How to Decorate

This week, we welcome esteemed landscape architect Edmund Hollander, known for his award-winning career designing natural landscapes that blend with built architecture. In our conversation, we discussed his latest book "The Landscape of Home”, and some expert tips on designing a landscape that will look beautiful and inviting throughout all four seasons. Edmund also talks with us about the importance of having a master plan, working with your hardscape, and the connection between landscape and your favorite musical artist. Get ready for some plant inspiration! What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Soil testing and designing hardscape for outdoor living spaces. More about some of the gorgeous spaces and scapes featured in “The Landscape of Home”. Listening to land when it comes to design composition and getting spatial relationships correct. Designing gardens with a master plan for optimal functionality and aesthetics. Landscape design elements, including seasonality, hardscape, and plant selection. Grouping plants in repeating patterns for movement through the landscape. Layering plants at different heights for year-round visual interest. Driveways matter when it comes to setting the tone for your whole outdoor space. How often should you change the soil in your planter? How to go about blending what you want with the realistic amount of sunlight or shade in your space. Gardening ideas for smaller spaces. Shifting away from chemical-dependent landscapes towards healthier and more organic approaches. Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs The Landscape of Home Hollander Design

Atlanta-based interior designer Minhnuyet Hardy joins us this week to discuss common interior design mistakes and how to avoid them. Minhnuyet shares her expertise on proper rug sizing and orientation, as well as drapery width, hardware placement, and lining importance. She gives some great tips for measuring spaces and hanging artwork at the ideal height, pesky furniture delivery challenges, accessorizing with trays, and grouping small items. Follow along with this week's decorating dilemma here on the How to Decorate Blog. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Common rug size mistakes and how to properly size and orient rugs. Custom rug options for unique spaces. Drapery hardware placement and width considerations. Hanging drapery too low or not having it wide enough. Proper artwork hanging height and placement tips. Furniture delivery challenges in tight spaces. Why the tallest person in the house shouldn’t be the one hanging artwork. Accessorizing with trays and grouping small items. Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs Minhnuyet Hardy Watch the Full Episode - Ballard Designs YouTube Minhnuyet Hardy Interiors @minhnuyethardyinteriors Decorating Dilemma: Hi Amy Lynn! Thank you so much for your question - this is a great question. Here are some suggestions: First, painting the mantel trim the same color as the wall will help create a cohesive backdrop that draws the eye to your artwork. We would stack larger art pieces on the mantel that lean against the wall, layering smaller pieces in front. A large mirror with art displayed in front would also look very striking. Additionally, placing some birch logs inside the fireplace will add visual interest year-round. You could also consider stringing battery-operated twinkle lights during the holidays for a festive touch. We hope these ideas help highlight your beautiful original fireplace mantel! Also, be sure to check out our Essential Stocking Holder, it will be sleek and is great for kids!

We head to Tinseltown this week for a fun history lesson in LA design with accomplished author, Annie Kelly. Annie shares insights from her new book "City of Dreams: Los Angeles Interiors," offering a sweeping photographic survey of the city's most striking historic and contemporary homes. She discusses the inspiration behind the book and her longtime creative partnership with photographer Tim Street-Porter and shares a glimpse inside some of LA's most breathtaking modernist gems as well as historically significant homes. Annie also traces the evolution of the city's architecture from the early influence of the film industry to the innovative mid-century structures still inspiring interiors today. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: The inspiration behind Annie’s book, City of Dreams: Los Angeles Interiors. How the topography and terrain of LA helps foster different and often quite eccentric design choices. More about the influence of the film industry and influx of architects and artists after WWII on past and present design in LA. Annie shares more about how she chose the homes featured in the book to be more about interesting and captivating stories rather than just celebrities. Mid-century modern architecture in LA. More about Annie’s venetian-gothic home. Outdoor living and garden spaces that expanded entertaining areas. The evolution of LA's architecture from the grid pattern of flatlands to hillside communities. Renowned LA design stores and the characters behind them. Restoring iconic Case Study Houses for a new generation to appreciate. What is next for Annie and Tim? A sneak peek into a very exciting upcoming project. Ballard Designs City of Dreams: Los Angeles Interiors @anniehkelly @timstreetporter

