How to Decorate

Ep. 276: A Vision to Design with Stephen Sills


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We have a major treat for you today, in the form of a great conversation with the dean of American design, celebrated interior designer Stephen Sills. You’ve seen Stephen’s work in your favorite design magazines including Architectural Digest, Town and Country, Elle Decor, and many more. Stephen walks us through his new book, a Vision for Design, and a few of the recent projects featured in the book, including stunning homes in Florida, New York City, and his own Connecticut home.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:


  • Considerations when choosing a wallpaper.
  • How dining rooms are becoming less formal and more usable.
  • How to use boards to see the whole of the house, and work with layout and scale.
  • What should you consider when choosing a shape and size for a sofa?
  • What has changed in Stephen’s Connecticut home over the 30 years he has lived there.
  • In Stephen’s work, how does he approach both beauty and functionality of the space?
  • What’s next for Stephen now that the book is out?
  • How Stephen curated certain moods and atmospheres in the different homes featured in a Vision for Design.
  • How you can bring some of Stephen’s expert eye into your design decisions.

  • Mentioned in This Episode:

    Stephen Sills

    A Vision for Design

    Hello, and thank you for writing! First, when hanging art, it’s all about your choice and intuition. We think you should make a choice between a height that works for you, and a height that the guests can enjoy. Stephen agrees that it’s always nice to look up at art instead of just looking straight at it. The bigger the painting, the higher you can hang it. The smaller the painting, the lower it could be. Hope this helps!

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