How to Decorate

Ballard Designs

We want to teach you how to decorate! We'll help you unleash your inner decorator with interviews from interior designers, sharing the trials and triumphs from our own homes, and answering your burning decorating questions. Brought to you from the Ballard Designs team.

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491 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes491

Newest first

March 17 · 1 hr 35 min
Ep. 457: Timelines, Tiles, & The "Fifth Wall" with Studio Wellington
Ep. 457
March 10 · 56 min
Ep. 456: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 4 - Pat Altschul
Ep. 456
March 3 · 34 min
Ep. 455: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 3 - Bobby Flay
Ep. 455
February 24 · 1 hr 16 min
Ep. 454: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 2 - The Junk Gypsies
We are back for Part 2 of our Carson Kressley takeover! This week, Carson invites his "partners in crime," Amie and Jolie Sikes—better known as the Junk Gypsies—to the podcast. Broadcasting (virtually) from Round Top, Texas, the sisters share the story of how they turned a love for "junking" into a global lifestyle brand. Carson and the Gypsies discuss the magic of the Round Top Antiques Fair (the "Super Bowl of Junk"), why you should mix velvet with raw wood, and how to decorate with "glitter and dirt." Quick Decorating Takeaways: Mix "Glitter and Dirt": The Junk Gypsy aesthetic is all about contrast. Don't be afraid to pair a crystal chandelier with chipping paint, or velvet upholstery with rustic wood. The friction between fancy and rough is what makes a room interesting. Buy What You Love (It Will Fit): When shopping at flea markets or antique shows, ignore the "where will I put this?" doubt. Amie and Jolie believe that if you truly love a piece, you will find a place for it—even if it ends up in the bathroom holding towels. Souvenirs > Trends: Your home should be a scrapbook of your life. Carson and the girls discuss why buying weird, unique items from your travels (like a giant roadside sign or a beat-up guitar) beats buying a generic trend from a big-box store every time. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome to Part 2 of the Carson Kressley Mini-Series! 02:00 Meet the Junk Gypsies: Amie & Jolie Sikes 05:00 What is Round Top? Explaining the "26 miles of treasure" in Texas 09:00 The "Glitter and Dirt" Philosophy: Mixing fancy with rustic 14:00 Why you shouldn't worry about "where it will go" when buying vintage 20:00 Designing for Miranda Lambert: Airstreams & Tour Buses 28:00 The "Wander Inn": The sisters’ hotel project in Round Top 36:00 How to shop a flea market like a pro (and why you need a flashlight) 45:00 Carson’s favorite finds: The "Giddy Up" art and "Howdy" pillows Also Mentioned: Junk Gypsy Company (Amie & Jolie's Brand) The Wander Inn (Round Top, TX) Round Top Antiques Fair Shop the Carson Kressley Collection at Ballard Designs 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
February 17 · 1 hr 11 min
Ep. 453: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 1 - Thom Filicia
Ep. 453
February 10 · 58 min
Ep. 452: Layered Minimalism with Elizabeth Bolognino
Ep. 452
February 3 · 53 min
Ep. 451: The Expressive Home with Ray Booth
We are thrilled to welcome Ray Booth back to the podcast! Ray is an acclaimed interior designer, a partner at the award-winning firm McALPINE, and the author of the beautiful new book, The Expressive Home. Ray sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to discuss how his background in architecture shapes every interior decision he makes. He shares why he views drapery as "punctuation," the optical illusion of black window mullions, and why he believes "editing is the key to happiness." Quick Decorating Takeaways: Drapery is Punctuation: Ray uses drapery not just for windows, but as "commas" in a room—creating pauses, dividing large spaces, and softening the acoustics to create intimacy in an otherwise "hard" architectural box. The "Eyeliner" Effect: When painting window mullions (the strips between glass panes), Ray prefers dark colors (black or bronze) over white. Dark mullions act like eyeliner—they frame the view and disappear to let the eye focus on the landscape, whereas white mullions stop the eye right at the glass. Hang Lighting for Humans, Not Ceilings: In rooms with double-height ceilings, resist the urge to hang chandeliers too high. Ray suggests hanging them lower—within the "human scale"—so they feel touchable and help ground people in a cavernous space. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 01:30 Ray’s architectural background and his "biased" approach to interiors 04:00 How to choose materials based on your personal story 10:00 Why Ray uses drapery as "punctuation" and acoustic softening 16:00 Building a neutral palette: Using contrast to create harmony 21:00 Window Mullions: Why dark paint makes the view clearer 25:00 The Art of Editing: "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should" 28:00 Ray’s take on AI in design (featuring a nod to Steve & Brooke Giannetti) 34:00 Human Scale: How to make grand rooms feel intimate 40:00 Lighting tips for high ceilings 44:00 The "Deconstructed Sectional": How to improve flow around large furniture 48:00 Closing notes & where to find Ray Also Mentioned: The Expressive Home by Ray Booth (New Book) Evocative Interiors by Ray Booth (Previous Book) McALPINE | Website Ray Booth Design | Instagram Steve & Brooke Giannetti Shop Ballard Designs 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
January 27 · 1 hr 8 min
Ep. 450: Trend Report 2026
