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- Decorating
- Decorating Dilemmas
- Entertaining
- Featured
- Get the Look
- How To
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Carrie
I love the podcast, but I’m not loving your new intro—it’s very “my pillow dot com” cheesy. I’m sorry, but I prefer your voices to begin the podcast.
Caroline McDonald
Oh no, Carrie! We will take another listen. We thought it was very Masterpiece Theater! We appreciate your feedback though and will take another listen 🙂
Caroline
Maura
I love the look of baby grand pianos, but experts say the sound produced by a baby grand is far inferior to a good upright. Of course a regular grand is better still, if you have the room and money. See The Piano Book by Larry Fine, forward by concert pianist Kieth Jarrett. By the way, I love your podcast and recommend it to all my friends. So good!! And I love the three of you. You three have made southern style even more accessible and inclusive than great southern literature, gardens, architecture, design, etc. had before you started the podcast. Thank you for being so inclusive.
Denise
I absolutely love ROOM #10!!
I plan to use it as my inspiration for a new coop I am buying in NYC.
Please tell me the name and color of the paint you used.
Thank you
Caroline McDonald
Denise,
The color used in this room is Benjamin Moore’s Classic Gray. So glad you liked it. You can find all of the paint colors here.
Caroline
Lyn A Sheely
Hi – can you tell me please about the pattern to the far right on #6 patterns to love, paisley in blues? I am trying to coordinate a chair fabric and an area rug. This article is very helpful in mixing patterns to thank you for the tips.
Best, Lyn
Caroline McDonald
Hi Lynn,
Unfortunately, we don’t sell that fabric anymore, but you can see all of our blue fabrics here. I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this article. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Caroline
Kim Froehlich
Hi,
I love this website so much! I just bought a new house and want to maximize seating for our family of 6, but I don’t want to overcrowd the room. I found a couch I love, which is 155″ x 124″ in an L shape with the 155 going across the back of the room, which is 20.5 feet across. This leaves 91″ which is only 7.6 feet across to then place another 2 chairs for conversation along the other wall, plus allow for walking. It’s a great room, so the back of the 155″ side is the transition to the kitchen.
I know it’s a little hard to picture, but would you think the 155″ is an acceptable size, or will it be too large for that space, with wanting another chair on the side?
Couch:https://www.crateandbarrel.com/sectional-planner?collectionCode=13
Thanks for your help!
Kim
Kim
Caroline McDonald
Hi Kim,
Thank you for your question. Test it out using our Room Planner tool where you can really test out the sizing. Typically you want at least 24″ to walk around the chair.
Good luck!
Caroline
Sue
Love and learn so much from your podcast! Have been working my way back through those I’ve missed over the summer and listened to your interview with Courtney McLeod yesterday (episode 151). Love her. Love her confidence! Anyway, a chair she picked up at a trade flea market was mentioned. If I understood correctly, the cushion was painted. Couldn’t find a picture. Do you have one to share? I need the inspiration! Thanks !
Caroline McDonald
Hi Sue,
So glad you enjoyed this episode! Here’s a picture from her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B_fGCtmn3SO/?hl=en
Happy Decorating,
Caroline
cele
I have double oval glass front doors. should I use teardrop wreaths or circle? Thanks
Caroline McDonald
Cele,
In terms of shape, either would work. Just make sure you measure!
Good luck,
Caroline
Connie
I hope you can help me. If I have a dining room 11′ x 12′ 10” what shape and size table would work best and give enough room for chairs and walk around?
Thank you,
Caroline McDonald
Connie,
Based on the measurements, your room is basically square. For square dining rooms, we usually recommend round dining tables. I’d suggest using our Room Planner Tool to test out what size round dining table you’ll need in your space.
Good luck!
Caroline
Hunter Walker
Where can I find the bedding in the picture with the calm paint color? I love it!
Caroline McDonald
Hunter,
That is our Liliana Ikat Bedding and our Anais Floral Bedding. So glad you like this room!
Happy Decorating,
Caroline
Cabby Flynn
How do I access this episode? There is no way that I can see to click into the podcast.
Thanks!
Caroline McDonald
Hi Cabby, the podcast player is in the post now. Are you able to see it?
Gwen
Thanks for putting all these pointers in one place. Very useful! Please note, however, that each dining space should be 24 inches, as opposed to having 24 inches between spaces.
Caroline McDonald
Thanks, Gwen. We’ll make that correction!
Susan
I would love to know where you bought the baskets on the door. Thank you
Abbey Nolte
Hi Susan,
That is our Adirondack Hanging Basket. So glad you like it!
Solange Abdulkarim
I need your help please , I bought livingroom furniture , french design with a lot of wood , hands and head, on the side of it and the back the fabric is stripe,but the cushions and pillows have print , i want to change the cushions and pillows to a solid color fabric, will it be ok? please help me. thank you Solange
Abbey Nolte
Hi Solange,
I don’t think you can go wrong with changing your pillows and cushions to a solid color. We offer plenty of solid fabrics you could recover it with.
Happy Decorating,
Abbey
Sam
I’ve been looking for a ‘chevron’ style print on upholstery for my sofa for about 8 years ! Seems it’s our of fashion- but your title image (as in how I got to this article) shoes a greyish one (with spilt red liquid from a mug…?).. where where where can I find it, performance or not…?! Feel free to email if preferred . Thank you!!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Sam,
That is our Justify Driftwood InsideOut Performance Fabric. So glad you like it!
Patricia Cochran
Have 4 24×30 framed Audubon bird pictures. I want to hang them side by side on wall over 2 recliner chairs and side table between them. These chairs face a fireplace with TV on mantle. My wall is 11 ft tall and 18 ft wide. What should spacing be??
Caroline McDonald
Patricia,
Typically spacing should be no more than 6 inches. Somewhere around 3 inches usually works great.
Best of luck,
Caroline
Sue
Wow. Everything looks beautiful! I’ll be moving soon and need help to “pull it together” as well.
I’m wondering what the wall art /fabric is? It looks like part family tree, part map & it’s hung w/ orange tacks?
Thanks for posting this beautiful room!
Caroline McDonald
Sue,
So glad you like this room. Kathleen and Robin did a great job pulling it all together. The wall art piece you mentioned is an Hermes scarf that Kathleen bought in Europe and had framed.
Good luck with your move!
Caroline
Joanne Nye
I love the paint you have in the kitchen. Can you please tell me the brand and color of this paint color. Thank you.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Joanne,
Unfortunately I don’t have information on the paint. I would suggest showing this picture at the paint store and they can match it for you.
Best of luck,
Abbey
Ashlie Kell
Hello!
I moved into a very small house with a long awkward living room. would you help with layout suggestions? Please and thank you!
Abbey Nolte
Ashlie,
This post with our 15 best living room layout tips should help.
Happy Decorating,
Abbey
Nicolas DeBoisaison
So… foy-YAY is the new mispronunciation of Foyer. The correct way to say it would be Fwah-yih (like yippee)
Suzanne Knutzen
Hi! Can you please tell me the name of the paint color on the walls of page 6? Also, the beams look gray-blue. Is there a paint color for them as well? I love the warm browns in the rug & furniture!
Caroline McDonald
Suzanne,
What is the image on page 6? All of the paint colors are listed above, but some of them may look slightly different depending on lighting.
Caroline
Ashley
I have purchased the Chilton corner cabinet in grey and am hoping to find paint that matches the furniture. Any idea what the grey color and brand might be?
Caroline McDonald
Ashley,
We don’t have paint color matches for our furniture pieces. I’d suggest taking the bottom shelf out of the cabinet and having it paint matched at a local hardware store.
Good luck!
Caroline
Lee Ann Thomas
What color wall is on the cover of the Fall 2020 catalogue? It’s a blue.
Caroline McDonald
Lee Ann,
The color is Benjamin Moore’s Solitude. So glad you liked it.
Caroline
Lisa
It’s great. This post helps and, your ideas were unique. Thanks for sharing.
G
I so truly enjoy Ballards! Can you please share the paint color on page 72 and 73 of the September 2020 Fall catalog issue.
Thanks
Caroline McDonald
Hi G,
What is in the images? All of the colors we used are above!
Caroline
Emma Wilson
I just bought a new lighting fixture and planning to change to the bulbs. This post was very helpful, thanks for sharing!
Caroline McDonald
So glad you found it helpful!
Happy decorating,
Caroline
Barbra Stanislawczyk
Can you tell me the paint use on the cover of Ballard Catalog September 2020
Thank you
Caroline McDonald
Barbara,
It’s Benjamin Moore’s Solitude.
Happy decorating,
Caroline
Ashley
Thank you so much for the help on mixing patterns but I have a question- The pattern on the second swatch with the Arryanna Spa fabric- what is it called ?? I can’t locate it anywhere except the fabric and I am looking for curtains already made ( i am no seamstress!) thank you in advance
Caroline McDonald
Ashley,
I’m happy to help. Unfortunately the green citron geometric fabric has been discontinued. But if you’re looking for readymade drapery panels that would coordinate with Arryanna Spa, try our Buffalo Check panels in Spa, Bingham Panels in Mineral, or Le Lattis in Camel.
Let me know if you have more questions,
Caroline
Diane Brewer
Love the cabinet for the kitchen.
Robert
The porch swing looks great with those chairs. Did you paint the porch swing darker? If so what was the process and what type of paint and/or urethane did you use?
Caroline McDonald
Robert,
Yes, the Southern Living team painted to porch swing green for their space. Unfortunately, we don’t have any information about the process. Sorry we couldn’t be of more help.
Caroline
susan Thompson
Hi How would you decorate around red sofas ,i have milk white walls but would like to change cushions, and rug, and bring soft pastel colours in, i have pine units and i am thinking of painting them not shore what colour
Abbey Nolte
Hi Susan,
We have a team of free interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Joanne
I painted my living room, kitchen and hall in Behr Glass of Milk. It is a beautiful creamy white, with just a little yellow undertone- like french vanilla ice cream! Love it!
Laura French
What is the light color on the walls in the photo for Endless Sea?
Caroline McDonald
Laura,
It’s Behr’s Glass of Milk.
Happy decorating,
Caroline
GINGER WINGER
I am a big fan of Ballard Designs and have purchased many items from them. They have decorated my homes from Honolulu to Fort Lauderdale. May I say that Meg Braff is my all time favorite designer and her interiors are just fantastic. I have also followed her in many magazines including Southern Living and Coastal Living. What a wonderful designer!
Caroline McDonald
She was a great guest. We’re happy to hear you enjoyed the episode! Happy decorating!
ARLENE SPIVEY
I Love all of your designs. I have a large living room and you can see the dining and eat in kitchen. My sofa is a gold tweed and I have two chairs in big print with blue, brick red, apple green and gold that I love. However most of my furniture is all mahogony. Makes the room dark. I want it soft and comfortable, but can’t seem to get there. room 20×16
suggestions?
Abbey Nolte
Arlene,
I have a few suggestions to help brighten up your space and make it comfier. Try adding in a mirror, like this one. Not only will it help make the space feel bigger but it will reflect light and create a brighter atmosphere. I also suggest adding in neutral textiles like linen pillows and throws to soften up the space. Adding in some drapes like these linen sheer panels will also help create a soft and airy look.
Happy Decorating,
Abbey
Kate
Found your podcast recently and am hopping around listening to past episodes. I think Madeline Stuart is my favorite so far!
Caroline McDonald
Isn’t she incredible? So glad you enjoyed this episode!
Happy Decorating!
Caroline
Jan
I wish there were more ideas for the middleclass income people who like to decorate. My living room has a large , 8′ window, and total rock wall fireplace, a front door. that doesn’t leave much when the TV takes center stage and the view is wonderful. :/. A diagram please? thanks
Shashi
Hi. Can I ask what color hardware you use for the white curtains in that bedroom? I have Medium brown wood floors and bedroom furniture is also dark brown. So want to get white curtains (but don’t know what metal to get) and also a rug to soften the bedroom. So wondered what type of metal you used?
Abbey Nolte
Shashi,
We tend to use a dark metal with dark furniture and gold/silver metal with lighter furniture.
Hope this helps,
Abbey
Jd
Would you tell me the name of the business who built the stone potting sink/dog wash station 😉 and also the brand of the wicker porch furniture? Beautiful!
Abbey Nolte
Jd,
The wicker furniture is Ballard, but we no longer carry that collection. The stone sink was built by European Stone Concepts.
Happy Decorating,
Abbey
Susan McElrafth
Thank you so much for adding this function back!
Susan
Stacy O'Quinn
I would like to know how to send pictures of what I am wanting to do. Getting a new couch covered in a light cream. I want a bold material for two pillows and an ottoman. The wall color very close to fabric for couch. They wondering about a big room. I am terrible about mixing colors and prints. But first need to know how to get swatch pictures to your company.
Thanks in advance.
Stacy
Abbey Nolte
Hi Stacy,
We have a team of free interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Elaine Garrett
Is Piano in the recommended position?
Veleka Spears-Jones
I found this article to be wonderful. However, I was a bit disappointed with the lack of information regarding leather. Is there any additional information that you can provide regarding purchasing leather sofas?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Veleka,
This post goes into more details about the benefits of leather.
