In this solo episode, I explore a popular topic: handling mementos and tchotchkes from travel. I share my thought process, from pre-trip preparations to what I buy and how I integrate those items into my home. Travel fuels home design with life and energy, inspiring us with new ideas and color palettes. I offer a deep dive into the Slow Style Framework for home makeovers and discuss my recent trip to London, providing practical advice on blending iconic sites and hidden gems, finding inspiration, using boutique hotels for design ideas, and selecting meaningful and practical souvenirs. I also give tips on saving free mementos, creating travel rituals, and immediately incorporating your finds into your decor. Whether you're planning your next excursion or simply looking to enrich your home's aesthetic, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and tangible advice.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I sat down with Michael Bartz, a homeowner who built and lives in a tiny home with his partner and three cats. Michael's journey to sustainable living began in 2015 after a life-changing breakup, leading him to question traditional housing and embrace the tiny house lifestyle. He built his 175-square-foot mobile home in his brother's backyard over four years, relying on YouTube, books, and the National Tiny House Jamboree for guidance. Michael later found a perfect spot to park on an elderly couple's farm, facilitating a community-oriented living arrangement. We discussed the challenges and rewards of off-grid living, the importance of aligning home design with personal values and the impact of his podcast, 'In Over My Head.' Michael's story highlights the potential for a fulfilling, lower-impact lifestyle through intentional living and creative problem-solving.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I interview Mallory Robbins and Elizabeth Bennett, founders of KOBEL + Co. We explore their design philosophy, which includes the use of 'ugly' pieces to add tension, balance, and serendipity. They explain how incorporating antiques and avoiding matchiness can make spaces more interesting and welcoming. We discuss the importance of taking your time to evolve your style and the impact of personal and historical items in a home. Through photo examples from their projects, we analyze how they skillfully mix materials, colors, and eras even in children’s rooms. This episode offers a rich visual and conceptual understanding of their approach to design.

In this solo episode, we will explore step three of my Slow Style framework, which is all about executing your vision for a room makeover. I'm here to guide you in thoughtfully connecting your design choices to the personal visions and values that matter most to you. I emphasize the importance of resisting impulsive shopping and instead carefully selecting decor that truly reflects your personality and passions. I talk about how to use tools like mood boards, which can help you translate the feelings and experiences you want in your space into specific design elements. My goal is to help you create a unique, personal style for your interiors.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sit down with Samantha Stathis Lynch of Samantha Ware Designs to explore her rich background in art authentication and interior design. Samantha shares her journey from galleries to working at the prestigious De Gournay, and how she incorporates her deep understanding of art history into accessible interior design for all. She discusses the importance of mixing various design eras to create a layered, personalized home aesthetic and offers valuable tips for antiquing and spotting quality pieces. Samantha emphasizes the significance of creating homes filled with beauty and authenticity while also championing the eco-friendly aspects of reusing antique pieces. Her insights stress the importance of your home reflecting your story and personality, making each space unique and joyful.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I talk with Abi Dare, author of 'The Soft Minimalist Home' and the 'These Four Walls' blog. We discuss her unique take on minimalism, which is not just about having fewer things but about making space for what truly matters. Abi explains that minimalism is an approach rather than a rigid style, and how her synesthesia influences her preference for a neutral and calm home environment. She highlights that minimalism can look different for everyone—whether it's a calm, neutral space or a vibrant room full of art. We also talk about practical examples from her book, which includes homes that are both colorful and minimalist. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a home that reflects your personality and supports your well-being. We also discuss why style matters and how decluttering and intentional design can lead to a more fulfilling home environment.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I chat with Nicole Johnsey Burke, founder of Gardenary and author of Kitchen Garden Revival, about optimizing outdoor spaces —be it a large yard or a small balcony— for growing vegetables. Nicole shares her personal journey from overcoming food addiction to becoming a garden expert and discusses how gardening can foster a deep connection with our homes. She offers step-by-step guidance on planning, planting, and maintaining a kitchen garden, emphasizing seasonal crops, companion planting, and aesthetics. Nicole shares practical tips for beginners and highlights the importance of daily gardening habits. Her insights inspire a newfound appreciation for the benefits of kitchen gardening, rekindling a tangible connection to home and nature.

