We have the pleasure of welcoming to the show Gabriela Eisenhart: the talented founder of Silo Studios in Atlanta, GA. With over a decade of experience & notable features in Architectural Digest and House Beautiful, Gabriela has made a name for herself designing beautiful spaces that blend personal stories with warmth and comfort.

In this episode, Gabriela shares her philosophy of slow design, which emphasizes the importance of thoughtfully curating your home over time rather than rushing to fill it with decor. She encourages listeners to choose pieces that hold personal significance, ensuring that your home reflects your evolving journey. Join us as we delve into Gabriela’s insights on creating elegant and meaningful spaces that tell your unique story.

Watch this week's episode as recorded on Ballard Designs YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/4g68RKI

Follow along with pictures of this week's decorating dilemma on the How to Decorate Blog: https://bit.ly/4fmFxzg

Hi Julia,

Gabriela and the hosts adore your happy blue kitchen and the warmth your entry grasscloth brings! To streamline your space, Gabriela suggests continuing the grasscloth into the entry area to maintain a cohesive look without overwhelming your charming New York apartment. If you're drawn to the floral pattern you mentioned, stick to using it on the mirror wall and door wall only, leaving the beam in neutral tones to serve as a gentle divider between spaces.

Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us, Julia. We hope these ideas help you create the perfect balance in your apartment!

- How to Decorate

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple 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 kick off 2025 by welcoming the legendary Obama White House interior designer Michael S. Smith to the show. With nearly 35 years in the industry, Michael has an incredible wealth of knowledge when it comes to creating beautiful spaces that blend traditional charm with modern elegance. During our conversation, he shares insights from his latest book, "Classic by Design," offering a peek into his unique design approach that celebrates personal taste while respecting the historical and cultural context of each home.

Michael also opens up about his remarkable experience redesigning the Obama White House, discussing how he balanced personal flair with the expectations of a public space. Plus, we dive into practical tips on selecting cherished antiques and the artful use of color to create harmonious, inviting environments that feel like home. Whether you're looking to refresh your space or simply gain inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable design wisdom and charming anecdotes that you'll want to soak up.

***Watch this week's episode as recorded in video form on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel***

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In the third and final installment of our decorating throwback series, Taryn shares her favorite episode with the group and teases the comprehensive mini-series on home building (episodes 229-232).

This mini-series brings together a wealth of expertise from interior designer Maggie Griffin, architect Kevin Clark, and builder Aaron Burgess. The conversations cover essential topics, including how to select the perfect property, make material choices, establish relationships with contractors, and navigate critical design decisions.

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Continuing their series of favorite throwback episodes, Liz, Caroline, and Taryn reminisce on memorable conversations with past guests before shining a special light on Ep. 318* with Brooke and Layla Gianetti.

Liz urges listeners to listen in to the story of the Gianettis, exploring their transformative journey from California to Tennessee to establish Patina Meadow. Discover the harmonious blend of farming and design and the lessons learned from this unique lifestyle shift. Gain insights into biodynamic farming, developing vibrant garden spaces, and how they are building a community through creativity and collaboration.**

*This throwback episode was originally published 7/18/2023

**Follow along with this throwback episode's decorating dilemma on the How to Decorate Blog: https://bit.ly/3BMzHtd

Tune in next week where Taryn will pick her favorite throwback in Part 3 of 3 of our decorating throwback series. Until then, happy decorating!

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In Part 1 of our new annual throwback series, Caroline, Taryn, and Liz revisit a memorable conversation with Susan Ferrier from Ep. 84* of the show that has inspired Caroline's approach to interior design since.

Susan Ferrier is a celebrated interior designer from Atlanta, GA. Known for her strategic use of light, texture, and contrast, Ferrier provides listeners with invaluable insights into her design process, emphasizing the thoughtful placement of furniture, the integration of scenic views, and the artful mixing of metals and textures to achieve timeless decor.

The throwback episode also includes a listener's decorating dilemma** that Susan helped solve, offering advice on successful room layout and effective use of lighting in difficult spaces.

*This throwback episode was originally published 4/16/2019

**Follow along with this throwback episode's decorating dilemma on the How to Decorate Blog: https://bit.ly/4gzBroH

Tune in next week where Liz will pick her favorite throwback in Part 2 of our decorating throwback series.Until then, happy decorating!

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We're thrilled to welcome Mallory Robbins and Elizabeth Bennett of Kansas City's design duo KOBEL + CO, who are celebrated for their distinctive style that seamlessly blends timeless treasures with modern aesthetics to create uniquely intimate spaces.