‘Tis the season for all things outdoors! This week, we welcome Kelly Petrino and Amy Jordan from Ballard’s merchandising team for their expert advice on mixing and matching outdoor furniture and accessories to create beautiful and comfortable outdoor space. They talk about cushions, pillows, rugs, lighting, and planters to complete the look, along with sharing some great tips for incorporating different materials, styles, and textures to define your outdoor space. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Considerations for using outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella that are stain-resistant and fade-proof. Ideas for incorporating outdoor rugs to define spaces and add texture. Factors to consider when choosing outdoor sofas and seating, like cushion fill and frame materials. What should you look for when it comes to outdoor sofas and seating? Kelly and Amy's perspectives on the pros and cons of mixing collections versus opting for a coordinated set. Entertaining essentials such as outdoor safe drinkware, candles, romantic outdoor lighting, and lovely lamps. Mosquito-repelling drapery panels? Yes, please! Reasons to think about furniture layout in relation to your daily and entertaining needs beyond just aesthetics. Tips for defining spaces with planters. Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs

This week, we address frequent home decor challenges through the creative lens of designer Colleen Simonds. Colleen's playful portfolio spaces have been published in top outlets and she offers practical tips for navigating choices, layouts, color selection, art sourcing, window treatments, and establishing focal points. Colleen gives us some great strategies for transforming common pain points into imaginative designs tailored to one's lifestyle, including approaches for maximalism, small spaces, and connected rooms. Follow along with this week's decorating dilemma here. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: What are some of the most common pain points when it comes to decorating and design? How to fix pain points in layout, color, lighting, and scale. Tips for finding your focal point and then creating supporting characters around it. Sometimes it’s just about time and patience to fix your pain points, so take a deep breath! How to activate a small space rather than trying to make it look bigger. Why art tends to be a pain point, and how to find your personal art that feels collected rather than all over the place. Suggestions for simpler window treatments like woven wood shades. Editing a space with clean lines and limited pieces rather than overcrowding a space. Also Mentioned: Colleen Simonds Colleen Simonds IG Decorating Dilemma: Thanks for writing in, Kim! First, what a charming space! And your art and decor already feel very well collected. Colleen’s first suggestion would be wallpaper. You may consider a lighter-toned grass cloth to add warmth and texture. Or, if you want a pattern, a vertical wallpaper pattern can be a great way to lengthen the room and add some pop of color. A round table with a leaf can also open things up but still serve as a way to keep the flow between the rooms.

It’s all about developing your personal decorating style this week with Nashville interior designer Eric Ross. Eric has over 20 years of professional experience and has left his mark on homes in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and beyond. His work and eponymous design firm has been featured in publications like Luxe Magazine, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle and Country Living, and his book Enduring Southern Homes was released in 2019. We talk to Eric about tapping into your personal style, staying true to yourself as trends come and go, and how to turn your personal style into a furniture and design plan that works for your lifestyle. Follow along with this week's decorating dilemma here. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Tips for developing your own personal style in design. Eric talks about the inspiration behind his book, Enduring Southern Homes. How Eric works with clients who want that traditional touch, and the ways he gets to their heart. Tools for tapping into your personal style, such as Pinterest. It’s not always about throwing away things! It’s about finding the right way to use or display them. The importance of considering how a room will be used when selecting fabrics. The true gift of a designer is to find similarity amongst your things and to make your collection make sense. What if your personal style clashes with others in the home? Elegance doesn’t always have to mean formal! Eric’s rules for working with curtains, neutrals and prints. Yes, Eric has imagined himself throwing parties at your house! He explains how to create a true visual to tell your design story and make a plan that works for you. Also Mentioned: Eric Ross Interiors Eric Ross IG Decorating Dilemma: Hi Karah, Thank you so much for writing in! So, first, in true Eric fashion, it’s about more than just the chandelier. He starts off on the topic of scale, and suggests you add wainscoting on the second story to create consistency in geometry with the windows, and to bring down the ceiling height visually. This will also add texture to the walls. Next, Eric notes that the current chandelier does not have enough visual heft, so he recommends a heavier, barrel-style chandelier that would provide better proportions for the space. Eric suggests hanging the new chandelier between 66-72 inches from the floor to achieve the desired lighting effect while maintaining a relationship between the fixture and dining table. Hope this helps, and happy decorating!

