How to Decorate

Today we are thrilled to welcome Jessica Whitley, the creative director of Jessica Whitley Studios in Athens, Georgia. Jessica is a true multihyphenate: a former corporate CPA who swapped crunching numbers for designing beautiful spaces and creating art!

Jessica sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to share her serendipitous career pivot, why she treats her own home like a "test kitchen," and how her travels across all seven continents influence her aesthetic. She also discusses the process behind designing the Rivet House—a stunning boutique hotel inside an old industrial mill—and explains why studying the "flight pattern" of a room is the true secret to good design.

Quick Decorating Takeaways:


Study the "Flight Pattern": Jessica is obsessed with function. Before she worries about how a room looks, she analyzes how people will actually move through it. She suggests thinking about the "flight pattern" of a space—like who is opening the refrigerator door, where kids are running in, and how you entertain—to ensure the layout actually serves your daily life.



Listen to the Location: It is easy to get caught up in whatever kitchen or bathroom is currently trending on Pinterest. Instead of copying trends, Jessica recommends looking at the specific location and architecture of the building and asking, "what does it want to be?" to create a much more authentic space.



Treat Your Home Like a Test Kitchen: If you are nervous about design, use your own home to experiment. Jessica tested every fabric for durability against kids and guests in her own house before using them for clients, which gave her the confidence to know her designs would actually hold up to real life.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:



00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Jessica Whitley 



01:26 Jessica’s serendipitous journey from corporate accounting to art and interior design 



04:06 Treating her first home like a "test kitchen" for fabrics and function 



04:41 Shifting away from Pinterest trends to find authentic, location-specific design 



05:24 Why analyzing the "flight patterns" of a family is the key to good design 



07:17 How traveling the world (specifically the Cotswolds and Amsterdam) shapes Jessica's aesthetic 



07:51 The story behind designing the Rivet House boutique hotel in Athens, Georgia 



49:37 The difficulty (and importance) of editing and restraint in design 



50:00 Closing thoughts & where to find Jessica's work 

Also Mentioned:


Jessica Whitley Studio | Website


Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jessicawhitleystudio


Rivet House (Athens, GA) 


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 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


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