How to Decorate

By Ballard DesignsBusiness Arts Design

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60 min
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How to Decorate episodes

November 08, 2022Ep. 279: Flower Showhouse: The Scullery with Melanie Millner
We are continuing our special series highlighting the FLOWER magazine showhouse here in Atlanta. Ballard Designs is proud to be one of the sponsors of the house, and we are so excited to share all the gorgeous spaces with you. Each day this week we will interview a different designer from the showhouse to talk about the room they designed, their inspiration, trends throughout the space, and much more. Our guest today, Melanie Milner, discusses her work on the scullery in the showhouse. Melanie is an Atlanta-based designer with The Design Atelier known for her timeless style and use of colors. Her work has been featured in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle, LUXE, and more.
If you’d like to visit the house in person you can purchase tickets here, and also follow along with the podcast series whether you can see it in person or not!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
What is a scullery and why did it speak to Melanie?
Why Melanie worked alongside the dining room team of the showhouse to coordinate designs.
Melanie chose plaster finishes for the scullery for a durable, unique, and ethereal look.
All of the lighting in the scullery is recessed to have a functional and practical workspace.
What appliances go into a scullery?
Why the small details can be the star of the show; especially in a kitchen space.
How was designing this space different from designing other clients’ kitchens?
What are some new things Melanie is seeing in kitchens?
What goes in the cabinets of a scullery?
Why do Taryn and Melanie like bridge faucets?
What other trends is Melanie seeing that she’s excited about?
Why organization can be such an important, albeit luxury, design element.
Indoor/outdoor rugs are a great way to soften a space in a kitchen while still being easy to clean.

Decorating Dilemma:

Hi Nancy,

There are a lot of really cool switch plates out there if you’re willing to spend the money. A metal backplate would be a good place to start or you can find a colored one. I wouldn’t paint it since it doesn’t generally last. If you were to get wallpaper, you can have the installer cover that as well for an easy solution. Depending on how you design the bar, it could be a good idea to integrate the metal from the plate with hardware and accessories. I would say it depends on whether you want to be more subtle and integrate the switch plates or make a bold decision.

We appreciate your level of detail, Nancy! Let us know what you decide. And thank you for listening to all of our episodes; twice!

Mentioned in This Episode:
The Design Atelier
The Design Atelier on Instagram
Domingue Finishes - Plaster
Forbes and Lomax - Switchplates
Lutron - Switches

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41 min
November 07, 2022Ep. 278: Flower Showhouse: The Powder Room with Nellie Jane Howard Ossi
This episode kicks off a special series we’re doing highlighting the FLOWER magazine showhouse here in Atlanta. Ballard Designs is proud to be one of the sponsors of the house, and we are so excited to share all the gorgeous spaces with you. Each day this week we will interview a different designer from the showhouse to talk about the room they designed, their inspiration, trends throughout the space, and much more. Our first designer, Nellie Jane Howard Ossi of Mrs. Howard Design Firm walks us through her powder room design for the house. She’s a lead designer, a domestic expert, and has a tabletop line coming out next year with Dillards.
If you’d like to visit the house in person you can purchase tickets here, and also follow along with the podcast series whether you can see it in person or not!
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
How did Nellie get the chance to work on the showhouse?
What was Nellie’s inspiration for how to begin the powder room design and what is the theme?
How do you account for no natural light when choosing design elements?
Why did Nellie choose blue trim for the powder room?
Nellie shares last-minute dilemmas while working on showhouses.
What are the most common delays still happening in design, decorating, and building?
What are some must DOs when designing a powder room?
Why the powder room is a great place to do something bold–like wallpaper on the ceiling!
Lighting is one of the most important elements of a powder room. Nellie’s tips for getting it right.
What are some must DON’T’s when designing a powder room?
How antiquing has influenced Nellie’s design (and her personal life!)
All about growing up in a design family and how it influenced Nellie’s style.
Why accessorizing is expensive but can’t be overlooked. It’s what finishes a room.
Will Nellie continue to do showhouses?
How kids have impacted Nellie’s design; for better or worse!