Hope that helps,
Abbey
Susan McElrafth
Up until episode 150, I could listen to the podcast from your website by scrolling down under the picture of the guest & clicking on the button next to the pink chair. As of episode 150, the pink chair & listen button are gone.
Is there something I am missing?
I really enjoy your podcasts and hope I can still listen in via your website (on my laptop).
Thanks,
Susan
Caroline McDonald
Susan,
I am so sorry! I just added the podcast player into the episode. It completely slipped my mind when I was prepping the episode, but it’s in there now.
Thank you for listening and letting me know that it wasn’t in there!
Caroline
Rabiah
Hi,
Loved your article, it was super informative and very well written.
I love the first white bookcase with the hexagon shelves! Where can I find that? Thank you!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Rabiah,
Unfortunately we no longer sell those shelves.
Cindy
I have an 18 foot wall with a 75 in TV in the middle of it. I have 2 groupings of pictures I would like to hang on each side. What is the rule for hanging pictures on the wall. Should I hang pictures on the sides of the TV or further away so it looks like 3 separates areas?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Cindy,
We have a team of free interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Michael
Hi there-
I have two walls seven foot in length with an entry way to a bedroom in between them. The ceiling is 10 feet. I have purchased a 5 panel art piece for one wall measuring 50″ w x 24″tall. Each panel is 10″ in width and progresses from 12″ tall to 24″ tall and then back down to 12″. I am thinking about another piece for the other wall that measures 30″ x 30″ OR 46″ x 46″. Do the pieces of art need to be closer in size? And do they need to be similar in medium? As it is, the 5 panel art piece is a colorful farmhouse mountain scene and the other piece I am considering is a square made of pine wood with a horse painted onto it. I am working on a farmhouse theme. Thus far I am cautiously optimistic in my ability to pull this off. 🙂 Thoughts?
Thank you,
MM
Abbey Nolte
Hi Michael,
We have a team of free interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Jo-Anne Salomone
Can you mail me a catalog
Abbey Nolte
Hi Jo-Anne,
You can request a catalog here.
Hope that helps!
Abbey
Sandi mangano
We just recently painted our family room and hallway leading to the front door, a light green. This color has opened the rooms up so much. Problem now is we need to change our rugs which were a medium brownish color. My husband wants a darker shade of green and I would like to go in a beige Family. Can you help us?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Sandi,
We have a team of free interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Zoe Campos
Thank you for telling me that the furniture arrangement plays a huge role when it comes to my patio decoration. I dropped by at my friend’s house the other day for a tea party and realize that it might be a good idea to decorate my patio like hers. I’ll try to look for some Minka aire fans that I can use and start from there.
Jane Smith
Thanks for this article and nice photos!
Vanita Mann
Thank you for sharing this information. It’s very enlightening.
Anu
Awesome article, Caroline! The room designs are incredibly well done–ten times better than what I’ve seen so far in my search for a solution to this design problem. More importantly, the tips are practical, so I feel confident I can make it work. Thank you!!
Laura
This is a great article! It would be so helpful to see the photos, but like others have commented, all I see is a white box. Can this be fixed?
Caroline McDonald
Hey Laura,
We’ve updated this post with the images. I hope you find it helpful!
Caroline
Mineral
Hi. Always LOVE your podcast. During the decorating dilemma you (I think it was Caroline) suggested the person add hoods to the drapery so it could be used with rings. How do you do that? Wouldn’t it rip the fabric? I am helping my friend select curtains and we want a pair of yours but it has the tabs on the back rather than hooks and so we thought we couldn’t use them?? Please help.
Caroline McDonald
Hi,
Thank you so much for listening and for taking the time to comment. Here is a post that shows the back of a curtain panel with drapery pins/hooks. You will slide the drapery hook through the back of the panel. If you’re using it on a panel with existing tabs, I would probably use the drapery hooks between the tabs instead of on the tabs. Most curtain panels are reinforced enough at that top seam to wear it should be fine. Sheers might be tricky, but they’re also super light so maybe it wouldn’t be a problem.
I hope that answers your question.
Best of luck!
Caroline
Caroline McDonald
Yes, you should be able to use drapery hooks instead of tabs! It depends on the fabric. If it’s a very gauzy, delicate fabric, it could be an issue. If it’s a heavier, lined fabric, it should be fine. If you want to be extra careful, you could order some hook tape and sew it onto the back of the panel to give it extra structure.
Good luck. So glad you’re enjoying the show.
Caroline
Christine Robinson
Caroline, does Ballard have any side chairs that we can use for the dining table for the two ends when we need, and yet keep on an everyday basis in our great room. We are moving to a smaller home that is really open and we need to be creative.
Caroline McDonald
Christine,
Absolutely! You want something a bit heavier and more substantial, but that’s still light and easy to move. Here are a few suggestions: Marlene Dining Chair, Patricia Chair, Haynes Chair, or the Andorra Chair.
Good luck! Congrats on your new home.
Michele
Where can I find the chairs from the first picture? I love that burnt orange colour and the style of the chair
Thank you
Abbey Nolte
Hi Michele,
That is our Larkin Swivel Glider. So glad you like it!
Sindy
What a lovely and well thought out plan for Lynn! I love the addition of the animal print on the bench and the colors are dreamy!
Rachel
I have a large print of a photo I took while in Italy. It hangs above our king bed, and I feel like it’s a bit small. I would love to find a pair of prints – maybe abstract or impressionistic – to flank the photograph.
Mary
I have a sunroom that’s in need of a makeover. The size of the room is 24′ X16′. It serves as a TV room and eating area. It is windowed on 3 sides and a stone grey granite wall on the 24′ length wall. 2 door openings opposite each other lead outside and into main house area.
I have one 3 seat couch and loveseat both in dark chocolate leather. I’m wondering if there is anything I can do to cover these couches or how I can brighten them up? The dining table is round with chairs that have ivory fabric covers. I’d like some suggestions on how to arrange the furniture and add accents (i.e., rugs, pillows, coffee table, plants). Your advice is most welcomed! Thanks.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Mary,
We have a team of free interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Nora
Dear decorator, I need your advice on how I can decorate my longggggg open living room. I have this beautiful marbled top bar with 2 stool that i would like to maybe put it in there somewhere. I would like a tv but i have windows covering on all walls except of course in fron of the entres door. I would probably put a big mirror there with thise nice side tables?? Help
Thank u so much
Abbey Nolte
Hi Nora,
We have a team of free interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Denise Cox
I’m really surprised that your room planner doesn’t have actual Ballard furniture in the library. We should be able to choose the furniture in the planner from the furniture that is for sale in the catalog, not just generic furniture in generic sizes. It is possible to alter the sizes of the generic furniture to match actual Ballard items, but it is an unnecessary headache. An intern could easily input all of the Ballard furniture pieces into the library.
Catalina M Sacks
Would you please let me know what is the color of the front door please.
Catalina Sacks
Abbey Nolte
Catalina,
We are not sure of the color but you can find all of the sources for the 2015 Idea House here.
Cleopatra Y McCormick
I am trying to revamp my 3 bedroom, 3 bath house. I am changing carpets, tile, kitchen cabinets, bedroom furniture, bathrooms and paint etc… I love warm colors but i’m stomped on what colors i should paint the living room and bedrooms. I wish I could afford an interior designers…Can someone please help me?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Cleopatra,
We actually have a team of free interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
danylle leeds
Hello,
Love your podcast. May I have the Etsy site you guys mentioned on episode 144 for the fake rosemary topiaries?
thank you so much!
Abbey Nolte
Danylle,
Karen got hers from an Etsy shop called Gardenerscottage451. Here is a link to something very similar to what she got. Hers is only a single ball.
Autumn Murphy
I’m so happy to finally listen to a person of color on the podcast! I hope to hear from more in the future!
Linda
Would love to get the paint colors that are in the Alana fabric!
Emily C.
I love the wide stripe fabric in white and gray. Is this still available?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Emily,
That is our Cross Country Dove Sunbrella fabric. So glad you like it!
Jen
I typically listen to your podcast on Ballard’s How to Decorate website, rather than via a podcast service. However, for some reason, episode 143 with Tara Shaw has no audio included on Ballard’s show notes’ website. The audio is available on Stitcher, so I can still listen to the podcast. But I thought you should know about the website glitch. Thank you, stay safe, and have a great day!
Abbey Nolte
Thanks, Jen. We have fixed it and now it’s in there!
Kathy Mullins
Could you share about the straw tote w leather handles in the Pretty Planters dialogue
Abbey Nolte
Kathy,
That’s our Woven Market Tote. So glad you like it!
kathy
If I have a long wall about 153 inches long what size canvas will fit. across from that wall I have a canvas the length of my couch . That picture is squire but length is length of couch. will a regular square frame work on the wall that is 153 inches. thank you
Caroline McDonald
Typically, we recommend looking for something that’s about 50-75% of the space. It’s hard to get a feel for your question without seeing it. Here are two posts that might help answer your question:
https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2012/02/how-to-hang-wall-decor-101-2/
https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2016/03/10-ways-to-fill-a-blank-wall/
Shena Ross
Hey, I need some advice. I have gunstock kitchen cabinets and living room floor. We want to put up wood walls in kitchen and living room (open floor plan). We live in a small cabin so we don’t want it to look smaller, any advice on what color wood walls we would greatly appreciate it ?
Thank you!
Shena
Abbey Nolte
Hi Shena,
It’s hard to suggest a color without seeing pictures of your space. Our team of interior designers would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Brittany
I just want you all to know that I love your podcast! This podcast has been the highlight of my day for several months, I have been playing catch up. I couldn’t help but notice that some people leave negative comments after the episodes and honestly it just upsets me! I know everyone has their opinion, but I just wanted you ladies to know the reason I listen is because you all are so real and it’s like I’m hanging with a group of my best girlfriends. I just wanted to thank you all for such a fun and inspiring podcast. You have no idea how it’s gotten me through the last couple months of the pandemic. Living in Los Angeles, I crave the southern hospitality that you all spill out in every episode, it’s what keeps me coming back for more. And never stop the trials and triumphs! Love you girls!
Caroline McDonald
Brittany,
Thank you so much for this comment. It 100% made my Friday. We are so happy to hear you enjoy listening. We’ll keep chugging along bringing you new design inspiration each week. I’m going to have to share your comment with Karen and Taryn.
Happy decorating!
Caroline
Jenn
Please provide the pictures from design agony!
Caroline McDonald
Hmm, pictures from trials and triumphs? Design dilemmas? What is design agony? Perhaps we need to rename our segment!
Jenn
Hi, where are the design dilemma pics? that is best part?
Cindy
Hello,
I have light grey/sage walls and a gray loveseat is coming in two days. My floors look like tile that is light sage with grey. I purchased grey/white plaid curtains and would like to purchase an area rug to pop some color, but I really need help picking a rug in the right color and pattern so that I don’t have a major pattern overload. My living room isn’t very big. Help, please. Thank you!!!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Cindy,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Kim Boyer
I LOVE listening to your podcast on “how to decorate” SO much! I really enjoyed this last episode from Clare on organizing… my husband and I are total opposites when it comes to keeping things in their proper home, he is not tidy in the slightest. We have been married for 34 years and he just doesn’t get it! Ugh! It has been a constant frustration for me and he just turns a deaf ear to my desires for a more organized home. I think by listening today, I can see that if I can simplify more and keep the clutter down we won’t have so much stuff to shuffle about. Thank you for all the suggestions on how to manage the stress of having too much stuff!
Renata
Hi, hope to get some ideas. I have a wood bookshelf (starmore) I bought for a formal living room. I was going to put it on a wall with accent chairs in front of it with a small ottoman. The room has a bay window with a built in bench. What colors can I do?
Can I get away with black white and yellows. I love yellows and blue.
It’s the first room you see when you enter my house, it is in the front so it’s vert bright, which I like. Please help
Abbey Nolte
Hi Renata,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Linda
How do you order the big wall planter?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Linda,
Unfortunately we no longer sell that planter.
Barb tidmore
Is tne acrylic shelving rectangle available for purchase, same question for the acrylic single shelf,
Abbey Nolte
Barb,
Yes, that is our Acrylic Wall Organizer and our Acrylic Wall Bracket. Both are available on our site. So glad you like them!
Brittany
I love this podcast! Thank you for continually recording. This podcast is saving my life during quarantine. I love listening to you girls and your wonderful guests. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Nancy
Wow! Tammy’s work is absolutely breathtaking! I just browsed through her portfolio on her website and each room is stunning. Each home she designs is unique, exuding the client’s personality and interests. She is a master at traditional and contemporary – casual and formal. I’ve just added a new designer to my favorite designers list.
Suzanne English
I would like to know about the botanical pictures shown in the 2020 Spring Colors.
PLMK
Thank you
Abbey Nolte
Hi Suzanne,
That’s our Leaf Watercolor Art. So glad you like it.