It is our favorite time of year: the 2026 Trend Report is here! Caroline, Taryn, and Liz are joined by the Ballard Designs Product Design Team—Hillary Park, and Will Turner—to break down exactly what is coming next in the world of interiors. The team reveals the surprising colors predicted to dominate (including "Green Glow" aka Slime and "Fresh Purple"), why "Builder Khaki" is making a nostalgic comeback, and the specific design aesthetic that bridges the gap between Gen Z and Boomers. They also discuss the move away from gray, the evolution of bouclé, and why your next gallery wall should feature "weird" personal art. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Brown is the New Black: Move over, cool grays. The team confirms that brown—from "Cocoa Powder" to "Builder Khaki"—is the dominant neutral for 2026. It pairs perfectly with the trending warm metals (like nickel) and "dirty" pastels. Embrace "Grandma Crafts": High-tech is out; analog is in. The trend of "Grandma Crafts" is huge, with needlepoint, embroidery, and paint-by-numbers becoming the ultimate way to unwind and decorate. Look for the "North Star": Celestial motifs are having a moment. Look for stars, moons, and zodiac themes in hardware, bedding, and fabrics as people seek direction and meaning in their homes. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome to the 2026 Trend Report 01:30 How the team predicts trends (Fashion Snoops, WGSN, Veranda) 04:45 The 5 Big Color Predictions: Transformative Teal, Wax Paper, Fresh Purple, Cocoa Powder, and Green Glow 06:30 The "Slime" Green debate and the board game Hues and Cues 11:00 The resurgence of Khaki and Ralph Lauren nostalgia 14:00 Cornflower Blue: The "Happy" color that isn't going anywhere 16:30 Metals: Why Nickel is overtaking Chrome 20:30 Paint Colors of the Year (Cloud Dancer, Warm Eucalyptus, hidden Gem) 23:00 Material Trends: Leather, colored stains, and the decline of shiny glam 26:00 Is Bouclé over? (Spoiler: It's evolving into skirts) 28:00 The "Nancy Meyers" Aesthetic vs. Maximalism 34:00 Pattern Trends: Lattice, Ribbons, and "Weird" Checks 41:30 Fun Micro-Trends: Cabbage Ware and "Vampire Core" (Oxblood) 43:00 Celestial motifs and the "North Star" theme 54:00 "Weird Art": Why you should frame cigarette packs and personal relics 58:00 The rise of "Grandma Crafts" Also Mentioned: Board Game: Hues and Cues Trend: Nancy Meyers Aesthetic Paint Color: Pantone "Cloud Dancer" Shop Ballard Designs 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
January 20 · 45 min
Ep. 449: Trials and Triumphs
Ep. 449
January 16 · 37 min
Bonus Episode: Our 2026 Resolutions & Home Decorating Goals
Bonus Episode
January 13 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep. 448: How to Style Accessories with Page House Studio
Ep. 448
January 6 · 58 min
Ep. 447: Trends vs. Timelessness with Lisa Staton
Ep. 447
Dec 30, 2025 · 56 min
Ep. 446: Santa Fe Style & The Art of Layering with French & French Interiors
Ep. 446
Dec 23, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Ep. 445: Holiday Throwback Special, Pt. 3 - Carson Kressley's Holiday Must-Haves
Ep. 445
Dec 22, 2025 · 31 min
Bonus Episode: Suzanne Kasler's Holiday House Tour 2025
Surprise! We are dropping a special bonus episode today. If you haven't seen it yet, we recently shared a stunning holiday house tour on our YouTube channel with the queen of Christmas herself, designer Suzanne Kasler. In this audio version of the official YouTube house tour, Caroline introduces a conversation between Suzanne and Ballard Designs President, Karen Mooney. They walk through Suzanne’s gorgeous Atlanta home, discussing why she is so obsessed with Christmas, her strategy for displaying massive collections without clutter, and how she manages to decorate three different trees (including one just for teddy bears!). Suzanne also shares her "3-Day Blitz" method for stress-free decorating and how she adapts her traditions as her family grows. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Group Collections for Impact: Don't scatter small collectibles (like nutcrackers or crystal trees) all over the house. Group them together in one specific area to create a "sculptural" statement that feels intentional rather than cluttered. The 3-Day Decorating Blitz: Suzanne dedicates a focused 3-4 day block right after Thanksgiving to get everything done. This allows her to stop "working" on Christmas and simply enjoy the festive atmosphere for the entire month of December. Buy in Multiples: If you find a unique holiday item you love (like her Czech crystal trees), don't just buy one. Buy a dozen or a whole collection immediately to ensure you have enough for a cohesive display, as they might be gone next year. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Caroline introduces the bonus episode 01:30 Suzanne’s lifelong obsession with Christmas 02:45 The "Yard Sale" Rule: Grouping collections for high impact 07:00 The Teddy Bear Tree tradition 09:00 The "3-4 Day" Decorating Strategy 12:00 Mixing Real vs. Faux: Why Suzanne uses both types of trees 14:00 Matching holiday decor to your home (Red vs. Neutral) 21:00 Adapting traditions for new grandchildren 27:00 Suzanne’s miniature Christmas rooms & gift show finds 30:00 The silver ornament tradition Also Mentioned: Watch the Video Tour: Step Inside the Elegant Holiday Home of Designer Suzanne Kasler Shop Suzanne's Product Collection: Suzanne Kasler for Ballard Designs 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 16, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
Ep. 444: Holiday Throwback Special, Pt. 2 - Taryn's Hosting Tips & Tricks
Ep. 444
Dec 12, 2025 · 21 min
Bonus Episode: Our Thoughts on Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year
Bonus Episode
Dec 9, 2025 · 36 min
Ep. 443: Holiday Throwback Special, Pt. 1 - Janie Molster
Ep. 443
Dec 2, 2025 · 53 min
Ep. 442: Transitional Style & Holiday Decorating with Sara Hillery
Ep. 442
Nov 25, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Ep. 441: The World of Peter Dunham
Ep. 441

How to Decorate

Ep. 457: Timelines, Tiles, & The "Fifth Wall" with Studio Wellington

Ep. 456: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 4 - Pat Altschul

Ep. 455: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 3 - Bobby Flay

Ep. 454: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 2 - The Junk Gypsies

Ep. 453: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 1 - Thom Filicia

Ep. 452: Layered Minimalism with Elizabeth Bolognino

Ep. 451: The Expressive Home with Ray Booth

Ep. 450: Trend Report 2026

Ep. 449: Trials and Triumphs

Bonus Episode: Our 2026 Resolutions & Home Decorating Goals

Ep. 448: How to Style Accessories with Page House Studio

Ep. 447: Trends vs. Timelessness with Lisa Staton

Ep. 446: Santa Fe Style & The Art of Layering with French & French Interiors

Ep. 445: Holiday Throwback Special, Pt. 3 - Carson Kressley's Holiday Must-Haves

Bonus Episode: Suzanne Kasler's Holiday House Tour 2025

Ep. 444: Holiday Throwback Special, Pt. 2 - Taryn's Hosting Tips & Tricks

Bonus Episode: Our Thoughts on Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year

Ep. 443: Holiday Throwback Special, Pt. 1 - Janie Molster

Ep. 442: Transitional Style & Holiday Decorating with Sara Hillery

Ep. 441: The World of Peter Dunham