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This week, we welcome back legendary interior designer Bunny Williams. In preparation of her new book Life in the Garden to release in March 2024, Bunny generously shares some great tips on planning successful gardens from starting small to considering ongoing maintenance. Bunny also offers advice for novice gardeners, including prioritizing manageable tasks, plant care, pot selection, and using garden structures to enhance outdoor spaces. Get ready to be inspired to spend some time outdoors!  What You’ll Hear On This Episode: What inspired Bunny to make Life in the Garden.  How a plan in your garden can help you stay organized and on track.  Bunny shares memories of growing up in Virginia and how it shaped her approach to hospitality and entertaining.  Great advice for novice gardeners.  All about plant care and keeping your garden healthy and beautiful.  How to find the right pot for your plant.  Ornamentation and structure is such a huge part of your garden.  What Bunny’s planting season looks like.  The logistics of garden photography.  Where Bunny sources her plants and garden materials.  Mentioned: Ballard Designs Website  IG Life in the Garden  Decorating Dilemma:  Follow along with this week's decorating dilemma here. Hi Wendy! First off, you have a beautiful house. Bunny suggests adding a large wool or area rug to define the space and make it extra cozy. Arranging a pair of comfortable wingback chairs on either side of the fireplace with an ottoman or bench between them for extra seating will draw attention to the fireplace rather than block the view. You could also consider small sofas or built-in banquettes along the walls for additional seating options Placing furniture in this space will help utilize it beyond just a pass-through, connecting it more to the living room area. A rug, chairs and ottoman/bench would make it a lovely sitting space to enjoy the fireplace from. Installing flush mount light fixtures rather than fluorescent lights can provide softer, more attractive lighting in areas like the kitchen and back hallway. Finally, moving the dining room table to the center of the space rather than against the window seat can improve the low and use of the dining area. 

Award-winning architect and best-selling author Gil Schafer joins us this week to discuss his beautiful third book, “Home at Last”. Gil shares the inspiration behind his new work, along with a behind-the-scenes look of a few of the featured homes. Gil discusses some ways to blend styles and design homes that stand the test of time, advice for creating spaces that foster family memories, and how to think out of the box without being too gimmicky. Gil is one of the most sought-after architects of the last two decades because of his authenticity, his impeccable style, and his practical approach to designing the house of your dreams. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Gil shares how personal experiences like marriage and the pandemic shaped his perspective between books. How we can create our “forever homes” to adapt to changing needs over time. Tips for considering landscape architecture early in the design process. Some of the unique stories behind projects featured in Home at Last. Ideas for updating a bedroom and sitting room combination space. The importance of blending architectural styles to create classic designs.  Why Gil says he’s allergic to gimmicks! If you are able to, it’s helpful to have an architect or landscape designer evaluate the land before purchasing it to make sure the house can be built safely and efficiently. More about the beautiful English Country home and its gorgeous stairwell. What emotional pieces and places have affected Gil’s personal style and served as inspiration? Mentioned: Ballard Designs Gil Schafer IG Home At Last Decorating Dilemma:  Thank you for writing in! Gil has some great suggestions to help modernize and tie in the bedroom with the sitting room spaces. First, consider installing custom built-in cabinetry across the nook area. This can help you better organize the space and allow the TV to be lowered to a more comfortable viewing height. Larger scaled lamps on either end of the built-ins would also help make the space feel more intentional. Slipcovering the green velvet chairs in a clean, white fabric may appeal to your husband's more modern taste while keeping one chair to balance the space. Use a folding screen around the desk area to conceal electronics and cords in a neat yet removable way for when the space is used as an office. Hang the bedroom curtains on a high-mounted rod to make the most of the tall ceilings and draw the eye up. Layering patterns would help tie the space together. Replace the carpet with jute or sisal for a softer, flatter surface, and layer area rugs on top to highlight the antique rug. And finally, add artwork around the television after it's lowered to make that wall feel more integrated into the space. Best of luck, and keep us updated!