Eva
I loved this podcast. I am also an INFJ and so identify. I am also someone who hates the sound of swallowing next to them and persistent reparative sounds too. Sound can also be clutter and any type of clutter drives me crazy. Serenity, beauty and calm should be fundamental human rights !
I love your podcast and so appreciate how natural you are and how your individual characters come through. I do get that you are professionals and do this podcast for Ballard. All in all I have the impression that Ballard, as a company is people orientated and I love that.
I live in Austria and was wondering if your services extend as far as Europe ?
You guys are great and please keep the conversation going. There is nothing frivolous about crating beauty, balance and harmony even if it is just at home .
Hugs
Eva
carmen chiaradio
Is the settee in # 11 still available?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Carmen,
Yes, that’s our Sofia Settee.
Frank DeVita
Hello,
I am single father in need of decorating help!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Frank,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Christine
I live in a high-rise in my living room and dining room is together.
I am looking for a sofa between 78 and 80 inches wide. I would like three cushions (no T-cushions anywhere). I suffer from back issues so I need the sofa to be 37-38 inches high, and more on the deep side (not too deep). I would like thin track arms,
on 4 or 5” visible tapered legs. This is my wish list. I know you have to sit on the sofa because they all feel differently.
I’m not sure if I’m going to put the sofa with a matching wide chair and a wing back chair with different fabric in the corner or a sofa with two different chairs facing the sofa.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Christine,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Jessica Moody
I’m decorating a small guest bedroom. I’ve arranged the bed coming out from angled walls. How should I arrange 2 pictures of exactly the same size on the angled walls above the bed? Staggered? Same height? Also, how high above the bed?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Jessica,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Timea Kovacs
I just purchased a home and I need help. Door is centered to the house but entering you find yourself in the living room and facing the fireplace with the stairs to its right going to the second floor.To the right is the “dining room” and to the left is a wall to a bedroom. My husband would like to keep the room But I am not sure how decorate or even where to place a tv.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Timea,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Jessica Gibson
in the March 2020 catalog, there is a pink wall on page 60-61. I would love to know the color! 🙂
Abbey Nolte
Jessica,
We will be posting our Spring paint colors soon. Stay tuned!
Abbey
Caroline McDonald
Jessica,
It’s Sherwin Williams’ Rosy Outlook. You can find them all here: https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2020/03/spring-2020-paint-colors/
Thanks for your question.
Regina
Love your catalogs, inspires me to make a few changes, not much but maybe some new pillows.
I am a retired designer
Michelle
Hi Caroline, Could you tell me what the green color wall paint is (in the second photo and same in the last photo with the pumpkin colored chairs)? Thanks.
Michelle
Abbey Nolte
Hi Michelle,
That is Sherwin Williams Meadow Trail #7737.
Abbey
Rosemary Mailas
Very much enjoy your podcast! I am hoping that you will be interviewing Sarah Richardson one day!
mary
I don’t see any images with this article, but there are blank boxes with a question mark in them indicating an image. How do I see the images? This is a GREAT article on using the color wheel. Thanks for any help!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Mary,
Thank you for pointing this out for us. We will work to get it fixed!
Abbey
Taylor Finch
When will paint colors be released for the March 2020 catalog?
Caroline McDonald
Taylor,
You can find the paint colors here: https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2020/03/spring-2020-paint-colors/
Caroline
Amanda Barry
I have two 108″ drapes that I would like to add trim to only one side of each drape. How many yards of trim do I need?
Thank you.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Amanda,
You should talk to your seamstress or dry cleaner, but there are 36” in a yard, so at least 3 yards per panel, but I would give yourself and extra yard just in case.
Hope that helps
Abbey
Rachel Alexander
This was an awesome podcast, but seemed way to short. I could have listened for another hour. You need to have these amazing ladies back again. They had some fantastic tips and were hilarious.
Caroline McDonald
Agreed! We could have chatted with them all day. We’ll definitely have them back. Thanks for your comment and for listening to the show!
Caroline
Nancy
Cate and Lathem were a delight to listen to. What great senses of humor and lots of great tips and advice. I loved hearing how these young designers are respecting the history and beauty of antiques and finding fresh ways to incorporate them into modern designs. Thank you for bringing such interesting, fun and talented guests to podcast.
Caroline McDonald
Nancy,
I’m so glad you enjoyed this episode! Cate and Lathem are fantastic — so talented and down to earth. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Caroline
Jane Jernigan
Im thinking about having a wood counter on my island and marble on the rest of the countertops. Would I need to match my kitchen table with the color of the wood island?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Jane,
There are so many factors that could play into this. How close are the pieces to each other? Are they similar shapes? Overall, we would say no, they don’t need to match.
Hope that helps!
Abbey
Kristen
Hi! Any idea on the window coverings? Looks almost like a Roman shade but not. I’m obsessed though!
Amber
Help!! I have floating shelves in my kitchen and they aren’t wide enough to put stuff on I need suggestions!!
Thank you!!!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Amber,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Kim Burke
I just bought a 10×14 area rug for the dining room in my new home. I want to get the memory foam under rug cushion that you have spoken about on the podcast many times. I searched the website where I thought you ladies said it was from but could not find it. I also searched your podcasts but could not find the ones where it was mentioned. Can you help me find it? Thank you.
Caroline McDonald
You can find it in the show notes here: https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2019/11/podcast-timothy-corrigan/
Patricia Jarrett
Great usable ideas!
Lois Lyman
Caroline. I need advice on how to incorporate two reclining chairs in my living room. I currently have a 2 piece sectional and one recliner and it will be too crowded when I purchase another recliner. Should I utilize just one half of the sectional or purchase a new sofa instead?
Thanks. Lois
Abbey Nolte
Hi Lois,
It’s hard to give give you good advice without the measurements of the room. We do have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Juli Findley
Hi ladies-
Love the podcast. I wanted to ask a question and also answer a question
My husband has a study with hardwoods. I want to put a rug in his study but he likes to roll back in his office chair. What is the best rug for rolling office chairs. He wants a plastic mat so I need help!
As far as the juju hat, I have a tip for you. We lived in Africa and my juju hat came from the juju market as well as many other treasures. We always put these items in the freezer for a few days and that seemed to take care of the bug problem.
Keep us the good work!
Juli
Caroline McDonald
Juli,
Thank you for that great tip. I will pass it along to Taryn and Karen. They’re the juju lovers!
That is a tricky question about the rug. I’ll ask our team about it, but I bet a sisal or seagrass rug would be great because they aren’t super plush. An indoor outdoor rug would likely work well too!
Caroline
Jack
Skye, I know a lot more about you now! Your own story is one worth retelling to others–inspiring!
Annette
The images are not visible on this page. Can you please correct this?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Annette,
Thank you for pointing this out for us. We will work to get it fixed!
Abbey
Jennifer Mallory
How do I submit my décor challenge to this group?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Jennifer,
You can submit images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Kacey
Ok, I love ALL episodes but I REALLY loved this one. the pretty, the technical! Chock full of goodness!
Caroline McDonald
Thanks Kacey. So glad you liked it!
Jan
That is my furniture. Could it be painted successfully?
Deb
Can you tell me what color is on the bathroom walls on page 42 of the February 2020 catalog? I’ve searched through the blog for paint colors but don’t see this room. Thank you.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Deb,
Unfortunately we don’t know what paint color this is. Sorry!
Brenda
Would love to know the wall color used in your latest catalog. It is the dark green.
Thank you.
Caroline McDonald
Hi Brenda,
There were two greens in our Winter 2020 catalog – Sherwin Williams Arugula and Pewter Green. You can see the whole list here: https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2019/12/winter-2020-paint-colors/
Thanks!
Caroline
Barbara
What is the name or catalog number for for the occasional chair in picture 2? Looks to be dark grey or brown velvet, armless in front of a bed in picture. Does Ballard sell that chair currently?
Thank you
Abbey Nolte
Hi Barbara,
Unfortunately we no longer sell that chair.
So sorry,
Abbey
Judith Feller
Hi,
I just received the February 2020 catalog and I am very interested in finding out what paint color was used on page 4 and page 10. One is a creamy white and the other is a sort of olive green. I would really appreciate it if you could tell me the color names and brand. Thank you!!
Caroline McDonald
Hi Judith,
You can find all of the colors here: https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2019/12/winter-2020-paint-colors/
Glad you enjoyed looking through your new catalog!
Caroline
Christina Chesson
I love your podcast and your guests are lovely. I do think that your listeners are not in the same deomographic as your design guests and their clients. Most people shopping at BD (like me) are not designing a house around our original art collection and I think most of the people who are designing their homes around their original art collections are not listening to designing podcasts. I absolutely love your “triumphs and tribulations” because they make me feel like we are all in the same boat and we can meet the challenge…and succeed! I actually think most of the BD customers and podcast listeners would love to hear from design bloggers as well as your interior design guests…a kind of high/low for inspiration as well as grounding. 🙂
Caroline McDonald
Christina,
Thank you so much for listening and for taking the time to write a comment with your feedback. I totally understand where you’re coming from. I’m certainly not working with priceless art pieces in my own home! We definitely try to get a variety of designers who work with all different budgets, so I’ll keep this in mind when looking for new guests.
With that said, I’ve learned the most and gotten some of the best tips from designers who work on multi-million dollar projects — Bunny Williams, Tom Scheerer, Timothy Corrigan, and Madeline Stuart all have amazing insight into how to think about your home regardless of what price point you’re shopping in. Take her client with the incredible art collection. Most of us won’t be decorating with that same level of artwork, but we can still apply the principal to our houses. For me, the takeaway was that we don’t necessarily have to ‘match’ our artwork to our room. It’s ok to move things around and think more fluidly about your wall decor versus planning the art down to the perfect coordinating color palette that goes with your drapery fabric.
We have some fun things planned — both more practical tip shows and up and coming guests who I think you’ll enjoy. Stay tuned!
Caroline
Linda
Ladies…especially Karen, please don’t I interrupt or fill in your guests sentences. Tom Scheerer know best!!
Let
Caroline McDonald
Thank you for your feedback, Linda. We are working on it! Sometimes we just get so excited, we can’t contain ourselves. Tom is amazing. We loved having him.
Happy decorating, and thank you for taking the time to comment!
Wanda
Dayna Chair cover does not look finished at corners.
Brooke
After discovering the pod, I’ve been going back to old episodes and loved this one!
Caroline McDonald
Brooke,
So glad to hear you’re enjoying the show so much that you’re listening to old episodes twice!! Also, you’ll be thrilled to know Carson and Thom will be back next week!
Happy decorating,
Caroline
RANDALL NORTON
What a great treasure trove of straight-to-the point recommendations! So glad I found your site. You’re the best!
Mandy
Thank you for this informational post! I am furnishing our master bedroom and love the Claudette headboard in white and the Serpentine side tables in Swedish oak. I am a little bit stumped when shopping for dressers and chests to coordinate though. Since those pieces are going to be rather large, would they be considered the anchor pieces rather than the headboard? Should I go with dressers/chests in white/whitewashes to coordinate with the headboard, try to match the Swedish oak sidetables or go rogue with something like black? I am picturing gingham/buffalo check bedding with a coordinating floral in cranberry/cream/black. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Caroline McDonald
Mandy,
I think either a white/whitewashed wood and black or something else entirely could be pretty. I’ve seen metal dressers out there. But since I’m assuming the dresser and headboard won’t be right up against each other, I think white would be fine. And black would work too.
This sounds like it’ll be such a pretty combination!
Happy decorating,
Caroline
Debra
Love the podcast and I look forward to it every week. I’ve heard you say your working on using the word “like” less often . Well ladies work harder. Tarin is the worst offender .
Jocelyn g Bacani
I need help into how to decorate an empty wall into our family too with fireplace
Abbey Nolte
Hi Jocelyn,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Don
The Wembley Club Chair is no longer available? Tom will not like this one bit.
https://www.ballarddesigns.com/wembley-club-chair/14782
Michelle
I love the Arugala door in the entryway. Part of the reason I love it is the contrast with the cream walls. Do you know the color on the walls?
Caroline McDonald
Michelle,
Unfortunately we don’t know what white this is. Sorry!
Julianne Mudric
These ideas are so helpful. Even if you don’t use everyone they are a great way to get started.
Thanks.
Abbey Nolte
Thanks, Julianne. So glad you found these tips helpful!
Suzanne
I have light blue buffalo check club chairs and a cream sofa in my hearth room. I also have a black ceramic lamp with bright pink and green small flowers and 2 cranberry glass lamps that I would like to keep. I like bright colors. How can I accent and decorate around these colors?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Suzanne,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Dana
I recently re-upholstered two wingback chairs for my living room with a slightly busy navy blue pattern. I can’t decide if the chairs should have throw pillows on them or not? Would adding a pillow to each be too much with the print? Are the chairs alone enough?
Thank you!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Dana,
It never hurts to add a throw pillow! Just make sure it compliments the piece of furniture it’s going on. We like to stick with solid colored pillows against a busy pattern.
Abbey
Mindy Gray
I’m so tickled that Hatchimals made it into the show notes !!
Connie Cee
Look thru this advertisement, how do you order that blue sectional? Poor navigation in this website, not user friendly at all!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Connie,
I’m sorry to hear that. That is our Roswell Sectional shown in Queens Velvet Teal. You can shop through this link.
