We are thrilled to welcome Ray Booth back to the podcast! Ray is an acclaimed interior designer, a partner at the award-winning firm McALPINE, and the author of the beautiful new book, The Expressive Home.

Ray sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to discuss how his background in architecture shapes every interior decision he makes. He shares why he views drapery as "punctuation," the optical illusion of black window mullions, and why he believes "editing is the key to happiness."

Quick Decorating Takeaways:

Drapery is Punctuation: Ray uses drapery not just for windows, but as "commas" in a room—creating pauses, dividing large spaces, and softening the acoustics to create intimacy in an otherwise "hard" architectural box.

The "Eyeliner" Effect: When painting window mullions (the strips between glass panes), Ray prefers dark colors (black or bronze) over white. Dark mullions act like eyeliner—they frame the view and disappear to let the eye focus on the landscape, whereas white mullions stop the eye right at the glass.

Hang Lighting for Humans, Not Ceilings: In rooms with double-height ceilings, resist the urge to hang chandeliers too high. Ray suggests hanging them lower—within the "human scale"—so they feel touchable and help ground people in a cavernous space.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction

01:30 Ray’s architectural background and his "biased" approach to interiors

04:00 How to choose materials based on your personal story

10:00 Why Ray uses drapery as "punctuation" and acoustic softening

16:00 Building a neutral palette: Using contrast to create harmony

21:00 Window Mullions: Why dark paint makes the view clearer

25:00 The Art of Editing: "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should"

28:00 Ray’s take on AI in design (featuring a nod to Steve & Brooke Giannetti)

34:00 Human Scale: How to make grand rooms feel intimate

40:00 Lighting tips for high ceilings

44:00 The "Deconstructed Sectional": How to improve flow around large furniture

48:00 Closing notes & where to find Ray

Also Mentioned:

The Expressive Home by Ray Booth (New Book)

Evocative Interiors by Ray Booth (Previous Book)

McALPINE | Website

Ray Booth Design | Instagram

Steve & Brooke Giannetti

Shop Ballard Designs

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Happy Decorating!

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