We are joined this week by Megan Molten, Charleston interior designer and shop owner. Megan is known for her modern, light, and airy design sense, where she effortlessly mixes feminine and masculine elements together for a balanced and clean result. Megan talks with us about learning how to take bigger risks, how to embrace your coastal style, and ways to incorporate pattern and color through accessories like vases and artwork. Follow along with this week's decorating dilemma here. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Megan took a leap of faith and left her corporate career in sales to start her business after encouragement from friends and sharing her design work on social media. Why would Megan say “no” to a white sofa?! Take a deep breath - couch colors are important, but not life or death decisions. Tips for mixing metals. Want to change your artwork around? Look for affordable options for framing. What are some of the elements of coastal design? How Megan learned to take more risks with clients in bolder and darker choices. Some out-of-the-box coastal design accessories and ideas that aren’t your typical seashell. Designing vacation homes in Charleston with a minimalist approach that is also cozy and inviting.  Finding that “wow” factor piece in your main spaces. How to build accessories into your budget. Mentioned: Ballard Designs Megan Molten @meganmolten  Decorating Dilemma:  Hi Chrissy! What a cool job to be a personal chef, and we love your vibe. You have a great base already, so here are some of our suggestions. First, we would take the track lighting down and drop a second chandelier over your sitting area. Megan loves the idea of the ceiling detail, possibly in a natural wood tone. Consider adding in a pair of lamps on the buffet table to bring in some of the brass accents. We love the idea of skylights and keeping the low lighting, but agree with no recessed lighting. As for the window in the living room, we would hang the drapery panels as high and wide as you can, and make sure you do drapery hooks and rings. In an effort to not make things too “matchy-matchy”, we would not do sconces that have drum shades like the lamp but instead would do something more contrasting.

It’s all about trends this week as we forecast what will be “in” for 2024, and what things we are happy to leave behind in last year. We are joined by Will and Hillary, both part of the product design team at Ballard Designs, who are on the frontlines of seeing all the upcoming trends in design. We discuss the resurgence of classic colors navy blue, the growing interest in environmentally conscious design, and the emergence of new trends like celestial yellow and pink. We also chat about materials used in furniture making, with a focus on personalization and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Watch the full video version of this week's episode now on YouTube. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Is beige no longer the go-to neutral? The trend alert for finishes, wallpaper, patterns, trims, and color. Will the explosion of soft colors carry over in 2024? The trend of bringing nature indoors through plants, materials, and decor. A few of our favorite “trendy” color patterns. The use of natural materials like bamboo, wicker, and even mushroom leather helps expand our eco-friendly options. How technology is also helping design - hello mosquito repelling drapery! What are some on-trend items that surprise us to the core? A few of the trends we are over and feel are so oversaturated. Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs Coloro: The Design Color System WGSN: Industry Trend Forecaster Please send in your questions and decorating dilemmas to podcast@ballarddesigns.net so we can answer them on our next episode!  

This week, Taryn shares the update from building her dream house from the ground up. She shares her own trials and triumphs throughout the process, how she keeps things organized, and what she wishes she did differently. This is a great listen if you are already in the process of a big renovation, or if you have future plans for taking on a big project. Stay tuned for more of Taryn’s home journey!  See pictures of Taryn's house build here on the How to Decorate blog. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Why did Taryn and her family decide to tear up the house and rebuild in the same location?  How Taryn made sure she got those big windows and a gorgeous street view in the kitchen.  Taryn’s plan vs. the architect's plan, and using 3D software for layout.  What Taryn loves including her driveway, paint choices and those bold colored cabinets.  Surprises Taryn encountered throughout the way, such as the plumbing fixtures taking a long time!  What’s next for the big project?  How Taryn decided on certain finishes, trim and materials.  Designing the home with a layout that will work with the family as things evolve and children grow up.  Storage solutions that have made her space more functional.  The importance of clear communication between you and the architect.  Mentioned: Ballard Designs Please send in your questions and decorating dilemmas so we can answer them on our next episode! 

We welcome New York designer, David Frazier, known for his warm modernist interiors and place-based architecture. Originally from West Point, Georgia, David attended Auburn School of Architecture before moving to New York, where he designed spaces for his clients in New York, the Hamptons, Connecticut, Colorado, and throughout the South. David shares some great advice for using neutrals in a way that suits your aesthetic and design dreams. He talks about why he gravitates towards neutrals, some of his favorite shades to use to warm up a room, and how to give neutrals the same energy as colors and patterns. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Neutrals don’t have to be boring! A neutral interior can give your mind and eyes a chance to rest. David shares some of his favorite neutral shades to work with. How to weave color in with neutrals while still keeping that calm and comforting tone. Using textures and layers to keep neutrals exciting. David’s love of playing with scale to add a bit of drama and excitement into spaces. How David’s background in architecture informs his design work.  How to overcome the storing challenges that often come with art and antiques. The magical transformation of a laundry room in the Palm Beach showroom.  Mentioned: Ballard Designs David Frazier  @davidfrazierco  Decorating Dilemma:  Hi Caitlin! So, David likes the idea of just using one sofa. He would probably eliminate the apartment sofa. Great floor lamps on the table would serve as a great anchor between the sofa and two chairs. Then, he would do a club chair and an ottoman in the opposite corner. Ideally, the sofa would be about the length of that picture window, with the back of the sofa about the height of the windowsill. You know we love playing with scale too, so you could use both online tools and move the furniture around to see how you like it and how it feels in the space. Best of luck and keep us updated!

