Welcome to our 50th episode, a milestone we are proud to celebrate with two designers whose work embodies the very spirit of thoughtful living. We're joined by Gary McBournie and Bill Richards of McBournie Richards, the award-winning residential interior design firm based in New York City and Boston with projects spanning the globe.

Their work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Veranda, House Beautiful and Flower. Their first book, Living Color. A Designer Works Magic with Traditional Interiors, captured the early chapters of their creative partnership. Their forthcoming monograph set for Spring 2027 will highlight more recent projects and the continued evolution of their creative vision.

In this episode, Gary and Bill share their perspective on creating a true sense of place - one rooted in history, layered storytelling, and an understanding of how spaces are meant to be lived in. They walk us through their approach while offering practical insight for those looking to thoughtfully bring this sensibility into their own home. 

Beyond their work, their warmth, wit, and genuine joy shine throughout the conversation. Prepare to be inspired not only by their design philosophy, but by the essence of their authentic spirit.

Connect with McBournie Richards @mcbournierichards and michbournierichardshome.com
Connect with Anne @styledbyark

While there are many elements that shape how we live, nothing is more personal than how we care for ourselves. It is one of the oldest and most nourishing rituals in the world. In this episode, we're delighted to welcome Alex and Tathiana, founders of Plain-T, a boutique tea company located in Southampton, New York.

Built on a belief that mental and physical health are enhanced through the mindful consumption of whole leaf tea. Plain-T offers an exceptional assortment of specialty, hand-selected teas sourced from the world's most prized gardens. 

Their thoughtfully curated collection has become a favorite among luxury hotels and spas, fine dining restaurants, and cafes that prioritize quality and experience.  In fact, Plain-T was chosen to personally share their story and tea offerings with the Dalai Lama. 

Their online destination engages through thoughtful storytelling, inviting exploration and fostering a lasting connection to the brand. At its heart, Plain-T reflects Alex and Tathiana’s personal journey with tea—a passion that reshaped their daily rituals and deepened their connection to its story and craft. 

Through this journey, they came to see tea as more than a beverage, but a quiet, meaningful practice—one that invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and begin the year with intention.

Connect with Plain-T: plain-t.com and plainteanyc
You can shop with the code: Classic&Curious10
Connect with Anne @styledbyark 

As the season unfolds and the calendar fills, it’s time to turn up the cheer! Whether you’re hosting at home, attending festive soirées, or settling in fireside with a favorite cocktail, this is the heart of the season for gathering and celebration.

Today’s guest is the perfect guide to mixing a little extra merry and bright. We’re joined by Kara Newman—award-winning writer, author, and recipe developer. Kara is the Spirits Editor for Wine Enthusiast and a writer-at-large whose expertise has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and more.

In this episode, Kara also shares her journey—from writing about financial performance to becoming one of the most trusted voices in the food and drink world today. We discuss her philosophy for creating a home bar that feels effortless and inviting. Drawing from her books
Shake. Stir. Sip. and Cocktails for a Crowd, she offers smart, crowd-pleasing ideas that take the stress out of entertaining. We also talk about her newest series, The Cocktail Cabinet, and how these beautifully curated cards have become an essential for home bars and hosts alike.

Join us as we toast the season—adding a little sparkle, a little ease, and just the right cocktail or mocktail to make your celebration merry and bright! 

Connect with Kara at @newman_kara
Connect with Anne at @styledbyark, @classicandcuriouspodcast
You can find a link to Kara’s books mentioned on this podcast at styledbyark.com 

Welcome back to Classic & Curious—and to our Holiday Series.

With Thanksgiving behind us, the season gently shifts toward intimate gatherings: dinners with friends, festive celebrations, and perhaps a New Year’s soirée on the horizon. The timing feels just right for our next guest, Frankie Unsworth, a food stylist, writer, and author of The New Art of Cooking and Last Minute Dinner Party. 

Frankie's journey began as a writer for a food and travel magazine in Italy. Her passion for culture and cuisine eventually took her to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she trained and lived for several years.

It was in Paris that she met Rachel Khoo, British author and host of The Little Paris Kitchen whom she would go on to become her home economist. Since then, Frankie has styled food for numerous best-selling books, always bringing a signature blend of elegance, simplicity, and clarity to the table.

