindsey Coral Harper and Markham Roberts before launching her own firm in 2017. Today, she is based in New York and Connecticut, with projects spanning the East Coast and abroad. Lilse was recognized as one of House Beautiful’s Next Wave 2022 designers, and her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Luxe Magazine, Domino, and more — but at its core, her work is about helping people build homes where memories, community, and everyday life can unfold. — Learn more about Lilse McKenna: https://www.lilsemckenna.com/ Follow on social @lilsemckenna And subscribe to her Substack: https://lilsemckenna.substack.com/ Explore Lilse’s ShopMy storefront — 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, now at go.shopmy.us!

This week on Talk Shop, Ariel sits down with the powerhouse duo behind London-based design studio Salvesen Graham: Nicole Salvesen, and Mary Graham. Established in London, their studio combines over 25 years of experience and a deep understanding of both residential and commercial design to create beautifully curated spaces for clients in the UK and around the world. Since founding their studio in 2013, Nicole and Mary have developed a signature approach to blending the elegance of Georgian England, the vibrancy of historic Indian textiles, and a modern sensibility–a unique design philosophy they call "Future Heritage."Ariel also chats with Mary and Nicole about the impetus for launching The Collection by Salvesen Graham, their own chic range of fabrics, wallpapers, and furniture inspired by the elements that have shaped their aesthetic, and what's on the horizon, with new SKUs releasing in 2026. With over 25 years of combined experience, Nicole and Mary share how their partnership—rooted in trust, collaboration, and friendship—has shaped a studio known for richly layered, deeply livable interiors. An episode fit for both anglophiles and design lovers of all stripes, this is one you won't want to miss. — Learn more about Salvensen Graham: https://www.salvesengraham.com/ Follow on social @SalvensenGraham Explore their ShopMy storefront: https://shopmy.us/shop/salvesengraham — 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 at go.shopmy.us.

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

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

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

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

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

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