How to Decorate Podcast

Caroline & Liz welcome renowned interior designer Palmer Weiss to discuss her unique journey into design. Originally from Charleston, S.C. and now based in San Fransisco, CA, Palmer launched her eponymous firm in 2002 and has since become renowned across the industry for blending traditional interiors with modern twists.

In this episode, Palmer shares her approach to using color as a neutral, drawing inspiration from fabric, light, and personal experiences. Her insights provide a deep dive into maintaining sophistication and timelessness in spaces that appeal to both modern and traditional tastes. From the challenges of balancing practical items in design to making bold choices, Palmer offers listeners practical tips for creating harmonious interiors that resonate personally and aesthetically.

What Youll Hear on This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast

00:33 Meet Palmer Weiss: A Journey from Charleston to San Francisco

01:21 The Art of Using Color in Interior Design

02:00 Palmer's Background and Path to Interior Design

03:38 Launching a Design Firm: Challenges and Triumphs

08:52 Exploring Color and Pattern in Design

22:43 Client Projects and Design Philosophy

30:05 Family and Nature-Inspired Design

31:08 The Role of Upholstery in Room Design

32:12 Practicality and Color Choices

33:43 Designing for Families and Imperfections

36:15 Creating Timeless Interiors

43:35 Balancing Modern and Traditional Elements

51:27 Designing Multipurpose Spaces

53:28 Approaching Window Treatments

57:42 Conclusion and Where to Find More of Palmer's Work

Also Mentioned:

ballarddesigns.com | Shop Now

palmerweiss.com | Designer Website

@palmerweiss | Designer IG

Please send in your decorating dilemmas + pictures so we can answer them on an upcoming episode ([email protected]) . And, of course, please subscribe to the podcast if you havent already in Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a new episode.

Happy Decorating!

Caroline and Liz—joined by guest host Nakyrna Milner from Ballard Designs—welcome award-winning Atlanta designer Olivia Westbrooks. Known for her vibrant use of color and emotional approach to home design, Olivia discusses her new television show, 'Homes is Where the Heart Is,' on Hallmark Plus. The show highlights her journey of transforming family homes filled with emotional significance. 

Olivia also shares insights into balancing bold colors with a client’s personal tastes, the challenges of filming a design show, and how she manages her creative projects alongside family life. The episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone passionate about creating homes with true heart and soul.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast

00:35 Meet the Hosts and Special Guests

00:51 Nakyrna Milner's Background and Expertise

01:10 Introducing Olivia Westbrooks

02:44 Olivia's Journey to Television

04:35 The Emotional Connection to Home

07:44 Challenges of Filming a Design Show

13:53 Balancing Creativity and Client Needs

22:27 Color Theory and Design Tips

24:50 Fun with Color Pairing

31:40 Navigating Color Choices

31:58 Trusting Your Instincts

32:40 The Squint Test

34:26 Exploring Unused Colors

37:58 Trends in Design

39:52 The Comeback of Glass Blocks

45:34 Balancing Art and Life

48:16 Creative Passions and Family

52:19 The Joy of Needlepoint

55:30 Encouraging Authenticity

56:49 Show Information and Farewell

Also Mentioned:

⁠⁠ballarddesigns.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Shop Now

⁠oliviawestbrooks.com⁠ | Designer Website

⁠@oliviawestbrooksinteriors⁠ | Designer IG

Olivia Westbrooks Ballard House Tour | Watch Now

Please send in your decorating dilemmas + pictures so we can answer them on an upcoming episode (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) . 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!

Caroline and Liz welcome back the renowned interior designer Susan Ferrier to the show. Known for her dramatic, atmospheric interiors that blend boldness with practicality, Susan shares insights from her recent projects and design philosophy.

This episode delves into creating emotionally resonant rooms, balancing light and dark elements, and transforming architectural challenges into stunning focal points. Susan also provides practical advice on choosing fabrics and creating effective window treatments, while emphasizing the emotional impacts of well-designed spaces. The episode wraps up with Susan offering expert solutions to listener questions about maximizing light in tricky spaces.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast

00:34 Welcoming Back Susan Ferrier

02:17 Susan's Recent Projects and Inspirations

03:19 The Villa Viola Project

09:58 Designing with Bold Colors and Unique Elements

23:24 Creating Functional and Aesthetic Spaces

31:29 Anthropomorphizing Furniture

32:40 The Role of Kitchen Islands

34:13 Balancing Fabrics and Colors

41:42 Creating Emotional Spaces

43:18 Personal Design Philosophy

50:17 Advice on Window Treatments

56:58 Conclusion and Contact Information

Also Mentioned:

⁠ballarddesigns.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Shop Now

Please send in your decorating dilemmas + pictures so we can answer them on an upcoming episode (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) . 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!

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 (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) . 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 (⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠) . 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!