How to Decorate

Ep. 381: Creating Cohesive and Functional Spaces with Cullman & Kravis


Listen Later

This week, we welcome designers Ellie Cullman and Lee Cavanaugh from the iconic design firm Cullman & Kravis, who discuss their latest book, 'Cullman and Kravis Interiors.'


Although "Cullman & Kravis Interiors" is technically the fourth book from designer Ellie Cullman, it is the first book that showcases her own firm's approach to blending traditional and contemporary styles. Ellie and Lee emphasize their passion for reflecting client interests, location, and functionality in their designs, and they also share insights about the importance of cohesive coloring and the ‘alchemy of old and new’ in creating vibrant living spaces.


Watch this week's conversation as recorded on Ballard Designs YouTube.


What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 00:33 Meet Our Guests: Ellie Cullman and Lee Cavanaugh
  • 01:58 The Unique Cullman and Kravis Aesthetic
  • 03:58 Designing for Function and Comfort
  • 05:15 Interactive Design Process
  • 13:43 Collaborative Design and Client Interaction
  • 20:48 Adapting Designs for Future Needs
  • 23:14 Creating Play Spaces for All Ages
  • 23:58 Exploring Traditional Design
  • 25:31 Balancing Old and New in Interiors
  • 31:48 The Importance of Color Cohesion
  • 35:35 Personal Stories and Design Tips
  • 39:16 Decorating Dilemmas and Solutions
  • 45:21 Conclusion + Where to Find More from Cullman & Kravis

  • Decorating Dilemma:

    Cullman & Kravis suggest embracing the bold fuchsia color from her chairs by incorporating it elsewhere in the room to achieve cohesion. They recommended painting the walls in the fuchsia shade or using a textured wall covering to tie the space together. If the bold choice felt overwhelming, they suggested adding fuchsia accessories, such as vases or a large bowl, on the dining table. To address the issue with her dining chairs on the carpet, they recommended using plastic sliders or sabots on the chair feet for ease of movement. Overall, they encouraged Donna to continue her bold direction and reminded her that sometimes stepping out of her comfort zone can result in a well-designed room.


    Also Mentioned:

    • Ballard Designs
    • Watch the Full Episode w/ Images: Ballard Designs YouTube
    • Cullman & Kravis
    • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      How to DecorateBy Ballard Designs

      • 4.4
      • 4.4
      • 4.4
      • 4.4
      • 4.4

      4.4

      803 ratings


      More shows like How to Decorate

      View all
      The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired with Signature Style by Shannon Ables

      The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired with Signature Style

      877 Listeners

      A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design  Business Podcast by LuAnn Nigara

      A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

      763 Listeners

      Decorating Tips and Tricks by Bespoke FM

      Decorating Tips and Tricks

      807 Listeners

      Business of Home Podcast by Business of Home, Dennis Scully

      Business of Home Podcast

      430 Listeners

      The Great Indoors by Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth: Interior Design Experts

      The Great Indoors

      418 Listeners

      House Guest by Country & Town House | Interior Designer Interviews by Country and Town House

      House Guest by Country & Town House | Interior Designer Interviews

      45 Listeners

      The Everyday Style School by Jennifer Mackey Mary

      The Everyday Style School

      506 Listeners

      Dear Alice | Interior Design by Alice Lane

      Dear Alice | Interior Design

      1,492 Listeners

      A Beautiful Mess Podcast by Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman

      A Beautiful Mess Podcast

      2,013 Listeners

      The Chairish Podcast by Chairish Inc.

      The Chairish Podcast

      240 Listeners

      Trade Tales by Business of Home, Kaitlin Petersen

      Trade Tales

      72 Listeners

      The Interior Collective by IDCO Studio

      The Interior Collective

      281 Listeners

      The Martha Stewart Podcast by iHeartPodcasts

      The Martha Stewart Podcast

      438 Listeners

      HER Style Podcast | Shopping, Color Palettes, Fashion, Wardrobe, Outfits, Clothing by Heather Riggs - Stylist, Image Consultant & Color Analyst for Women

      HER Style Podcast | Shopping, Color Palettes, Fashion, Wardrobe, Outfits, Clothing

      152 Listeners

      Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production by Ariel Okin

      Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production

      39 Listeners