In this episode, she invites us into that very approach — offering thoughtful tips on how simple styling can elevate the way we present food at home. We also chat about her go-to nibbles for the holidays and the selections she turns to when guests stop by.

Frankie’s styling mirrors her grace and genuine nature. There’s a quiet elegance in the way she works — an ease that turns hosting into an invitation. Her talents remind us that celebration doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes, it simply needs space to unfold.

Connect with Frankie at @frankie_u and Frankieunsworth.com
Connect with Anne at @styledbyark, @classicandcuriouspodcast and styledbyark.com

Welcome back to Classic & Curious—and to our Holiday Series.

This week, as Thanksgiving invites us to gather and give thanks, the dinner table becomes more than a place to eat—it becomes a space to connect, to listen, and to cherish the people we love. Yet in our effort to make it beautiful, we often bring stress to the surface with layers of linens and the pressure to get every detail just right. Sometimes, we simply want things elevated… yet easy. Thankfully, we have options.

Proper Table is one of them—a collection of acrylic placemats and coasters inspired by vintage fabrics with timeless appeal. Thoughtfully designed for both messy and stylish eaters, these pieces prove that style and simplicity can beautifully coexist.

In this episode, we welcome Dana Lewis, founder of Proper Table. Dana shares how the brand came to life, the effortless care behind these clever textiles, and her exciting collaboration with LA-based interior designer Nate Turner. Proper Table has been featured in House Beautiful and Vogue for its sensibility and style—and it’s no wonder the brand has become a beloved go-to for savvy entertainers who want to keep it easy and elevated.

Dana embodies the very spirit of Proper Table: her timeless taste paired with an effortless sense of ease, she creates the very feeling that you want to bring to your own home.

Connect with Proper Table at propertableco.com and @propertableco
Connect with Anne at @styledbyark, @classicandcuriouspodcast and styledbyark.com

Welcome back to Classic & Curious and to our Holiday Series. Part of the festive season is gathering together, celebrating connections, and finding joy in the moments we share.

In this episode, we meet Alice and Francesca, the co-founders of Porta—a beautiful Brooklyn-based brand whose ever-evolving collection of tableware and homewares invites us to discover, delight, and bring a sense of artistry to everyday living. Blending European heritage craft with modern sensibility, each Porta piece honors the founders’ Italian roots while reflecting the spirit of their global travels and inspirations.

Alice and Francesca, childhood friends who grew up together in London and now call Brooklyn home, share their gift for storytelling, artisan collaboration, and the quiet beauty that transforms how we gather and live.

Just like the artisans who contribute to their brand, they each bring a distinct creativity and individuality that sets Porta apart. Join us as we explore their brand journey, their favorite pieces, and the holiday traditions they hold dear.

Connect with Porta: Porta-nyc.com and @porta_nyc

Connect with Anne: @styledbyark and @classicandcuriouspodcast

Welcome back to Classic and Curious and our Holiday Series. The holiday season reminds us of the importance of creating experiences that linger longer within our hearts.

In this episode, we welcome Amy Neunsinger and Lucinda Lent, the visionary co-founders of l.a. ROUGE — a brand whose very essence lets us light that magic all year long.

Amy is a celebrated photographer, designer, and host of HBO's Capturing Home. Her photography and creative direction has supported the influential lifestyle brands and talents, including Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, Leanne Ford, and Mark D. Sykes. Her work and personal style have appeared in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, the LA Times and countless other publications. 

Combine this strength with Lucinda’s strategic mind, drive and creative business vision — shaped by her leadership as CEO of The Coop and Executive Director LA Dance Project,  you will begin to see why this beautiful brand is beginning to unfold into something truly special. 

l.a. ROUGE candles are not just candles. There are revolution in red — blended from essential oils, each candle is poured into a chic whiskey class designed to earn its place at the dinner table. 

In this episode, Amy and Lucinda share:

• The story behind l.a. ROUGE
• Creating a responsible clean candle
• The inspiration behind their beautiful scents
• And the thoughtful role of each vessel

As you listen to this episode, you will discover the red wick is more than just a signature branding element.  It represents what happens to the heart when a connection is made. You'll feel that same connection with Amy and Lucinda who embody the spirit of l.a. ROUGE — they create moments of joy, intention, and beauty, each in their own unique way.