This week, we welcome Atlanta-based designer Amy Morris, who shares some great tips on decorating with neutrals. Amy first shares a little more about her traditional style with a twist of modern and her process behind selecting fabrics with depth and texture. She goes deeper into using lights and darks to create visual interest and advises on finding the right pieces to make your home truly personalized. Amy details her favorite neutrals to use and the importance of really understanding your overall plan and angle in creating your dream living space. Follow along with this week's decorating dilemma here. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Yes, neutrals can bring drama! Amy explains more about the “psychology of design”. Using lights and darks to create contrast in a room. Some of Amy’s current favorite and most used neutrals include the yummy chocolate and paprika. Selecting fabrics and materials that also prioritize depth and texture. Finding pieces that work for you personally and making them work in the space. Embracing cohesion in design and avoiding impulse purchases. How we can use the idea of our “seasons” and color palette also in design. Remembering scale when it also comes to selecting lighting. Also Mentioned: Amy Morris Interiors Amy Morris IG Decorating Dilemma: Hi Ginger! Thank you for writing! Amy and our crew have some ideas. First, we suggest painting the foyer walls, trim, and even the stairs a bright white to lighten up the space. Then, consider replacing the traditional chandelier with a large lantern pendant light. You can create more visual interest by removing the ornate pieces from the cast iron handrail. One idea is also to replace the yellow wall color upstairs with a light neutral and swap out the 90s flush mount lights for a transitional sconce or chandelier style. Consider mounting a large framed artwork or mirror on the foyer wall to make a design statement. Add plants or a tray with accessories on the chest for visual layering. Updating the paint, lighting, and accessories as suggested will help make the entry and hallway feel brighter, more modern, and more welcoming while respecting the home's original character. Thanks so much and we can’t wait for an update!

This week, we're getting romantic and welcoming style director of Garden & Gun Haskell Harris to talk all about her newest book The House Romantic. We’ve long admired Haskell’s work at Garden & Gun and are thrilled to talk to her about curating a space that reflects your life experience and individual flair. Haskell also gives some great ideas for injecting soul and personal significance into your home environment, how to let perfectionism go, and why a pop of color just puts us in a good mood. Haskell talks about the process of creating her book and picking the right kindred spirits to showcase. Follow along with this week's decorating dilemma here. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: The inspiration behind writing The House Romantic. Choosing homes and individuals that approach decorating with soul, thought, and intellectual curiosity. More about the “kindred spirits” that are the subject of Haskell’s interviews in The House Romantic. Haskell’s love of finding young and undiscovered talent. Creating an authentic home environment free from the pressure of perfectionism or comparison. Dividing the book into chapters and pillars based on design elements like comfort, authenticity, and personal flair. We talk about some current design trends in the US and the UK. Haskell talks about the photography in The House Romantic and the intention to capture the homes as if you were going over for a cup of coffee. Haskell believes that the home is meant to be a spot where the brain and body can rest up and charge for the next day out in the world. Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs The House Romantic: Curating Memorable Interiors for a Meaningful Life @haskellharris Garden & Gun Decorating Dilemma: Hi Katie! Thank you so much, we also have a giant overthinker here too. Haskell’s first suggestion that we agree with is that a desk could give you a great place to rest and write. Then, we would suggest adding an accent chair to the space between the L-shaped sectional and the wall. A smaller, more compact chair would likely fit well in that area without making the space feel too crowded. As for scale, we would recommend choosing a chair that is proportionate to the size of the sectional so that it looks balanced in the space. A large, oversized chair may overwhelm the area. Positioning the chair at an angle, as suggested, could work nicely to draw the eye into that part of the room. Placing the chair near the bookshelves could help direct attention to that focal wall as well. Testing out options by borrowing chairs from other rooms first could help determine what works best for the overall flow and layout. Overall the space looks large enough to accommodate a chair without issues. Filling that empty area would balance out the room and make the seating arrangement feel more complete. Thanks and good luck!

This week, we catch up on all our trials and triumphs that have been collecting since before the holiday season. We talk about our paint color powerpoints, water-related issues, learning from our mistakes to plan ahead, and the beauty of a delicious home-cooked meal. We get updates on Taryn’s basement renovation, which leads to a conversation about the challenges that often come with big DIY projects. Ballard Designs

This week, we welcome back legendary interior designer Bunny Williams. In preparation of her new book Life in the Garden to release in March 2024, Bunny generously shares some great tips on planning successful gardens from starting small to considering ongoing maintenance. Bunny also offers advice for novice gardeners, including prioritizing manageable tasks, plant care, pot selection, and using garden structures to enhance outdoor spaces. Get ready to be inspired to spend some time outdoors! What You’ll Hear On This Episode: What inspired Bunny to make Life in the Garden. How a plan in your garden can help you stay organized and on track. Bunny shares memories of growing up in Virginia and how it shaped her approach to hospitality and entertaining. Great advice for novice gardeners. All about plant care and keeping your garden healthy and beautiful. How to find the right pot for your plant. Ornamentation and structure is such a huge part of your garden. What Bunny’s planting season looks like. The logistics of garden photography. Where Bunny sources her plants and garden materials. Mentioned: Ballard Designs Website IG Life in the Garden Decorating Dilemma: Follow along with this week's decorating dilemma here. Hi Wendy! First off, you have a beautiful house. Bunny suggests adding a large wool or area rug to define the space and make it extra cozy. Arranging a pair of comfortable wingback chairs on either side of the fireplace with an ottoman or bench between them for extra seating will draw attention to the fireplace rather than block the view. You could also consider small sofas or built-in banquettes along the walls for additional seating options Placing furniture in this space will help utilize it beyond just a pass-through, connecting it more to the living room area. A rug, chairs and ottoman/bench would make it a lovely sitting space to enjoy the fireplace from. Installing flush mount light fixtures rather than fluorescent lights can provide softer, more attractive lighting in areas like the kitchen and back hallway. Finally, moving the dining room table to the center of the space rather than against the window seat can improve the low and use of the dining area.

Award-winning architect and best-selling author Gil Schafer joins us this week to discuss his beautiful third book, “Home at Last”. Gil shares the inspiration behind his new work, along with a behind-the-scenes look of a few of the featured homes. Gil discusses some ways to blend styles and design homes that stand the test of time, advice for creating spaces that foster family memories, and how to think out of the box without being too gimmicky. Gil is one of the most sought-after architects of the last two decades because of his authenticity, his impeccable style, and his practical approach to designing the house of your dreams. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Gil shares how personal experiences like marriage and the pandemic shaped his perspective between books. How we can create our “forever homes” to adapt to changing needs over time. Tips for considering landscape architecture early in the design process. Some of the unique stories behind projects featured in Home at Last. Ideas for updating a bedroom and sitting room combination space. The importance of blending architectural styles to create classic designs. Why Gil says he’s allergic to gimmicks! If you are able to, it’s helpful to have an architect or landscape designer evaluate the land before purchasing it to make sure the house can be built safely and efficiently. More about the beautiful English Country home and its gorgeous stairwell. What emotional pieces and places have affected Gil’s personal style and served as inspiration? Mentioned: Ballard Designs Gil Schafer IG Home At Last Decorating Dilemma: Thank you for writing in! Gil has some great suggestions to help modernize and tie in the bedroom with the sitting room spaces. First, consider installing custom built-in cabinetry across the nook area. This can help you better organize the space and allow the TV to be lowered to a more comfortable viewing height. Larger scaled lamps on either end of the built-ins would also help make the space feel more intentional. Slipcovering the green velvet chairs in a clean, white fabric may appeal to your husband's more modern taste while keeping one chair to balance the space. Use a folding screen around the desk area to conceal electronics and cords in a neat yet removable way for when the space is used as an office. Hang the bedroom curtains on a high-mounted rod to make the most of the tall ceilings and draw the eye up. Layering patterns would help tie the space together. Replace the carpet with jute or sisal for a softer, flatter surface, and layer area rugs on top to highlight the antique rug. And finally, add artwork around the television after it's lowered to make that wall feel more integrated into the space. Best of luck, and keep us updated!

