How to Decorate Ballard Designs

Our guest this week is DABITO, known for his vibrant use of color, thoughtful approach to space, and signature eclectic maximalist design style. He has captured the hearts of many on social media through his blog, Old Brand New, where he shares decorating advice on infusing spaces with meaning through bold hues and refreshing decor. We chatted with Dabito about his maximalist style and how to bring bold design choices into a home. We're excited to discuss his first book Old Brand New, and how to bring in wisdom from his design journey to your own home. Dabito also explores how color can help tell your story and encourage you to experiment with different styles in your home.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

Dabito's journey into interior design, and how growing up in a multigenerational household had an impact on his creativity.

Dabito talks about finding a safe space for self-expression while living with his siblings.

His love of playing with warm and cool tones.

Using paint as a powerful tool to enhance spaces.

Tips for creating a grounded space.

Fun DIY kitchen projects.

Incorporating plants to freshen up spaces that even non-green thumbers will find do-able.

The meaning and inspiration behind Dabito’s blog name and book "Old Brand New".

Using color as a starting point for design projects, and his favorite color combos right now.

Balancing color, pattern, and scale for a cohesive maximalist look.

Vintage shopping tips and negotiation strategies.

Dabito’s experiences decorating for family members.


Also Mentioned: 

Ballard Designs

Old Brand New


Old Brand New book

@dabito


Decorating Dilemma:
Thank you for writing in Leigh-Anne, and we love that you're looking to breathe new life into your bedroom while working with your existing furniture! To create a cohesive traditional yet modern look with your dark wood bedroom set, we suggest painting the room a rich color like blue – it'll complement those wood tones beautifully. Add some pizzazz by installing trim work and panel molding on the lower half of the walls. A large area rug will help ground the space and break up all that lovely dark wood. How about placing a linen-upholstered or skirted bench at the foot of the bed? It'll serve as a focal point and balance out the visual weight of your furniture. To draw the eye upward (and add a bit of drama!)Dabito suggests painting the ceiling and molding in a contrasting color. Ditch the ceiling fan for something more modern – sconces, pendants, or a flush-mount chandelier would look fabulous. Since your nightstands are on the larger side, go bold with some statement lamps sporting big shades, and toss in a floor lamp for good measure. These changes will help you create a balanced, stylish space that shows off your existing furniture while adding some fresh, modern flair. Happy decorating!

Summer is in full swing with heat waves and road construction, so time for a fun share session with Trials & Triumphs!

Taryn shares her progress on the dining room mural she's been planning for years, as well as her ongoing search for the perfect drapes. Liz installed a new fence but uncovered more than expected in her yard - finding a clever way to remedy the situation. Caroline has been visiting other designers' homes for our new House Tours series, and drawing inspiration along the way.

We also chat about diffusers, lampshades, and essential oils while sharing the (sometimes humorous) realities of maintaining a home during these busy summer months.

Also Mentioned: 

Ballard Designs


Watch the Full Episode - Ballard Designs YouTube


Atlanta History Center

Step Inside Lauren Robbins’ Stunning Augusta, GA Home | How to Decorate House Tours 

We are super excited to be launching a new House Tours series on our YouTube channel! To kick things off, we visited Lauren Robbins' gorgeous Tudor home in Augusta, Georgia. Caroline chatted with Lauren for over an hour about her decorating process and style. Now you can see all the visual details of Lauren's home that bring her design conversations to life, and listen here to their uncut hour-long discussion on this bonus episode. Lauren chats about her bright and happy "pretty room”, bedroom essentials, using colors to tell a story, and more about her signature elegant yet playful, gorgeous style. She also gives some great recommendations on picking an anchor fabric and tips for picking a loved piece to start as a jumping-off point for creating a whole home you love.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

More about the inspiration behind the home’s color palette and “pretty room”.

The fun ways that optical illusion creates visual interest in designs.

Starting with a loved piece as a jumping-off point.

How to use hallways and entries to create a bridge to the other rooms.

Why did Lauren paint the floor in the entryway?

Design choices for a family-friendly kitchen and family room.

Using a single color palette for a cohesive look in a bedroom.

Picking a color palette for a public room vs. a private room such as a bedroom.

The essentials of a bedroom.

Why Lauren chose a moodier color palette in the family room and bar.

Durability and care for the family room fabrics.

Personalizing design choices for children’s rooms.


Show Notes:

Watch the Full Episode

Lauren Robbins Interiors 

Ep 311 with Lauren Robbins

This week, we welcome Charleston based designer Betsy Berry. Known for her bold and dramatic approaches to designing traditional homes, Betsy also has a profound appreciation for historic architecture that stems from her upbringing in South Carolina.

Betsy chats with us about balancing traditional and modern elements in interior design, preserving the architectural details in Charleston's historic homes, and her process for designing spaces that feel contemporary while celebrating romance and tradition. Betsy also shares her journey from studying fashion design to launching her career in New York and eventually starting her own firm in Charleston.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode:


Betsy's upbringing in South Carolina and journey from studying fashion design to discovering her passion for interiors. 

How working for top designers on extravagant projects for wealthy clients in New York shaped her eye and approach

Betsy’s appreciation for the historic architecture she gets to work on in Charleston, from understanding the history to preserving original details. 

