Ep. 421: Relaxed Elegance with Brittany Bromley

Caroline and Liz welcome New York-based designer and author Brittany Bromley to the show, known for her ability to blend traditional aesthetics with a modern twist. Brittany shares the inspiration and stories behind her new book, "Relaxed Elegance," and details her design portfolio featuring a fearless use of patterns and colors that bring warmth and personality to each project. Brittany also takes us through her design process, including how she transformed her own home from a neglected space into a layered haven of antique charm and contemporary sophistication. Discover how she uses texture, patterns, and the occasional bold color choice to create unique, comfortable, and enduring designs that reflect the personalities of her clients. What You'll Hear This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 00:34 Brittany Bromley's design philosophy and journey 01:18 Personal home renovation story 04:13 Dining room design with sculptural paper mache 12:29 Pattern mixing tips and interior styling 24:37 Bridge Hampton interior with humor and tradition 27:19 Design strategies for double-height living rooms 31:54 Impact of large windows in interior design 32:20 Using color in neutral and layered spaces 32:54 Muted color palettes for sophisticated interiors 34:09 Texture and pattern for depth in design 37:19 Evolution of textile design and small-batch textiles 39:34 Natural fiber rugs for durability and style 40:58 Creating relaxed elegance in decor 42:11 Patina, layering, and vintage-inspired interiors 43:42 Incorporating marble countertops in kitchens 48:46 Balancing cool and warm tones in design 51:58 Tailoring design for different locations 53:39 Rise of performance textiles and fabrics 55:59 Final thoughts on layered, timeless interiors Also Mentioned: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ballarddesigns.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Shop Now @bittybromley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Brittany's IG bbromleyinteriors.com⁠⁠ | Brittany's Website & Portfolio 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this delightful episode, hosts Caroline and Liz welcome back the charismatic and imaginative Miles Redd to the show, renowned interior designer and Ballard Designs product design partner. Known for his signature blend of traditional elements with a bold, fantastical twist, Miles shares the latest updates on his partnership with Ballard Designs, including the exciting relaunch of some of his beloved pieces and his upcoming 2026 Outdoor Collection.  The conversation explores Miles’ distinct design philosophy inspired by cinematic visuals and auction finds, and how he masterfully creates deeply layered and memorable interiors. This episode also features a listener’s decorating dilemma, where Miles offers expert advice on selecting the perfect flooring to complement cherry wood cabinets. Watch this week's episode with images on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/4kfTDEQ What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:34 Special Guest: Miles Redd 01:33 Miles Redd's Design Philosophy 02:34 The Regency Mirror and Other Pieces 04:55 Inspiration and Auction Finds 08:32 Cinematic Design and Movie Inspirations 21:06 Upcoming Collections and Exciting Releases 23:10 Elegant Table Settings and Bamboo Details 24:00 Exciting New Projects and Collaborations 25:20 Luxurious Home Designs and Inspirations 28:45 The Grand Millennial Trend 31:51 Minimalist Aesthetics and Client Preferences 37:19 Decorating Dilemmas and Solutions 43:00 Final Thoughts and Farewell Decorating Dilemma: Hi there, The hosts understand the challenge of selecting floors that complement cherry wood cabinets while also bringing warmth and texture into your home. Miles offers thoughtful advice for creating a cohesive look. First, Miles suggests considering painted wood floors, which can add a wonderful and unique character to your kitchen. He notes that a painted floor can offer a practical and budget-friendly solution that also provides a striking aesthetic when paired with cherry cabinetry. A large checkerboard pattern in a two-tone combination, such as navy and natural blonde wood, could introduce a delightful visual interest while harmonizing with the cabinet color. For your preference in a light yet warm tone throughout the house, Miles recommends moving away from mid-tones and going either blonde or deep dark. He points out that the two options on the far right of your sample photo look promising, particularly focusing on a slightly blonder hue which might blend seamlessly yet stand out beautifully against the cherry cabinetry. If you're considering a painted floor, the charm only grows as paint starts to wear naturally over time in trafficked areas, offering a lived-in and inviting look. He encourages embracing this character as part of the floor's charm. We hope these suggestions help you achieve a floor choice that complements your cabinets and highlights your home's style. Best of luck with your flooring project! - How to Decorate Also Mentioned: ⁠⁠ballarddesigns.