Last week, I interviewed a designer who strongly follows and advocates for design rules, and while that method works for some, I advocate for a different, more personal approach to home design. I discussed various design rules, their origins, and how they can be broken to create a unique, joyful space that reflects individual style. I categorized design rules into three buckets: classical aesthetic principles, practical rules learned through trial and error by pros, and cultural trends. I believe in playing with these rules rather than strictly adhering to them. I shared my thoughts on specific rules such as lighting sources, scale of lampshades, furniture placement for flow, family portraits, rug sizes, and curtain lengths, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'why' behind each rule. For me, design is more art than science, and I encourage exploring and creating a space that truly represents one's unique style. Slow Style is about enjoying the process of decorating and finding joy in creating beauty that resonates personally.

Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I sit down with Betsy Helmuth, a professional designer known for her fast-paced, rule-based approach, which contrasts with my slow style method. While I emphasize self-exploration and taking time to layer a home, Betsy's clients prioritize efficiency and clear guidelines to avoid mistakes in their design decisions. Betsy shares how she helps her New York City clients choose practical, affordable furniture, often from Ikea, over high-end pieces due to their transient living situations. She provides tips like investing in items with moving parts, such as drawers, for better durability. Betsy also discusses her method for creating a cohesive color palette using an inspiration piece with three colors, and her 60-30-10 rule for color distribution. This episode highlights the value of understanding multiple approaches to design and finding what best aligns with your preferences.

Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I had a delightful conversation with Danielle Balanis, a Birmingham-based designer known for her bold, layered, and mixed aesthetic. Danielle's designs exude joy, abundance, and energy, adhering to the principles of the Slow Style philosophy. She emphasizes developing an aesthetic rather than adhering to strict style categories, focusing on creating evocative experiences rather than matching products. Danielle draws inspiration from varied sources like fashion and film and stresses the importance of playing with design elements and taking time to let styles unfold. We discussed several projects where she broke conventional design rules, such as rejecting the 60-30-10 color rule and using unusual combinations and scales. Danielle shared specific stories behind her projects, such as draping a whole bathroom to create a luxurious feel and using unexpected elements like antique mirrors and layered patterns. She highlighted a family room framed with dramatic portières and a moody, persimmon-accented bedroom designed for a show house. In her personal creative space, she showcased a blend of textures, colors, and collected items that reflect her unique style. This conversation is full of advice for those hesitant to embrace bold designs, encouraging you to trust your instincts and explore.

Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

Today I'm sharing a 1:1 coaching call from a listener who wanted help with his basement bar. It's a small area that he felt could use a big update.  And he wanted to use his recent trip to Germany as a jumping off point.  If you're watching this on YouTube, you'll see photos of his bar and some shots I pulled from German taverns for inspiration. 

Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this first episode of my new "Fix My Room" series, I take you behind the scenes of a real-life design coaching session with Kathleen. Join me as I help her transform a frustrating living room into a peaceful, light-filled space by focusing on what truly brings her joy. We'll explore how a few strategic changes—removing heavy curtains, relocating clutter, and finding the perfect rug—can completely shift how you experience a room. This isn't about spending lots of money, but about creating intentional, meaningful design that reflects your personal style.

Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I sit down with Barbara Boyle, author of 'Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300 Year Old Italian Farmhouse.' Barbara shares her journey from a successful advertising career to renovating and living in an old Italian farmhouse. Her initial inspiration came during a honeymoon trip to Europe where she fell in love with a small Italian town. She speaks about the sense of community and belonging she found, the bravery it took to leave her life in San Francisco, and the challenges, including concerns about family and her unexpected battle with breast cancer. Barbara also paints a vivid picture of her home's transformation, blending modern and traditional elements, and discusses the meaningful items she brought from her old home. Her story is one of transformation, adventure, and finding joy in the slow, intentional living that Italy offers.

Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

Happy 2025! I love the new year and the sense of starting over it brings. In this episode, I steer clear of trends and focus on a slow style approach to interior design. Instead of overwhelming yourself with big changes, I suggest sitting in each room of your home to take stock of what makes you happy and what doesn't. I encourage you to use inspirations like new hobbies, recent travels, and the desire to declutter to make meaningful transformations. The goal is to make your home reflect your evolving self and create spaces that give back to you. 
Link mentioned in this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/869740/episodes/15483666-step-1-for-room-makeovers-the-magical-first-step-you-ve-been-skipping.mp3?download=true

Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In the final episode of the Slow Style Home podcast for 2024, I talk to Stephanie O'Dea, the author of 'Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle Driven World.' We dive into how her book provides actionable steps for reorienting one's mindset towards a purposeful life, away from societal pressures. Stephanie explains the concept of slow living, which she defines as 'simply look only within,' focusing on intentional, sustainable living. We discuss her transition from writing bestselling cookbooks to advocating slow living, her experiences with societal pressures, and the necessity of aligning personal success with authentic desires. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of small, manageable steps towards goals, rather than striving for perfection. We also touch on the implications of social media-induced FOMO and decision fatigue, and the need to remain intentional in our daily lives.

Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Nina Watson, a designer whose thoughtful and intentional approach to her home perfectly embodies the Slow Style principles I teach. As we talked, her stories brought these principles to life, offering real-world examples of how they can transform not just our spaces, but the way we live in them.

We explored how Style Evolves through her reimagined design choices, like lightening molding in her kitchen to better serve the space. Nina’s process reminds us that living with our design choices helps us understand and refine them over time. We also explored the principle that Life Informs Style. For Nina, this means creating spaces that are practical and reflective of her family’s routines and needs. Nina spoke about how Style Reflects Your Values. Her home is a testament to sustainability and the joy of storytelling. From upcycled flea market treasures to her custom ruby-red front door, every element is chosen with care and intention. Nina’s designs aren’t just beautiful—they tell the story of her family, their values, and the life they’re building together.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or uncertain about your home, this episode is full of inspiration to embrace the Slow Style principles. Nina’s approach shows how design can be a joyful, reflective process that helps us create spaces that feel truly our own.

Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

When I sat down with Lauren Emerson and Genevieve Hewson of Walter G., I was transported into the world of block printing, where craftsmanship and soul meet.  We spoke about the philosophy behind 'slow style,' emphasizing the importance of handmade and artisan products and the ethical considerations of their creation. We discuss the unique tactile and visual qualities of handmade fabrics and the stories they carry into our homes. Lauren and Genevieve share their personal experiences and inspirations from their travels, particularly their time in India, where they learned traditional block printing techniques. We also touch on their approach to design, inspired by antique and global motifs, and their seamless integration of traditional and modern elements. Join us for an insightful conversation that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the beauty and soul embedded in every Walter G design.

Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!