Style Matters

Style Matters

By Karen GrantSociety & Culture
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Style Matters episodes

  • Creative Homes Come From Curiosity with Michal Silver of Christopher Farr Cloth
    In this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I speak with Michal Silver, Creative Director at Christopher Farr Cloth, whose work is guided by curiosity, collaboration, and a deep respect for history. Michal shares how their textiles and wallpapers grow slowly from long conversations with artists, archives, and craftspeople around the world—allowing time for ideas to unfold rather than following fast-paced production cycles. She reflects on the joy of being pushed out of her comfort zone, the role of the hand in design, and the importance of creating interiors that feel personal and lived-in rather than perfect. Ultimately, this conversation is about embracing the slow evolution of home and creativity—letting spaces grow with us, layer by layer.
    Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!
    34 min
  • Managing The Stuff We Already Have Before The Holidays Hit with Tracy McCubbin
    In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I talk with professional organizer Tracy McCubbin about how to approach the holidays with less clutter and more intention. Tracy shares what it’s been like helping clients rebuild after the LA fires and how loss reshapes our relationship with stuff. We discuss mindful giving, thoughtful donations, and finding joy in using what we already have. Her reminder stayed with me: your home should support you, not overwhelm you—and small, simple steps can make that possible.
    Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!
    24 min
  • Designers at Home: Craftsman Bungalow & Antiques, 1700s to Mid-Century with Julia Chasman
    If you’ve ever wondered how a designer really lives, you’ll love this week’s “Designers at Home” episode. I visited Julia Chasman in her Pasadena Craftsman, and her home is a masterclass in warmth, humor, and fearless pattern mixing. We talk about her buffalo-check chair from the Pasadena Showcase, the story behind her antique Steinway, and why a little imperfection—and a wink of whimsy—makes a room come alive.  
    Julia’s space feels like Slow Style in motion: personal, soulful, and full of stories. Tune in if you need a dose of creative inspiration and want to remember why decorating your home should always bring you joy. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!
    34 min
  • How To Use Color, Pattern and Texture to Tell Personal Stories with Vern Yip
    In this final episode of the season, I get to sit down with the one and only Vern Yip—yes, that Vern Yip! You probably know him from his trailblazing days on design television, but today he joins me to talk about his beautiful new book, Color, Pattern, Texture. We dive into everything from the deeply personal story of a scroll his mother carried while fleeing communist China, to how he uses those kinds of meaningful objects as the foundation for timeless design. Vern shares why starting with what matters most to you—not trends—creates homes that are layered, enduring, and uniquely yours. We look closely at some of the spaces from his book, break down why they work, and talk about the emotional side of design: how a room can tell your story, reflect who you are, and even help you step into who you want to become.
    Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!
    44 min
  • From Moroccan Souks to Your Living Room: The Art of Global Mixing with Stephanie Rudloe
    In this episode, I talk with designer and shop owner Stephanie Rudloe about her work with Marrakesh Designs and her long collaboration with Moroccan artisans. Stephanie shares how she first fell in love with Moroccan craft, from rugs and doors to brass lighting and pottery, and how these handmade pieces bring depth and character into our homes. We also explore how to layer just a touch of Morocco into everyday interiors in a way that feels natural and personal without going overboard or being overly thematic. What we find is that certain Moroccan objects and motifs have been design staples for many decades in America. 
    Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!
    33 min
  • Sustainable Brands and Affordable Beauty with Molly Carter
    In this episode, I sit down with designer and shop owner Molly Carter, whose passion for sustainability and storytelling in design is contagious. We talk about what it means to buy with your values, how she sources everything from hundred-year-old rugs to locally made candles, and why slowing down matters when you’re building a home. Molly shares the stories behind her favorite projects, including a wine country retreat and a mid-century gem in Placerville, and reminds us that every choice—from a pillow to a piece of art—can carry history, culture, and care. 
    Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!
    23 min
  • Natural vs. Man Made: Why your Floors, Countertops and Walls Want Real Stone with Breda & Guy Kellner
    In this episode, I sit down with Breda and Guy Kellner of Paris Ceramics to talk about their extraordinary work with natural and reclaimed stone. I’ve long admired how they honor the history and geology of each material, transforming salvaged slabs into flooring, fireplaces, and surfaces that feel both timeless and deeply alive. We talk about what it means to live with materials that change and age, why patina is worth celebrating, and how true craftsmanship connects us to the past while shaping spaces for the future. This is a conversation about beauty, imperfection, and choosing to design with time—not trends.
    Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!
    23 min
  • The Art-First Approach: Color, Pattern, and Personality in Interior Design with Natalie Papier
    In this episode, I talk with Natalie Papier about her new book, “Start With the Art”. Natalie explains why the art you choose—whether it’s from a flea market, your kids, or a gallery—can and should be the starting point for designing a room. We discuss how art can shape color palettes, patterns, and materials, and why it tells the real story of a home. Natalie also shares examples from her own spaces, offers advice on experimenting with paint and scale, and emphasizes the importance of adding humor (think a six-foot fiberglass ostrich) and personality to your interiors. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!
    33 min
  • Updating Your Kitchen The Slow Style Way, Featuring Barbara Ballinger and Margaret Crane
    Looking back, my kitchen has gone through many lives. It started with painted cabinets and bamboo floors on a tight budget, then evolved through a moody green phase during COVID before finally landing on a navy-and-white look inspired by the sea. Along the way, we tiled to the ceiling, swapped in a gorgeous Bertazzoni stove, shiplapped the ceiling, and added furniture pieces to make it feel warm and lived-in rather than purely functional. Each change taught me something about color, materials, and the value of taking time to figure out what really works.With my renovation journey behind me, I sit down with Barbara Ballinger and Margaret Crane, authors of Kitchen Conversations, to talk about what really goes into creating a kitchen that works for you. We cover the basics like layout, storage, and lighting, and why planning for how you actually use the space matters more than following trends. Barbara and Margaret share practical tips on where to save, when to splurge, and how to avoid common renovation mistakes. We also discuss making design choices that last, adding personality to your kitchen, and how to approach the entire process without rushing it.
    Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!
    39 min
  • Listener Spotlight: Global Style with Maria Resto
    In this episode, I talked with Maria Resto, a longtime listener whose Chicago home reflects her love of travel, vintage finds, and evolving style. She shared how over 25 years she’s layered antiques, global pieces, bold textiles, and personal items—like a burgundy sofa and a juju hat—learning through trial and error to create rooms full of character. Maria also plans to highlight more of her Puerto Rican heritage, blending family history with her eclectic style. What excites her most is that a home can keep changing, staying personal and never truly “finished.”
    Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!
    23 min

About Style Matters

From the publisher's feed

Style Matters is all about the substance behind developing a personal style in your home and surrounding yourself with beauty in a way that is meaningful. We interview top stylists, designers,…