In Episode 10, we hit double digits without getting canceled (somehow) and bring in a special guest: Clint Craven, Design Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams. We get into what “sustainable paint” actually means, how Sherwin is reducing waste, and the surprising tech behind paints that can purify air or sanitize surfaces.

Then we go behind the scenes of Color of the Year—how it’s chosen, why the team is already talking about future years, and what makes Universal Khaki so versatile in real homes. Clint also shuts down one of the biggest paint myths designers hear every day (paint + primer in one… not always what you think), and we finish with the funniest part: the weirdest paint names and where they come from (yes, we go there).

If you’re a designer, homeowner, or anyone who’s ever argued with a painter about primer or sheen—this one’s for you.

John Ryan hosts a solo episode of Design, Drink and Dish while Wendy is under the weather, welcoming Sofia and Amy from Elements and Surfaces, one of South Florida’s top tile and stone showrooms. They break down common marble myths, when natural stone makes sense, why grout should never be an afterthought, and the biggest tile mistakes homeowners and designers make. From trend hot takes to real-world installation advice, this episode is packed with practical insight for anyone planning a renovation or working in design.

Join John and Wendy as they pop some Veuve and dive into the designer’s dilemma. What do you do when your client’s style is the complete opposite of yours, and how do you still deliver a dream home that feels like them, not you. Then they get into the most unrealistic renovation expectations they hear all the time, from timelines and pricing to what contractors can and cannot promise before walls get opened. They also unpack the sustainability lie, how to spot greenwashing, which eco claims are real, and why fully “green” projects can turn into a nightmare fast. Plus, a listener question on where to splurge versus save during a renovation, including kitchens, bathrooms, floors, outdoor spaces, and curb appeal.

Cocktail: Veuve Clicquot with fresh berries
 Garnish with berries and enjoy chilled.

Join John and Wendy as they cozy up with a hot toddy and dive into the real side of interior design. They break down what design school actually teaches you, what it completely leaves out, and why hands on experience matters more than any textbook. They also go deeper into how designers charge for their services, the reality behind markups and logistics, and the truth about install day and why it’s the most stressful part of the job. Plus, they answer a listener question about what it feels like when a design presentation gets rejected and how they pivot when that happens.

Cocktail: Hot Toddy
 2 oz Angel’s Envy whiskey
 1 tablespoon honey
 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
 6 oz hot water

Stir all ingredients together in a mug, garnish with a lemon slice if desired, and enjoy warm.

Join John and Wendy as they sip a fall inspired whiskey cocktail and dive into the not so sexy but super important side of materials. They break down what a dye lot actually is, why it can make or break your project, and how to avoid expensive mistakes with flooring, tile, and wallpaper. Then they jump into the truth about porcelain for countertops and fireplaces, why builders push back, and the real pros and cons you should know. They also walk through what to look for when selecting wood floors for your home, from plank width and length to wear layers and grades, plus a listener question on designing around kids and pets with smart fabric and rug choices.

Cocktail: Pear Pressure
 2 oz Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey
 1.5 oz pear liqueur or pear brandy
 0.5 oz simple syrup
 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
 1 sprig rosemary

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake well, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with rosemary.

Join John and Wendy on this halloween edition of design drink and dish as we discuss design trends that won't stay burried, haunted homes, design choices that will haunt us in our sleep and endless client revisions and how to handle them. 

Cocktail: Crisp Apple Spritz 2oz prosecco 2oz of crisp apple club soda (olipop) 1/2oz orange juice

pour over ice, stir and garnish with an orange wedge

Join John and Wendy as they discuss mixing metals in a design, contractors going behind your back to the client and the craziest design requests we've gotten from our clients. This weeks drink is the espresso martini. 

Cocktail: Espresso Martini 1oz espresso 2oz kettle One Vodka 1oz Khalua

shake with ice and double strain your coktail into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three espresso beans

Join John and Wendy as they discuss their top three design pet peeves. we discuss our mistakes we've made and talk about our thoughts on matching furniture sets. We will dish it all over one of our favorite cocktails...the old fashioned.

Cocktail: Old fashioned Sugar cube into glass with 4 dashes of bitters and splash of water 2oz rye bourbon Place a large cube of ice inside your glass Take an orange peel and express oils around your rim Garnish with an orange peel and cherry Smoke it if desired. 

Join John and Wendy as they discuss whether or not it's a good idea to tag or credit your junior designers on projects they've worked on. We will also dive into our thoughts on Artificial intelligence in the industry and some of our red flags we look for when meeting a potential client. Cocktail: Hugo Spritz 1 Oz St. Germain 4 Oz Prosecco 2 Oz Club Soda Pour over ice and garnish with a sprig or two of mint and a lime wedge if desired.

Join John and Wendy as they discuss design consultations, different countertop edge profiles and whether or not dining rooms are being phased out in modern design all while crafting a summer classic...the gin and tonic Cocktail: Gin and Tonic 2 Oz Engine Gin 4 Oz Fever tree tonic Pour over ice and squeeze a wedge of fresh lime into the glass and garnish with a lime wheel.