logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2022
1h 5m

Ep. 286 Renovating a Country House with ...

Ballard Designs
About this episode

We’ve got a great duo here this week on How to Decorate: Rachel Barrett, Editor in Chief of Country Living and acclaimed singer songwriter, serial house renovator and contributing Country Living writer Holly Williams. In the November issue of Country Living, we get to see the beautiful country house they renovated using some Ballard products. We hear the story of how they came to collaborate and the little details that turned out to be one big vision. They also talk about working in a tight timeline, along with some behind the scenes moments of a not so glamorous photo shoot. We also talk about fun ideas for ping pong rooms, how bold colors can make a big difference, and the importance of having a touchstone item.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

  • How to create a cohesive vision for a project, especially when working in a tight timeline.
  • Maybe you should look on Craigslist for real estate?
  • How they incorporated an itch to use hunting lodge decor in their farmhouse.
  • The importance of starting with a neutral color.
  • Empowerment of happy accidents and being able to roll with things.
  • The importance of having a “touchstone” item.
  • Using brass lamps and skirted tables to create contrast.
  • The importance of window coverings in the house.
  • What to do if you have an eyesore in your home.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Rachel Hardage Barrett

Holly Williams

Country Living Magazine

Decorating Dilemma:

Thank you for writing in! First, the fireplace already has contrast against the white wall and then the shelves are pretty high contrast, so, maybe something that's a little bit like richer, darker, and warmer color might help it feel like one unit. Next, a skirted table underneath the TV in some great fabric can be repeated in the same fabric on the windows.

And remember, bold fabric will change the world! It makes everything feel intentional and beautiful, without busting your bank. As far as curtain rods, check out luddite brass ones.

For color, Oakmoss by Sherwin Williams could work, or a Jasper or Moss Point Green.  

Up next
Yesterday
Ep. 428: Trials and Triumphs
Join hosts Caroline, Taryn, and Liz as they explore the latest decorating trials and triumphs from within their own homes. This time around you can expect the ladies to cover their bedroom revamps, clever storage solutions, and sprucing up spaces with the magic of new fabrics and ... Show More
53m 24s
Aug 19
Ep. 427: Crafting Contemporary Elegance with Kim Lapin
Join hosts Caroline, Taryn, and Liz as they chat with former model turned West Coast designer Kim Lapin. After transitioning from a modeling career and renovating seven homes in seven years, Kim founded Kim Lapin Interiors in 2020. Her design ethos focuses on mixing elevated mate ... Show More
1 h
Aug 12
Ep. 426: Designing Family-Centric Spaces with Cate Gutter
Caroline and Taryn are joined by interior designer Cate Gutter to discuss her innovative approach to creating refined, joyful family living spaces. Drawing from her own upbringing in a family that frequently redesigned homes, Cate blends functionality and sophistication in her de ... Show More
1h 12m
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2023
How To Style Your Home Like a Pro
This summer, Hillary and her fiancé will be moving into their first home together. It’s an upgrade from their apartment, and they get to design it from scratch. Hillary is really looking forward to entertaining friends and even growing their family in the space. She wants to desi ... Show More
37m 26s
Mar 2024
115 Embracing Ambiance: A Journey into Cozy, Moody Design
Creating Cozy, Moody Interiors with Tea Over Interiors In this episode of Tea Over Interiors, hosts Dee and Alicja explore the concept of creating cozy, moody interiors. Alicia shares her preference for goji berry green tea, signifying a cleanse before an indulgent afternoon with ... Show More
12m 1s
Jun 2024
Luke Edward hall: the artist and designer pulls back the curtain to reveal his colourful life story
Luke has kindly invited us to his house in the Cotswolds, which he shares with his husband, Duncan Campbell, and a pair of enthusiastic whippets.   I was intrigued to learn that this modern-day dandy comes from a bog-standard commuter town, and like many of the people I talk to o ... Show More
1h 3m
May 2010
Greg Castillo, “Cold War on the Home Front: The Soft Power of Midcentury Design” (Minnesota UP, 2009)
If you grew up in the 1960s or 1970s in suburbia, you probably lived in a smallish ranch house that looked like this. That house probably had an “ultra modern” kitchen that probably looked like this. I grew up in such a house and it had such a kitchen. In fact, I think my mom, si ... Show More
1h 8m
Sep 2019
Art, Expression & Elevation | Sam Kirk
Sam Kirk (http://iamsamkirk.com/) was born and raised on the south side of Chicago and spent most of her childhood jumping from neighborhood to neighborhood with her family. While she loved exploring new communities and cultures with each move, she was also grappling with her ide ... Show More
1h 7m