You can connect with la Rouge @la_rouge_candle and larougecandle.com
Connect with Anne @styledbyark.com and @classicandcuriouspodcast

Happy Holidays, Classic & Curious listeners, and welcome to our Holiday Series!
Irving Berlin once wished that our days be merry and bright—and that’s exactly what this special series is all about: bringing you joy, inspiration, and a glimmer of holiday magic uniquely shared by each of our guests. 

We’re kicking things off with someone who embodies merry and bright all year long—Lulu Powers, the vivacious Entertainologist and celebrated chef to the stars. Lulu joined us last season to help us ring in the New Year with her effortless Park Avenue Brunch, and she’s back with even more inspiration.

This episode is packed with joy:

• Lulu shares the intel on the unforgettable evening she cooked for Martha Stewart this summer on Nantucket.
• Her can’t-miss Thanksgiving hosting guide — filled with signature Lulu flair.
• A first look at her chic entertaining collection debuting at Bloomingdale’s — already an instant best seller. 

From her early days launching a catering business to becoming one of the most sought-after chefs in Los Angeles and New York—with clients like Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, and Kelly Wearstler—Lulu has built a career blending her incredible culinary talent with boundless creativity adding her signature warmth that makes everything she touches feel elevated and unforgettable.

Lulu is the kind of person who leaves an impression long after you meet her—her generosity, joy, and genuine spirit remind us all that life is meant to be lived beautifully.

So, settle in, grab a festive sip, and don’t miss a single episode of this series—we’re just getting started, and every guest will bring their own kind of holiday magic.

You can connect with Lulu Powers @lulupowers and lulupowers.com
Shop here new collection at Bloomingdale’s.com
Connect with Anne @styledbyark and @classicandcuriouspodcast

How do you capture a sense of place, indulgence, and timeless detail all in one bite? You savor Tuck Shop chocolates, of course!

We're delighted to be hosting founders Sarah Michler and Caroline Witmer, whose story began with a bittersweet moment—discovering that their favorite Nantucket chocolate shop, Sweet Inspirations, was closing. That spark of nostalgia inspired them to create something entirely their own: an exquisite confectionery that celebrates distinctive flavors and the joy of being in your happy place.

In this episode, Sarah and Caroline share how their friendship, complementary talents, and shared love of fine chocolate came together to inspire a brand infused with meaning and memory.

Get ready to have your palate intrigued and your senses stirred as we explore their favorite creations, creative process, and the beautiful notes that make Tuck Shop chocolates truly unforgettable.

Their handcrafted confections have been celebrated by brands such as the Bowery Hotel, Blackberry Farm, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Vogue, Goop, and J.Crew, just to name a few.

Above all, Sarah and Caroline's friendship reminds us that when passion and a shared dream come together, something truly special happens. The sweetest things in life just aren't tasted. They're felt.

Connect with Tuck Shop at shoptuckshop.com and @shoptuckshop
Connect with Anne @styledbyark.com and @classicandcuriouspodcast

Stylish getaways have become more than just a travel trend. They're a way of reconnecting with what feels personal, warm, and inspiring. It's that unmistakable sense of place that transforms a simple escape into something unforgettable.

Our guest today, Jackie Caradonio has masterfully captured this magic in her new book, The Inn Crowd, a beautifully curated collection of independent inns that celebrates style, soul, and storytelling.

Jackie is an award-winning editor, journalist, and photographer whose work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Town & Country, National Geographic, and The New York Times, among others. With 15 years in luxury hospitality, including editorial roles at Departures, Robb Report, and Travel + Leisure, she has chronicled some of the world’s most exclusive hotels and resorts. 

In this episode Jackie shares:

• The inspiration behind The Inn Crowd
• A captivating glimpse into some of the inns featured in the book—each with its own story, shaped by the vision, creativity, and warm hospitality of its owner. 
• Where these inns are located and the unique experiences that await you at each destination.
• What’s on the horizon for this exciting author!

As a storyteller and trusted guide, she stirs our curiosity and inspires us to seek out beauty, meaning, and connection in the places we stay.
 
Listen now – and let yourself be inspired to uncover the story behind each stay. You might even find yourself starting your own journal alongside Jackie’s pages.

Purchase The Inn Crowd using code Phaidon20 at Phaidon.
Connect with Jackie @jackiecaradonio
Connect with Anne @styledbyark and @classicandcuriouspodcast.