More than any other topic, we're constantly getting questions about paint -- how to pick it the right one? What are the best colors? Which finish to use? We're answering all of your questions with today's guest, interior designer Fran Keenan. We're big fans of Fran's work, and she was a guest on episode 83. She's always picking bold, saturated color in her design work, so we thought she'd be the perfect designer to chat with us about one of the trickiest elements of design, paint. In Part 1 of this two part series, we're talking about picking colors. What You'll Hear on This Episode: We talk about why paint she be the last thing you choose in a room Questions you should ask before you pick paint colors like, what is the narrative? Paint is the easiest thing to change Light is a huge factor in how your paint and your furnishings will appear in your room Picking paint when you have a new build Testing samples, how many to test and where to test them Why paint should be the answer to questions about the tempo and vibe of your room What it means for a paint to have 'age' Should all of your paint colors across your house look good together? We'll cover more paint FAQs and more in next week's episode We talk a lot about 'nuance' and what that means in paint Show Notes: Fran Keenan Design Ep. 83 with Fran Keenan

We are thrilled to welcome back Peter Pennoyer, a world-renowned architect, whose eponymous architecture firm has helped redefine New York’s architecture specializing in new construction, renovation, and preservation of residential, commercial, and institutional projects around the world. Peter talks to us about his recent monograph of the firm’s work, Peter Pennoyer Architects: City | Country. He also discusses the different projects within the book, why people shouldn’t be intimidated by plans, the beauty of working with different designers, and preservation and sustainability in architecture. At the end of the episode, Peter helps us give some advice to a listener who is looking for some decorating help with her gorgeous farmhouse.  What You’ll Hear on This Episode:  How Peter chose the projects featured in his late book collection to showcase the diversity of talent, locations, and work. Peter describes a project where two townhouses were combined and how they solved the puzzle of having different floors and windows. Designing the home tailored to the family’s individual needs. Creating a book that everyone can get something out of, even in the “Wes Anderson” portion of the collection. The importance of clients understanding their floor plan and feeling comfortable throughout the process. The benefits of using both hand drawings and digital tools to understand and capture scale. A few of the many resources where homeowners can go and learn about the history of their home. Wait - a private treasure chest?! Sustainability as a starting point. Priorities in design in the kitchen, when it comes to lighting and taking into account the overall economy of the whole home. Mentioned In This Episode:  Ballard Designs Peter Pennoyer  Peter Pennoyer on IG  Peter Pennover Architect: City | Country   Decorating Dilemma  Hi Alana, and thank you so much for writing! Peter first suggests maximizing the French door wall with stacks of curtains between each set of doors, creating an impactful improvement. Raise the curtain rod higher on this wall, leaving a section of darker-painted wall above the doors to visually connect, giving the illusion of longer curtains. Opt for a continuous curtain rod floating above, ensuring it doesn't impede door functionality. Additionally, choose an adjustable rod for convenience, allowing curtains to be easily moved aside when using specific doors. On the wall with valances, install two-inch wood blinds with colored tape, harmonizing with the wood around the French doors. Consider heavy lining for winter months, providing insulation and a cozy atmosphere. Use drapery pins instead of conventional methods for easy maintenance and a neat appearance. Embrace the scenic farm view by keeping curtains open, and explore the flexibility of wood blinds for light control. Thank you so much, and how wonderful to be on a farm and enjoy all the greenery!

