How Amy Astley Took Architectural Digest From Sleeping Beauty to Best in Show

Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward aren’t afraid to push boundaries. The design duo, who have built a stellar reputation designing celebrity homes from Leonardo DiCaprio to Kate Hudson and Dakota Johnson, thrive on taking design risks—and have a lot of fun doing it. Their layered interiors always feel cozy, quirky, and collected over time—a mix that feels part Hollywood and part rock’n’roll. On top of an impressive roster of A-list clients, Louisa and Emily have written a book, made the AD100 list, opened a storefront in Los Angeles, and launched a homewares line, which you can find on The Expert.  We’ll dig into their go-to paint trick, their no-fear approach to buying vintage, the controversial color they can’t get enough of, and much more—let’s get into it. Resources:  If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here https://www.theexpert.com/ Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. Certain exclusions apply. Offer expires Nov. 8, 2024. To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here: https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/ Check out Pierce & Ward’s curated Showroom on The Expert here:  https://www.theexpert.com/showroom/brands/pierce-and-ward

Brigette Romanek is a celebrity whisperer. With a client list that includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Joe Jonas, and Beyoncé, she has a gift for creating memorable, comforting spaces for personalities who not only have exquisite taste in their own right—but also deeply need their homes to feel like a sanctuary from a very fast-paced public life. Brigette’s “Gucci-Meets-Gap” philosophy and inherent warmth make her work irresistible. It’s no wonder she’s had a momentous year, culminating in a book with Rizzoli and a feature of her new home in Elle magazine. Listen in as we chat with Brigette about her idea of “Livable Luxe”, what’s inspiring her right now, and yes—we get the scoop on her A-list clients… Let’s get into it. Resources:  If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here ⁠https://www.theexpert.com/⁠ Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. Certain exclusions apply. Offer expires Nov. 8, 2024. To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here: https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/ Check out Brigette Romanek’s curated Showroom on The Expert here:  https://www.theexpert.com/showroom/brigetteromanek

Leanne Ford is a creative in the truest sense. After earning her stripes as a fashion stylist and creative director, she pivoted to the world of interiors when the opportunity to renovate a 1907 schoolhouse came knocking at her door. That power move proved fruitful. Since then, Leanne has starred in the hit HGTV show Restored by the Fords, launched a collection with Crate and Barrel, and published her very own magazine, Feel Free. Her signature, cozy, cream-on-white aesthetic juxtaposed with historic spaces and smart, vintage touches has its own cult following—and yes, we’ll dig into how to get the look and much, much more. Listen in… Resources:  If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here ⁠https://www.theexpert.com/⁠ Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. Certain exclusions apply. Offer expires Nov. 8, 2024. To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here: https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/ Find Leanne Ford on The Expert here: https://www.theexpert.com/consultations/find-an-expert/leanneford

Colin King is a master of his craft.  In just a few short years, the industry’s go-to interior stylist has amassed an impressive client list that includes leading publications and brands. He’s styled countless celebrity homes for Architectural Digest, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Drake. He’s channeled his talents into product collaborations with everyone from West Elm to The Future Perfect, Audo Copenhagen, Cultiver, and Beni Rugs—where he serves as Artistic Director. No matter the project, Colin’s signature touch always makes any space feel magical. Listen in as we talk about color as a main character, the surprising ways to make a room look more expensive, and the number one mistake people make when styling. This one is not to be missed.  Resources:  If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here ⁠https://www.theexpert.com/⁠ Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. Certain exclusions apply. Offer expires Nov. 8, 2024. To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here: https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/ Check out Colin King’s curated Showroom on The Expert here: https://www.theexpert.com/showroom/colinking