Abbey
Bonnie
Thanks Patricia, Needed info on how to choose lampshades for my lamps. Thank you so very much for walking me through the process. Look forward to learning the rule of thumb on other issues. Thanks again!
Shibank kumar
I need sofa fabric
jane
I have the Paisley Ramagh Gray Pier 1 curtains in my family room which is open to my kitchen. I would like to cover my valences over the window and door in my kitchen with the Robert Allen Teague Dwell Studios gold fabric. I am not too sure if the patterns would work together, the rooms are separate but you can still see the family room from the kitchen. Do you think this would be too much?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Jane,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
rachelle randall
Hello,
I painted my family room a rich red and mustard. I think the room is stunning! However, I am not sure what colors to paint the adjouning rooms…the living room and the kitchen. As I understand color cohension, I need to incorporate a balance of warm and cool colors. Please help!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Rachelle,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Val
How big a wreath for hanging on windows? I have two front windows, each 50″ wide. Could I put a 48″ wreath on them, or will it look too big?
Caroline McDonald
Hi Val,
Thanks for your question. I think it’s just a matter of preference. A 48″ wreath on a 50″ window will definitely be big but it’ll look dramatic and impactful! As long as the wreath isn’t larger than the window, I think it’s just a question of personal preference. Good luck!
Caroline
Arabella Davies
Hi Caroline, I didn’t realise there were so many rules! But they make sense. I need to coordinate my dining area a bit better it seems!
Caroline McDonald
Arabella,
Think of them as guidelines not rules! This is just a way to help if you’re having trouble deciding, but certainly shouldn’t limit you buying something you love. Best of luck!
Arabella Davies
Thanks for the article Caroline. I’ve been wondering how to style my upgraded living room, very useful to know about textures. I like the idea of the ottoman style coffee table. I hadn’t seen those before.
D WINKe
love this website with inspiration pictures and teaching us how to decorate!
Thomas A Jackson
It would be great if she can list where one could find some of the furniture in the pictures.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Thomas,
All of the furniture can be found on our site.
Trella
I need some help laying out my kid friendly living room. It is a 24×24 front door leading into the kitchen.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Trella,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Meribeth
Karen,
In my experience gardening in the South, bulbs are planted in the fall and seeds are sown in the spring. I think you’ll find that the plants that are sprouting now will die at the first frost and will not have had time to flower and produce seeds to re-seed your cutting garden.
P.S. The G at the end of a word is silent. For instance, the word hang is not pronounced, “hanguh”. Love the show, but that drives me insane.
Meribeth
Caroline McDonald
Hi Meribeth!
I’ll send this note about bulbs and seeds to Karen. Thanks for listening and for leaving a comment.
We always love feedback, so any insight you have to make the show better is appreciated.
Caroline
Amy
Do you happen to know where the four feather prints were purchased? I’ve been trying to find bird art for above our couch for three years and can’t find the “one.” I LOVE the set of four feather prints and the frames they are in. Thanks!
Amy
Abbey Nolte
Hi Amy,
Unfortunately we no longer carry that artwork, but we do have other bird art options on our site.
Hope that helps!
Abbey
Mary Jo Richard
Mary Jo
Hi I would like to hang 3 wreaths on my 36 in wide door attached by ribbon and letters monogram with the letters JOY attached to center of each what size wreaths should I get and what size monogram letters they are done in a vine monogram
Angie
Hi,
The blog on Caitlin Covington’s living room, what fabrics and colors were used on the Sofia settee and the ottomans?
Thank you.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Angie,
The base fabric of the settee and chairs is Queens Velvet Snow and the backside is Stockton Cream. The ottomans are in Queens Velvet Gray.
Hope that helps!
Abbey
Linda Whatley
I have paneling in my family room that I painted believeable buff from Sherwin Williams. My family room is small I only have a loveseat, chair, and Tv in it but it look crowded. I need some help. I saw the room on the website with the paneling that looked whitewashed, and I liked it.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Linda,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Kadreana
Thanks so much for this. I really like the colors and styles selected. I now have a idea of how to decorate my dinning and living room with colors. Happy!!!!
Brooke
Loved this podcast. Eddie was fantastic, as always. I like occasionally having guests who can discuss both design and entertaining. His advice was incredibly useful.
Caroline McDonald
Thanks for listening, Brooke. So glad you enjoyed the show!
Lucinda
Could you make this part 1 of a series with Eddie! Seriously I love all of his ideas! And yes when you love to entertain with a little flair it seems nobody reciprocates! Hello – just have people over and order a pizza!
Caroline McDonald
So glad you agree. Yes! Start simple and then build as you get more comfortable. Clearly Eddie is a seasoned pro! We love hearing that you enjoyed the show, so thanks for listening!
Sharon
My Family room sofa has only four pillows on it. When people sit down they start looking for a place to put the pillows which usually wind up on the floor. They are not huge pillows just decorative pillows and only four. What are your suggestions? My sofa is normal size, my pillows are normal size and my friends are normal size! But I hate to see them wind up on the floor and a basket seems to suggest I didn’t mean for you to use them!
Caroline McDonald
Hmm, that’s tricky. Do you have down inserts in your pillow or foam inserts? Sometimes I think the foam inserts don’t give as much when you sit against them so they feel more intrusive. Down inserts kind of mold to your body, so they’re more comfortable. That’s my first thought.
My second idea is to maybe edit down to 2 pillows on the sofa, and move the other two elsewhere in the room. Then, see whether people still move them?
I’ll think on it some more thought!
Sharon
BBQ dilemma keeping food hot.
Invest in a cordless serving/heating tray. Mine keeps food warm for several hours and Can hardly be seen once the serving dish is put on it.
Caroline McDonald
Well, gosh Sharon, where were you weeks ago when I needed this tip??? Only kidding.
But truly, that is GENIUS!!
Sarah
This podcast is my motivation to run the trail today! I’m saving it until I get out there. Love Eddie Ross! Thanks for so many great interviews!
Caroline McDonald
So glad to hear it, Sarah. Eddie is great. We loved catching up with him!
Quita Hill
I love the top picture with the Sunlit Stroll canvas. I have purchased the exact dining chairs shown in that picture. Would you happen to know the color of the paint in that dining room? I’m wanting to mimic almost everything in that dining room.
Quita
Abbey Nolte
Hi Quita,
That is Sherwin Williams Meadow Trail #7737.
Abbey
Becky
I just got the Ballard catalog (Oct’19) today and enjoyed drooling over the pages. What paint color is used on the wall with the Sunlit Stroll artwork in the “No. 7 Art” section?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Becky,
That is Sherwin Williams Meadow Trail #7737.
Abbey
Tripp
Since no word for it currently exists, i have taken it upon myself to create a name for three or more pillows on a bed…..that would be a “plethora of pillows”! Thank you very much….
Covemaven
So glad to see another great seasonal post. I love the rug you used in both photo #1 and photo #6. Can you tell me the name of it? Thanks so much, and keep those decorating articles coming. As much as I enjoy the podcasts, I’m much more of a visual learner, so for me, the articles with photos are very helpful.
Abbey Nolte
Unfortunately we no longer sell that rug but here are some similar options: Mathison Rug, Asher Rug, Decarlo Rug. So glad you are enjoying the posts. Thanks for reading!
Tej
I have dining area 12 by 12 and planning to buy 60 x 40 or 72 x 40 rectangle dinning table.
I like the rectangle chandelier which had width/diameter is 13″ and length 33″.
Is 13″ x 33″ chandelier is good fit or should I go with smaller 13″ x 21″?
Please advise.
Thanks,
Tej
Abbey Nolte
Hi Tej,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Debbie
The cheapest answer is to cut off the drywall on the wall side of the two small arches to give a wider doorway. Remove the desks and dog bowls etc from that pathway. They make you veer to the left .
Diane Dyhan
Thank you for this article as it really has very valid points especially for down sizing couples who haven’t purchased new furniture and rugs in quite some time. It is so important to leave enough space in between swivel chairs!!! So many people make this mistake when choosing swivels for their gathering rooms.
Covemaven
It’s always great to see Patricia Palermo’s posts. She has been a great help in my design journey and has gotten me to push beyond my comfort level.
Sandy
I have a chest of which the bottom part is mirrored, but also has some wood detailing in it. So it is not a complete mirror. Currently I have a picture hanging above it, but am wondering if I can hang a mirror above it instead? What would your advice be about that?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Sandy,
They can definitely go together, I would just try to bring in lots of different types of textures in your accessories and maybe your lighting? So add a lamp with a color or interesting texture (not shiny/reflective) then something wooden as an accessory. Just try to bring in some contrast to help break it up. But what a great question!
jamescrawford
thank you very much for this post 🙂 does anyone know where I can buy frames at a very affordable price? Need a lot of white frames and black frames of different sizes for my interior.
thanks in advance
Holli Amato
Hello, I have a 24″ overhang on my marble island and my cabinetmaker has added two legs and a wooden table skirt to wrap around the overhang for that custom look. Do I take that into account when measuring for counter stools? From the floor to the bottom of the skirt is 31″, but to the counter is 36″. What do I do here? Thanks for your help!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Holli,
This is a tricky one. I would definitely try counter first because it’ll be the most appropriate for your overall island height. You may run into an issue with your knees bumping into the apron. Try stacking some books onto a chair to the appropriate height and test it against your island!
Meredith
I’m catching up on episodes in the archives and loved this one! Caroline, can you tell me where you got the frames for your nursery prints? The setup is so adorable and I’d love to do something similar!
Caroline McDonald
I got them on Amazon, but I cannot for the life of me find the link!
Mys Donna
These are all inspiring options. I’m drawing something from each and every one. Where, pray tell, might I find that wonderful gated base floor lamp in tip no. 4? Thanks.
Abbey Nolte
That is our Lennon Floor Lamp. So glad you like it!
Lynn
Congratulations! So pleased for you all and my thanks for so many informative, fun podcasts- remember hearing the first one ! Thank you and here is to many more!
Lynn
Erin
Hi! I love love the double duty chair, where can I find it?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Erin,
That is our Custom Tate Upholstered Twin Sleeper with Antique Brass Nailheads. So glad you like it!
Toni Boltin
I’m glad I ran into this info when I did. We will be buying a few new upholstered pieces in the near future which will hopefully last for the duration. I’ll definitely refer to Ballard Designs again. Thank you!
Caroline McDonald
Toni,
We love hearing that! Thanks for reading our post.
Happy decorating!
Caroline
Shannon R Brown
There are not any links provided. I’ve tried it in safari and Chrome. This is what I get:
Below you’ll find printable place cards, checklists, and other goodies for your home. Simply print at home in your printer, and you’re ready to go!
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Caroline McDonald
Shannon,
We fixed it! Thanks for pointing this out!
Caroline
Bonnie Covington
Hi, just thought you would like know I have a dog the same color and he is a mini golden doodle and I also have the same last name ! I will share mt photos and my Ballad Bedroom . Please advise how I do this , thanks
maria
The black and white low stool and pillows in matching fabric are so pretty. Where do I find them?
Abbey Nolte
That is our Louis XVI Footstool in Randers Black fabric.
Christine
Caroline McDonald, thank you for input. Deciding on the color of my 6” sofa legs. When I said the wood for the legs was a “medium brown”, I should have mentioned it has a little red in it. I have parquet floors (will be purchasing an area rug) and it does pick up one of the wood colors in the parquet . My sales lady still believes I should use the espresso colored legs for a contemporary look, just seems so cold next to my wood floors. Now that you know it’s not just a medium brown color, does this change your mind?
Caroline McDonald
It’s hard to say without seeing photos of your space and the wood swatch itself, but I don’t think there’s really a right or wrong answer. You might also have this sofa for longer than you live in your house. Perhaps you move it to another room or move houses. I wouldn’t worry too much about the chair leg. Pick whichever one you like best!
Leslie
Hi
I listened to this episode the other day and loved it! Phil was very informative about furniture. Please bring him back for more lessons on furniture!
Thanks,
Leslie Polatty
Augusta, GA
Jane
Hi ladies!
I love your podcast! You interviewed my dear old friend/co-worker Fran Keenan… That’s how I found you! I listen to you as I walk my dog every morning. You’re all so fun & inspiring.
I’m intrigued today listening to Matthew Carter. I really want to see what he meant about his clients magazine display. I have several bookshelves in my home that are empty now. I have books on a few but mostly “dustables”!
I do collect several types of magazines. I’m trying to understand what he meant by folding the cover/ displays color?
Hope you can help!
Thanks…
Jane
Caroline McDonald
Jane,
I’m so happy to hear the you like the show and find it inspiring. Also, Fran is fabulous. I’m such a huge fan of hers.
Matthew actually just sent me a photo of his client’s bookshelf, so I’ve added it to this episode’s notes. See above!
