How to Decorate

Caroline and Liz sit down to chat with New York-based interior designer and author Emma Barrell Kemper, who shares insights from her new book, House Rules: 100 Ways to Feel at Home. Tune in to discover practical tips on creating mood boards, selecting paint colors, and future-proofing your home, along with advice on mixing metals for a timeless aesthetic.  Emma also discusses key aspects of home design, like budgeting, assembling a shopping list, and choosing the right rugs and furniture. As always, the episode concludes with a listener's decorating dilemma, providing expert recommendations tailored to individual design challenges. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:34 Meet Emma Barrell Kember 01:05 Emma's Book: House Rules 03:51 Gathering Inspiration for Your Project 08:47 Mood Boards vs. Scheming 13:43 The Importance of Paint Schedules 17:43 Common Paint Color Mistakes 20:03 Using Paint to Accentuate or Camouflage 24:17 The Power of the Color Wheel 27:57 Preparing for a Decorating Project 30:26 Handling Unexpected Costs 31:18 Shopping Strategies: Rule of Thirds 33:15 Finding the Right Items While Shopping 34:15 Testing Fabrics and Swatches 38:26 Avoiding Built-In Tech 41:13 Future Proofing Your Home 45:45 Finishing Touches for Your Space 47:30 Decorating Dilemma: Kristen's Living Room 54:46 Conclusion and Farewell Also mentioned: ⁠ballarddesigns.com⁠⁠⁠ | Shop Now ⁠House Rules: 100 Ways to Feel at Home⁠ | Order Your Copy Now Please send in your decorating dilemmas + pictures so we can answer them on an upcoming episode (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@ballarddesigns.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) . And, of course, please subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already in Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a new episode. Happy Decorating!

This week, Caroline and Liz are joined by special guest host Jamie Corona from Ballard Designs' merchandising team as they dive into a delightful conversation with Nashville-based interior designer, Kate Figler. Kate shares her remarkable journey from a kindergarten teacher to a celebrated interior designer with insights into using regional influences to shape beautiful yet practical interiors. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:33 Introductions of Special Guests and Host Announcements 01:53 Meet Kate Figler: A Journey to Design 02:32 Kate’s Path from Education to Decor 11:26 Family-Friendly Design Tips 23:17 Kate’s Nashville Influence 31:52 Kipps Bay Room Challenges 32:59 Venus Drawing Room: A Case Study 35:49 Creating Space Illusions 38:02 Furniture Planning Essentials 45:19 Addressing Listener's Bedroom Query 58:55 Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes Also Mentioned: ballarddesigns.com⁠ | Shop Now Kipps Bay Show House Various wall coverings and fabrics by Lilly Wallace Please send in your decorating dilemmas + pictures so we can answer them on an upcoming episode (⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@ballarddesigns.net⁠⁠⁠⁠) . And, of course, please subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already in Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a new episode. Happy Decorating!

In this special episode, Caroline and Liz take a deep dive into the fascinating world of product development and sourcing at Ballard Designs. Joined by special guests Patrick Farrell, Vice President of Merchandising and Product Design, and Sarah Hall, Senior Manager of Sourcing, the team unveils the intricate journey from initial concept to finished product on your doorstep (spoiler alert: the whole process takes 2-3 years!). Patrick and Sarah share behind-the-scenes insights on how ideas are generated from customer feedback, trend reports, and market influences, then refined through design iterations and meticulous testing. They also explain the complex logistics of vendor selection, how products are engineered, and the importance of global partnerships to maintain quality and craftsmanship.  The episode covers everything from drop testing and packaging to navigating tariffs and supply chain challenges—shedding light on how every detail ensures a stellar experience designed to unleash your inner decorator. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 00:34 Meet Patrick Farrell and Sarah Hall from Ballard 01:12 The Product Design Process: From Concept to Creation 05:09 Sourcing, Vendor Selection, and Collaboration 09:42 Packaging & Drop Testing: Ensuring Quality & Safety 27:54 Quality Checks & Manufacturing Standards 28:18 Understanding Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) 30:29 Successful Product Negotiations & Cost Savings 31:58 The Art of Handcrafted Production & Manufacturing Journeys 36:47 Visiting Manufacturing Facilities & Europe Sourcing 43:54 Logistics, Tariffs, and Navigating Supply Chain Disruptions 50:40 Commitment to Quality & Customization Options 53:52 Local Store Experiences & Customer-Centric Approach 55:12 Final Thoughts & Insights Also Mentioned:   ballarddesigns.com | Shop Now The collaboration behind Ballard’s new product collections How vendor partnerships drive innovation and quality The importance of quality assurance and sustainability practices Please send in your decorating dilemmas + pictures so we can answer them on an upcoming episode (⁠⁠⁠podcast@ballarddesigns.net⁠⁠⁠) . And, of course, please subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already in Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a new episode. Happy Decorating!

