DIY Done Right: Simple Ways to Transform Your Home

What makes a gathering truly memorable? Is it the champagne, the caviar, the beautiful table setting, or simply the people gathered around it?This week on Boulevard Beat, Meghan Blum and Krissa Rossbund welcome Fran Berger, former restaurateur and entertaining enthusiast, for a conversation about the art of hospitality and the beauty of gathering.From her years running the iconic Farm of Beverly Hills to creating her own collection of tabletop treasures, Fran shares how her passion for food, entertaining, and meaningful connections has shaped her approach to living beautifully.The conversation explores everything from fine crystal and everyday dinnerware to caviar, charcuterie, thoughtful hostess gifts, and why the best pieces in our homes deserve to be used rather than saved for special occasions.Whether you're hosting an elaborate dinner party or enjoying a casual evening with friends, Fran reminds us that great entertaining is less about perfection and more about creating moments worth remembering.Pour the bubbles, bring out the good china, and enjoy!Street Style Takeaways:It's all about the gathering. The most important element of entertaining isn't what's on the table, but the people around it.Use the good stuff. Beautiful crystal, china, and special serving pieces shouldn't be reserved for holidays. Enjoy them in everyday life.Mix the practical with the precious. Dishwasher safe essentials can be elevated with heirloom pieces, handcrafted glassware, and special tabletop accessories.Make entertaining approachable. A beautiful gathering doesn't require an elaborate menu or formal setting. Simple food and good company can be just as memorable.Give gifts with intention. Personalized linens, beautiful coasters, and thoughtful hostess gifts show appreciation and consideration.Celebrate the details. From the shape of a champagne glass to the presentation of caviar, small touches can transform an ordinary experience into something special.Save 15% site wide at ⁠www.houseofblum.com⁠ with promo code beat15!Or you can use this link- ⁠https://houseofblum.com/discount/beat15⁠!Connect with the Hosts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/boulevardbeatpodcast/⁠ Connect with Meghan Blum Interiors ⁠https://www.instagram.com/meghanbluminteriors/⁠Connect with House of Blum ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shophouseofblum/⁠ Connect with Krissa Rossbund. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/krissa_rossbund/⁠ Episode Website ⁠https://www.blvdbeat.com/about⁠ 

What's new, what's making a comeback, and what's next in interior design?In this episode of Boulevard Beat, Meghan Blum and Krissa Rossbund dive into the standout trends and discoveries from Fall 2026 High Point Market. From rich oxblood hues and earthy greens to modern graphic textiles, playful plaids, and the beautiful return of traditional furniture, this market was all about personality, craftsmanship, and thoughtful details.Discover why dressmaker details like pleats, skirts, and fringe are making a statement, how oval silhouettes are bringing softness to interiors, and why unique pieces like upholstered game tables, statement mirrors, and decorative lampshades are catching designers' attention.Plus, Krissa takes us beyond High Point to Round Top, Texas, sharing the magic of antique hunting, collecting, and discovering pieces with history.It's a conversation about the trends worth watching, the classics worth keeping, and the power of creating interiors that feel personal, collected, and timeless.Street Style Takeaways: Rich Color Is Here to Stay. Oxblood, burgundy, chocolate brown, and earthy greens are bringing warmth, depth, and sophistication to interiors.Traditional Design Gets a Fresh Perspective. Classic silhouettes, skirted furniture, pleats, ruffles, and fringe are returning with personality and modern appeal.Patterns Are Making a Statement. Unexpected graphic textiles, artistic velvets, and plaids in fresh color combinations are creating exciting opportunities for layering.It's All in the Details. Decorative trims, tailored upholstery, and unique finishes are elevating furniture beyond the ordinary.Soft Shapes Are Taking Center Stage. Oval and racetrack silhouettes are appearing in dining tables, ottomans, and accent furniture, bringing movement and softer geometry to rooms.Statement Pieces Bring Personality. From upholstered game tables to beautiful mirrors and distinctive shelving, a memorable piece can become the focal point of a space.Lighting Is the Jewelry of a Room. Decorative lampshades, pleats, scallops, and trims add character and another layer of design.Collected Interiors Tell a Story. Round Top reminds us that antiques, vintage finds, and meaningful collections bring individuality and history into our homes.Save 15% site wide at ⁠www.houseofblum.com⁠ with promo code beat15!Or you can use this link- ⁠https://houseofblum.com/discount/beat15⁠!Connect with the Hosts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/boulevardbeatpodcast/⁠ Connect with Meghan Blum Interiors ⁠https://www.instagram.com/meghanbluminteriors/⁠Connect with House of Blum ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shophouseofblum/⁠ Connect with Krissa Rossbund. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/krissa_rossbund/⁠ Episode Website ⁠https://www.blvdbeat.com/about⁠ 