We welcome Los Angeles based interior designer and writer David Netto this week. David’s work has been featured in Vogue, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and many more. David is on the AD100 list, and has also written about the history of architecture and ensign for the Wall Street Journal and New York Times Style Magazine and is now a contributing editor for Town and Country. In our conversation, we talk with David about his inspiration for design, and his gorgeous new self-titled book. David shares more about how he creates a furniture plan, his love of the dramatic in design, and he shares a few practical tips for creating elegance in your home.   What You’ll Hear On This Episode: David’s father owned the historic fabric house, Cowtan & Tout.  From an early age, David had an appetite and appreciation for theater in decor, and combining the modern with antique.  How and why a slightly unfinished look can be elegant.  Using chairs like chess pieces in design.  A few of David’s other versatile tools to make rooms like artsy, dramatic and bohemian.  How a cooking star influenced David’s self-titled book.  Storytelling is the foundation of good decorating.  How David starts creating a furniture plan.  Afraid of a beautiful chocolate brown wall? Don’t be!  What David looks for when choosing fabric or upholstery.  East vs. West coast design.  The importance of having a team of greatly skilled people who can play up to your own strengths.  Also Mentioned:  Ballard Designs David Netto Design  David Netto IG  David Netto monograph   Decorating Dilemma:  Thank you for writing in, Rachel! First, David is going to dream. In a world where construction is possible, we would cut that window straight ahead down to the floor and turn it into a French window that has a railing. In reality though, David would demolish the bookcases on the left and right, and retain them just at the end.  He would invest in four clipped bookcase lights (there’s a store in London that he loves for this) and some nice paint. Also, David would paint the floor with high gloss paint! Something to keep in mind and put on your list, if you agree! 

Watch this week's episode on our YouTube channel here. It’s our annual holiday edition of trials and triumphs, where we dive headfirst into the festive spirit and let off some holiday steam! This week, we spill the beans on our wins and challenges, from daydreaming about a pristine, white house to rescuing flowers from frostbite and crafting an enchanting indoor winter garden. Of course, we can't forget the super-adulting activities that add to the overall holiday magic, including the dreaded fridge clean-out. And, of course, we'll be sharing our secret recipes for achieving the perfect Christmas lights and decking out the most splendid tree in town. It's our way of spreading the holiday cheer and embracing the merry chaos that comes with it! Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs

Our guests this week are Emma Bazilian and Stephanie Diaz, the authors of Charm School: The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decorating for Today. Emma is a designer, writer, editor, and content director at F. Schumacher & Co. Stephanie is the art director at F. Schumacher & Co. In our chat, they talk about the path that led them to work together and the research and organization that went into Charm School. We discuss the balance between traditional and modern elements and the fun of identifying and incorporating small touches of traditional decorating throughout the design process. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: The origins of the “grand millennial” movement. How Emma and Stephanie learned to appreciate different styles yet still focus on their individual strengths. The process of how Charm School mixes archival images with present-day designers and how they found a balance to showcase both the traditional and modern. We take a trip down memory lane and remember some of our favorite memories of childhood bedrooms. Why it’s cool to embrace the “uncool” elements of design, such as matching, but not to go too overboard. The appeal of canopy beds and bed skirts. A special bonus? When your home decor can help you hide something. The doll collection that is still very much remembered in the present day. Tips for bringing in handmade and bespoke design elements that tell a story and reflect your personal touch. Emma and Stephanie’s predictions for the future of design trends. Also Mentioned This Episode: Ballard Designs Charm School (Full Book) Schumacher Nancy Braithwaite article where she used matelasse fabric to cover chairs in her living room.  Please send in your questions and decorating dilemmas to podcast@ballarddesigns.net so we can answer them on our next episode!

It’s all about flower power this week as we welcome award-winning artist and fashion illustrator, Cathy B. Graham. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, New York Magazine, and more. Cathy has been a contributing editor to House Beautiful and Elle Decor. In our conversation with Cathy, we talk about the inspiration behind her recently released second book, Full Bloom: Joyful Designs for the Table. She gives us her expert tips on everything, from finding the perfect flowers for your event, to picking unexpected trinkets and additions that delight you, expanding your color palette, and creative table setting ideas.  What You’ll Hear On This Episode: How Cathy got into floral design from a background in fashion illustration. A few of the many things Cathy learned from working with the late floral designer and event planner, Robert Isabell. Yes, even those who aren’t super artistic can learn about floral design and arrangements and surprise themselves! More about Cathy’s beautiful arrangements on plates and tablescapes. Simple ways to use florals to create the mood in your home or event. Flower arranging techniques and vase selection. How soon before an event should you buy flowers? Pairing flowers within a color family for beautiful arrangements. Adding unique elements like fruits and vegetables to create textured arrangements. Let your imagination run wild! If you like a bit of shine and sparkle, don’t be afraid to add things like glitter, garland, and trinkets that make you happy. Some of Cathy’s favorite house plants. Mentioned:  Ballard Designs Cathy B. Graham @cathygraham Full Bloom Second Bloom   Please send in your questions and decorating dilemmas to podcast@ballarddesigns.net so we can answer them on our next episode!