How to Decorate

We are thrilled to welcome British interior designer Abigail Ahern to the podcast! Known for breaking all the traditional design rules, Abigail is famous for her signature moody palettes, her bold take on botanicals, and her wildly popular faux floral collection. In addition to her booming interior design business, she has an e-commerce site, five books, and a popular YouTube channel.

Abigail sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to discuss how she got her start working on the picture desk for Sir Terence Conran before her husband's job relocated them to Detroit, unexpectedly launching her hands-on interior design career. She shares her secrets for styling faux florals so they look incredibly authentic, why she will always champion a dark and moody room, and why lighting is the single most important element of any dinner party.

Quick Decorating Takeaways:

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark: Abigail dispels the common misconception that dark paint makes a room feel smaller. She embraces dark, moody palettes because the deep colors actually blur the edges of a room, creating a cozy, enveloping, and sophisticated space.

The Secret to Faux Florals: When styling her famous faux stems, Abigail approaches arrangements with an interior design mindset. She recommends mixing contrasting textures (like pairing a delicate rose with a hearty hydrangea), varying the heights of the stems in your vase, and bending them so they don't just stand straight up. You don't have to be super delicate with them—the goal is to make the arrangement feel wild, organic, and intriguing.

Lighting is Everything: For Abigail, the lighting at a dinner party is even more important than the menu. She recommends layering lights at different heights around the room and using tea light holders all over the house to create an inviting, multi-dimensional glow that makes everyone feel relaxed.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Abigail Ahern

01:30 How Abigail started her career in publishing for Sir Terence Conran

02:00 Moving to Detroit and diving into interior design without formal training

06:00 The inspiration behind her incredibly lifelike faux floral collection

12:00 Tips for bending, mixing, and styling faux stems to look wild and natural

20:00 Why Abigail loves dark, moody wall colors and how to pull them off confidently

30:00 The importance of layered lighting and varying light heights in a room

45:00 Entertaining tips and why hospitality-style lighting matters more than the food

59:00 Closing thoughts & where to find Abigail

Also Mentioned:

Abigail Ahern | Website

Follow Abigail on Instagram: @abigailahern

Shop Ballard Designs

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!

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Today, Caroline and Tayrn are thrilled to welcome Katie Tamony to the podcast! Katie spent a decade (2001 to 2011) as the Editor-in-Chief of Sunset Magazine, celebrating the seamless indoor-outdoor living of the West Coast. Today, she heads up marketing and trend forecasting for Monrovia, one of the country's premier plant nurseries.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Monrovia grows over 4,000 varieties of plants—from trees and shrubs to perennials and exquisite edibles—across thousands of acres in the US. Katie joins us to discuss the fascinating world of plant breeding, the top landscape trends shaping our backyards, and why you shouldn't be afraid to aggressively prune your plants!

Quick Gardening Trends & Takeaways:

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

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We have a wonderful returning guest this week! Atlanta-based interior designer Lauren DeLoach is back on the podcast to share everything she learned while designing and installing her daughter's freshman dorm room at Ole Miss.

As we launch the new Ballard Designs dorm line, Lauren sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to give the ultimate masterclass in dorm decorating. She explains how she tackled awkward cinderblock walls, the secret to finding the true dimensions of a dorm room, and why "Alien Tape" is a dorm parent's best friend.

Quick Decorating & Dorm Takeaways:

Find the "Master Map": Don't just rely on the general dorm dimensions provided by the college. Lauren explains that to truly plan a layout, you need to seek out the building's "master maps" (often passed around in college parent Facebook groups). These maps will show you exactly where the architectural quirks are located in your specific room, like vertical plumbing chases and window soffits.

The Magic of Alien Tape: To soften the harsh cinder block walls, Lauren used a genius trick to hang full-wall drapery without drilling or damaging the school's property: Alien Tape! It provided enough grip to hold the drapes and create a beautiful faux-fabric wall behind the beds.

Pack in IKEA Bags: When moving a kid into college, Lauren highly recommends packing softer items in the oversized, zip-up plastic IKEA bags. They are incredibly durable, hold a massive amount of stuff, and can even be checked as luggage on a flight if you are traveling out of state.