We welcome Frances Lacefield Hovis to the podcast, founder of the dorm-focused furniture company Room 422. Caroline, Liz, and Frances excitedly unveil the new Ballard Designs Dorm Collection in partnership with Room 422.  Throughout the episode, Frances shares her inspiring journey in starting Room 422 and discusses the creation of custom dorm bedding and decor. Frances also offers a wealth of advice on creating cozy and stylish dorm environments using Room 422 products, focusing on essential items such as headboards, bed skirts, and decorative pillows.  Watch the video version of this week's episode now on Ballard Designs' YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/nTAXTvqZC-I What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 00:34 Exciting News: Launching a Dorm Collection 00:43 Meet Frances Lacefield-Hovis 01:45 The Birth of Room 422 03:34 Growing the Business Through Trunk Shows 04:29 Adapting During the Pandemic 05:57 Designing Dorm Room Essentials 10:33 Collaborating with Ballard Designs 16:05 Mother-Daughter Bonding Over Dorm Decor 19:20 Choosing the Right Bedding for Dorms 22:37 Freshman Dorm Room Essentials 23:50 From Interior Design to Event Planning 25:27 Starting a Business in College 26:01 Parental Support and Entrepreneurial Spirit 26:36 Tips for Designing a Dorm Room 29:27 Checklist for Dorm Room Essentials 38:14 Transitioning Dorm Decor to New Living Spaces 40:24 Budgeting and Splurging on Dorm Decor 42:56 Where to Find the Dorm Room Collection 43:16 Conclusion + Where to Follow Francis and Room 422 Also Mentioned: Ballard Dorm Collection | Shop Now ⁠⁠@flhovis⁠ | Designer IG ⁠room422.com | Room 422 Website @room.422 | Room 422 IG Please send in your decorating dilemmas + pictures so we can answer them on an upcoming episode (⁠⁠podcast@ballarddesigns.net⁠⁠) . And, of course, please subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already in Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a new episode. Happy Decorating!

We conclude our four-part outdoor mini-series with special guest Canaan Marshall, a floral designer renowned for his breathtaking arrangements featured throughout Season 1 of HBO Max's Full Bloom.  Canaan shares his journey into floral design, offering invaluable tips on shopping for plants, creating stunning arrangements from grocery store flowers, and effectively maintaining your garden. The discussion also touches on container gardening and decorating for social gatherings, offering practical advice for beautifying both indoor and outdoor spaces for your house guests.  What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 01:05 Meet Canaan Marshall: Floral Designer Extraordinaire 02:42 The Art of Flower Arranging 04:48 Wedding Floral Trends and Tips 13:30 Grocery Store Flower Arrangements 17:04 Container Tips and Tricks 27:58 Tips for Cutting and Arranging Flowers 28:34 Using Different Flower Sizes and Containers 29:52 Reflexing and Enhancing Flower Appearance 32:32 Learning from the Show and Creative Process 33:29 Flower Arrangement Recipes and Mechanics 36:47 Handling Flower Arrangements for Events 47:39 Outdoor Entertaining and Container Gardens 52:54 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs | Shop Now canaanmarshall.com | Designer Website @canaanmarshall | Designer Instagram Please send in your decorating dilemmas + pictures (podcast@ballarddesigns.net) so we can answer them on an upcoming episode. And, of course, please subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already in Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a new episode. Happy Decorating!