Caroline
Shirley Inez Johnson
Hello, got a quick questions for my living room area just above my sofa. Have ordered a round mirror around 3 feet all around. The outside is silver with a bird nest type effect. However, the area will need more mirrors going across the sofa area so I wanting to add one to two smaller mirrors across from the bigger mirrors. So here is my question: is it alright to mix smaller square and rectangle mirrors with the large round one? Also can different framing colors also be used if I cannot find the smaller mirror design I like framed in a silver as well?
Caroline McDonald
Yes, absolutely mix them together! And there isn’t any reason all of the frames have to match. Sounds pretty!
Christine
I will be buying a new sofa (floating) will be a creamy beige with 6” legs. So now the legs are an important wood tone. I know they are showing an espresso color for legs, but would a medium brown leg look out-dated?
Caroline McDonald
Not at all Christine,
It totally depends on your space. You have a few options. You can coordinate the leg to the flooring you have, the other pieces in the room, or just have it work best with the fabric on your sofa.
A medium-brown is definitely not going to look outdated though!
Good luck,
Caroline
Persis Pavri
I’d like to talk about wall murals please.
Elke Wheeler
Oh my goodness, what a fun episode! Congratulations on 100, and here’s to 100 more!
Quick question. I’m fascinated by Karen’s dining room crown molding. I have drapes that my ,other and I made (ok, I described what I wanted, and my mom sewed every stitch). Unfortunately, I had her make them too short (this was before I started listening to y’all). Karen’s crown molding looks like it could solve my problem. Does it go clear to the ceiling or is there a drop from the ceiling to the top of the (what looked like to me the “top’ of the crown molding). Sorry, not trying to be a stalker! But I see so many touches that I just L-O-V-E.
Jan Ogle
I’d love to know the front door color on page 29 of the August 2019 catalogue.
Thank you.
Caroline McDonald
Jan,
It’s Sherwin Williams’ Spiced Cider #7702.
So glad you like it!
Caroline
DAWN INGVARDSEN
I’ve just discovered your website via this article and I’m so happy I did. I’ve found such valuable information as I search for a sofa. The article on fabrics was great, however; I have a question.
In terms of sofa fabric, what might you recommend for a pet that sheds?
Thanks
Abbey Nolte
Hi Dawn,
Microfiber, performance fabrics, and leather are the best fabrics to counter shedding from pets. We also suggest choosing a sofa in a similar color as your pet’s hair.
Chris
Helpful article…Please, what is the color of the beige paint on the wall in the first photo as well as the paint color on the sideboard? Thank you, Chris
Angela Sharp
Can you please tell me if the red chairs in his living room are available for purchase? Thank you. 🙂
Abbey Nolte
Hi Angela,
Those are our Square Back Louis XVI Side Chairs in Ariel Red fabric.
Venkatesh
Hello, hope you are doing well. I have a living room and bedroom with no ceiling lights at all. I am renting this place. What type of lights do you recommend? I have a fire place in my living room (that I wont be using at all), so anything to go with this style? Also, my bedroom has my study table too so anything specific that you recommend?
Thanks in advance
Caroline McDonald
Venkatesh,
Since you’re renting, I’d suggest just add in lots of table lamps! Same thing for your office. A good task light is important for a workspace, but lots of table lamps and floor lamps will help the room feel bright and comfortable.
Good luck!
Laura Perry
Great article! I have been trying to find the Hanging Pins you mentioned (Hanging pins create a look that’s polished from the front — no toothy clasps on your panel — and they move smoothly over your drapery rod.) but I can’t find anyone that sells them. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Caroline McDonald
You should be able to find them pretty easily on Amazon. Just search ‘drapery hooks’ or ‘drapery pins.’ Good luck! Glad you found this article helpful 🙂
betsy
I have a red and gold damask sofa. I have painted the walls light grey. Having hard time with getting curtains and carpet to go with it. Any suggestions?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Betsy,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here. Be sure to take good pictures and definitely include photos of the red and gold sofa fabric so they can coordinate with it!
Hope that helps,
Abbey
Phyllis Carter
I’m looking at the blog on Caitlin Covington’s living room . What color is her wall paint, where’d she get her curtains and lastly, the two little art pieces by the window- are those from Ballard!
Thanks. ?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Phyllis,
Her paint color is Sherwin Williams “Versatile Gray”, the curtains are custom-made from us in the Emmeline Gray fabric, and the art is the Petite Sandpipers Art and Petite Fluid Art.
Hope that helps!
Abbey
Lisa
Forgot to make my question clear 😉
Hi!
We could really use your help ASAP! I am hoping we can put a roll top (beautiful – unique), on one side of our white brick fireplace (traditional black gas) – it would stick out about 6 inches, and a butler’s pantry (unique sideboard) on the other side – lake side. It would stick out about an inch maybe. (The outside of the home is a kind of beachy modern design with hardy shingles in cobbletstone colour.)
Can these 2 antiques “frame” our fireplace? I would send a picture, but I don’t see where to upload it.
Thanks in advance 🙂
Lisa
Abbey Nolte
Hi Lisa,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Clarissa
I have a 12ft x 12ft dining area which is in same room as my kitchen. My kitchen is white shaker-style cabinets and gray quartz. My floor is an “urban loft” from Lumber Liquidators, vinyl flooring, different wood colors. I don’t know what type of dining table to purchase. I’m lost. Please help.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Clarissa,
We typically suggest getting a round dining table in a square living room as it just usually makes the most sense spatially. In terms of finish, I would choose maybe a whitewash or graywash table to bridge the white cabinetry with the wood floors. Then add in color and softness with your drapery, rug, chandelier, etc. Good luck!
Abbey
Judith Phillips
It would be very helpful if “small” were defined by (square) footage. Planning with a range of footage in mind is key when shopping for furniture pieces.
Lois
Super easy to live with! We have loved the flat finish and it has held up really well (so far) to our 2 big dogs and toddler 🙂 there’s a couple things with Rubio that are different as far as cleaning, but for us I think it was a better option than polyurethane. But it’s totally preference! I’ve just always loved the look of natural floors – and it definitely brightens up the space.
Tiffany mitchell
Id like to get some ideas or tips on how to decorate living room bookcases.i try to make it look non cluttery and elegant but am not having any luck..??
Abbey Nolte
Hi Tiffany,
We actually have a couple other posts on styling bookshelves here & here. Hope that helps!
Abbey
TANYA
I really enjoyed this website!!! Thank you
Sarah
I’d love any info about the living room pillows, and the fabric throws over the matching wing chairs. Thanks!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Sarah,
I’m sorry I don’t have any info about the throws or pillows.
Abbey
Doris A Baker
I have a dining room and kitchen island very close together. What kind of lights would look great and not overcrowd the area? Need lights for both areas.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Doris,
We suggest something clear or glass. Here are a few options: Fiona Glass Pendant, Franklin Glass Pendant, Vera Glass Jug Pendant.
Abbey
Kathy Snyderwine
I like the beige stripe chair in the photo. Where can I purchase the chair?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Kathy,
That is our Elsie Swivel Glider Club Chair in Dover Linen. You can purchase it here.
Abbey
Lois
Hi! Just started listening to the podcast and really enjoying listening during my drive into work! Live in Charlotte and we have a Ballard, but have never been! Will have to pop in 🙂 Just wanted to comment to whoever said they are refinishing their red oak floors to natural because we just did that and love it 🙂 Actually applied a product called rubio monocoat in smoke as the finish, to take away some of the pink in red oak, but otherwise looks very natural. We love it! Good luck!
Caroline McDonald
Oh my gosh, Lois. Thank you for the comment. I was actually talking to my flooring guy about the Rubio! I’m super interested in it and considered it but may just go with a matte finish on top. Mostly just because once they sanded the flooring it’s actually white oak and so pretty. I’m glad you like it though. Is the natural/light floor easy to live with? This just makes me feel so much more confident about the choice!
So glad you’re listening!
Caroline
Donna Wright
Where can I get the media cabinet pictured?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Donna,
That is our Tuscan 4-Piece Media Set. So glad you like it!
Abbey
Sandra Carawan
I’m in a new home and in the dining area I have painted the walls yellow and have set down a floor rug (Laurent Collection, Design: Kubala), which is predominantly teal with blends of magenta, light orange and white. I am not sure what color of curtains to purchase. At first, I was thinking of a deeper yellow with a mixture of blue floral pattern, but I think that is going to clash. Now I’m just wondering about going with white. Thank you for any suggestions.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Sandra,
We actually have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemmas. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Daniella
My mother was born on the Amalfi coast and immigrated to America when she was 10. Much of our family still is there and my husband and I were actually married there ten years ago. My dream is to recreate this feel in my 1400sf Southern California 1950’s bungalow. The combination of mid century modern mixed with painted ceramics, and natural wood windows and doors combined with some downright gaudy gold mirrors and rod iron comforts me and makes me feel as though I am exactly where I need to be. However, I am struggling to pull this look together. I would love if you could expand on this design style and offer some options ideas for the bathrooms, living room furniture and kitchen.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Daniella,
Thank you your question! We love the Amalfi Coast style and we will keep your suggestions in mind for upcoming posts. In the meantime, we have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemmas. Simply upload images of your room and your question here and they will help you!
Abbey
Anna
Did I miss an article? I’m looking for information on how to properly space and or stagger floating shelves on recessed wall on both sides of fireplace with both mantle and large tv above the mantle. There are built in benches on both sides of recessed wall. The wooden shelves are not the full size of the recessed wall (shelf is 36” wall is 64”) due to an opening on one of the adjacent walls we can’t but up the shelf on that side… would I go higher than the tv? Start at the top? Start at the mantle? Due to size is it best to stagger? Unfortunately, these shelves are real wood, heavy and are going up on a wall covered in pine- think shiplap but distressed so I’m trying to get it right- the first time- which is not typically how I roll. 😉
Abbey Nolte
Hi Anna,
We actually have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemmas. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Pam
Love the sofa color and fabric. Could you tell me where it is from and the name of color and fabric? Such a beautiful home!
Thanks!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Pam,
Unfortunately I don’t have any information about the sofa. I’m sorry!
Abbey
Brooke
Hi Meribeth
We agree with Caroline! Your home is beautiful, and we should have started our discussion with that statement. Steve and I were in problem solving mode and knew we were short on time so we focused on your request for small changes.
Xo
Brooke
Meribeth
Will do, Caroline. Thanks for the pep talk!
Meribeth
Thank you for featuring my decorating dilemma, ladies. I’m definitely going to implement the Giannettis’ suggestions for; stronger pops of color, incorporating larger pieces on the book shelves, larger rugs, and a trough of moss and a pair of tall lamps behind the sofa.
I like the idea of painting my kitchen cabinets (I’ve seen some beautiful emerald green examples by Farrow and Ball) but I worry that colored cabinets might be a passing trend.
I have to say that it was a little difficult to hear their assessment though. I mean, ouch! They definitely had nothing nice to say about my home.
Caroline McDonald
Meribeth,
Do not get discouraged! I actually look at it from the flipside — their only suggestions were finishing touches (accessories, rugs, and adding color). All of your anchor pieces are stylish and functional, and you’ve done a great job of the most challenging part of the decorating process! All you need are final touches to complete the space!
Everyone struggles with these same challenges — I know I certainly do! You have a beautiful home as is, these are just suggestions to take it to the next level!
Thank you for listening. Please send us photos of any changes you make.
Caroline
Maritza
I have been wanting to buy furniture for my family room but I can’t find the way of knowing where to put what and what style of sofas to buy. I’ve always wanted a sectional but because of the way this room is positioned I think this type of sofa will block the flow to the room. I wish there was an option to send you a picture so that you have an idea of what I’m talking about.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Martiza,
We actually have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemmas. You can upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Abbey Nolte
Hi Martiza,
We actually have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemmas. You can upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Emerson
When you walk into my apartment the first thing you see is a wall at the end of my hallway. I’d like to put a picture there. Using the .57 rule for width I’ll need something 25″s wide but what vertical size should I be looking for? It’s something like 8′ 6″ inches floor to ceiling.
Thanks!
Caroline McDonald
Emerson,
I’m so glad you’re finding this article helpful. The vertical size isn’t as important unless it’s hanging over a piece of furniture. Focus on the width of the wall.
It sounds like you’re on the right track!
Good luck.
Linda Lena
I have a real dilemma!
We are moving to the East Coast to our new home. I want to incorporate our 3 seater high back yellow leather sofa in front of the living room window but I also need to work in a sectional sofa ( which i still need to purchase) along with an over sized wing chair that I also have.
How do you arrange a sectional sofa, and a non sectional sofa and wing chair in the same room so that it balances and looks cozy.
I would prefer the sectional to face the fireplace .
Would really appreciate your advice:)
Abbey Nolte
Hi Linda,
We actually have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemmas. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Alyce Byrne
I have a small living room and my two chairs have ottomans. I don’t think a coffee table will work.
Caroline McDonald
Alyce,
Small living rooms are always a problem, but I have a few options for you! One way to squeeze something into the center of the living area would be to use two small side tables in the center like a coffee table. Two garden seats could work or a trio of tables like Suzanne Kasler’s <a href="https://www.ballarddesigns.com/suzanne-kasler-metal-accent-tables/362700"accent table. Another idea is to try and find a coffee table that one of your ottomans can nest under when you aren’t using it. That way it can tuck away when you’re entertaining!
The main thing to remember is just that you serve the purpose of a coffee table, even if you use smaller surfaces like garden seats!
Best of luck,
Caroline
Fran
I have a small space where I want to put a chair on either side of a window. The chairs style would be exactly the same, but the fabrics would be related, in color but different patterns. Would that look stupid?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Fran,
That’s not stupid at all, we love mixing patterns!
Abbey
Covemaven
I’d love to know a little background about Abbey Nolte. I see she’s been credited with some of these posts lately, and I like her fresh outlook!
Abbey Nolte
Thanks so much for your comment! I’m new to the Ballard team but I have always had a love for decorating and design. Thanks for reading!
Abbey
Heather L.
Hey! I was wondering if you have any information on the changing table in Camille’s nursery? I love this nursery style and have been looking for a changing dresser. Thank you!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Heather,
Unfortunately I don’t have any information about the changing table. I’m sorry!
Abbey
lyn
Any chance you could refrain from using the phrase “I feel like” when interviewing. It’s over used and distracting in every podcast.
Caroline McDonald
Lyn,
I’ll do my best. I’m not sure I even realize I’m saying it, but I bet I’ll notice now.
Caroline
Phyllis Carter
I love your color inspiration for painting rooms. I have a north facing bedroom that get little to no light. Directly behind it is a bathroom painted SW Tame Teal. The bedroom has white furniture with a hint of gray on the top surface. Can you suggest a bedroom color that would brighten the bedroom a little and compliment the bathroom?
Thanks.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Phyllis,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Meribeth
I liked her suggestion to group furniture in an open concept room as if there were walls dividing the space. I also liked the imagery of a rug being an island that is saving the lives of the furniture that sit on it.
I’d love a link to a source for the lighted bookends she mentioned. What a great idea! The only ones I could find were industrial/steampunk Edison bulb bookends on Etsy.
Lindsey king
https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/MA18_paint_sw_12-1.jpg
The picture for alabaster with the greenish hutch with the black mirror window frame thing over it could I find out what color the hutch is? I can’t find that information.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Lindsey,
That is our Dehaviland 2-Drawer Console Table in Gray. Hope that helps!
Abbey
KACEY
WOW. I could listen to Susan all day. What a WEALTH of knowledge!!! MORE PLEASE!
Caroline McDonald
Kacey,
She was amazing wasn’t she? So glad you enjoyed it!
Caroline
Nita Elrod
Good
Missy Ernest
I love the pendant lights we bought from you and look forward to more purchases. We are in the process of starting to build a new home and I’m sure we will be looking at Ballard Design. Thank You, Missy
Colleen
Try faux animal heads painted different color schemes . Or stained glass pieces, like the kind you find at estate sale and antiques stores. A long piece of kimono fabric would be gorgeous to. Hope I was able to help ☺️.
ShanTi
These were good. What about rules regarding upright vs dropping or rules for stems?
Samma
I was so upset when Cottage Living shuttered! Loved this episode- I have so many magazine tears of Fran’s work from old Southern Livings and Cottage Living.
Caroline McDonald
Samma,
Ditto! Cottage Living was amazing and I miss it too. I’m so glad enjoyed the show. Thanks for listening!
Caroline
Melanie
Where can I find the red/cream chevron woven rug in the first picture?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Melanie,
Unfortunately, we no longer carry this rug.
Abbey
Lisa Smith
Hi,
I have tried to order the driftwood toned Marguerite Bar Stools from Ballard. I called them this morning, they say they don’t offer them in a driftwood color. It only shows a brown and a white online. Could you give me some insight about where and how you got these?
Thank you
Lisa Smith
Caroline McDonald
Lisa,
I’m so sorry. Unfortunately, the driftwood color has been discontinued! We still have Distressed Oak and White available, so maybe one of them could work! Find them here: https://www.ballarddesigns.com/marguerite-stools/413096
Good luck!
Bev
Incredible episode! So educational. Thanks to all of you for getting such great guests.
Caroline McDonald
Thanks, Bev! So glad you enjoyed it.
Rosemary Onderko
What can I hang above a 52″ Tv that is on a furniture TV stand the wall behind TV is at least 12 feet high am at aloss as to what to put there
Abbey Nolte
Rosemary,
Thank you so much for your question. We actually have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out what to hang above your TV. Simply upload images of your room and your question here, and one of our designers will reach out to you.
Abbey
Nosson Elchanan Eliyahu Klein
Normally I find these comments irrelevant or not written properly./ But I enjoyed yours
Sarah
I love this look! I used to shy away from jewel tones, but lately I’ve been reaching for them over and over. Not sure if they’re just becoming more popular or if I’m just getting bolder as I get older! 🙂
Elke Wheeler
This may have been my favorite episode so far. Very delightful guest. (He could have his own adventure show on Netflix!). Great to hear all the hosts updates (maybe a YouTube video series should be in the works?)
Caroline McDonald
Elke,
Thank you so much for commenting, and I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the show! We will definitely take your video series idea into account, and actually we have talked about it! Our biggest hurdle right now is just finding the time, but stay tuned!
Caroline
Kimble Gaebler
My wicker sofa set was flooded during Harvey. The wicker furniture survived, but not the cushions. The bottom cushions are larger than any I see in stores or online (31.5″ x 31.5″) so I guess I will have to find a seamstress to make new slipcovers as you have suggested in prior posts. Any suggestions on where I could find the square foam pads of at least 4″ thickness?
Virginia
Hello,
I have just bought a new house, and am trying to figure out what kind of wood frame bed would suit my bedroom.
The floors are a light cherry wood. Extra shiny.
The bed I’d like to buy is a flat birch.
Would this work?
Many thanks!
Caroline McDonald
Virginia,
Thank you so much for your question. We actually have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out the perfect bed for your room. Simply upload images of your room and your question here, and one of our designers will reach out to you.
Caroline
Suzi
Hey Ladies! I love, love,love , your podcast! While I enjoy hearing from all your guests, I especially like hearing Trials and Triumphs from the three of you, and I have really missed those lately. Hopefully they will return? Thanks for all the information and ideas. Keep up the great work!
Warmest regards,
Suzi W.
Morganton, NC
Caroline McDonald
Suzi,
Thank you so much for your comment and for listening! Don’t worry, Trials & Triumphs aren’t gone forever. We were just taking a little break until we had better updates to share. We’re doing a round of Trials & Triumphs in next week’s episode!
Caroline
Victor
Yeah these are some of the most genuine mistakes a lot of people make. Recently one of my friend were arranging the furniture in his living room but not living the space between the wall and furniture.
He was putting the furniture against the wall and then I suggested him to get some space between the wall and furniture so that the kids can play and can move freely. I’m glad you pointed out these mistakes so amazingly. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Brenda Shively
Do you carry the console table in picture #4?
Caroline McDonald
Brenda,
That’s our Tibet Console table. So glad you like it. Thanks for reading!
Caroline
Rachel
I love the striped sofa with chaise in the first two pictures! Where can I find it? Thanks!
Caroline McDonald
Rachel,
That’s our Eton Sectional in Ticking Stripe black. So glad you like it.
Caroline
DORRIE
I LOVE THE CATALOGS THAT BALLARD DESIGNS SEND….I HAVE KEPT EVERYONE,,,THEY ARE MY GO-TO INSPIRATIONS WHEN I DECIDE TO DO A LITTLE FIXIN’-UP…..FINE CLASSIC QUALITY NEVER IS DATED.
Gail Murphy
Could you tell me where the lamps on the entryway console table are from?
Caroline McDonald
Gail,
These are vintage lamps Natalie found at an antique market. I’m sorry I don’t have any more info about them!
Caroline
Janet Hager
have a small bathroom being remodeled, bathtub no shower 18 inches of tile around all three sides of tub on walls. want to place towel rack on foot of tub. How far above to install it for bath towel. Also want to place a robe hook near tub where should be best place to put that. Please answer so as possible. Than you
Abbey Nolte
Janet,
Thank you so much for your question. We actually have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your bathroom remodel. Simply upload images of your room and your question here, and one of our designers will reach out to you.
Abbey
Karen
Is the pink upholstered chair available? It was what made me click!
Caroline McDonald
Karen,
This is our Regency Chair in Suzanne Kasler’s Peony Pink Linen.
Glad you like it!
Caroline
Alejandra
Can you please tell me where I can find the bookshelf featured ? Ty!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Alejandra,
That is our Toulouse Tall Bookcase!
Abbey
Dianne Plourde
Very practical hints in every category that you offer. Thank you!
joelle
Please show a wood toned kitchen and not just white and grey cabinetry. I need some inspiration! Thanks!
Lorraine McDonald
lovely lovely lovely! Could you drop me a line re the kitchen bar stools…where I can order them. Thank you so much and a job well done!
Mino Pinna
Very good.
Meribeth
Phil is my favorite guest so far. I learned so much. I too was getting annoyed by the interruptions.
Covemaven
I love Patricia Palermo’s posts! She gives such practical advice for me to apply in my own home. Thank you Patricia! You never disappoint.
Marion Shields
I’m trying to find out about the glass lamp pictured on page 4 of the latest catalog. Can you tell me who makes it? Thanks!
Yaso
Hello,
I have a dark brown wood floor in the children’s bedroom. I wonder if it would be ok to buy white bedroom furniture for them.
I also wonder if I should use matching fabric colors for the dining chairs and the sofa in the living area, given that they are all in one open space.
Finally , I would like to know if it would be fine to mix golden metal coffee tables with a dining table and a buffet made of dark brown and light brown wood.
Thank you
Abbey Nolte
Yaso,
Thank you so much for your question. We actually have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemmas. Simply upload images of your room and your question here, and one of our designers will reach out to you.
Abbey
Natalie
If the pictures could enlarge when we click on them, that would be wonderful!
Eileen Moxley
I purchased a Parsons Chair Slipcover in 2015 or 2016. I am not sure of the color. I thought it was teal. The tag reads #100123727 & DL 1506.
It is 88% Cotton, 12% Polyester. I was living in San Antonio when I purchased it. Do you still carry the color in the same material?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Eileen,
If you go to our Parsons Chair Slipcover page you will be able to see all the fabrics we currently carry for the chair!
Hope that helps!
Abbey
Ash
Years later and the house is still beautiful! Truly fits on the Virginia landscape and great representation of a Virginia stone home.
Beauty ages well and folks like Melinda just get more sour! To southern charm!
Ellen
Caroline,
This was so informative! Thanks for the straight-to-the-point, well-organized primer on lighting, especially the LED / incandescent table!
Cheryl Fisher
I am now trying to decorate an apt my floors are dark and my couch is grey right up the stairs is a light wood table round I am going back and forth thinking of painting or staining it its a round wood table and i think it still looks great of course i need some new chairs any ideas for me thank you
Abbey Nolte
Hi Cheryl,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Julie
Hi, I just hung my velvet panels yesterday. Love the color, but they are wrinkled! Also, the edge going down the panel isn’t creased. Meaning that the line where the lining meets the velvet (on the back side) meanders. Is steaming my only option?
Caroline McDonald
Julie,
You’ll definitely get the best result with steaming, so I’d definitely suggest that. You could iron them on the steam setting from behind. Just be careful getting to much heat on the fabric.
Good luck!
Stephanie Mattson
Hi,
I am wondering what the name of the color of the navy blue cabinets shown?
Looking for the perfect blue and that looks like it!?
Anne
Hello, Love your site!!
Question: I have grey walls in my living room. I want to create a wall above the sofa of family pictures? Can I use a variety of frames, such as dark oak, light oak, etc?
Thanks so much.
Caroline McDonald
Yes definitely! A mix of wood frames shouldn’t be a problem, especially since all of the photos will be family photos. The subject matter will link them together.
Caroline McDonald
Hi Samma,
You’re right, sometimes it’s tricky to answer the question with previous owners’ furniture. We were commenting on the previous owners furniture only in the context that it’ll help the current owner with what NOT to do. Plus, our main issue here was with the way this room was laid out. Does that answer your question?
Thank you for listening though and for leaving your feedback! We will take this to heart and focus less on the layout and maybe more style questions.
Caroline
Sunita Thawani
Hi,I have a question.Ihave a large book case in my study room which has a dark walnut polish.Sofa is mahagony and study table and chair is wenge.How to bring Harmony in different colours.It is classical in style.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Sunita,
We have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Kelsey Thompson
Where can I order striped couch?
Abbey Nolte
Kelsey,
That’s our Eton Sectional in Ticking Stripe black. So glad you like it.
Abbey
Samma
Hi! Love the podcast- quick question! Sometimes I wonder if the listener questions described on the website match the podcast. For example, this episode questions states that it’s the previous owners’ furniture, but the response debates the merits of her furniture. Just making sure I’m getting the right pics! Thanks so much! I look forward to each designer and am so glad new episodes drop weekly now!
jane
I am trying to get ideas for dining chairs and a sideboard to go with medium oak can you help please
Abbey Nolte
Hi Jane,
Thank you so much for your question. We actually have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemmas. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Covemaven
I have found your Room Planner an amazing tool for trying out options before I start moving the furniture! (for those looking for it, scroll down to the bottom of the page under “free resources” or copy and paste this link: https://ballarddesigns.icovia.com/icovia.aspx).