Sophie Ashby’s career is one to watch. In 2021, she was named House & Garden’s Designer of the Year and ELLE Decoration British Interior Designer of the Year—and that was only the beginning. Since then, she co-founded the non-profit United in Design, started her brand, Sister by Studio Ashby, opened a gorgeous London Showroom, and is gearing up for the launch of her book published by Rizzoli in early 2024. That’s on top of having two kids and running her interior design business with high-profile projects all over the world and a staff of 15. Her London home has been featured everywhere from Vogue to Architectural Digest. And she’s done it all before the age of 35. Listen in as I chat with Sophie about what she’s learned in a decade of design, her respect for architecture and creating a sense of place, and the global aesthetic she garnered from working with both UK and US clients. Resources:  If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here ⁠https://www.theexpert.com/⁠ Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. Certain exclusions apply. Offer expires Nov. 8, 2024. To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here: https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/ To explore all things Studio Ashby on The Expert,  click here: https://www.theexpert.com/showroom/studio-ashby

Byron and Dexter Peart are changing the way we think about design. After more than a decade in fashion, the Montreal-based brothers started Goodee, a curated marketplace rooted in the principles of good design, good people, and good impact. The platform brings together artisans from all over the world producing timeless everyday objects that make a difference in the way we shop and live. On this episode, I am joined by my colleague Jessica Romm Perez, VP of Partnerships at the Expert to chat with Byron and Dexter about the benefits of purposeful commerce, how to think differently about how we source products, and how to live a more sustainable everyday life.  Listen in as we explore their thoughts on fast fashion and fast design, and the process of renovating and collecting special pieces for their own homes.  Resources:  If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here ⁠https://www.theexpert.com/⁠ Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. Certain exclusions apply. Offer expires Nov. 8, 2024. To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here: https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/ To follow along with Jessica Romm Perez, click here: https://www.instagram.com/jrommperez/ To explore all things Goodee on The Expert,  click here: https://www.theexpert.com/showroom/brands/goodee https://www.instagram.com/goodeeworld/

Amy Astley is a trailblazer and a visionary.  In her time as Global Editorial Director and Editor in Chief of Architectural Digest, she’s opened the door to a more inclusive industry and paved the way for disruptors and up-and-comers to have a seat at the table. Join us as we sit down with Amy to talk about Jake Arnold’s recent AD cover, why travel is so important for creatives, and what’s driving the global design scene. Listen in as we tap Amy for her lessons on creating a home that’s timeless and personal, her thoughts on the new guard of design, and her reflections on embracing this digital era. If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here ⁠https://www.theexpert.com/⁠ Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. Certain exclusions apply. Offer expires Nov. 8, 2024. To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here: https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/ To follow along with all things Amy Astley and AD, click here: https://www.instagram.com/amyastley/

Jenna Lyons needs no introduction. Fashion executive, style icon, creative director, beauty magnate, furniture designer, interior designer, and now reality star—there’s nothing this visionary can’t do.  Join us as we chat with our friend Jenna about her insta-famous Soho loft, the things you should—and shouldn’t—be collecting, and her approach to design. Spoiler: It goes way beyond good marble and unlacquered brass.  Listen in as we get into how fashion and interiors are actually more similar than not, the art of gift giving (and what makes a bad gift), and her thoughts on the New York housewives’ decor styles. You won’t want to miss our very first episode… Resources:  If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here ⁠https://www.theexpert.com/⁠ Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. Certain exclusions apply. Offer expires Nov. 8, 2024. To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here: https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/ Check out Jenna Lyons’ curated showroom on The Expert here: https://www.theexpert.com/showroom/jennalyons

Do you ever wish you had a friend on speed dial that just happens to be one of the world’s best interior designers? Or someone who you could DM your burning design dilemmas? At the Expert, we set out to give you one-on-one access to the industry’s biggest talent and brands. And now we’re pulling back the drapes. Welcome to The Expert Podcast. Join me, Jake Arnold, interior designer and co-founder of The Expert, weekly where we'll be talking with designers and founders behind some of the most exciting interiors and brands to give you an all-access look at an industry that’s been closely-guarded for decades. But not anymore…  In each episode, we’ll be unpacking all things design, from nailing down the best vintage, avoiding costly mistakes, and creating a home that feels comfortable and timeless.  So sit back and tune in—you’re gonna want to take some notes. This is The Expert podcast.