How to Decorate

We are so excited to welcome one of our favorite guests back to the podcast—the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Flower Magazine and a true entertaining expert—Margot Shaw!

Margot sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to celebrate the release of her gorgeous new book, Flowering Outdoors: Gardens and Parties. A follow-up to her bestselling book Living Floral, this new release focuses entirely on inspiring gardens and al fresco entertaining. Margot shares some of her favorite projects from the book, including the stunning restoration of the storied Gray Gardens estate, and explains why she believes place cards are a non-negotiable for any gathering.

Quick Decorating & Entertaining Takeaways:


Honor a Home's History: Margot discusses the beautiful revival of the iconic Gray Gardens estate by Liz Lange. When updating a historic property, Margot notes how important it is to keep the original spirit alive while adding your own personal touches (like Liz's dramatic round pool). It ensures the home feels referential and soulful, rather than just being a "pretty house".


Never Skip the Place Cards: Whether you are hosting an elaborate dinner party or simply having dinner with a group of friends on a cruise, Margot insists that place cards are essential. Assigning seats eliminates the awkward "moment of panic" for guests figuring out where to sit, and it allows you to thoughtfully mix up the conversation.


Embrace the "Stretch Goal": When flipping through beautifully styled tabletops and garden parties, it's okay if not everything is easy to replicate. Look for the simple, easy-to-accomplish details (like menus or pretty napkins) while also embracing the grander setups as aspirational "stretch goals" for your own hosting.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:


00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Margot Shaw


00:52 Discussing Margot's brand new book, Flowering Outdoors: Gardens and Parties


02:25 Bringing the book's inspiration to life for spring entertaining


03:28 The standout project: The history and revival of Gray Gardens


04:14 How Liz Lange honored "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" in her restoration


06:46 The process of curating content for the new book vs. the magazine


08:14 The case for always using place cards to make guests feel comfortable


01:00:07 Closing thoughts & where to get the book

Also Mentioned:


New Book: Flowering Outdoors: Gardens and Parties by Margot Shaw


Previous Book: Living Floral by Margot Shaw


Flower Magazine


Gray Gardens


Shop Ballard Designs

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!
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Tuck in and get lost in the Spring 2026 catalog with us! In this special bonus episode, the team does a deep dive into the brand-new Spring/Summer 2026 Items. We’re covering all the inspiration behind the season—from earthy pastels and coastal chic vibes to the return of classic motifs like ruffles, stripes, and natural wovens.

Whether you’re looking for a "wow" moment for your bedroom with the wave-shaped Veda Bed or seeking the perfect outdoor setup with the Berkshire Porch Swing, we cover our absolute favorites that are landing in your homes this year. Plus, stay tuned until the very end for a "cheap and cheerful" surprise prize for our dedicated listeners!

Products Mentioned:

Carson Kressley Collection - https://bit.ly/3OELEri

Westbury Woven Table - https://bit.ly/48kkrAT

Veda Woven Bed - https://bit.ly/491huFp

Reya Bar Cabinet - https://bit.ly/3OJJDdo

Flamands Mirror - https://bit.ly/4tyST3h

Henry Console - https://bit.ly/3Qph2KZ

Ramona Dining Chair - https://bit.ly/3Oomr4p

Torino Bookcase - https://bit.ly/4e8qWKH

Victoria Secretary - https://bit.ly/4u6eUGk

Maris Office Collection - https://bit.ly/4tzAYJI

Regina Chandellier - https://bit.ly/4tZLtG2

Berkshire Porch Swing - https://bit.ly/4e1AW8y

Suzanne Kasler Bedford Collection - https://bit.ly/4d1izzw

Biloxi Outdoor Collection - https://bit.ly/3OkMwkQ

Kelly Outdoor Rug - https://bit.ly/4sPqggT

Somerset Outdoor Collection - https://bit.ly/48kkkoX

Alexandra Accent Plates - https://bit.ly/4mOQhf3

Essie Bedding Collection - https://bit.ly/48npssp

Halyard Striped Drapery - https://bit.ly/4cLy2mb

Dayna Bed - https://bit.ly/4cvVIMs

Andrea Armchair - https://bit.ly/4mP2WOT

Bruno Kitchen Pantry - https://bit.ly/4e1Z1fr

Briggs Storage Cabinet - https://bit.ly/42tbzW0

Cecil Tea Light - https://bit.ly/4cPi3nb

Tortoise Glass Candle Lamp - https://bit.ly/4mNJ6Uh

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Today we are joined by a designer who has become a fixture on the decor A-List and the AD100, known for her ability to mix classic proportions with a modern, joyful energy. We are thrilled to welcome Young Huh to the podcast!

Young sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to discuss her stunning debut book, A Mood, A Thought, A Feeling: Interiors. She shares the fascinating story of her career pivot from unhappy lawyer to celebrated interior designer, the life-changing epiphany she had at a cocktail party, and why you should always figure out how a room should feel before you worry about what it should look like.

Quick Decorating Takeaways:


Define the Mood Before the Style: Young believes that trying to articulate your specific decorating "style" can be overwhelming and restrictive. Instead, she starts every project by asking how the homeowner wants to feel in the space. Do you want it to be convivial for entertaining, or quiet and still? Defining the intended mood naturally dictates what elements you should bring into the room.


Trust the Bold Choice: While decorating her very first house in Scarsdale, Young decided to take a risk and paint her dining room a traditional, saturated red. That early experiment taught her how enveloping and wonderful color can be, proving that taking a bold design risk is often exactly the right move.