First impressions begin long before you step inside a home. From the approach to the front door to the thoughtful details that welcome guests, a beautiful entrance sets the tone for everything that follows.In this episode of Boulevard Beat, interior designer Meghan Blum and Traditional Home Style & Design Editor Krissa Rossbund explore the art of making an entrance. They discuss curb appeal, landscaping, exterior lighting, architectural details, front door hardware, and the small touches that make a home feel inviting.From charming garden stools and timeless brass door knockers to the practical considerations of pathways and package deliveries, discover how thoughtful design can transform the everyday experience of arriving home.Because great design doesn't begin in the living room. It begins the moment you arrive.Street Style Takeaways:First Impressions Start at the Street. Consider the entire approach to your home, from the driveway and sidewalk to the front door. Every detail contributes to the experience.Let Lighting Lead the Way. Beautiful exterior lighting creates ambiance while ensuring guests can safely arrive and depart.Make the Functional Beautiful. House numbers, mailboxes, and even package delivery areas offer opportunities to bring personality and thoughtful design to your exterior.Give Guests a Place to Pause. A charming bench, decorative chair, or patterned garden stool adds comfort, warmth, and an inviting touch.Treat Your Front Door Like Jewelry. Beautiful hardware, a distinctive finish, or a classic brass door knocker can elevate the entire entrance.Hospitality Is in the Details. A welcoming entrance isn't just about aesthetics. Small, thoughtful gestures create a sense of connection and make guests feel at home.Save 15% site wide at ⁠www.houseofblum.com⁠ with promo code beat15!Or you can use this link- ⁠https://houseofblum.com/discount/beat15⁠!Connect with the Hosts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/boulevardbeatpodcast/⁠ Connect with Meghan Blum Interiors ⁠https://www.instagram.com/meghanbluminteriors/⁠Connect with House of Blum ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shophouseofblum/⁠ Connect with Krissa Rossbund. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/krissa_rossbund/⁠ Episode Website ⁠https://www.blvdbeat.com/about⁠ 

What does it take to turn a creative idea into a lasting design brand?This week on Boulevard Beat, Meghan Blum and Krissa Rossbund welcome Jamie Young, the creative force behind Jamie Young Company, for an inspiring conversation about design, entrepreneurship, and building a business rooted in creativity.From discovering simple cement pots in Mexico to creating distinctive lampshades and growing an internationally recognized home furnishings company, Jamie shares the journey behind her nearly 30 years in the design industry.Together, they explore the balance between creativity and business, the importance of personal relationships, and how travel and global craftsmanship continue to influence Jamie's collections. They also discuss lighting, product development, the evolution of her furniture offerings, and the importance of adapting to an ever-changing industry.Jamie's story is a reminder that building a successful creative business requires more than a beautiful product. It takes vision, resilience, curiosity, and the willingness to evolve.Join us as we explore where creativity meets business and the inspiration behind one of the home industry's beloved brands.Street Style Takeaways:1.Creativity is the foundation, but business builds longevity. A beautiful idea is only the beginning. Successful brands require strategy, execution, and an understanding of the marketplace.2. Find the opportunity in what's missing. Jamie's journey began by recognizing an opportunity to create something distinctive and bringing her own creative perspective to the industry.3. Reinvention keeps a brand relevant. Nearly three decades in business have taught Jamie the importance of evolving while maintaining a recognizable identity.4. Lighting is both an art and a science. Scale, materials, craftsmanship, and quality are just as important as the aesthetic of a fixture.5. Inspiration is everywhere. Global travel, cultural influences, and traditional craftsmanship bring authenticity and depth to product design.6. Relationships are at the heart of business. In a world increasingly driven by technology, meaningful connections with designers, customers, and craftspeople remain invaluable.Save 15% site wide at ⁠www.houseofblum.com⁠ with promo code beat15!Or you can use this link- ⁠https://houseofblum.com/discount/beat15⁠!Connect with the Hosts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/boulevardbeatpodcast/⁠ Connect with Meghan Blum Interiors ⁠https://www.instagram.com/meghanbluminteriors/⁠Connect with House of Blum ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shophouseofblum/⁠ Connect with Krissa Rossbund. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/krissa_rossbund/⁠ Episode Website ⁠https://www.blvdbeat.com/about⁠ 

There is something incredibly satisfying about transforming your home with your own two hands. In this episode of Boulevard Beat, Meghan and Krissa explore the art of DIY and the projects that can make a meaningful impact without calling in the pros.From a fresh coat of paint and peel and stick wallpaper to reimagined artwork, simple upholstery, hardware swaps, sewing projects, styling, lampshades, and even the garden, they share approachable ways to bring more personality into your home. They also talk about knowing your limits, when precision matters, and why some projects are better left to an expert.Whether you are an experienced DIYer or simply ready to give something small a try, this episode is full of inspiration for getting creative, saving a little money, and making your home feel more personal along the way.Street Style Takeaways:Paint has power. A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room, piece of furniture, lamp, or accessory.Start with something manageable. Hardware, lampshades, pillows, artwork, styling, and small upholstery projects can deliver plenty of impact without becoming overwhelming.Look at what something could be. An estate sale chair, old lamp, ready made drapery panel, or textured canvas may only need a little imagination to feel completely new.Make it personal. Frame family photographs, children's artwork, meaningful textiles, or even a beautiful scarf to create something unique to your home.Styling is DIY too. Take everything off your bookshelves and start again. Experiment, edit, step away, and come back until it feels right.Know your DIY limits. Tile, flooring, power tools, complicated electrical work, and anything affecting the safety or integrity of your home require the right skill set. Sometimes doing it right means calling a professional.Save 15% site wide at ⁠www.houseofblum.com⁠ with promo code beat15!Or you can use this link- ⁠https://houseofblum.com/discount/beat15⁠!Connect with the Hosts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/boulevardbeatpodcast/⁠ Connect with Meghan Blum Interiors ⁠https://www.instagram.com/meghanbluminteriors/⁠Connect with House of Blum ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shophouseofblum/⁠ Connect with Krissa Rossbund. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/krissa_rossbund/⁠ Episode Website ⁠https://www.blvdbeat.com/about⁠ 

What really makes a kitchen work? This week on Boulevard Beat, Meghan and Krissa welcome Chef Mary Moran for a delicious conversation about food, design, entertaining and the spaces where it all comes together.Mary shares how her love of cooking began alongside her mother, including childhood memories of elaborate gingerbread houses, and how that early appreciation for beauty eventually evolved into a career in food. From there, the conversation heads straight into the kitchen, exploring what a professional chef really wants in a well designed space, which tools are worth the investment and why function should always be considered alongside beauty.The conversation also serves up plenty of inspiration for the holidays and entertaining. Mary shares her philosophy on family food traditions, introducing new dishes, creating memorable tablescapes and, perhaps most importantly, preparing ahead so the host can actually enjoy the party.Plus, Mary talks about teaching cooking classes, building confidence in the kitchen and her dream of bringing her recipes together in a cookbook.It is a conversation about much more than cooking. It is about creating beauty, gathering people together and making memories around the table.Street Style Takeaways:Function comes first in the kitchen. A beautiful kitchen still needs to perform. Mary makes a surprisingly strong case for something simple: plenty of conveniently placed outlets.Try before you splurge. Before investing in an expensive appliance, Mary suggests starting with a less expensive version. If you discover you use it constantly, then invest in the piece that will last.Practice without the pressure. One of Mary’s biggest lessons for intimidated cooks is to simply get into the kitchen and practice. Not every dish has to be perfect or even destined for the dinner table.Traditions can evolve. The foods we associate with holidays become meaningful because of the memories attached to them. Keep the favorites, but leave room for a new dish to become tomorrow’s tradition.Prep first, party second. Choose a menu that can largely be prepared before guests arrive. The best host is not hidden in the kitchen all evening. She is actually enjoying the people she invited.Make the table part of the experience. Mary is firmly in favor of a beautiful, layered tablescape. Food may bring everyone to the table, but thoughtful details help turn dinner into an occasion.Save 15% site wide at ⁠www.houseofblum.com⁠ with promo code beat15!Or you can use this link- ⁠https://houseofblum.com/discount/beat15⁠!Connect with the Hosts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/boulevardbeatpodcast/⁠ Connect with Meghan Blum Interiors ⁠https://www.instagram.com/meghanbluminteriors/⁠Connect with House of Blum ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shophouseofblum/⁠ Connect with Krissa Rossbund. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/krissa_rossbund/⁠ Episode Website ⁠https://www.blvdbeat.com/about⁠ 