We continue our outdoor mini-series by welcoming Mark Thompson to the show, co-owner of two iconic Birmingham businesses specializing in gardening and home decor. Mark shares his journey into the gardening world and provides valuable tips on how to shop for plants, care for them effectively, and tackle common gardening challenges. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of setting realistic expectations when shopping for plants, the benefits of starting with smaller specimens, and best practices for soil preparation. The episode also covers how to maximize outdoor spaces, handle invasive plants, and achieve a thriving garden, making it a must-listen for gardening enthusiasts of all levels. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:34 Meet Mark Thompson: Garden Shop Owner 01:44 Mark's Journey into Gardening 07:22 Opening the General Store 13:44 Tips for Shopping for Plants 18:59 Ensuring Plant Health and Maintenance 34:14 Garden Shop Plant Care Tips 36:40 Extending the Life of Houseplants 37:03 Houseplant Repotting and Maintenance 50:33 Dealing with Invasive Plants 53:46 Gardening for Non-Gardeners 01:02:33 Common Plant Problems and Solutions Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs | Shop Now @markg.thompson | Designer Instagram 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!

In Part 2 of our Outdoor Mini Series, we welcome back landscape designer Carmen Johnston to talk about the art of decorating your outdoor spaces. Caroline and Liz discuss Ballard Designs' new Spring releases with Carmen and the importance of planning, choosing the right plants for your garden's sunlight exposure, and the use of frost-free dates for planting. Carmen also provides practical advice on container gardening, from soil preparation to plant selection using her 'three T's' method (tall, thick, and trailing plants). She emphasizes the importance of texture, variation, and the use of irrigation systems to keep plants thriving. Additionally, Carmen offers solutions for dealing with common issues like deer in the garden and highlights the benefits of professional garden planning. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 00:34 Welcoming Landscape Designer Carmen Johnston 01:16 Discussing the New Ballard Spring Release 03:06 Gardening Tips and Frost-Free Dates 09:40 Planning Your Garden Layout 13:19 Bespoke Garden Plans and Professional Help 15:40 Container Gardening Tips 34:00 Sun-Loving and Shade-Loving Palladium Varieties 34:43 Choosing and Planting Palladiums 35:08 The Importance of Texture and Variation in Containers 35:52 When to Buy Palladiums and Seasonal Availability 37:39 Understanding Plant Variation 38:22 Tips for Container Gardening 40:37 Choosing the Right Number and Size of Plants 43:35 The Versatile Kimberly Queen Fern 47:46 Irrigation Solutions for Your Garden 55:53 Dealing with Deer in Your Garden 01:01:59 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs | Shop Now @carmenjohnstongardens | Designer Instagram 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!

This week, Caroline and Liz kick off a special four-part spring outdoor mini-series, welcoming back Mississippi-based landscape architect Brantley Snipes to the show. Together, they explore essential topics for spring gardening, including landscaping best practices, creating functional outdoor spaces, planting strategies, and tackling common challenges. Brantley shares expert insights on effective planning for landscape projects, optimizing budget considerations, and timing for installation. The conversation covers practical tips for designing driveways and entrances, choosing hardscape materials, and ensuring proper drainage. Additionally, listeners will receive valuable advice on common lawn issues, managing pests like deer, and maximizing backyard space. Watch this week's episode with images on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3DQucuB What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:34 Spring Gardening Mini-Series Announcement 00:53 Guest Introduction: Brantley Snipes 01:14 Spring Gardening Tips and Tricks 03:16 Planning Your Landscaping Projects 06:50 Driveways and Entrances: Design Insights 17:41 Hardscaping: Materials and Costs 27:43 Planting: Tips and Budgeting 36:10 The Science of Landscape Planning 36:43 Designing the Perfect Patio 37:32 Tree Protection Zones and Patio Placement 41:29 Maximizing Backyard Space 43:28 AstroTurf: Pros and Cons 51:01 Dealing with Common Lawn Issues 57:53 Managing Deer and Other Pests 01:05:52 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes Also Mentioned: Ballard Designs | Shop Now brantleysnipes.com | Designer Website @brantleysnipeslandscapedesign | Designer Instagram 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!