Mallory and Elizabeth share their secrets for crafting moods that capture both heart and style, kicking things off by diving into their client-centered approach, where understanding the desired feel and experience shapes the design journey. You’ll love their tips on using scale, texture, and layered lighting to transform any room into a moody masterpiece.

The design duo also explore the return of traditional entertaining spaces post-pandemic and share great advice on making bold choices in the kitchen. Don’t miss their take on designing imaginative kids' rooms, where creativity knows no bounds!

***Watch this week's episode as recorded in video form on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel***

***Follow along with pictures of this week's decorating dilemma on the How to Decorate Blog***

Lauren is seeking advice on selecting rugs for her office and dining room, which are visible from one another. Mallory and Elizabeth recommend anchoring both spaces with complementary sisal rugs for texture and using a unique-patterned runner to tie the spaces together. Additionally, they suggest rearranging the office furniture to create inviting zones while leveraging the beautiful bookshelves as focal points.

Best of luck, Lauren, and we can't wait to see how your inviting spaces come together!

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This week, Caroline and Liz welcome the visionary interior designer Kishani Perera, who merges aesthetics with health to create her signature Healthy Homes™. Kishani's approach to design emphasizes the use of curated, non-toxic materials and thoughtful design choices that not only respect the environment but also enhance the physical well-being of her clients.

Kishani discusses her evolution as a designer over the past 20 years, touching on everything from the beauty of antiques to her health challenges that inspired her focus on creating non-toxic living spaces. She provides invaluable insights on the importance of reusing materials and how these practices add character and warmth to a home. Join us as she shares her holistic view on design and how beautiful interiors can promote a healthier lifestyle.

***Watch this week's episode as recorded in video form on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel***

**Follow along with pictures of this week's decorating dilemma on the How to Decorate Blog**

Hi Karen,

Kishani and the hosts commend you for your beautiful living room rug choice! Your entryway rug might be causing some color conflict. Kishani suggests a more neutral area rug to harmonize the space while maintaining your original design. She emphasizes the importance of layering by suggesting a light fixture and possibly painting your doors to pop with color.

Best of luck with your space, and we hope these tips will help refine your entryway!

- How to Decorate

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Liz and Taryn chat with celebrated interior designers James Dolenc and Tom Riker of James Thomas. Since 2003, James and Tom have been transforming homes with their unique design philosophy centered on elegance and comfort. They discuss their journey from commercial interiors to high-end residential design, emphasizing details, historical understanding, and the importance of creating spaces that evoke emotion.

The conversation covers the duo's design heroes, the significance of team culture, and practical advice for both aspiring designers and homeowners. Additionally, they answer a listener's decorating dilemma about a challenging living room layout, providing thoughtful, expert solutions.

***Watch this week's episode as recorded in video form on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel***

**Follow along with pictures of this week's decorating dilemma on the How to Decorate Blog**

Hi, Joanne!

James and Tom suggest adding tongue and groove paneling to the ceiling for texture and continuity, incorporating a room-sized sisal rug, and updating window treatments with motorized shades for sun control. They advise lighter accent pillows to add warmth and scale the coffee table for balance. For personalized window solutions, they also recommend consulting a specialist.

Best of luck, Joanne, and we can’t wait to see your space transformation!

- How to Decorate

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Join Caroline and Taryn as we chat with talented Santa Monica-based designer Christine Markatos-Lowe, who dives deep into her innovative theory of color and space.

Get ready to be inspired as Christine shares her expert insights on mastering the color wheel, sparking emotions through color choices, and her top tips for finding the perfect hue harmony in your home. Discover how to seamlessly blend your existing art and textiles into new designs, and gain a sneak peek into the collaborative dance between designers and architects.

This week's podcast does not have a YouTube video version.

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This week, the ladies come together in Taryn's stunning new dining room for our much-loved annual holiday hosting special (can you believe it’s been a whole year already?! ) The trio are here to spill their personal hosting secrets and cherished holiday traditions, starting with Thanksgiving hosting rituals and meal prep hacks to deep dives into the art of holiday decorating.

Prepare to be inspired as they chat about all things Christmas trees. Whether you're Team Real or Team Pre-Lit, they've got great ideas to help you find your perfect match. Plus, they’ll share their creative spins on wreaths, stockings, and table settings that will wow your guests. As always, listener questions steal the spotlight: From convincing your partner to embrace a fabulous fake tree to easy-peasy strategies for low-effort, high-impact holiday décor, we cover it all in this year's holiday hosting special. Let’s make this season's decor one to remember!

Watch this week's episode as recorded on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel; Read our 2024 Holiday Hosting Recipes on the How to Decorate Blog.

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