For me, getting the floor plan right first is key; if you have something in the wrong location, your pieces are out of scale or your room is an awkward layout, this tool will help you visualize your plan before you commit. Ballard has an awesome fabric sample program…so plan, move and pin your samples to your furniture to “try it on”. If you want a bigger sample for visualization, invest in a yard. It’s worth it! Also, remember to check the “double rub” count–higher double rubs for hard working seating pieces, while lower double rubs will suffice for toss pillows and curtains.
Ella Bracy
I would love to see black and white tile or linoleum floors come back!
Bizy Bee
Love all the ideas featured in the article! Very inspiring!!
Adrienne
Can you please tell me where I can find the entry way table in photo #9? It is everything I’ve ever wanted!
Abbey Nolte
Adrienne,
That is our Miles Redd Kent Console Table. Thanks for reading!
Abbey
JEAN VICINO
YOU HAVE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS I WISH I COULD AFFORD TO BUY EVERYTHING. I AM PAINTING MY LIVING ROOM NOW AND GOT SO MANY GOOD IDEAS. I LOVE WHITE AND LIKE TO KEEP MY WHOLE HOSE THAT COLOR SO I CHANGE CHANGE DECORATION. GOT SOME AWESOM IDEAS THANK YOU
Julia Maddux
I will like to have some advice over a Blank wall decoration!
Thanks
Cheryl Montagna
LOVE the green! I know blue has been the hot color, especially with the current gray trend but green has always been my favorite accent color of choice! Beautiful!
Jill Kalman
Fantastic episode! I adore Thom and Carson and of course – Ballard!!!
Onita Cannon
What type of rug should be used under a round table with 4 chairs in a breakfast area?
Caroline McDonald
A large rug that extends at least 36 inches past the edges of the table should be fine. You could also use a large round rug which would look great with the round table. That 36″ rule still applies though!
Good luck!
Patricia Lewis
Can you tell me which throw pillows were used in the Black, White and Woven Bed? In particular the Black one. Also what size pillow sham was used for the Liliana Ikat.
Caroline McDonald
That’s our Bridget Velvet pillow! You can find it here.
There are also Noir pillows on this bed. Found here.
So glad you like them!
Carolyu Samuelson
I’m looking forward to the podcast being loaded. It appears it isn’t available to be heard.
Kelly G Race
Hi! First, I would like to say how much I love your podcast! I look forward to every episode and feel like I learn something. I am an engineer by profession, but love all things home and decorating as a hobby. I love Ballard’s intent of bringing good design to the masses. I have never commented on a blog post or podcast before, but I feel like I must here. I could not bring myself to finish Ellen O’Neill’s podcast. She elevated the choice of color of the year to something way more serious than it is. To talk about “truth” when referring to an opinion of color of the year is ridiculous and sounds so self important and out of touch. Also, she related everything to her obviously strong opinions about politics. If I wanted to listen to a podcast about politics, I would not be choosing a How to Decorate podcast. All of her examples seemed very elitist and did not, in my opinion, fit Ballard’s brand. I will not go on and on. Shame on me for not leaving a comment on all of the many podcasts that I have listened to and loved! It is very rare for me to leave any feedback, especially negative, but this one was over the top. Thank you for all the entertaining and educational content you produce. Best wishes in 2019!
Kay
I love How to Decorate, I love Ballard.
But please, discourage your guests from using the podcast as a platform for their political views.
Knowing that the last two Color of the Year color choices were influenced by political climate is disgusting. So much good information tainted by negativity. Come on girls, count your blessings and teach us how to make a happy home.
pat snyder
This is such great information. Using the very dull and poor lighting of LEDs is a problem.
Pat
Patricia Lewis
Where do I find the Decor on the Bedside Tables on the Black, White and Woven Picture?
Caroline McDonald
We don’t have that one anymore. I’m so sorry!
Leaetta Rushing
I love this Onyx and Emerald table scapes very calming and elegant great ideas thanks for sharing
Caroline McDonald
Thank you so much, Leaetta!
Jessica Auld
Hi! I am in love with the dark grey bedside table!! Where can i get one?
Caroline McDonald
Jessica,
That is our Sidney Open Side Table. So glad you like it!
Natalia
Overall, these are fine cookies, but I am not sure if I bake them again. I’ve never baked with almond paste before, but the cookies with it turned out somewhat chewy, not the texture that I’d anticipated according to the pictures. Also, I don’t know if there are different kinds of almond paste out there, but the one I had already had sugar in it (which I hadn’t checked for before mixing the ingredients), and I found that adding additional cup of sugar was too much. The cookies do have a wonderful almond-vanilla-citrusy flavor to them but they were too sweet, which overpowered other flavors. For the same reason, I omitted sprinkling them with even more powdered sugar.
If I decide to bake them again, I’ll add half a cup of sugar, if the almond paste already has sugar in it.
Karen h
I just put in a new kitchen and bathroom. Always going to the Ballard catolog and website for inspiration. Purchased pictures, kitchen table and chairs towels and shams and more. I couldn’t of done without Ballard. Waiting for another picture to be sent. Always reading the decorative ideas on line. Happy holidays karen h of Huntington
Nelle Somerville
Hey y’all,
I’m northern born and southern bred here to share with Caroline that this dimmer switch for her tree is the way to go for her flocked tree. It’s the most fun to pretend with kids that they can blow out the tree by hiding the ornament, counting to three and secretly touching it on the count of three. Magic. https://bit.ly/2PzTAp3 I’ve recently found the blog and am loving the podcast. Keep up the funny banter and great advice. Merry Christmas, Nelle
Caroline McDonald
Nelle,
Thank you so much for listening and for coming over here to comment. I actually ordered a dimmer immediately after recording the show! It hadn’t even occurred to me until the girls mentioned it! I love your idea about ‘blowing out the tree’ though.
Happy holidays to you too!
Caroline
Miriam Rosser
Is this comment thread still open? I just posted a question but I don’t see it. Will anyone get back to me? Thanks!
Miriam Rosser
Thank you for your clear directions plus terrific photos showing how to use drapery hooks with curtain rings! My 95” panels don’t have plastic loops for the pins, but I can just catch a bit of the fabric with the pins for support!
Can you please suggest how I might hang sheer panels behind the front panels (attached to the rings) without having the sheers show above my ringed panels? Hanging the sheers via their rod pockets clearly won’t work. I have already installed double rods, or I would consider installing two separate rods so I could place the rod for my sheers lower than the front rod, even though I’d have to raise the bottom hems. My question is how do I hang the sheers so they don’t show above the main panels at the top? Should I search for a second set of clear rings for the sheers? Is there another way?
Caroline McDonald
Hey Miriam,
So glad you found this post helpful. If you already have a double rod, I’m not sure why the sheers are hanging above the front panels? Is it because you’re not hanging them on drapery hooks too?
I’m sorry I don’t understand, but elaborate a bit and I’ll be happy to get back to you!
Caroline
Jenn S.
There are three identical raw-edged wood tables in the “Use a Grouping of Accent Tables” section, along with the Durham Tray Table. Where can I find those raw-edged wood tables? They would be perfect for my small living room.
Caroline McDonald
Jenn,
Sadly these tables have been discontinued. So sorry!
Kimberly
Beautiful display using jewel tones in a classic culture. I am working on a project with similar shades and this has provided me so much inspiration. Thank you!
Julie
I love this layout; however after looking at the underneath space of 26.5″ under the Whitley desk and the height of 27″ for the credenzas will there be room to pull out the drawer on the Whitley desk? It seems the credenza will block a drawer from opening. Is this a problem or am I missing something? Thanks for your help.
Laurie McCallister
I absolutely LOVE pink and have been toying with the idea of incorporating it into my living room. Thank you for the ideas!
Brenda McCarty
I need help deciding what color and style kitchen sink to go with.
Abbey Nolte
Hi Brenda,
Thank you so much for your question. We actually have a team of interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemmas. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Abbey
Debra
Hello, let me start off by saying I love you ladies and look forward to listening to your podcasts. There is one thing I would like to point out that I don’t understand however is the over use of the word ” like ” I listened to the Ginny Branch episode for the second time and honestly the over use of the word ” like” annoyed me. You are professionals not high schoolers. I realize the show is supposed to be relaxed , casual, and unscripted . I do love the valuable advice, trials & triumphs, and the education I get from the show however it’s often annoying to listen to with the constant over use of the word ” like .”
Covemaven
I just read this article by Patricia Palermo–I’m not sure when it’s from because the last comment was posted in 2016. It’s been quite some time since she was credited in a post on the BD website, so I’m hoping that she is still with the company. I have to say, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Patricia’s design aesthetic. She has a way of pulling things together with a level of sophistication that is within reach for the everyday homemaker.
Best of all, I’ve actually been flirting with this idea for a very small bedroom in my home for some time, and now I know that it’s worth trying!!
Terry
I don’t see the link to play the podcast. Can this be added? Thank you.
Caroline McDonald
Terry,
Sorry about that! I just added it.
Thanks for listening,
Caroline
Lynn
What was the towell used for? I don’t see it being used in the description or in any photos, yet it is listed and shown in supplies.
Thank you
Caroline McDonald
Lynn,
We used the towel to apply the iron-on adhesive to the panel. You’re right, we didn’t use it when we did the project, but it’s called for in the adhesive instructions. Depending on the trim, you may not need it!
Caroline
Bel
The drapes are on point! Love it all!
Tracye Brandt
Hi Caroline! I am redecorating my home office and love the feel of the the space on page 54 of the September 2018 catalog. Is the paint color used also Benjamin Moore, North Cascades #1411 or a different one? It looks a little more saturated, but it could just be the lighting effect. Thanks!
Caroline McDonald
Hi Tracye,
No, this paint color isn’t North Cascades. This is actually the wall color in a home we shot in. I do not know the color because we didn’t pick it. I’m so sorry! I’d suggest taking our catalog to the paint store and having the guys match it.
Best of luck!
Jamie
I have a barn that is 60’ long. I would like to put a wreath in the middle of it, what size would be best?
Caroline McDonald
Jamie, I would definitely find the biggest wreath you could! Definitely at least 36″ but the bigger the better!
karnaarahull
Stunning designs you have to shared. I really like this. Thank you for your sharing this amazing designs. Thank you.
Hollie @ Stuck on Hue Pillows
Pillow customers are always asking me for size and layout recommendations, so I will add this post to my list to send them for bed examples. Aside from beds, I get asked about pillow styling for sectional sofas most of all. You include some regular sofa examples on your “Guide to Choosing Throw Pillows” post, with just one sectional sofa photo at the end, so that may be an idea for a future post.
Zahra Jafri
Hi 🙂
Hope you are doing well.
I need to ask something about my dining room, it has a ceiling fan in the middle so what should be the light arrangement? I really want to use pandant lights but unable to manage it with ceiling fan, please guide me how to arrange lights in an attractive and different way.
Caroline McDonald
Zahra,
I would definitely suggest replacing the ceiling fan with a chandelier or pendant light. In more rooms, we suggest a combination of task and ambient lighting. A chandelier or pendant will make a great focal point, but you might want to add canned lights and lamps around the room too.
Good luck.
Caroline
Julie Kennedy
I live and breathe all things blue, and would love to recreate #2 in my home. Are all the pieces available at Ballard’s?
Caroline McDonald
Julie,
We love this room too! It so fabulous. I think the key is too use one bold fabric in lots of different ways, so here, we’ve used our Charlottte fabric on drapery panels, pillows, and upholstered on an ottoman. On the club chairs, we used Suzanne Kasler’s Linen in Indigo. The rug is our Lindley Hand Knotted Rug.
Happy decorating!
Caroline
Denise Marois
I have a split foyer house. The living room is to the right at the top of the stairs with a half wall and the kitchen, at the back of the house is seen through an arch. There is a large bay window at the front of the living room. We have a chimney cover in the corner separating the living room and kitchen. I have a studio piano, a corner curio cabinet a sofa, 3 accent chairs and odd tables and matching lamps. We are remodeling to sell our house. We just spent $20,000 remodeling our kitchen. We are painting the living room and foyer in neutral tones. The carpeting is in neutral as well. The color in the room comes from the solid sage color sofa and 1 navy print accent chair and two solid navy accent chairs. Help !
Caroline McDonald
Hi Denise,
What are you having trouble with? We’re happy to help. In fact, if you submit your space, our trained interior designers can offer you suggests. Just be sure to upload photos of your space.
Good luck.
Caroline
Judith Kessler
Would love to know the color of the walls on page 26 of the February 2018 issue of your catalog. I am using navy blue and white bedding also.
Caroline McDonald
Is it a bedroom that you’re looking at? Would you mind describing the room so we can give you a better idea?
Thanks!
Taylor Bishop
Thanks for this interesting article for decorating outdoor rooms. I’m glad that you mentioned that decorating an outdoor space shouldn’t be any different from decorating an interior room. That said, it could be fun to see how a space could be decorated with large objects since it doesn’t have walls around the area.
