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 (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!
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58:39
Ep. 414: 100 Ways to Feel at Home with Emma Kemper
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!
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55:58
Ep. 413: Elevating Everyday Design with Kate Figler
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!
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1:03:22
Ep. 412: How We Make Our Products at Ballard Designs
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!
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58:26
Ep. 411: Dorm Room Decorating with Frances Lacefield Hovis of Room 422
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 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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