We are joined this week by Megan Molten, Charleston interior designer and shop owner. Megan is known for her modern, light, and airy design sense, where she effortlessly mixes feminine and masculine elements together for a balanced and clean result. Megan talks with us about learning how to take bigger risks, how to embrace your coastal style, and ways to incorporate pattern and color through accessories like vases and artwork. Follow along with this week's decorating dilemma here. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Megan took a leap of faith and left her corporate career in sales to start her business after encouragement from friends and sharing her design work on social media. Why would Megan say “no” to a white sofa?! Take a deep breath - couch colors are important, but not life or death decisions. Tips for mixing metals. Want to change your artwork around? Look for affordable options for framing. What are some of the elements of coastal design? How Megan learned to take more risks with clients in bolder and darker choices. Some out-of-the-box coastal design accessories and ideas that aren’t your typical seashell. Designing vacation homes in Charleston with a minimalist approach that is also cozy and inviting. Finding that “wow” factor piece in your main spaces. How to build accessories into your budget. Mentioned: Ballard Designs Megan Molten @meganmolten Decorating Dilemma: Hi Chrissy! What a cool job to be a personal chef, and we love your vibe. You have a great base already, so here are some of our suggestions. First, we would take the track lighting down and drop a second chandelier over your sitting area. Megan loves the idea of the ceiling detail, possibly in a natural wood tone. Consider adding in a pair of lamps on the buffet table to bring in some of the brass accents. We love the idea of skylights and keeping the low lighting, but agree with no recessed lighting. As for the window in the living room, we would hang the drapery panels as high and wide as you can, and make sure you do drapery hooks and rings. In an effort to not make things too “matchy-matchy”, we would not do sconces that have drum shades like the lamp but instead would do something more contrasting.

It’s all about trends this week as we forecast what will be “in” for 2024, and what things we are happy to leave behind in last year. We are joined by Will and Hillary, both part of the product design team at Ballard Designs, who are on the frontlines of seeing all the upcoming trends in design. We discuss the resurgence of classic colors navy blue, the growing interest in environmentally conscious design, and the emergence of new trends like celestial yellow and pink. We also chat about materials used in furniture making, with a focus on personalization and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Watch the full video version of this week's episode now on YouTube. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Is beige no longer the go-to neutral? The trend alert for finishes, wallpaper, patterns, trims, and color. Will the explosion of soft colors carry over in 2024? The trend of bringing nature indoors through plants, materials, and decor. A few of our favorite “trendy” color patterns. The use of natural materials like bamboo, wicker, and even mushroom leather helps expand our eco-friendly options. How technology is also helping design - hello mosquito repelling drapery! What are some on-trend items that surprise us to the core? A few of the trends we are over and feel are so oversaturated. Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs Coloro: The Design Color System WGSN: Industry Trend Forecaster Please send in your questions and decorating dilemmas to podcast@ballarddesigns.net so we can answer them on our next episode!

This week, Taryn shares the update from building her dream house from the ground up. She shares her own trials and triumphs throughout the process, how she keeps things organized, and what she wishes she did differently. This is a great listen if you are already in the process of a big renovation, or if you have future plans for taking on a big project. Stay tuned for more of Taryn’s home journey! See pictures of Taryn's house build here on the How to Decorate blog. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Why did Taryn and her family decide to tear up the house and rebuild in the same location? How Taryn made sure she got those big windows and a gorgeous street view in the kitchen. Taryn’s plan vs. the architect's plan, and using 3D software for layout. What Taryn loves including her driveway, paint choices and those bold colored cabinets. Surprises Taryn encountered throughout the way, such as the plumbing fixtures taking a long time! What’s next for the big project? How Taryn decided on certain finishes, trim and materials. Designing the home with a layout that will work with the family as things evolve and children grow up. Storage solutions that have made her space more functional. The importance of clear communication between you and the architect. Mentioned: Ballard Designs Please send in your questions and decorating dilemmas so we can answer them on our next episode!

We welcome New York designer, David Frazier, known for his warm modernist interiors and place-based architecture. Originally from West Point, Georgia, David attended Auburn School of Architecture before moving to New York, where he designed spaces for his clients in New York, the Hamptons, Connecticut, Colorado, and throughout the South. David shares some great advice for using neutrals in a way that suits your aesthetic and design dreams. He talks about why he gravitates towards neutrals, some of his favorite shades to use to warm up a room, and how to give neutrals the same energy as colors and patterns. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Neutrals don’t have to be boring! A neutral interior can give your mind and eyes a chance to rest. David shares some of his favorite neutral shades to work with. How to weave color in with neutrals while still keeping that calm and comforting tone. Using textures and layers to keep neutrals exciting. David’s love of playing with scale to add a bit of drama and excitement into spaces. How David’s background in architecture informs his design work. How to overcome the storing challenges that often come with art and antiques. The magical transformation of a laundry room in the Palm Beach showroom. Mentioned: Ballard Designs David Frazier @davidfrazierco Decorating Dilemma: Hi Caitlin! So, David likes the idea of just using one sofa. He would probably eliminate the apartment sofa. Great floor lamps on the table would serve as a great anchor between the sofa and two chairs. Then, he would do a club chair and an ottoman in the opposite corner. Ideally, the sofa would be about the length of that picture window, with the back of the sofa about the height of the windowsill. You know we love playing with scale too, so you could use both online tools and move the furniture around to see how you like it and how it feels in the space. Best of luck and keep us updated!

More than any other topic, we're constantly getting questions about paint -- how to pick it the right one? What are the best colors? Which finish to use? We're answering all of your questions with today's guest, interior designer Fran Keenan. We're big fans of Fran's work, and she was a guest on episode 83. She's always picking bold, saturated color in her design work, so we thought she'd be the perfect designer to chat with us about one of the trickiest elements of design, paint. In Part 1 of this two part series, we're talking about picking colors. What You'll Hear on This Episode: We talk about why paint she be the last thing you choose in a room Questions you should ask before you pick paint colors like, what is the narrative? Paint is the easiest thing to change Light is a huge factor in how your paint and your furnishings will appear in your room Picking paint when you have a new build Testing samples, how many to test and where to test them Why paint should be the answer to questions about the tempo and vibe of your room What it means for a paint to have 'age' Should all of your paint colors across your house look good together? We'll cover more paint FAQs and more in next week's episode We talk a lot about 'nuance' and what that means in paint Show Notes: Fran Keenan Design Ep. 83 with Fran Keenan

We are thrilled to welcome back Peter Pennoyer, a world-renowned architect, whose eponymous architecture firm has helped redefine New York’s architecture specializing in new construction, renovation, and preservation of residential, commercial, and institutional projects around the world. Peter talks to us about his recent monograph of the firm’s work, Peter Pennoyer Architects: City | Country. He also discusses the different projects within the book, why people shouldn’t be intimidated by plans, the beauty of working with different designers, and preservation and sustainability in architecture. At the end of the episode, Peter helps us give some advice to a listener who is looking for some decorating help with her gorgeous farmhouse. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: How Peter chose the projects featured in his late book collection to showcase the diversity of talent, locations, and work. Peter describes a project where two townhouses were combined and how they solved the puzzle of having different floors and windows. Designing the home tailored to the family’s individual needs. Creating a book that everyone can get something out of, even in the “Wes Anderson” portion of the collection. The importance of clients understanding their floor plan and feeling comfortable throughout the process. The benefits of using both hand drawings and digital tools to understand and capture scale. A few of the many resources where homeowners can go and learn about the history of their home. Wait - a private treasure chest?! Sustainability as a starting point. Priorities in design in the kitchen, when it comes to lighting and taking into account the overall economy of the whole home. Mentioned In This Episode: Ballard Designs Peter Pennoyer Peter Pennoyer on IG Peter Pennover Architect: City | Country  Decorating Dilemma Hi Alana, and thank you so much for writing! Peter first suggests maximizing the French door wall with stacks of curtains between each set of doors, creating an impactful improvement. Raise the curtain rod higher on this wall, leaving a section of darker-painted wall above the doors to visually connect, giving the illusion of longer curtains. Opt for a continuous curtain rod floating above, ensuring it doesn't impede door functionality. Additionally, choose an adjustable rod for convenience, allowing curtains to be easily moved aside when using specific doors. On the wall with valances, install two-inch wood blinds with colored tape, harmonizing with the wood around the French doors. Consider heavy lining for winter months, providing insulation and a cozy atmosphere. Use drapery pins instead of conventional methods for easy maintenance and a neat appearance. Embrace the scenic farm view by keeping curtains open, and explore the flexibility of wood blinds for light control. Thank you so much, and how wonderful to be on a farm and enjoy all the greenery!