The holidays may still feel months away, but a little preparation now can make all the difference when November and December arrive. In this episode of Boulevard Beat, Meghan and Krissa share the things you can tackle early to create a holiday season that feels more joyful, intentional, and a lot less frantic.From getting a head start on gifts and personalized presents to planning your wrapping scheme, Christmas cards, holiday wardrobe, baking supplies, travel, and entertaining essentials, they cover the little decisions that can save major time later. They also talk about stocking a hostess gift closet, organizing the holiday calendar, setting a cutoff for house projects, and even deciding what traditions you can simplify or let go.Because the goal is not to have Christmas finished by October. It is to make room for what matters most when the season finally arrives.Street Style Takeaways:Start with the things that require lead time. Personalized gifts, Christmas cards, travel plans, and special orders are much easier when they are not rushed.Design your wrapping just like you design a room. Choose a palette, pattern, ribbon, and finishing details early so wrapping becomes part of the fun.Create a hostess gift closet. Keep a small collection of candles, cocktail napkins, coasters, stationery, local finds, and other easy gifts ready to grab.Keep a holiday notebook. Track gifts you have already purchased, decorating ideas, things that need replacing, recipes, and lessons from last year.Put life on the holiday calendar too. Hair appointments, babysitters, dog grooming, home maintenance, school events, and travel can create just as much holiday stress as shopping.Preparation creates presence. The point of planning ahead is not to do more. It is to free up time to enjoy the people, traditions, meals, and moments that make the season special.Save 15% site wide at ⁠www.houseofblum.com⁠ with promo code beat15!Or you can use this link- ⁠https://houseofblum.com/discount/beat15⁠!Connect with the Hosts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/boulevardbeatpodcast/⁠ Connect with Meghan Blum Interiors ⁠https://www.instagram.com/meghanbluminteriors/⁠Connect with House of Blum ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shophouseofblum/⁠ Connect with Krissa Rossbund. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/krissa_rossbund/⁠ Episode Website ⁠https://www.blvdbeat.com/about⁠ 

This week onBoulevard Beat Meghan and Krissa get real about Organization the behind-the-scenes systems that keep life and work flowing smoothly. From favorite calendar tools and meal prep routines to thoughtfully designed spaces that boost daily function, we’re sharing our personal go-to strategies for keeping it all together. It’s part practical, part inspiring, and fully rooted in how a little structure can make room for more creativity and joy. Street Style TakeawaysOur favorite calendar + planning systems that keep the week on trackWhy meal prepping makes evenings feel calmer and less chaoticThe spaces in our homes that are intentionally designed to keep things functionalHow small organizational habits create big impact over timeWays to tailor organization to your personal rhythm (no one-size-fits-all!)Save 15% site wide at ⁠www.houseofblum.com⁠ with promo code beat15!Or you can use this link- ⁠https://houseofblum.com/discount/beat15⁠!Connect with the Hosts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/boulevardbeatpodcast/⁠ Connect with Meghan Blum Interiors ⁠https://www.instagram.com/meghanbluminteriors/⁠Connect with House of Blum ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shophouseofblum/⁠ Connect with Krissa Rossbund. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/krissa_rossbund/⁠ Episode Website ⁠https://www.blvdbeat.com/about⁠ 

Books aren’t just for reading—they’re for layering, styling, and storytelling within your space. In this episode of Boulevard Beat, Meghan and Krissa explore the power of books as a design element. From coffee table classics to vintage volumes stacked just so, we dive into how books bring warmth, texture, and personality into a room.We share tips on curating your collection, choosing the right scale and colors, and how to make books part of your interiors in meaningful (and stylish) ways. Whether you’re a maximalist or a minimalist, you’ll leave inspired to look at your bookshelves—and your design projects—a little differently.Street Style Takeaways :·  Books Add Soul – Every room needs something personal. Books reflect your interests and give depth to your space. Don’t be afraid to show off your collection.·  Stack with Intention – Vary horizontal and vertical stacks, and consider proportion. Tall, large books work great on the bottom for visual weight.·  Spines Matter – Think about color, texture, and typography. A curated spine lineup can be as impactful as art.·  Mix High & Low – Combine beautiful design books with thrifted finds, novels, or even kids’ books. It’s the mix that makes it feel lived-in and layered.·  Think Beyond the Shelf – Books work on console tables, kitchen counters, nightstands—even the bathroom. They’re one of the most versatile styling tools out there.Save 15% site wide at ⁠www.houseofblum.com⁠ with promo code beat15!Or you can use this link- ⁠https://houseofblum.com/discount/beat15⁠!Connect with the Hosts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/boulevardbeatpodcast/⁠ Connect with Meghan Blum Interiors ⁠https://www.instagram.com/meghanbluminteriors/⁠Connect with House of Blum ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shophouseofblum/⁠ Connect with Krissa Rossbund. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/krissa_rossbund/⁠ Episode Website ⁠https://www.blvdbeat.com/about⁠ 

The beautiful reveal may look effortless, but installation day is anything but. In this episode of Boulevard Beat, Meghan and Krissa pull back the curtain on what really happens when months, and sometimes years, of planning finally come together.From receiving and warehousing furniture to coordinating deliveries, hanging drapery and artwork, placing accessories, troubleshooting the unexpected, and styling every last detail, an installation is an enormous orchestration of people and pieces. They share what happens behind the scenes, why preparation is everything, and how designers navigate the inevitable surprises that arise along the way.Because installation is more than delivery day. It is the moment a design goes from a collection of individual decisions to a complete home, and when the vision everyone has been working toward finally comes to life.Street Style Takeaways:Plan the install before install day. The smoothest installations are mapped out well in advance. Know what is arriving, where it is going, and the order everything needs to happen.Leave room for the final layer. Do not use the entire budget on furniture. Art, accessories, pillows, window treatments, books, and decorative objects are what take a room from furnished to finished.Expect the unexpected. No matter how carefully you plan, something will happen. A damaged piece, a missing item, or something that simply does not work as expected. Good design includes knowing how to pivot.Think about the whole room, not individual pieces. Installation is when you finally see how every selection works together. Scale, balance, color, texture, and placement matter just as much as the individual pieces you chose.Style, step back, and edit. More is not always more. Styling requires layering, looking at the room as a whole, and knowing when to add something and when to take something away.Save something for the reveal. There is something special about experiencing a completed space all at once. When possible, let the designer finish the room before you see it. That final transformation is part of the magic.Save 15% site wide at ⁠www.houseofblum.com⁠ with promo code beat15!Or you can use this link- ⁠https://houseofblum.com/discount/beat15⁠!Connect with the Hosts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/boulevardbeatpodcast/⁠ Connect with Meghan Blum Interiors ⁠https://www.instagram.com/meghanbluminteriors/⁠Connect with House of Blum ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shophouseofblum/⁠ Connect with Krissa Rossbund. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/krissa_rossbund/⁠ Episode Website ⁠https://www.blvdbeat.com/about⁠