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Shop Miles’ Ballard Collection ⁠⁠reddkaihoi.com | Designer Website ⁠⁠@milesredd | Designer IG Ballard Products Mentioned: 02:06 | Bullseye Mirror  02:38 | Regency Mirror  21:15 | Shell Mirror & Console - http://bit.ly/4nuvE7A 21:22 | Silver Drinks Table - http://bit.ly/448pCCe 22:06 | Telescoping Tables - http://bit.ly/3TSamTU 22:38 | Black Lacquer Dining Table  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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caroline and Liz welcome Corey Damen Jenkins to the show, principal and CEO of Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates. Renowned across the industry for his exuberant use of color and pattern, this episode offers listeners an exclusive look at his upcoming book, "Design Reimagined," as well as his new YouTube series of the same name. Corey shares his remarkable journey from the automotive industry to the heights of the design world, highlighting the importance of flexibility in design and life. He provides practical tips for layering, combining styles, and using anchor pieces, offering valuable insights for both seasoned professionals and budding decorators. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to How to Decorate Podcast 00:34 Special Guest: Corey Damen Jenkins 01:34 Corey’s Journey: From Automotive to Interior Design 03:34 The 779th Door: A Turning Point 06:07 Overcoming Rejection and Finding Success 09:58 Design Philosophy and Generosity 11:27 Design Reimagined: The New Book 15:13 Flexibility in Design and Life 21:03 Combining Traditional and Modern Elements 27:58 Practical Tips for Layering and Mixing Styles 34:38 The Importance of Scale in Design 34:52 Living Room: The True Heart of the Home 36:20 Sectionals: Love-Hate Relationship 38:52 A Bold Upper East Side Apartment 42:16 The Power of Jewel Tones 49:29 Designing for Families and Functionality 51:30 Launching a YouTube Series 58:05 Anchor Pieces and Budgeting Tips 01:02:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Also Mentioned: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ballarddesigns.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Shop Now ⁠coreydamenjenkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Designer Website ⁠@coreydamenjenkins⁠ | 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 haven’t already in Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a new episode. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Caroline and Liz sit down with Jacksonville-based interior designer Andrew Howard: Renowned for his vibrant take on traditional design, Andrew shares his journey from working in his parents' design store to becoming a celebrated designer. The discussion explores how to inject playful elements into traditional spaces, highlighting the significance of color, unexpected accents, and personal touches in creating inviting homes. Andrew also delves into the nitty-gritty of selecting durable, comfortable furniture and the process of designing spaces that reflect individuality. He also previews his new book, set for release in September, and muses on the creative inspiration that fuels his unique projects. Watch this week's episode with images on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/4jVD0OG What You’ll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast 00:33 Meet Andrew Howard: A Journey in Design 01:40 Design Philosophy: Playful Traditional Interiors 03:20 Creating Unique and Comfortable Spaces 07:53 The Importance of Scale and Comfort 09:48 Exploring Bold Patterns and Colors 12:38 Andrew's New Book and Instagram Insights 24:44 Commercial Design Challenges 30:12 Unexpected Office Takeover 30:55 Kids' Influence on Home Decor 32:40 The Importance of Floor Plans 34:15 Ceiling Design Insights 36:58 Essential Room Elements 38:09 The Captain's Hour Concept 40:21 Painting and Refinishing Woodwork 44:41 Exploring Color in Design 46:06 Personal Home Design Stories 52:17 Dream Project Locations 54:01 Final Thoughts and Farewell Also Mentioned: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ballarddesigns.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Shop Now andrewjhoward.com⁠ | Designer Website @andrewjhow | 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 haven’t already in Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a new episode. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 You’ll 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 haven’t already in Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a new episode. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Watch this week's episode with images on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/40c7eps 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 (⁠⁠⁠[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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices