How to Decorate

After our engaging conversation last week with Nick and Steve Giannetti about Patina Farm and Patina Meadow last week, we are thrilled to catch up with Brooke and daughter Leila to talk about the ecosystem on the farm, biodynamic farming, and the exciting future plans for involving the community both in Leiper’s Fork and extending to a vast audience online. From the magic of design to the wonders of nature, including some very cute donkeys and babydoll sheep, Brooke and Leila are here to inspire and ignite our imagination.

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Decorating Dilemma: 

When it comes to adding more color, our suggestion would be to incorporate blues and greens using them as pillows and throws, perhaps in combination with a patterned pillow that has a complementary palette, which can create a lovely effect. Brooke personally prefers a balance of solid colors and subtle patterns, as it adds simplicity and elegance to the space. A touch of white, whether through artwork or a focal point above the stove, can enhance the overall aesthetic.

In the kitchen, Brooke adores the idea of a runner with floral accents or greenery, along with natural-colored barstools. Adding a woven shade above the window can introduce texture, while a basket above the fridge can provide both storage and visual interest. A painting or a pot rack above the stove can serve as a captivating focal point. For the dining room, incorporating blues and greens through placemats, patterned flip covers for end chairs, and local artwork can bring vibrancy and a connection to the outdoors. Additionally, considering curtains in either white or a single color, complemented by rings in a matching dark metal, can provide softness without overwhelming the room. Remember to ensure the curtain length reaches the floor and allows for proper stacking when opened.

Lastly, when it comes to the space above the oven, it presents a fantastic opportunity to display something meaningful or visually striking, such as a piece of art or even a special platter. Remember, this area acts as a significant focal point, so choose something that truly resonates with you and adds beauty to the space. Thanks so much for writing in, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with! 

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Join us for an exciting episode as we welcome back Steve Giannetti, the renowned design partner of the celebrated husband and wife duo. Known for their bestselling books and influential blog, the Giannettis have recently embarked on a transformative journey, involving their three children in the world of design. In part one of this two part series, Steve and his son Nick share their insights into the evolving Giannetti universe and the exciting developments that have unfolded in their lives over the past four years including the move from Ojai, CA to a huge space in Tennessee.

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One of Steve’s valuable tricks when approaching design questions is to first evaluate if we're addressing the right problem. Rather than jumping straight to solutions like window treatments or drapes, it's essential to understand the underlying issue. For instance, in a situation where sunlight is too intense, replacing drapes with a willow cover outside the doors might recreate the desired soft, dappled light. By focusing on solving the light-related concern, we can explore options like lightweight iron structures with Willow fencing to create a Provence-inspired atmosphere. Additionally, considering shears or Roman shades for smaller windows can complement the overall aesthetic without obstructing the light. Ultimately, it's crucial to prioritize addressing the quality of light in the space rather than solely relying on window treatments.

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In this exciting episode, we are joined by the renowned TV personality Carson Kressley, known for his roles on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, How to Look Good, and as a judge on RuPaul's Drag Race. Unveiling a lesser-known side, Carson shares his recent experience taking over Ballard Designs' Instagram and showcases his top entertaining tips. Returning as a special guest, we dive into Carson's love for Ballard as we explore his stunning poolside oasis and dive into the art of entertaining in style.

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It’s a special trials and triumphs episode! This week, you’ll hear about basement woes, rosebush-eating deers, and tips for creating a cozy space when your room is naturally dark. We also talk about creating a gallery wall system, even if you are “non-mathy”, and how to get your pillows on scale with your sofa. Oh, and Taryn’s backyard is on fire, but it turns out fire extinguishers are a good thing to have lying around.

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HAVSTA

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We welcome the talented Atlanta-based designer, Jessica Davis, whose remarkable skills in creating daring spaces and adding unique touches of irreverence have captivated us. Her exceptional work has garnered recognition from renowned publications such as House Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, Real Simple, and Elle Decor, among others. In this episode, Jessica shares insights into her innovative take on blending tradition with modern design. She offers valuable advice on discovering the perfect textures and colors that resonate with your personal style. Additionally, she divulges a selection of her preferred sources for discovering wonderfully quirky furnishings. Prepare to be inspired by Jessica's confidence and artistic vision!

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Thank you so much for writing in! First, we agree with your idea of adding beams to the ceiling to enhance its architectural appeal. Jessica suggests using a fun color for either the walls or the ceiling (or both) to add interest and some spark to the room. Jessica also supports your suggestion of adding a chandelier and hanging it around 6 & ½ feet. We propose selecting a bold paint color for the room and adding some decorative elements, like a tray on the ottoman and a reading lamp on the coffee table. Since one of the themes of this episode is taking risks, we invite you to take some risks of your own to add layers and interest to the space. Maybe some angled ceilings, pale blue curtains, and natural-looking textured chandeliers to achieve a fresh and light atmosphere in the room.