Start with the Bed: In a dorm room, the bed is practically the only furniture you have to work with. Lauren and her daughter's roommate coordinated their space using a fresh "Spa and Sage" color palette from Ballard Designs. They started by picking a ditsy floral fabric for the headboards, and then layered the beds with the spa-colored Audrey coverlet and buffalo check duvets.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Lauren DeLoach

01:30 Designing a freshman dorm room at Ole Miss

02:00 Starting the design with a "Spa and Sage" palette and buffalo check bedding

03:00 The importance of coordinating designs with the new roommate

04:00 Why you need the "master map" to find hidden chases and soffits

20:00 Hanging wall-to-wall drapery with Alien Tape to cover cinder blocks

28:00 Tricks for packing and moving using oversized IKEA bags

36:00 Transitioning quality dorm decor into a future college apartment

45:00 Closing thoughts & where to find Lauren's work

(Note: Timestamps are approximate based on the transcript segments provided; be sure to double-check against your final audio file!)

Also Mentioned:

Lauren DeLoach Interiors | Website 

Follow Lauren on Instagram: @laurendeloachinteriors

Shop the Ballard Designs Dorm Line - ballarddesigns.com/dormcatalog

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!

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We are back for a long-overdue "Trials & Triumphs" episode! It has been a hot minute since Caroline, Taryn, and Liz sat down to share their personal home updates, but they have plenty of stories to catch up on.

Caroline gives a highly anticipated update on her daughter Birdie's room and shares a hilarious PSA about why you should always check your pockets before doing laundry. Plus, the ladies discuss the convenience of plug-in lighting and how to update a space without needing to hire an electrician.

Quick Decorating & Homeowner Takeaways:

The Big Girl Bed Transition: Caroline shares that they finally received Birdie's new bed (which features a handy trundle!). It’s been a great success, and she emphasizes how proud kids get when they have a space that feels like their own "big kid" room.

The Magic of Plug-In Sconces: If you need extra lighting but don't want to hire an electrician or tear into your drywall, plug-in sconces are the way to go. Caroline recommends plug-in swingarm wall sconces (specifically mentioning some great finds from Lamps Plus) as an easy, stylish solution.

Laundry PSA: Always check your pockets! Caroline learned the hard way that accidentally washing a fish oil vitamin will leave your entire load of laundry smelling terribly.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

00:00 Welcome back to Trials & Triumphs!

01:25 Caroline’s Triumph: Birdie’s big girl bed has arrived and she loves showing it off

02:00 Navigating the toddler bed transition (and a few minor tumbles)

06:00 Caroline’s Trial: The fish oil vitamin laundry disaster

12:00 Caroline’s Triumph: Updating lighting with plug-in swingarm wall sconces

18:00 Catching up on Taryn and Liz's current home projects and finding the right "Homework Cafe" vibe

Also Mentioned:

⁠Lamps Plus⁠

Shop ⁠Ballard Designs⁠

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!

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We are thrilled to welcome a designer who perfectly embodies American laid-back, high-style design: Nathan Turner! As a fifth-generation Californian, his work is infused with sunny colors, natural textures, and bold, fun touches. Nathan joins Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to talk about his highly anticipated third book, I Love Decorating: Creating Stylish, Thoughtful, and Personal Spaces.

Nathan shares the hilarious and serendipitous story of his career, from getting a double major in business and economics to working as an antiques buyer in Europe simply because he spoke Italian. He also reminisces about his first Los Angeles shop, where his legendary in-store dinner parties accidentally launched his entire interior design career.

Quick Decorating & Career Takeaways:

Be Open to the Unexpected Pivot: Nathan stresses the importance of being open to new opportunities, especially early in your career. Despite having a practical degree in business and economics, he leaned into his love of Italy and the Italian language, which eventually landed him a job as an assistant and buyer for an antiques dealer.

Make Your Space Feel Like a Home: When Nathan opened his first shop in LA, he didn't just display items on shelves—he reinstalled the building's little kitchen and started cooking for friends and decorators. By setting the shop up to feel like a real home and hosting events, he naturally showcased his aesthetic and inspired people to hire him.