We welcome Los Angeles based interior designer and writer David Netto this week. David’s work has been featured in Vogue, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and many more. David is on the AD100 list, and has also written about the history of architecture and ensign for the Wall Street Journal and New York Times Style Magazine and is now a contributing editor for Town and Country. In our conversation, we talk with David about his inspiration for design, and his gorgeous new self-titled book. David shares more about how he creates a furniture plan, his love of the dramatic in design, and he shares a few practical tips for creating elegance in your home. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: David’s father owned the historic fabric house, Cowtan & Tout. From an early age, David had an appetite and appreciation for theater in decor, and combining the modern with antique. How and why a slightly unfinished look can be elegant. Using chairs like chess pieces in design. A few of David’s other versatile tools to make rooms like artsy, dramatic and bohemian. How a cooking star influenced David’s self-titled book. Storytelling is the foundation of good decorating. How David starts creating a furniture plan. Afraid of a beautiful chocolate brown wall? Don’t be! What David looks for when choosing fabric or upholstery. East vs. West coast design. The importance of having a team of greatly skilled people who can play up to your own strengths. Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs David Netto Design David Netto IG David Netto monograph  Decorating Dilemma: Thank you for writing in, Rachel! First, David is going to dream. In a world where construction is possible, we would cut that window straight ahead down to the floor and turn it into a French window that has a railing. In reality though, David would demolish the bookcases on the left and right, and retain them just at the end. He would invest in four clipped bookcase lights (there’s a store in London that he loves for this) and some nice paint. Also, David would paint the floor with high gloss paint! Something to keep in mind and put on your list, if you agree!

Watch this week's episode on our YouTube channel here. It’s our annual holiday edition of trials and triumphs, where we dive headfirst into the festive spirit and let off some holiday steam! This week, we spill the beans on our wins and challenges, from daydreaming about a pristine, white house to rescuing flowers from frostbite and crafting an enchanting indoor winter garden. Of course, we can't forget the super-adulting activities that add to the overall holiday magic, including the dreaded fridge clean-out. And, of course, we'll be sharing our secret recipes for achieving the perfect Christmas lights and decking out the most splendid tree in town. It's our way of spreading the holiday cheer and embracing the merry chaos that comes with it! Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs

Our guests this week are Emma Bazilian and Stephanie Diaz, the authors of Charm School: The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decorating for Today. Emma is a designer, writer, editor, and content director at F. Schumacher & Co. Stephanie is the art director at F. Schumacher & Co. In our chat, they talk about the path that led them to work together and the research and organization that went into Charm School. We discuss the balance between traditional and modern elements and the fun of identifying and incorporating small touches of traditional decorating throughout the design process. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: The origins of the “grand millennial” movement. How Emma and Stephanie learned to appreciate different styles yet still focus on their individual strengths. The process of how Charm School mixes archival images with present-day designers and how they found a balance to showcase both the traditional and modern. We take a trip down memory lane and remember some of our favorite memories of childhood bedrooms. Why it’s cool to embrace the “uncool” elements of design, such as matching, but not to go too overboard. The appeal of canopy beds and bed skirts. A special bonus? When your home decor can help you hide something. The doll collection that is still very much remembered in the present day. Tips for bringing in handmade and bespoke design elements that tell a story and reflect your personal touch. Emma and Stephanie’s predictions for the future of design trends. Also Mentioned This Episode: Ballard Designs Charm School (Full Book) Schumacher Nancy Braithwaite article where she used matelasse fabric to cover chairs in her living room. Please send in your questions and decorating dilemmas to podcast@ballarddesigns.net so we can answer them on our next episode!