Mentioned in This Episode:
Nellie Howard Ossi on Instagram
Nellie Howard Ossi
Mrs. Howard
Andrew Howard Interior Design
Visual Comfort Lighting
Pioneer Linens
Made Goods

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54 min
November 01, 2022Ep. 277: Decorating the English Way with Emma Sims-Hilditch
Today's lovely guest is English designer Emma Sims-Hilditch. Emma got her start designing sets for Ridley Scott before opening her own firm, Sims Hilditch, in 2009. Her work has been featured in Vogue, House & Garden, The Telegraph, and many other publications. We discuss Emma’s new book The Evolution of Home: English Interiors for a New Era and her tips for decorating the English way.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
What has been the evolution of Emma’s design style through childhood, travels, and beyond?
How does Emma find balance between rustic and clean, modern styles?
Why does Emma paint her house twice a year?
Why light plays such an important role in color and hue choices.
Why is storage in the bedroom priority #1 for Emma?
Emma encourages people not to always get hung up on symmetry and matching; nature is the perfect example of this.
The case for brown furniture!
What Emma likes to consider for home office spaces.
How did working in set design influence Emma’s design style?
What does Emma recommend for adding European design elements into a space?
What are ways to add charm to your room even after decorating?
Overstuffed upholstery and pillows are English staples that are fun to play with.
What does Emma consider the ideal kitchen layout?

Decorating Dilemma:

Hi Jackie,

This is a lovely kitchen with fantastic bones and storage. I personally wouldn’t change the white cabinets because I think it’s much easier to paint a wall. If you don’t like it, it’s also much easier to repaint. I would personally do a soft gray like Mizzle by Farrow & Ball. You could also go darker like a blue-gray. A white kitchen is a great starting point and I love the black contrast. I notice the countertops are polished vs. honed; I would recommend getting a quote to see how much it is to get them honed. It’s an easy process that gives a much softer edge and makes a huge difference. I would also recommend some pendant lights over the bar if it’s not too difficult to add them now. You could use fabric-colored shades or even play with patterns. If it’s practical, upholstered bar stools are another fun way to bring color in. I would also even look at the curtain; the soft white curtain could be swapped for something with more texture or pattern that’s more structured and less floaty. I would base it on what you choose for the pendant and barstools. You could also try a coordinating Roman shade above the window as well; whether it’s decorative or functional it will often up that space. I would not wallpaper the backsplash as cooking can be damaging to wallpaper. If you really want to wallpaper somewhere or even if the room carries on around the corner, you could paper one wall. I would pick out a pattern that’s complimentary to the paint color you choose from the kitchen. We all think drawing more attention to the island will be your best bet. With that in mind, you could also paint the island 2 shades darker than whatever you choose for the wall. We don’t think the dog crate is permanent, but if you want you could put a rug under it for now!

The kitchen looks wonderful as is and just needs some finishing touches–you’re almost there! Good luck and please send us some pictures!

Mentioned in This Episode:
Sims Hilditch
Sims Hilditch on Instagram
Emma Sims-Hilditch on Instagram
The Evolution of Home: English Interiors for a New Era
Margot 2-Light Pendant
Hector Finch

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1 hr 3 min
October 25, 2022Ep. 276: A Vision to Design with Stephen Sills
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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1 hr 5 min
October 18, 2022Ep. 275 Trials & Triumphs
Welcome back to another Trials & Triumphs episode! Last time Caroline shared with us that lightning struck her house and did some damage. She took the opportunity to make some additional upgrades while doing those repairs. The Schwartz House is nearly finished and Taryn is very happy with her wallpaper choices; but not so happy with the broken appliances. Liz has no trials OR triumphs to report, but this episode got her thinking about what she wants to do next in her house.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
Turning lemons into lemonade, Caroline took the opportunity to add a medicine cabinet after a lightning strike destroyed part of her house.
Caroline’s medicine cabinet addition led her to add some other design elements to both her primary bathroom and powder room.
Caroline took advantage of the Ballard clearance sale and found a life-changing new way to dry clothes.
The good news is the last big appliances arrived in The Schwartz House, bad news is they aren’t working.
The pool is just about ready in The Schwartz House.
Taryn is extremely happy about the wallpaper that has gone up; it all came together!
Why is Taryn waiting on the wallpaper for the dining room?
We are all frustrated with the way wallpaper is sold; why can’t there be a standard?!
Caroline’s kids are happy because her cooktop has been replaced and she can make pasta again.
Liz feels inspired to look at her laundry room and consider some wallpaper in other parts of her home.
Listeners – we appreciate all of your feedback, questions, and dilemmas! Now send us your wallpaper adventures and photos so we can take a peek!

Mentioned in This Episode:
Corday Accordion Drying Rack
Beadboard Drying Rack
Mural Wallpaper
The Schwartz House

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29 min
October 11, 2022Ep. 274: Rugs 101
Today we are deep diving into rugs. They are a foundational part of any space and very functional, but can be quite challenging. Not only are rugs expensive, but they are high traffic and take up a lot of space. So to discuss such an important and high commitment design element, we brought in our rug expert and 23 year veteran here at Ballard Designs–Carmen Barbee. Carmen breaks down the different types of rugs, how to care for them, her favorite tips and tricks, and so much more.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
What are the common rug materials?
Is there a rulebook for where rugs should be throughout the house?
Why is natural fiber not kid or pet friendly?
What role does synthetic fibers play in rug making?
When it comes to hand knots, the smaller the hand knot the more expensive it is.
How to care for wool rugs.
What is an oushak rug?
What is a flat woven rug?
What is a kilim rug?
Every rug needs a rug pad. What does it do?
The difference between hand tufted and hand hooked rugs.
Are machine made rugs still high quality?
The name of the game is easy care; and why many people are using performance rugs indoors now.
Tips for rug sizing and placement.
How to use rugs in an open floorplan to define a space and work together.
The rule of thumb is–start with the rug. This is why considering the color palette is so important.
Carmen’s thoughts on solid vs. patterned rugs.
How to use fashion rugs to rotate designs or change with the seasons.
What is the longevity/lifespan of different types of rugs?
Tips & tricks for treating stains on rugs.
Rugs are always going to lean more classic than trendy, but what are some of the upcoming trends?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Ballard’s Rug Size Guide
Polypropylene Rugs
Wool Rugs
Performance Rugs
St. Tropez Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Rug Pads

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1 hr 10 min
October 04, 2022Ep. 273: Decorating with Emotion with Anne Hepfer
Toronto-based interior designer Anne Hepfer joins the podcast to talk about her new book, Mood, plus why her client work is led by emotion. Anne shares her design work is anchored in rooms that make her clients' feel and how we can all bring more feeling into our spaces.
On the show you'll hear:
The evolution of Anne's new book, Mood
Her path to writing her book on her own before shopping it to a publisher
The format and concept of the book, and all of the heart she poured into the book
Why it's important to uncover your emotional triggers and use them in your decorating
Color as a way to evoke emotion in a room, but how to bring emotion into a neutral room too
Pattern and why it's such an inspiration to Anne's work
Why it's important to consider texture when choosing upholstery items
Anne shares the inspiration behind her lake house, which has a totally different feel than her house in the city
Anne's passion for travel and how it refills her design cup
Why asking yourself the 'why' questions are so important to the design process, whether you're working with a designer or decorating for yourself
Why you should incorporate nostalgia into your spaces
The color and spine of her new book
Mentioned in this Episode:
Anne Hepfer
Anne's new book, Mood
Anne's Instagram

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52 min
September 27, 2022Ep. 272: How to Design Fearlessly with Drake/Anderson
We are so thrilled to welcome award-winning design duo Jamie Drake and Caleb Anderson of the design firm Drake/Anderson. Their iconic work has been featured in several issues of Shelter, on the AD100 List, ELLE DECOR’s A-List, and they’ve also received the highest awards and accolades in the industry. They are known for luxurious and sophisticated residential and commercial spaces that are fearless and bold. Their new book Bold: The Interiors of Drake/Anderson is available for pre-order now. We discuss that book and their best tips for how to design fearlessly.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
How did they get started on the book and chose their projects?
The common thread throughout their book is that the contemporary work is informed by history and their traditional work also includes modern elements.
What is the thought process while blending the bold elements?
Where does the fearlessness come from?
How can others become more fearless?
Do they tend to influence their clients to be bolder or are bold clients drawn to Drake/Anderson?
How do you balance the room’s strength?
To achieve boldness, it’s important to be intentional with your choices.
With several statement pieces, how can you find balance?
Creating a visual with a board, PowerPoint, etc., can help tremendously in the planning process.
Often the element of surprise is what can make a space the most interesting.
What are Jamie and Caleb’s favorite projects from the book and why?
Why can unexpected colors work so well if used right?
More about the historic preservation project in London.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Pre-order BOLD: The Interiors of Drake/Anderson
Drake/Anderson Website
Drake/Anderson on Instagram

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39 min
September 20, 2022Ep. 271: Bedding 101
Today we are so excited to have Ballard’s in-house bedding & bath expert Amy Jourdan on the podcast. Amy knows everything about thread counts, materials, mixing and matching, and more. She designs all of the gorgeous beds in our catalog, and she knows what makes the perfect bed.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
How to design a bed with not just look but function in mind.
What are some of the most popular bedding materials for sheets and how do they differ?
What are popular materials for duvets, coverlets, and quilts?
Tips for layering the bed from basics to catalog-worthy.
What is the bell of the bed?
What to think about when mixing materials on a bed.
All about how to arrange pillows depending on bed size and design goal.
Our love of the lumbar.
A tip for how to find the right orientation of the duvet cover.
What are we doing with box springs?
The trend now is a shift from headboards to platform beds.
What is the best way to style kid’s beds?
What are the different duvet fillings?
Is a signature scent necessary for bedding?
How often should bedding be washed?
Bed-making tips including some hot pillow insert tips.
A double-stuff duvet trick.
How to change bedding with the seasons.
Tips for drying sheets and having fewer wrinkles
Why we (or our spouses) like to make our beds every day.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Percale Bedding
Sateen Bedding
Linen Bedding
Quilts & Coverlets
Duvet Covers & Pillow Shams
Linen Lumbar Pillow
Velvet Quilt
Heidi Callier
Katie Ridder

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1 hr 1 min
September 13, 2022Ep. 270 Trials & Triumphs
Perhaps the biggest of triumphs after two years of trials; Taryn finally moved into her new house! Plus, Liz and Caroline catch us up with all the Trials & Triumphs of their homes from bookcases to lightning, and more.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
Liz finished her bedroom wallpaper project, but it uncovered a new “problem”.
The hunter green lining; Liz found a great paint color and is styling her bookcase.
Caroline’s house was struck by lightning…really!
Since Caroline now has to fix her living room, she’s going to repaint the walls and possibly the ceiling.
A BIG triumph for Taryn; they are in the house! But there are still workers in the house.
Taryn is making strides in her outdoor space.
Taryn installed, and then uninstalled, and then reinstalled some lighting (and outlets).
A lesson to be learned; have the rugs cleaned BEFORE you move all of your furniture around.
The fun is in the details but so is the devil.
Taryn updates us on the service and selection available from Blinds.com.
Now it’s time to decorate The Schwartz House…so stay tuned!
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Schwartz House
Society Social/Wall Pops Wallpaper Collection
Blinds.com

Find all of the show notes on our blog, howtodecorate.com/podcast

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29 min

About How to Decorate

From the publisher's feed

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…