Embrace the "Adventure Yes": Even when clients first started asking Nathan to design their homes, he didn't have formal interior design experience. He describes himself as an "adventure yes" kind of person: he agreed to the projects and trusted his eye, esthetic chops, and work ethic to figure it out along the way.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Nathan Turner

00:57 Discussing Nathan's new book, I Love Decorating

01:41 How Nathan started his design career completely "by accident"

02:07 Getting a degree in business and economics to appease his parents

03:19 Studying abroad in Siena, Italy and embracing his "Italian era"

05:18 The chance meeting with an antiques dealer in San Juan Capistrano

06:12 Prematurely opening his own LA shop and running out of money by January

07:14 The famous LA shop dinner parties and the LA Times feature

08:22 Hosting elaborate events, like tenting the shop for a Turkish dinner

08:51 Transitioning organically into residential interior design

50:53 Closing thoughts and finding Nathan's fabrics at Ainsworth Noah

Also Mentioned:

New Book: I Love Decorating: Creating Stylish, Thoughtful, and Personal Spaces by Nathan Turner

Previous Books: American Style and I Love California

Ainsworth Noah (Fabric Showroom)

Shop Ballard Designs

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!

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Today we are thrilled to welcome Jessica Whitley, the creative director of Jessica Whitley Studios in Athens, Georgia. Jessica is a true multihyphenate: a former corporate CPA who swapped crunching numbers for designing beautiful spaces and creating art!

Jessica sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to share her serendipitous career pivot, why she treats her own home like a "test kitchen," and how her travels across all seven continents influence her aesthetic. She also discusses the process behind designing the Rivet House—a stunning boutique hotel inside an old industrial mill—and explains why studying the "flight pattern" of a room is the true secret to good design.

Quick Decorating Takeaways:

Study the "Flight Pattern": Jessica is obsessed with function. Before she worries about how a room looks, she analyzes how people will actually move through it. She suggests thinking about the "flight pattern" of a space—like who is opening the refrigerator door, where kids are running in, and how you entertain—to ensure the layout actually serves your daily life.

Listen to the Location: It is easy to get caught up in whatever kitchen or bathroom is currently trending on Pinterest. Instead of copying trends, Jessica recommends looking at the specific location and architecture of the building and asking, "what does it want to be?" to create a much more authentic space.

Treat Your Home Like a Test Kitchen: If you are nervous about design, use your own home to experiment. Jessica tested every fabric for durability against kids and guests in her own house before using them for clients, which gave her the confidence to know her designs would actually hold up to real life.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Jessica Whitley 

01:26 Jessica’s serendipitous journey from corporate accounting to art and interior design 

04:06 Treating her first home like a "test kitchen" for fabrics and function 

04:41 Shifting away from Pinterest trends to find authentic, location-specific design 

05:24 Why analyzing the "flight patterns" of a family is the key to good design 

07:17 How traveling the world (specifically the Cotswolds and Amsterdam) shapes Jessica's aesthetic 

07:51 The story behind designing the Rivet House boutique hotel in Athens, Georgia 

49:37 The difficulty (and importance) of editing and restraint in design 

50:00 Closing thoughts & where to find Jessica's work 

Also Mentioned:

Jessica Whitley Studio | Website

Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jessicawhitleystudio

Rivet House (Athens, GA) 

Shop Ballard Designs

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!

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We are so excited to welcome one of our favorite guests back to the podcast—the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Flower Magazine and a true entertaining expert—Margot Shaw!

Margot sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to celebrate the release of her gorgeous new book, Flowering Outdoors: Gardens and Parties. A follow-up to her bestselling book Living Floral, this new release focuses entirely on inspiring gardens and al fresco entertaining. Margot shares some of her favorite projects from the book, including the stunning restoration of the storied Gray Gardens estate, and explains why she believes place cards are a non-negotiable for any gathering.

