logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2024
1h 2m

Ep. 347: Coastal Style with Megan Molten

Ballard Designs
About this episode

We are joined this week by Megan Molten, Charleston interior designer and shop owner. Megan is known for her modern, light, and airy design sense, where she effortlessly mixes feminine and masculine elements together for a balanced and clean result. Megan talks with us about learning how to take bigger risks, how to embrace your coastal style, and ways to incorporate pattern and color through accessories like vases and artwork.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

  • Megan took a leap of faith and left her corporate career in sales to start her business after encouragement from friends and sharing her design work on social media.
  • Why would Megan say “no” to a white sofa?!
  • Take a deep breath - couch colors are important, but not life or death decisions.
  • Tips for mixing metals.
  • Want to change your artwork around? Look for affordable options for framing.
  • What are some of the elements of coastal design?
  • How Megan learned to take more risks with clients in bolder and darker choices.
  • Some out-of-the-box coastal design accessories and ideas that aren’t your typical seashell.
  • Designing vacation homes in Charleston with a minimalist approach that is also cozy and inviting. 
  • Finding that “wow” factor piece in your main spaces.
  • How to build accessories into your budget.

Mentioned:

Ballard Designs

Megan Molten

@meganmolten 

Decorating Dilemma: 

Hi Chrissy! What a cool job to be a personal chef, and we love your vibe. You have a great base already, so here are some of our suggestions. First, we would take the track lighting down and drop a second chandelier over your sitting area. Megan loves the idea of the ceiling detail, possibly in a natural wood tone.

Consider adding in a pair of lamps on the buffet table to bring in some of the brass accents.

We love the idea of skylights and keeping the low lighting, but agree with no recessed lighting.

As for the window in the living room, we would hang the drapery panels as high and wide as you can, and make sure you do drapery hooks and rings. In an effort to not make things too “matchy-matchy”, we would not do sconces that have drum shades like the lamp but instead would do something more contrasting.


Up next
Jul 8
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 portfol ... Show More
1h 1m
Jul 1
Ep. 420: The Secrets of Timeless Design with Miles Redd
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, Mil ... Show More
46m 51s
Jun 24
Ep. 419: Design Reimagined with Corey Damen Jenkins
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 ... Show More
1h 7m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
114\\ Balancing Business and Self-Care: Laura Martin Bovard's Secrets to Success in the Interior Design World
Finding balance and fulfillment in a creative career has always been a constant struggle for most interior designers. Interior designer Laura Martin Bovard has been there - and she's here to share her hard-won wisdom. In this episode, Laura opens up about her unconventional path ... Show More
31m 5s
Feb 2025
145. Meet The YouTuber Who Became a Netflix Star Then Quit Everything ft. Megan Batoon
What’s up, Rock Nation! Today, we’re joined by Megan Batoon - a multifaceted creator, dancer, and TV host. After nearly a decade on YouTube, Megan landed a dream role as a host on Netflix’s The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals. From the outside, it looked like she was thrivi ... Show More
1h 28m
Dec 2024
118\\ Expert Advice on Building & Scaling Your Interior Design Firm With Confidence With Michelle Norgren
"Do I need a formal degree in interior design to succeed? What steps should I follow in the design process? Should I add new services like construction management or staging? How do I diversify my offerings while staying true to my brand?" These questions reflect a critical miles ... Show More
20m 46s
Sep 2024
108\\ How to Grow Your Design Business While Staying True to Your “Why” With Katie Decker-Erickson
Are you struggling to scale your interior design business while balancing family life? Or perhaps you're considering adding commercial projects to your list of services. In this episode, Katie Decker, a successful commercial color consultant and business coach, shares her ins ... Show More
34m 36s
Aug 2024
102\\ Turning Challenges into Creative Fuel: Kelee Katillac's Journey in Helping Clients Manifest Their Dream Spaces PLUS Color Meditation
An interior designer's role is to partner with clients to manifest and bring their dreams to life through personalized designs. I love how Kelee, my special guest, illustrates that role. Kelee Katillac, an acclaimed interior designer and author shares her remarkable journey f ... Show More
43m 9s
Sep 2024
105\\ The Must-Ask Questions for Successful Interior Design Consultations and Projects
An initial interior design consultation is crucial for laying the foundation of a successful project. It's where you gather all the important info about your client's needs, style choices, and expectations. But how do you do that? By asking the right questions, of course! ... Show More
17m 42s
Oct 2024
Color Drenching Deep Dive
In this episode we talk about the trend of the year, which we saw coming down Runway for sure in 2024 and some in 2023, and it’s called the Color Drench. This episode will unpack what this is and where to do it, how to do it, how we’re doing it, and we’re gonna share 5 projects t ... Show More
49m 22s
Apr 2024
83\\ Design Your Dream Home: DIY Courses and Downloads for Design Enthusiasts
Are you a design enthusiast itching to give your home a makeover but need help figuring out where to start? Do you find yourself captivated by Pinterest boards and HGTV shows, dreaming of creating stunning spaces like a professional interior designer? Look no further! In this epi ... Show More
20m 37s
Jul 2024
97\\ Key Interior Design Terms to Communicate Better with Clients and Showcase Your Design Skills
Do you ever struggle to explain your design ideas to clients? Do you wish you had the right words to help them understand and love your designs? I hear you! In this episode, I walk you through the must-know vocabulary words that every designer starting out needs to incorporate. T ... Show More
20m 6s
Nov 2024
115\\ 9 Proven Ways to Set Yourself Apart as an Interior Designer and Succeed
The interior design industry is quite crowded, especially with the rise of online platforms and social media showcasing designers’ work, making the field more visible and accessible than ever. The growth in popularity is fueled by shows on networks like HGTV, DIY resources, and t ... Show More
14m 55s