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Get ready to go antique shopping this week as we are joined by Hattie Sparks Collins, a New Orleans-based interior designer. Hattie's unique path from boutique owner to art history student to professional decorator has greatly shaped her ability to craft stunning spaces that foster genuine connections and authentic living. We dive into her expertise in finding exquisite and affordable treasured antiques, as she shares helpful tips for choosing the perfect vintage sofa. Discover Hattie's favorite antique hunting spots in New Orleans and gain insights on infusing color, pattern, and texture into your home, as she unravels the secrets to creating truly captivating and playful living spaces, which are also glitter proof!

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Decorating Dilemma 

Looks to us like you are doing a great job already! First, Hattie suggests addressing the chairs and believes there isn’t anything wrong with them given the size of the room. To add more interest to the chairs, you can recover them in a patterned fabric, preferably a durable performance fabric. Moving on to the side table, Hattie suggests that although there isn’t much wiggle room between the chairs. Moving on to the side table, Hattie suggests that although there isn't much wiggle room between the chairs, replacing it to create more breathing space for the lamp and the framed photo is an option. She recommends selecting a rectangular table. Hattie appreciates the current table's two layers, as the second layer can be styled with coffee table books to enhance visual interest. A rectangular table placed horizontally under the window between the chairs would be a suitable replacement choice.

For window treatments, consider running crown molding along the top of the wall and hanging curtains right beneath it. The curtain rod (maybe a French return) should be positioned just below the molding, and the curtains should barely touch the ground. To enhance the room, you could incorporate a pattern into the curtains that complement the chairs if they are recovered - and good news - Ballard offers excellent prefab panel curtain options in solid blue!

Consider also looking at Ballard’s bookshelf options to maximize space, such as the Delano and the Avis. Or, you can go fully custom with a built-in bookshelf to add more storage and shelving options. 

Lastly, regarding the rug, Hattie recommends incorporating a patterned rug and ensuring it is appropriately sized. She advises that the rug should fill the majority of the room, as using a rug that is too small can make the space feel smaller.  

Good luck and thank you for writing in!

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This week, we are delighted to welcome Georgia-based designer Lauren Robbins. Lauren is known for her exceptional ability to blend art, antiques, and natural materials resulting in traditional designs that are infused with a modern edge. She shares her inspiring journey from the organic path that led her to establish her design firm in 2018, Lauren Robbins Interiors, to the recent opening of her retail shop in Augusta, Georgia in 2021. We explore her passion for creating unexpected elements within tradition, fueled by her experience in event planning, which has given her a fresh perspective on interior design. Our conversation takes an intriguing turn as we delve into the world of designing rental homes for golfers and golf spectators, particularly in the context of the world-famous Master’s Golf Tournament.

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Decorating Dilemma 

Hi again Kim! We love seeing the updates, and you are making great progress. First, we feel like adding a warm kind of camel-colored grasscloth would make that space feel really cozy. Curtain panels would soften the space, and a chest and beautiful piece of art where the guitar is could add some fantastic layering and extra burst of color. We don’t think the green chair looks weird but agree that it is large. Lauren suggests adding two smaller swivel chairs on either end of the coffee table. Keep us posted and keep sending in those living room pics!

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We welcome celebrated New York based interior designer Alex Papachristidis, known for elegant and timeless spaces who's work has been featured on the Architectural Digest 100,Veranda, Elle Decor, House Beautiful and more. Alex founded his Manhattan based interior design firm in 1987 and has had projects all over the world from Colorado to London, Saudi Arabia to Texas. In this episode, he talks about his now available second book, The Elegant Life: Rooms that Welcome and Inspire, and the inspiration behind the homes he chose and the ways in which it showcases his abilities to do modern interiors with the same sort of grandeur of traditional interiors. Alex also talks about his love of soft goods, picking colors that represent you, and why we shouldn’t try and hide from the ugly things, but instead make them prettier. 

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If you could, Alex recommends dropping the ceiling enough to bring crown molding into the room. This would open the room and create a panel that would complete the kitchen as a unit. He would also define the kitchen in another color, for example, paint it in white so it stands out and creates some delineation between rooms. Alex reminds us that if you have something ugly, just try and make it look pretty rather than trying to hide it. 

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Get inspired to conquer your spring cleaning projects this week as we welcome Ashley and Marissa, the co-founders of the Neat Method Luxury Home Organizing Company.The Neat Method is the largest professional luxury organizing company in the US and Canada in terms of staffers, and Ashley and Marissa share why organizing is an extension of a well-curated space and how it goes hand in hand with design. They share a few of their favorite tips and tools for getting started, the pros of having an organization service, and how to set yourself up for success so that organizing makes your life easier and you feel more comfortable and connected in your space. 

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Neat Method

@neatmethod 

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