The needs of New York clients vs. Charleston. 

What are the common issues Betsy finds in Charleston homes?

Working with colors and examples where Betsy has ventured out of her comfort zone. 

Knowing when to stay traditional and when to take risks. 

Considerations for renovating old homes in a hot and humid climate like Charleston. 


Decorating Dilemma: 

Follow along with pics of this week's decorating dilemma here.

Hi Pedro, thanks for writing in! It’s clear you already have a great appreciation for unique design from different eras, and we love the idea of building on what you already have. First, Betsy felt the vintage coffee table and statuary collection already aligned well with the style. To enhance it further, we suggested removing or switching out the area rug for a softer backdrop. Adding simple drapery panels without ruffles or trim was also recommended to layer texture and softness. With a few minor tweaks like updating the rug, larger seating pieces, and adding drapes, you can rock the fun color palette and grand millennial aesthetic while celebrating the treasured pieces that are clearly important to you!

Also Mentioned:


Ballard Designs


B.Berry Interiors | IG 



Please send in your questions and decorating dilemmas to podcast@ballarddesigns.net so we can answer them on a future episode!

This week, we are joined by award-winning Atlanta based designer, Robert Brown. Known for his tailored and highly edited spaces, Robert shares some great tips for blending vintage pieces with a modern aesthetic, finding the right balance of traditional and contemporary, and using antiques in a way that feels fresh and exciting.
We also chat with Robert about the similarities between the fashion industry and interior design, tips for navigating the antique market like a pro and how the storytelling aspect of antiquing is just as important as the design. 

What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

Tips for reimagining antiques to bring character to your space. 

How can you tell when something doesn’t work? 

Robert talks about a historic house in Atlanta and how it exemplifies starting with the architectural envelope. 

Some insider hints for navigating online auctions, and the importance of always doing your research. 

How to overcome insecurity about asking questions regarding antiques and making sure you stay informed. 

Sourcing antiques based on client design needs. 

Why you shouldn't be afraid to mix periods. 

More about Robert’s career journey from fashion to interior design and how the two industries are related. 

Robert’s recommendations for the right pieces, materials and furniture to invest in for beauty, functionality and comfort. 


Decorating Dilemma: 
Follow along with pictures of this week's decorating dilemma here.
Hi Nancy and thank you for your question!
So, Robert wants to do the opposite of what you were thinking and to replace the two smaller rugs with one large area rug that spans from the baseboards to under the furniture. This will help unify the space visually. Have the rug custom cut from wall-to-wall carpeting for the best fit. Consider rearranging the furniture to open up the room even more. For example, you could swap the sofa and chairs by the fireplace to draw the eye in that direction. Add side panel curtains in a complementary color to the walls. Mount them outside the window frame and let them graze the floor for a polished look. This will enhance the acoustics and add visual interest without blocking the views. And lastly, choose a durable, low-maintenance performance rug that's suitable for high-traffic areas with pets and kids. Look for tone-on-tone patterns that disguise dirt.
Thanks for writing in! 

Also Mentioned:

Ballard Designs


Robert Brown Interior Design | IG 



Please send us your Decorating Dilemmas and questions to podcast@ballarddesigns.net. We love hearing from our listeners!

This week we catch up with Zoe Gowen, owner of El Shoppo, former editor at Southern Living, and Caroline’s former boss! Zoe shares lessons learned during her time scouting and featuring homes across the South, from the importance of highlighting regional styles to the challenges of finding the perfect paint color.
Zoe also opens up about how the experience influenced her personal design aesthetic over the years, as well as how her career path led to starting her own decorating business and textiles shop, El Chapo. She gives some great tips for elevating your home while embracing your unique and personal style.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

What Zoe’s time at Southern Living taught her about home decor.

Your home should feel like YOU.

How the inside of a cucumber serves as color inspiration for Zoe!

What are decorating motifs that always work?

There is no “one size fits all” approach.

Cushion Back vs. Fitted Back Chairs.

When it comes to mixing patterns, it’s all about balance and harmony.

Why Zoe has moved towards a softer color and pattern choice in her own home.

The room Zoe tried over 200 paint samples in to find the right color.

Color perception can vary greatly between individuals, similar to differences in taste of spices.

Sofa solutions for those of different heights and sizes.

What prompted Zoe to branch out on her own?


Decorating Dilemma: 
Follow along with pictures of this week's decorating dilemma here.
Hi David!
Okay, so first, we would suggest adding more bookshelves to make the space feel more like a library, but not in a way that sacrifices the windows. Zoe likes the idea of incorporating yellow to complement the mural but thinks a lighter tangerine color would work better since you are working with a coastal space. If you want to keep the burgundy furniture, consider going with purple for the walls. Otherwise, cantaloupe-colored walls could pair well with the red furniture. Adding an oriental rug and more lamps could help make the library more cozy.
To break up the space, Zoe recommends turning the mirror vertically. She also thinks removing the circles from the chandelier or changing the light fixture could help reduce busy reflections on the ceiling. Finally, we like the idea of lightly dressing down the space and adding in more variety by slip covering the furniture in different fabrics. 

Also Mentioned:

Ballard Designs


Watch the Full Episode - Ballard Designs YouTube


El Shoppo

Zoe Gowen