We're thrilled to welcome back renowned interior designer Marshall Watson to the show to discuss his latest design book, Defining Elegance. Through Defining Elegance, Caroline and Liz explore Marshall's design principles plus how he seamlessly blends history with modern sensibilities across a variety of stunning environments, from the sun-drenched shores of Florida to the picturesque landscapes of Southern California. Marshall shares his unique journey from the world of acting to the realm of interior design, offering insights into the importance of scale and proportion in creating harmonious spaces. Decorators will benefit from Marshall’s expert advice on making perfect beds, the art of floating furniture, and how to create a cohesive home design that feels polished yet personal. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:35 Guest Introduction: Marshall Watson 01:41 Marshall's Design Philosophy and Career Journey 06:53 Designing for Scale and Proportion 08:44 Creating Intimate Spaces in Large Rooms 29:22 Cohesive Home Design Tips 37:40 Exploring Unique Markets Across the Country 38:50 The Charm of Imperfection in Design 38:55 Gardening Lessons Applied to Decorating 40:52 Creating Comfort and Elegance in Homes 41:49 Listener's Decorating Dilemma: Bedroom Makeover 43:41 Detailed Solutions for Bedroom Design 01:00:12 Final Thoughts and Expert Tips 01:00:30 Where to Find More from Marshall Watson 01:02:13 Show Wrap-Up and Contact Information Also Mentioned: Shop Ballard Designs | Website Defining Elegance by Marshall Watson | Order Now marshallwatsoninteriors.com | Designer Website @marshallwatsondesign | Designer Instagram 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!

Join Caroline and Liz as they welcome back Nashville interior designer Stephanie Sabbe to the show for an insightful and engaging discussion about her latest book Interiors of a Storyteller. Known for her unique ability to blend historic charm with modern sensibilities, Stephanie shares the personal stories that inform her design philosophy and journey. In this episode, you'll discover not just the importance of storytelling in the creation of timeless spaces, but also tips for effective yet livable color palettes, approaches to window treatments for challenging or unique features, and closet solutions that combine functionality with clean design. ***Watch this week's episode as recorded on Ballard Designs' YouTube Channel*** What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:35 Welcoming Back Stephanie Sabbe 02:06 Stephanie's New Book: Interiors of a Storyteller 05:37 The Importance of Timeless Design 10:17 Stephanie's Design Journey and Inspirations 16:49 The Role of Storytelling in Design 25:49 Color Palettes and Design Techniques 32:07 Starting the Design Process 32:37 Choosing the Right Paint 33:33 Designing for Different Climates 34:54 The Art of Fabric Selection 38:43 Breaking Design Rules 41:13 Client Interactions and Personal Touches 50:30 Window Treatment Dilemmas 55:46 Closet Space Solutions 58:53 Final Thoughts and Farewell Decorating Dilemma: Hi Kristen, The hosts dive into your dilemma regarding your master bedroom's window treatments and closet space, offering thoughtful advice to enhance your space. Stephanie begins by discussing the importance of practicality and aesthetics for your semi-circular window. For the window treatments, she suggests opting for a slimmer, potentially antiqued brass or polished lacquered rod. Stephanie recommends using a zip rod that allows for easier operation without the hassle of rings, making it manageable to open and close even with the height of your ceiling. She encourages you to maintain the arched shape without cutting it off, as this preserves the window’s character. Regarding your closet situation, Stephanie advises against a traditional closet build and instead proposes creating built-ins that serve as a stylish and functional solution. Positioning cabinetry to square off the room, particularly near the entry to the bathroom, will offer efficient storage while adding character without overwhelming the space. This approach combines detail and functionality, ensuring you have a beautiful, organized area. Ultimately, Stephanie's guidance aims to help you balance style and usability, making your master bedroom feel more personalized and inviting. Good luck with your updates! We hope these recommendations help you create a space you love.  - How to Decorate Also Mentioned: Shop Ballard Designs | Website sabbeinteriordesign.com | Designer Website @sabbeinteriordesign | Designer Instagram Interiors of a Storyteller | Order Now 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!