Quick Decorating & Entertaining Takeaways:

Honor a Home's History: Margot discusses the beautiful revival of the iconic Gray Gardens estate by Liz Lange. When updating a historic property, Margot notes how important it is to keep the original spirit alive while adding your own personal touches (like Liz's dramatic round pool). It ensures the home feels referential and soulful, rather than just being a "pretty house".

Never Skip the Place Cards: Whether you are hosting an elaborate dinner party or simply having dinner with a group of friends on a cruise, Margot insists that place cards are essential. Assigning seats eliminates the awkward "moment of panic" for guests figuring out where to sit, and it allows you to thoughtfully mix up the conversation.

Embrace the "Stretch Goal": When flipping through beautifully styled tabletops and garden parties, it's okay if not everything is easy to replicate. Look for the simple, easy-to-accomplish details (like menus or pretty napkins) while also embracing the grander setups as aspirational "stretch goals" for your own hosting.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Margot Shaw

00:52 Discussing Margot's brand new book, Flowering Outdoors: Gardens and Parties

02:25 Bringing the book's inspiration to life for spring entertaining

03:28 The standout project: The history and revival of Gray Gardens

04:14 How Liz Lange honored "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" in her restoration

06:46 The process of curating content for the new book vs. the magazine

08:14 The case for always using place cards to make guests feel comfortable

01:00:07 Closing thoughts & where to get the book

Also Mentioned:

New Book: Flowering Outdoors: Gardens and Parties by Margot Shaw

Previous Book: Living Floral by Margot Shaw

Flower Magazine

Gray Gardens

Shop Ballard Designs

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!

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Tuck in and get lost in the Spring 2026 catalog with us! In this special bonus episode, the team does a deep dive into the brand-new Spring/Summer 2026 Items. We’re covering all the inspiration behind the season—from earthy pastels and coastal chic vibes to the return of classic motifs like ruffles, stripes, and natural wovens.

Whether you’re looking for a "wow" moment for your bedroom with the wave-shaped Veda Bed or seeking the perfect outdoor setup with the Berkshire Porch Swing, we cover our absolute favorites that are landing in your homes this year. Plus, stay tuned until the very end for a "cheap and cheerful" surprise prize for our dedicated listeners!

Products Mentioned:

Carson Kressley Collection - https://bit.ly/3OELEri

Westbury Woven Table - https://bit.ly/48kkrAT

Veda Woven Bed - https://bit.ly/491huFp

Reya Bar Cabinet - https://bit.ly/3OJJDdo

Flamands Mirror - https://bit.ly/4tyST3h

Henry Console - https://bit.ly/3Qph2KZ

Ramona Dining Chair - https://bit.ly/3Oomr4p

Torino Bookcase - https://bit.ly/4e8qWKH

Victoria Secretary - https://bit.ly/4u6eUGk

Maris Office Collection - https://bit.ly/4tzAYJI

Regina Chandellier - https://bit.ly/4tZLtG2

Berkshire Porch Swing - https://bit.ly/4e1AW8y

Suzanne Kasler Bedford Collection - https://bit.ly/4d1izzw

Biloxi Outdoor Collection - https://bit.ly/3OkMwkQ

Kelly Outdoor Rug - https://bit.ly/4sPqggT

Somerset Outdoor Collection - https://bit.ly/48kkkoX

Alexandra Accent Plates - https://bit.ly/4mOQhf3

Essie Bedding Collection - https://bit.ly/48npssp

Halyard Striped Drapery - https://bit.ly/4cLy2mb

Dayna Bed - https://bit.ly/4cvVIMs

Andrea Armchair - https://bit.ly/4mP2WOT

Bruno Kitchen Pantry - https://bit.ly/4e1Z1fr

Briggs Storage Cabinet - https://bit.ly/42tbzW0

Cecil Tea Light - https://bit.ly/4cPi3nb

Tortoise Glass Candle Lamp - https://bit.ly/4mNJ6Uh

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Today we are joined by a designer who has become a fixture on the decor A-List and the AD100, known for her ability to mix classic proportions with a modern, joyful energy. We are thrilled to welcome Young Huh to the podcast!