It's Never Too Late to Pivot: Before becoming an interior designer, Young went to law school and worked as a lawyer simply to fulfill familial expectations. She reminds listeners that we are constantly evolving creatures, and you should never be afraid to embrace a new adventure or take classes for something you are truly passionate about.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:


00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Young Huh


01:19 The inspiration and structure behind her debut book, A Mood, A Thought, A Feeling


03:20 Decorating her first home in Scarsdale and transitioning from apartments to a full house


04:25 The cocktail party epiphany that sparked her career change


04:50 The journey from being an unhappy lawyer to finding her true passion


06:56 What it was like going back to design school with a baby in tow


09:50 Young's early design experiments and the famous red dining room


11:19 Why identifying your desired "mood" is easier than defining your "style"


12:23 Designing living rooms for conviviality and entertaining vs. peaceful stillness

Also Mentioned:


Book: A Mood, A Thought, A Feeling: Interiors by Young Huh


Young Huh Interior Design | Website


Follow Young on Instagram: @younghuh


Shop Ballard Designs

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!
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We are heading up to the beautiful coast of Maine for today's episode! Our guest is Laura Keeler Pierce, the founder and principal designer of the New England-based interior design firm Keeler & Co., and the co-founder of Rusticator, a curated home furnishings shop located in Seal Harbor, Maine.

Laura sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to discuss her signature aesthetic, which masterfully blends historic New England charm with modern, updated livability. She shares how growing up moving from city to city shaped her design eye, the inspiration behind the "rusticator" lifestyle in Acadia National Park, and her approach to designing incredible commercial spaces like the reimagined Claremont Hotel.

Quick Decorating Takeaways:


Respect the Architecture: When working with older, historic homes, Laura believes in maintaining the architectural integrity while infusing it with modern character. Don't fight the bones of the house—embrace them, and let the history of the home inform your material and fabric choices.


The "Rusticator" Lifestyle: Inspired by Mount Desert Island's iconic summer cottages, Laura recommends looking for "first-generation heirlooms." These are timeless, well-crafted, sturdy pieces that can handle everyday life (and sandy feet) but still bring a sense of tailored elegance and deep comfort to a space.


Mix Classic with Contemporary: A room shouldn't feel like a museum. Laura creates warmth by layering classic, traditional patterns (like Sister Parish or William Morris & Co.) with fresh colors, vintage bamboo pieces, and contemporary art to keep the room feeling spirited, welcoming, and deeply personal.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:


00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Laura Keeler Pierce


02:00 Growing up surrounded by "sawdust and custom draperies"


06:00 Balancing a heritage design sensibility with modern living


12:00 The foundation of Keeler & Co. in Boston and Maine


18:00 The story behind Rusticator in Seal Harbor and the island lifestyle


25:00 How to source timeless furnishings and everyday heirloom pieces


32:00 The design process for reimagining the historic Claremont Hotel property


38:00 How a sense of place and local nature influences interior color palettes


45:28 Closing thoughts and where to visit Rusticator in person

Also Mentioned:


Keeler & Co. | Website


Rusticator (Seal Harbor, ME) | Website


The Claremont Hotel


Follow Keeler & Co. on Instagram: @keelerandco


Follow Rusticator on Instagram: @rusticatorshop


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Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!
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Our guest today is award-winning Atlanta architect Timothy Adams. His firm, T.S. Adams Studio Architects, has become synonymous with classical lines and highly detailed craftsmanship. Tim sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to talk about his beautiful new book, Tradition Made New: Houses with a Sense of Soul and History, which celebrates homes that feel grounded, authentic, and built to last generations.

Tim shares his architectural process, explaining why a home's design must always start with the physical lot it sits on. He discusses the difference between "timeless" and "soulful" architecture, how to balance a client's modern taste with a traditional neighborhood, and why he always takes time to drive around a community to study the local materials before drafting a single plan.

Quick Decorating & Architectural Takeaways:


Design for the Site First: Before finalizing a design or layout, you must consider the lot. Tim explains that a house should be deeply responsive to its topography and surroundings. He uses the site visit to figure out how to capture the best natural light and views, while strategically positioning the house to block out negative elements like a neighbor's garage or a cell tower.


Blend In on the Outside, Be Yourself on the Inside: If your preferred style clashes with a historic neighborhood, find a compromise. Tim shares a story of a client who wanted a highly contemporary home on one of Atlanta's most traditional streets. To respect the neighborhood, Tim designed a classic stone English manor exterior, but kept the interior architecture incredibly clean and modern.


Aim for "Soulful" over "Timeless": Tim prefers the term "soulful architecture" over the overused buzzword "timeless". By rooting a house in the right historical proportions, strong details, and authentic regional materials, you create a home that feels lived-in and relevant for decades, rather than just designing for a fleeting trend.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:


00:00 Welcome & Introduction of Timothy Adams


00:55 Discussing Tim's new book, Tradition Made New


01:35 How Tim designs projects to respond to their specific location and topography


04:00 Honoring good views and hiding the bad ones during the initial design phase


06:15 Why Tim studies the older homes and materials in a community before building


07:20 Compromising on a modern house on a traditional street in Atlanta (West Paces Ferry)


08:45 Designing for longevity and resale value vs. designing just for yourself


09:30 The concept of "soulful" architecture and finding inspiration in history


11:00 How to position a house on a narrow lot or a standard subdivision


01:01:00 Closing thoughts & where to get the book

Also Mentioned:


Book: Tradition Made New: Houses with a Sense of Soul and History by Timothy Adams


T.S. Adams Studio Architects | Website


Follow them on Instagram: @tsadamsstudio


Shop Ballard Designs

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

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