My guest today is my friend and fellow podcaster, Rebecca West. Her book, “Happy Starts At Home,” is in its second edition and therefore giving me the opportunity to share it all with you. Her book will give you tons of thoughtful exercises to help you think through big decisions when it comes to designing and decorating your home. In this conversation, we zero in on questions of how to spend money well, how to talk with your partner, or anyone else you may be living with, and how to get the most out of renting, if you don’t own a home, because Rebecca is currently renting in Paris! Here’s Rebecca.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I host designer Jo Berryman, who discusses her book 'Expressive Interiors.' Jo encourages homeowners to be fearless and bold in their design choices, emphasizing the importance of expressing one's true self through their living spaces. We explore various design principles such as harmony and discord, the significance of trust in the design process, and the value of personal and meaningful starting points for decor. Jo shares insights on how to blend different styles, colors, and textures, ultimately aiming to create unique and inspiring interiors. I share actionable advice on developing confidence in personal design choices and the importance of creativity in home decor.

Today is the second episode in my series about the Slow Style Framework, a method I use to teach people how to create meaningful, beautiful homes one room at a time. The first episode covered step one, Envision, and today's episode focuses on step two, Experiment. This episode emphasizes the valuable lessons learned from experimenting with items you already own before making new purchases. By rearranging and repurposing existing furniture and decor, you can save money and gain confidence in your design decisions. Through examples from bedrooms and living rooms, I illustrate how paying attention to your needs and experimenting helps you identify functional and aesthetic elements that align with your vision. I also provide tips on conducting a home audit and recognizing what truly enhances your space. The goal is to develop a personal, meaningful style without rushing into purchases, ensuring each design choice is thoughtful and intentional.

In this episode, I interviewed Liz Bell Young, the author of 'Let There Be Havens.' Liz is a multi-talented individual whose work spans across essays, poetry, and creative thinking, all aimed at fostering deeply felt human connections. We discussed the concept of 'havens,' not just as physical spaces but also as any place or interaction that provides comfort and support. Liz shared her diverse professional journey, including her memoir 'In The Wide Country Of Love,' her creation of Haven Magazine for Anthropologie, and her writings in various prestigious journals. She has also worked with prominent clients like Procter and Gamble and Stan Smith Events. We talked about her personal experiences, including her ambitious side, her aspiration to be a mother, and her various living situations that shaped her understanding of creating comfortable home environments. She emphasized the importance of authenticity and accessibility in creating havens. The conversation also covered Liz's unique mapping exercises and creative events like a dinner for 500 women and an indoor tent installation. Throughout, Liz highlights the importance of collaboration, genuine self-expression, and making havens accessible to everyone, regardless of resources.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I have an inspiring conversation with Julia Chasman, who transitioned from a 30-year career in the feature film industry to becoming a home designer. Julia shares how industry changes and her growing disinterest in film led her to renovate historic homes in Los Angeles. She highlights her approach to design, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, attention to detail, and incorporating personal touches. We talk specifics of her projects, such as creating personalized spaces using vintage collections and how she seamlessly balances prints and colors. Julia also discusses practical tips on TV placement and integrating family heirlooms in home décor. Through our conversation, Julia reveals her love for open shelving, portraits, and the importance of “the hand” in design, reflecting a human connection in home interiors. This episode captures Julia’s journey and design philosophy, making it clear how her diverse life experiences enrich her work.

In this solo episode, I dive into the concept of 'Slow Style,' a thoughtful approach to home design that emphasizes developing your signature style over time. I discuss my personal love for tinkering with home decor and how it reflects my evolving needs and inspirations. The episode offers actionable advice on creating a deeply connected vision for your home, starting with the fundamental question: 'How do you want to feel in this room and why?' I explain that Slow Style is not about the pace but the attitude towards developing one's personal style, and how this approach can work for both those who love to tinker and those needing significant, immediate changes. Key points include understanding the importance of a vision, avoiding impulsive purchases, and making design choices that align with how you want to feel in your space. The episode aims to help listeners create intentional and lasting home environments that are uniquely theirs.

My guest today is Haskell Harris, the style director at the lifestyle magazine Garden and Gun and author of her first book, 'The House Romantic.' In our conversation, we explore Haskell's philosophy on creating a meaningful and beautiful home, which aligns closely with my Slow Style philosophy. Haskell shares insights from her book, emphasizing the importance of infusing homes with items that hold personal meaning, such as heirlooms and cherished books. We also discuss the interplay of different styles, the value of investing in quality linens, and the significance of incorporating old pieces to add character. Haskell talks about her approach to maintaining authenticity in home design, respecting the original features of a house, and bringing in personal stories and elements from past homes. We touch on the importance of gardens and natural elements in home design and how Haskell integrates these into her living spaces. Lastly, Haskell shares updates on her current home projects, including a newly finished bed nook in her office and a faux-painted living room, highlighting her ongoing love for creative home decor.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I chat with Maggie Dillon, an interior designer featured in House Beautiful, about her unique design approach. Maggie discusses how she gently pushes clients out of their comfort zones by incorporating bold patterns and colors. She shares stories of successfully integrating unconventional elements like plaid fabrics and sentimental heirlooms into her designs. Maggie explains her Bloomsbury aesthetic, which mixes vibrant patterns and minimizes traditional design rules. We also explore her projects, including a guest bedroom filled with diverse patterns and a living room featuring mural wallpaper and an eclectic mix of furnishings, demonstrating her skill in creating spaces that are both dynamic and harmonious.

How often do you think about the hardware in your home? In other words, the drawer knobs and pulls? I actually think about them more than a lot of people but still, you may be wondering how we’re going to fill up an entire podcast episode about knobs and pulls! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this conversation, especially if you’re a renter, it’s really for anyone who’s looking to refresh and personalize their style without having to hire a contractor or know anything about power tools. My guest is Priya Vij, founder of Hapney Home, that’s H A P N E Y, and she’s started her own hardware company focused on the little details that can take a room from fine to refined. We talk about lifestyle, the economics of renting, and how to make non-permanent changes in our spaces. She’s quite delightful and I think you’re going to really enjoy this conversation.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sit down with Kay Pressney and Becca Cherry, authors of 'A Home for All Seasons.' They advocate for aligning home decor with the natural cycles of the seasons, instead of commercial holidays. Both guests share how their deep-rooted connections to nature influence their design philosophies and discuss the concept of biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into built environments. The conversation explores how small, mindful changes in our homes can enhance well-being and creativity, emphasizing the use of natural materials, colors, and textures. We also discuss how being attuned to the seasons can foster a deeper connection to nature and a more mindful, balanced lifestyle.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I discuss listener Josie's challenge of decorating large, double-story walls in her home’s entryway to reflect her family's love for nature, travel, and craftsmanship. We explore ways to create a meaningful and personal space including creating a gallery wall with found objects, using diverse materials, considering wallpaper, and incorporating moulding. Josie shared her vision of integrating family photos, travel mementos, and handmade items to achieve a welcoming entryway. I guided Josey on how to start small, such as beginning with a core group of art pieces at eye level, and the importance of taking a slow, collected approach to decorating.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I chat with Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, also known as the Brownstone Boys, about their journey from renovating their first historic Brooklyn brownstone to helping others do the same. They share insights from their new book, 'For the Love of Renovating,' and offer practical advice on whether to renovate or move, making the best renovation decisions, and integrating modern elements into historic homes. We also discuss common renovation mistakes, budget planning, and the value of timeless design. Whether you're a first-time renovator or a seasoned DIYer, this episode is packed with valuable tips and inspiration for creating your dream home.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I discuss listener Josie's challenge of decorating large, double-story walls in her home’s entryway to reflect her family's love for nature, travel, and craftsmanship. We explore ways to create a meaningful and personal space including creating a gallery wall with found objects, using diverse materials, considering wallpaper, and incorporating moulding. Josie shared her vision of integrating family photos, travel mementos, and handmade items to achieve a welcoming entryway. I guided Josey on how to start small, such as beginning with a core group of art pieces at eye level, and the importance of taking a slow, collected approach to decorating.