Young sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to discuss her stunning debut book, A Mood, A Thought, A Feeling: Interiors. She shares the fascinating story of her career pivot from unhappy lawyer to celebrated interior designer, the life-changing epiphany she had at a cocktail party, and why you should always figure out how a room should feel before you worry about what it should look like.

Quick Decorating Takeaways:

Define the Mood Before the Style: Young believes that trying to articulate your specific decorating "style" can be overwhelming and restrictive. Instead, she starts every project by asking how the homeowner wants to feel in the space. Do you want it to be convivial for entertaining, or quiet and still? Defining the intended mood naturally dictates what elements you should bring into the room.

Trust the Bold Choice: While decorating her very first house in Scarsdale, Young decided to take a risk and paint her dining room a traditional, saturated red. That early experiment taught her how enveloping and wonderful color can be, proving that taking a bold design risk is often exactly the right move.

It's Never Too Late to Pivot: Before becoming an interior designer, Young went to law school and worked as a lawyer simply to fulfill familial expectations. She reminds listeners that we are constantly evolving creatures, and you should never be afraid to embrace a new adventure or take classes for something you are truly passionate about.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Young Huh

01:19 The inspiration and structure behind her debut book, A Mood, A Thought, A Feeling

03:20 Decorating her first home in Scarsdale and transitioning from apartments to a full house

04:25 The cocktail party epiphany that sparked her career change

04:50 The journey from being an unhappy lawyer to finding her true passion

06:56 What it was like going back to design school with a baby in tow

09:50 Young's early design experiments and the famous red dining room

11:19 Why identifying your desired "mood" is easier than defining your "style"

12:23 Designing living rooms for conviviality and entertaining vs. peaceful stillness

Also Mentioned:

Book: A Mood, A Thought, A Feeling: Interiors by Young Huh

Young Huh Interior Design | Website

Follow Young on Instagram: @younghuh

Shop Ballard Designs

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!

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We are heading up to the beautiful coast of Maine for today's episode! Our guest is Laura Keeler Pierce, the founder and principal designer of the New England-based interior design firm Keeler & Co., and the co-founder of Rusticator, a curated home furnishings shop located in Seal Harbor, Maine.

Laura sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to discuss her signature aesthetic, which masterfully blends historic New England charm with modern, updated livability. She shares how growing up moving from city to city shaped her design eye, the inspiration behind the "rusticator" lifestyle in Acadia National Park, and her approach to designing incredible commercial spaces like the reimagined Claremont Hotel.

Quick Decorating Takeaways:

Respect the Architecture: When working with older, historic homes, Laura believes in maintaining the architectural integrity while infusing it with modern character. Don't fight the bones of the house—embrace them, and let the history of the home inform your material and fabric choices.

The "Rusticator" Lifestyle: Inspired by Mount Desert Island's iconic summer cottages, Laura recommends looking for "first-generation heirlooms." These are timeless, well-crafted, sturdy pieces that can handle everyday life (and sandy feet) but still bring a sense of tailored elegance and deep comfort to a space.

Mix Classic with Contemporary: A room shouldn't feel like a museum. Laura creates warmth by layering classic, traditional patterns (like Sister Parish or William Morris & Co.) with fresh colors, vintage bamboo pieces, and contemporary art to keep the room feeling spirited, welcoming, and deeply personal.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Laura Keeler Pierce

02:00 Growing up surrounded by "sawdust and custom draperies"

06:00 Balancing a heritage design sensibility with modern living

12:00 The foundation of Keeler & Co. in Boston and Maine

18:00 The story behind Rusticator in Seal Harbor and the island lifestyle

25:00 How to source timeless furnishings and everyday heirloom pieces

32:00 The design process for reimagining the historic Claremont Hotel property

38:00 How a sense of place and local nature influences interior color palettes

45:28 Closing thoughts and where to visit Rusticator in person

Also Mentioned:

Keeler & Co. | Website

Rusticator (Seal Harbor, ME) | Website

The Claremont Hotel

Follow Keeler & Co. on Instagram: @keelerandco

Follow Rusticator on Instagram: @rusticatorshop

Shop Ballard Designs

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices