This week, we welcome history buff Mike Lemieux and designer Jen MacDonald, stars of HGTV’s ‘Houses with History’. These passionate preservationists are dedicated to restoring historic homes in and around Plymouth, Massachusetts. With over a decade of experience, Jennifer and Mike have a knack for uncovering and reviving these architectural gems. In this episode, they talk about how they got into historic preservation, tips for decorating with a historic aesthetic, and their unique perspective on preservation.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

They got into historic preservation as a way to combine their desire to get out of the corporate grind and move toward their passion for historic real estate.

A glimpse into some of the 14 houses they have restored for the show.

What is a normal time frame from start to finish?

How their work turned into a TV show - who knew Mike’s love of improv would have landed him on HGTV!

Some things to consider when looking into an old house.

The importance of being practical, staying within your budget, and evaluating the home’s structural foundation.

What scares people away from old homes that shouldn’t? Ahem, windows!

If you buy an old home, how can you educate yourself on its history?

Mike and Jen talk about their passion for antiques and a few of their favorite recent finds.

A word of advice: think before you demo!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ballard Designs

Houses with History

Jen: IG


Mike: IG

Ep. 325: Houses with History with Jen MacDonald and Mike Lemieux

We want to teach you how to decorate! We'll help you unleash your inner decorator with interviews from interior designers, sharing the trials and triumphs from our own homes, and answering your burning decorating questions. Brought to you from the Ballard Designs team.

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Get ready for a jolt of kitchen inspiration this week (and some myth-busting) as we re-united with Sophie Donelson, a design expert, journalist, and strategist who celebrates the connection between people and their homes. We last caught up with Sophie back in 2017 (episode #30) when she was the editor-in-chief of House Beautiful Magazine, but this week it’s all about her latest book, Uncommon Kitchens: A Revolutionary Approach to the Most Popular Room in the House. 
Sophie provides insight into kitchen design and trends, reminding us that there are many ways to enjoy one’s kitchen. She discusses the idea of “liberated design” -bringing in nostalgic elements that also consider flexibility and functionality rather than following surface-level trends. Sophie shares some great advice on designing spaces that truly reflect how you use your kitchen daily, the “kitchen triangle” concept, and tips on lighting, color palettes, and storage solutions. 

What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

It’s okay to question and even challenge the trends and come up with your alternative ideas for functional and beautiful spaces! 

The idea of liberated design, and enjoying spaces without permanent changes. 

Consider nostalgia when tweaking your kitchen and building new appliances. 

Sophie’s expert thoughts on lighting, storage, and organization spaces. 

Designing intimate kitchens with lower ceilings and cozy nooks. 

The importance of perspective and flexibility in design, and focusing on what truly matters rather than superficial appearances.

Alternatives to built-in features like banquettes that limit flexibility.

Making small, affordable changes before undertaking major renovations.

Problem-solving creatively with the space you already have. 

Incorporating both traditional and modern elements to balance different design aesthetics. 


Also Mentioned:

Ballard Designs


Watch the Full Episode - Ballard Designs YouTube 


Uncommon Kitchens 

Sophie Donelson: Website | IG 



Decorating Dilemma: 
Follow along with this pictures of this week's decorating dilemma here. 
Thanks, Maggie! What a beautiful space you have to work with. First, Sophie’s thoughts are that you should start by focusing on establishing a thoughtful layout. Creating a cozy desk or seating area near the windows, then adding targeted lighting in each space, will help define comfortable vignettes. Area rugs can further separate intimate seating zones. Incorporating traditional architectural details while bringing in modern accessories will help balance your desired aesthetics. Drapery along the walls can frame focal points without needing full coverage. Taking inspiration from your arched entryway, an eye-catching display on the opposite wall may help draw the eye. Don't feel you need to fill every inch - prioritizing functionality and comfort will make the most of your gorgeous Greek Revival home. We're excited to see how your space evolves!

Ep. 359: Uncommon Kitchens with Sophie Donelson

This week, we welcome esteemed landscape architect Edmund Hollander, known for his award-winning career designing natural landscapes that blend with built architecture. In our conversation, we discussed his latest book "The Landscape of Home”, and some expert tips on designing a landscape that will look beautiful and inviting throughout all four seasons. Edmund also talks with us about the importance of having a master plan, working with your hardscape, and the connection between landscape and your favorite musical artist. Get ready for some plant inspiration! 

What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

Soil testing and designing hardscape for outdoor living spaces. 

More about some of the gorgeous spaces and scapes featured in “The Landscape of Home”. 

Listening to land when it comes to design composition and getting spatial relationships correct.  

Designing gardens with a master plan for optimal functionality and aesthetics. 

Landscape design elements, including seasonality, hardscape, and plant selection. 

Grouping plants in repeating patterns for movement through the landscape. 

Layering plants at different heights for year-round visual interest. 

Driveways matter when it comes to setting the tone for your whole outdoor space. 

How often should you change the soil in your planter? 

How to go about blending what you want with the realistic amount of sunlight or shade in your space. 

Gardening ideas for smaller spaces. 

Shifting away from chemical-dependent landscapes towards healthier and more organic approaches. 


Also Mentioned:

Ballard Designs

The Landscape of Home 

Hollander Design

Ep. 358: The Landscape of Home with Ed Hollander

Atlanta-based interior designer Minhnuyet Hardy joins us this week to discuss common interior design mistakes and how to avoid them. Minhnuyet shares her expertise on proper rug sizing and orientation, as well as drapery width, hardware placement, and lining importance. She gives some great tips for measuring spaces and hanging artwork at the ideal height, pesky furniture delivery challenges, accessorizing with trays, and grouping small items.
Follow along with this week's decorating dilemma here on the How to Decorate Blog.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

Common rug size mistakes and how to properly size and orient rugs.

Custom rug options for unique spaces.

Drapery hardware placement and width considerations.

Hanging drapery too low or not having it wide enough.

Proper artwork hanging height and placement tips.

Furniture delivery challenges in tight spaces.

Why the tallest person in the house shouldn’t be the one hanging artwork.

Accessorizing with trays and grouping small items.

Also Mentioned:

Ballard Designs

Minhnuyet Hardy 


Watch the Full Episode - Ballard Designs YouTube 


Minhnuyet Hardy Interiors

@minhnuyethardyinteriors

Decorating Dilemma: 
Hi Amy Lynn! Thank you so much for your question - this is a great question. Here are some suggestions:
First, painting the mantel trim the same color as the wall will help create a cohesive backdrop that draws the eye to your artwork. We would stack larger art pieces on the mantel that lean against the wall, layering smaller pieces in front. A large mirror with art displayed in front would also look very striking. Additionally, placing some birch logs inside the fireplace will add visual interest year-round. You could also consider stringing battery-operated twinkle lights during the holidays for a festive touch. We hope these ideas help highlight your beautiful original fireplace mantel! Also, be sure to check out our Essential Stocking Holder, it will be sleek and is great for kids!

Ep. 357: Common Design Mistakes with Minhnuyet Hardy

We head to Tinseltown this week for a fun history lesson in LA design with accomplished author, Annie Kelly. Annie shares insights from her new book "City of Dreams: Los Angeles Interiors," offering a sweeping photographic survey of the city's most striking historic and contemporary homes. She discusses the inspiration behind the book and her longtime creative partnership with photographer Tim Street-Porter and shares a glimpse inside some of LA's most breathtaking modernist gems as well as historically significant homes. Annie also traces the evolution of the city's architecture from the early influence of the film industry to the innovative mid-century structures still inspiring interiors today.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

The inspiration behind Annie’s book, City of Dreams: Los Angeles Interiors. 


How the topography and terrain of LA helps foster different and often quite eccentric design choices. 

More about the influence of the film industry and influx of architects and artists after WWII on past and present design in LA. 

Annie shares more about how she chose the homes featured in the book to be more about interesting and captivating stories rather than just celebrities. 

Mid-century modern architecture in LA. 

More about Annie’s venetian-gothic home. 

Outdoor living and garden spaces that expanded entertaining areas. 

The evolution of LA's architecture from the grid pattern of flatlands to hillside communities. 

Renowned LA design stores and the characters behind them. 

Restoring iconic Case Study Houses for a new generation to appreciate. 

What is next for Annie and Tim? A sneak peek into a very exciting upcoming project. 


Ballard Designs 
City of Dreams: Los Angeles Interiors 
@anniehkelly 
@timstreetporter

Ep. 356: Los Angeles Interiors with Annie Kelly

‘Tis the season for all things outdoors! This week, we welcome Kelly Petrino and Amy Jordan from Ballard’s merchandising team for their expert advice on mixing and matching outdoor furniture and accessories to create beautiful and comfortable outdoor space. They talk about cushions, pillows, rugs, lighting, and planters to complete the look, along with sharing some great tips for incorporating different materials, styles, and textures to define your outdoor space.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

Considerations for using outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella that are stain-resistant and fade-proof.

Ideas for incorporating outdoor rugs to define spaces and add texture.

Factors to consider when choosing outdoor sofas and seating, like cushion fill and frame materials.

What should you look for when it comes to outdoor sofas and seating?

Kelly and Amy's perspectives on the pros and cons of mixing collections versus opting for a coordinated set.

Entertaining essentials such as outdoor safe drinkware, candles, romantic outdoor lighting, and lovely lamps.

Mosquito-repelling drapery panels? Yes, please!

Reasons to think about furniture layout in relation to your daily and entertaining needs beyond just aesthetics.

Tips for defining spaces with planters.

Also Mentioned:
Ballard Designs

Ep. 325: Houses with History with Jen MacDonald and Mike Lemieux

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