Style Matters

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. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you up for every design decision you'll need to make!Sign up here to receive the free guide (and lots of suppport along the way).

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. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you up for every design decision you'll need to make!Sign up here to receive the free guide (and lots of suppport along the way).

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.Listen to the first episode in the Slow Style Home Framework serie

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'

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. The Style Matters

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. The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home!

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 n

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. The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

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 The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

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. The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

In this episode of the Slow Style home podcast, I take you behind the scenes of my journey in writing a design book. Despite my experience interviewing design book authors on my podcast, I knew very little about the editorial and publishing industry. Feeling burnt out from the podcast and desiring a new project, I decided to pursue my idea for a book based on my 'slow style' philosophy. The journey was challenging; I hired a book proposal coach, navigated feedback from publishers and agents, and faced the hurdle of a low social media following. After overcoming many obstacles, including rebuilding my Instagram account from scratch due to hacking and negotiating photo usage rights with various photographers, I eventually signed with an agency and secured a book deal with Gibbs Smith. The process of writing the book was both daunting and exhilarating. Now, I've completed the manuscript and photography, with the editing process up next. I’m also excited about my plans for an engaging book tour, ai

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.www.slowstylehome.com/episodes/brownstone-boys The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

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. www.slowstylehome.com/episodes/josey-qanda The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

On this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Trevor Fulmer, a Boston-based designer launching a new line of eco-friendly hand-knotted rugs. We discuss the importance of sustainable design, the impact of rugs on a room, the art of combining contemporary and antique pieces, and the exciting trends in the world of design like sculptural elements and innovative lighting. Trevor emphasizes the significance of storytelling in interior design and the sense of community and collaboration within the design industry.www.slowstylehome.com/trevor-fulmer The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

In this episode, I chat with Marie Cloud, the founder of Indigo Pruitt, a design firm dedicated to creating emotionally supportive and visually appealing environments. We discuss her unique approach to design, which combines aesthetics with emotional well-being, and the role of family and heritage in her work.  Additionally, Marie shares her involvement in community projects aimed at aiding those transitioning out of homelessness and her efforts to increase visibility for black and brown designers in the industry.https://www.slowstylehome.com/episodes/marie-cloud The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

Today we’re talking cleaning products. Specifically, the process of developing and manufacturing eco-friendly, safe-for-our-skin cleaning products, with Kristi Lord and Lindsay Droz, co-founders of L’Avant Collective. Like many of us, they wanted a plant based alternative that actually worked as well as the chemical laden products we’ve been using. So they decided to do something about it! We also talk about the power of scent when it comes to motivating us to deep clean our homes and the ways in which you can use their multipurpose cleaner for unusual spring cleaning tasks. Even though I clearly love what they’re doing and would personally recommend trying out their products, it’s not an ad, it’s real! www.slowstylehome.com/episodes/lavant-collective The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

“Break the rules on purpose because we believe the room will look better. Not because we don't know better.” That's the premise of Myquillyn Smith’s new book, “House Rules.” In my conversation with her we pull apart some of these key rules and why they’re so useful, across the board. I love her examples of balancing casual and formal elements, the value of antiques and art, and how decorating with meaningful objects is better than decorating with diamonds. The Slow Style philosophy regarding intentionality, contrast, and patience in home decor comes through loud and clear.  I’m so happy to have Myquillyn back on the show! www.slowstylehome.com/episodes/myquillyn-smith The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

Home is the place you can be yourself in your wildest dreams because home is where we are creating who we want to become. This is the overarching theme of this week’s conversation with Carla Morano of the wallpaper and mural company, Fine & Dandy Co. Take some risks in putting yourself out there, visually, visibly throughout your home, and don’t worry so much about rules, or what other people think, whether or not things “go” together. Oh, and we talk about wallpaper, too! www.slowstylehome.com/episodes/carla-morano The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sat down with Bo Shepard and Kyle Dubé, the founders of Woodward Throwbacks and authors of the new book “Throwbacks Home Interiors”. They share their journey from salvaging materials in Detroit to creating unique furniture pieces with a story. We also explored the philosophy of Slow Style, the importance of trial and error, and how individual pieces can inspire entire rooms. The duo describes how economic downturns led to an abundance of materials for their projects and emphasizes the significance of adaptive reuse in modern home design. We also spoke about the importance of community, preserving historical materials, and contributing to Detroit's revitalization. www.slowstylehome.com/episodes/bo-and-kyle The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

In this episode, and a Slow Style Home Podcast first, I had a conversation with one of our listeners, Lisa, about a common design dilemma - choosing the right rug. Specifically, how to choose a rug to go underneath the dining table. www.slowstylehome.com/qanda-lisa The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.