Tiffany
Thanks for the inspiration! I have (and love) dark wood furniture, but I am considering buying a new home that has light gray cabinets and white countertops in the kitchen. Do I need all new furniture, or can the house still flow?
Heather Daly
Hi Tiffany,
Congratulations on the new home! The dark wood still sounds like it could work with your new kitchen. Mixing in darker wood tones with lighter fixtures can give depth to a room. You may consider adding light colored upholstered chairs or fun lighting to incorporate everything together.
Good Luck!
Mollie
I have a dark gray wood and chrome coffee table in my living room with a lighter gray wood and gunmetal L-shaped desk in the corner of the room for our office space. What material do I use for the tv stand and book shelves that we plan on purchasing? Everything is pretty sleek with a hint of mid-century modern. Any suggestions would be appreciated; thanks!
Heather Daly
Hi Mollie,
Try looking for a media console that pulls one of the wood tones from the other pieces to create some cohesiveness to the space. If you can’t find an exact match, finding a piece with chrome hardware or gunmetal hardware would also help tie elements of the room together.
Lucy Tuazon
I think that this idea will make the decorations of the house complete, I just have to choose some paintings that will best match our house as well as will best explain our personality. Having a wall art inside a house is some form of making a statement as well as balancing the design of the house giving it a great accent that contrasts the color. I like your idea of hanging three square pieces of artwork that has the same size, I think this will be best placed on our hallways. Thanks!
Happy Sappy
Amazing and brilliant ideas. Thanks for sharing your tips! I’d love to try these out. Adding Roman shade and of course making it cozy.
Dawn
Love the home office! Can you tell me where I can get the furniture featured??
Heather Daly
Hi Dawn!
You can check out our Original Home Office collection here. It’s a great collection that allows you to customize your office any way you’d like!
Nancy
I listened to your conversation with Robert while I was doing my grocery shopping. There I was walking through the coffee aisle, earbuds in my ears, laughing so hard I snorted. Thanks for making a mundane chore so much stinking fun!
Heather Daly
That’s so great Nancy! We’re glad you enjoyed it!
Deb Thibeault
I am looking for a catalog picture that shows a pair of garden district mirrors flanking a group of prints. I currently have a pair and have been looking for a creative way to use them above my sofa.
Thank you
Heather Daly
Hi Deb,
It doesn’t look like we have an image of that but that sounds like a great idea to use them with artwork!
wall art san diego
As there are various ideas available on the internet but you have tell amazing ways to arrange the porch as it is not easy to arrange the porch but it is not hard too also you can take the brief idea from this website as it tells everything in a fantastic way.
Cindy
I have searched for this angel candlestick holder (October 2018 page 29 catalog) online and called customers service but to no avail. Where can I purchase this please?
Thank you!
Heather Daly
Hi Cindy,
It looks as though the Angel Candlestick may currently be unavailable. Check out our Angel Tree Topper for a similar look!
https://www.ballarddesigns.com/angel-tree-topper/286670?listIndex=3
robinette lynch
I appreciate your advice on rug dimensions; however, there does not seem to be any such thing as an 8 x 12 rug (which is exactly what we need) so why recommend something that doesn’t exist?
Heather Daly
Hi Robinette,
While it’s true, 8×12 is a more uncommon size for rugs, we do over a handful of rugs in this size. Simply search rugs on our website and choose the filter “size”. There is an option for 8×12 rugs within this filter. Hopefully you find one that works for your space!
Carolyn Carver
Hello:
I just ordered four bar stools that were advertised as “29-32 inch seat height”. I need them to be 32″; not 29″ and that’s what they are. Is there anyway to make an adjustment to get the height where I need it to be.
Thank you!
Heather Daly
Hi Carolyn,
While not knowing which bar stools you ordered, you may want to call our customer service for clarification on this.
The Customer Service number is: (800) 536-7551
Anthony
My wife and I just moved into an apartment in the city and we are thinking about getting a Burrow couch. What are your thoughts? We love the idea but we are worried about the longevity of the couch. We like that it is a modular couch and that we can reorder pieces if anything breaks down…we just don’t want anything to break down.
Please share your insight.
Heather Daly
Hi Anthony,
While we can’t speak to another company’s furniture, we would certainly love to help you with any decorating questions you may have.
Submit your decorating questions to our team of design consultants here
Debbie
Which warm grays do you use from Benjamin Moore.
I saw one online in a bedroom from Ballard but it didn’t say which catalog it was from. It has a couple gold sunbursts above the headboard.
Heather Daly
Hi Debbie,
We love Benjamin Moore Stone Hearth #CC-490, Storm #AF-700, Herbal Escape #1487 for warmer gray options.
Elke Wheeler
Love, love, love this episode. My favorite of all. Thanks for the best 1 hour and 22 minutes of a very hectic week. (And just an aside, is it maiden name or bachelor name? I guess it’s whatever one wants it to be!). Now I’m off to search every single thing Mr. Leleux as ever said or done, since I was completely uninitiated to the wonderfulness that is Robert Leleu.
Ruth Bates
Do you still carry the lamp in pictures 1 and 3. Thank you.
Heather Daly
Hi Ruth!
Unfortunatly we no longer carry this lamp. Check out another great mercury glass lamp for a similar feel!
karnaarahull
Very good post. I like very much. Thank you for your sharing. http://greenmapleinteriors.blogspot.com/2018/10/interior-designers-in-chennai.html
Sarah
Best episode yet!
Wanda
Can you tell me about the wide gold framed mirror in the entryway in the first couple of pictures? Was it a Ballard purchase? I love your home!
Heather Daly
Hi Wanda,
Unfortunately we do not have a source for this mirror, but check out a similar mirror here!
https://hocthietkenoithatarcline.tumblr.com
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Will likely be back to get more. Thank you!
Lou
should all the shades on the lamps in a living room be the same color? for example with whites and off whites.
Heather Daly
Hi Lou,
Not necessarily. Depending on the room, you could certainly add a colorful pop with a lampshade. However if you have other white lampshades in the room already, we would suggest not adding an off white lampshade into the mix and simply sticking with the prominent color you already have.
~Heather
art picture hanging san diego
Depending upon the condition of the wall you should hang the wall décor as there are various types of walls are there for decoration and to decorate it wall should be of good plaster and a solid wooden wall should be there so that there is no risk of miss happening or treasury.
juanita
Incredible article!- I really loved it. When I saw your post, it was the first thing that came in to my mind. The work is really admirable. There are many unique rugs which will give some classy and different look to any area at https://therugmall.com/product/kaleen-natural-fiber-colinas-col02-103-area-rug-collection/
Millie
Thanks for the inspiration. I have a difficult time finding my style.
Easton Memmott
I like the tip you gave to make sure that all of your kitchen furniture matches each other, so it will look nice. I am looking to get a new kitchen furniture set, so it will look nice for family dinners. I will be sure to get furniture that matches the color scheme of my kitchen, so it will look nice.
Chandni Gusain
Great Blog with usefull furniture Design. Thanks for this Lovely blog..
marge centifanto
I have a king-sized mahagony sleigh bed in my bedroom and a golden oak antique dresser . How can I blend this harmoniously?
Heather Daly
Hi Marge,
Try using an accent color in the room and to create flow between the pieces. You could add blue pillows to the bed, then use that same blue in something like a picture or a lampshade on the dresser. This will create harmony in the room and create a fun mix.
Good Luck!
~Heather
Amy
Love the green velvet window panels featured here. Where can I find these?
Heather Daly
Hi Amy,
Yes aren’t they amazing!?
You can find our Signature Velvet Drapery Panels on our website:
https://www.ballarddesigns.com/signature-velvet-drapery-panel/362569?&prank=1
~Heather
JenB
The one that brought back memories for me was the picture of the columns….pre-garden stools I had a LOT of faux greek columns with plants and vases on them, or used as a table with glass, etc..and vines crawling up them. *cringe*
Nancy
Hi How to Decorate Ladies!
Was listening to your podcast with Libby this morning you were talking about the best way to store paint for inevitable future touch-ups. The best product I have found is called “Paint Saint”. It’s a little canister with an attached paintbrush on the lid. Genius! They sell for about $15 on Amazon.
Heather Daly
Hi Nancy!
Thanks for the great tip!
~Heather
oniry
Love how you setup the whole things darling. Fabulous job!
Alex Mills
I love this article…Best ideas for living room furnishing makes stylish and beautiful…
All layouts are so beautiful and inspirational
Thanks for sharing
Amanda
Nice stuff to decorate the living room beautifully. I really like this article so much. Thanks and keep sharing.
Vineeta
Hi!
I am a henna artist and decorate pumpkins with henna designs!
Please feel feee to take a look.
Thanks,
Vineeta
Rachel
Great advice and beautiful photos to complement it! I noticed that I often have an issue with getting the scale right. Thanks for the info!
Karen
I have a bar height counter with stools would a high top table look good next to it or a normal height table?
Heather Daly
Hi Karen,
Since most high top tables are typically counter height, if the table would be right next to your bar height counter, it may be too much for the space to have the varying heights. We suggest maybe going with a normal size table.
~Heather
Rhianna Hawk
Thanks for the tips; this will really help for when I have my walk-in closet installed this fall. I had some water damage to my bedroom wall from a leaking pipe in the ceiling, and since the wall has to be removed anyway, I figured I’d just have them add on a closet in the process. I’ll definitely be sure to take your advice and get some closet organizers to keep my shoes and clothes neat and orderly.
Gail
Can you tell me where the wicker bed in Decorating with Hats July 2018 is from?
Gail
Heather Daly
Hi Gail,
We are sorry but this bed has been discontinued. You can shop other pieces from this collection by Suzanne Kasler’s Southport Rattan collection here.
https://www.ballarddesigns.com/suzanne-kasler-southport-rattan-side-table/468929?&prank=1
do noi that
Right here is the perfect website for anybody who hopes to understand this
topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa).
You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that has been written about for ages.
Great stuff, just wonderful!
April
Hi! I just bought a house and i have a living room and dining room together. Problem is, i dont know how to light the room! I dont want to put chandelier because the ceiling looks great and i want to illimunate the beauty of my ceiling. Any tips?
Heather Daly
Hi April,
Congrats on the new house! Choosing the right lighting in an open floor plan can be tricky. We’d love to take a look and answer your lighting questions. We have a team of designers who can help with your lighting and decorating questions. To get started, fill out this form. https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/send-us-your-own-decorating-dilemma/
Good luck!
Lee Drummond
I appreciated the discussion about family photos! I am glad I am not the only one trying to figure out how to tackle this. A quick tip: A cloud-based NixPlay is a great way to display many family photos in one spot. It is a photo display screen that can be updated from anywhere. Ideal for people with loved ones (especially grandkids) far away and for people with lots of photos who don’t want to display them all in frames.
Thanks for this wonderful podcast that always gets me thinking!!
Sincerely,
Lee Drummond
Debbie Miller
I would love to get your catalogs for each season if possible. I don’t now and would love to not have to request one for each new catalog. Thank ;you
21178 SE Foster rd
Damascus,Or
97089
Heather Daly
Hi Debbie,
You can sign up to receive catalogs by filling out this form.
https://www.ballarddesigns.com/RequestACatalogView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10551&langId=-1
shele
So disappointed. Tried to find the color of a wall paint on pg 6 of your August catalog. I called and nobody can tell me what color lavender it is:(
Heather Daly
Hi Shele,
While we don’t know the exact color of the wall, we recommend you try Benjamin Moore’s Spring Iris 1402 for a similar look.
Sarah
Hi there, do you know what chairs these are from Ballard? I saw them in a catalog not long ago and now they are nowhere to be found online so I wanted to call and ask about them. They are ?. And I love them!
Thanks,
Sarah
Heather Daly
Hi Sarah,
So sorry but it looks as though these chairs have been discontinued. Check out these chairs for a similar look!
https://www.ballarddesigns.com/suzanne-kasler-southport-rattan-dining-chair/furniture/dining-kitchen/dining-chairs/470431
covemaven
Thank you!
Carrie
Wow. How very helpful! Honestly, I think this is the best article I have read when it comes to Throw Pillow guides. It is always so difficult making home deco choices. I found the perfect website for throw pillows – http://www.avigaildesignsathome.com – I love their stuff (throw pillows are based according to theme) and free worldwide shipping is awesome! Hope this helps!!
DEEPA J PATOLE
hello ,
I just purchased two three seater leather walnut color sofas . Can you please help me what color cushions will look good on it.
Deepa
Heather Daly
Hi Deepa,
Leather is a great neutral so you could really do anything as far as patterns or colors. If you’d like to keep things more monochromatic you could layer different textures and sizes of pillows. For a different look, you could also add fun pops of jewel toned pillows as they would pair nicely with a brown leather sofa.
Good Luck!
Furniture Store in Tucson AZ
Wow! Such a great pictures of bedroom set. Thanks for sharing these with us.
Michael Clarke
First of all, I must say that it’s an amazing blog post. All the ways you have mentioned to arrange furniture are looks so beautiful. Definitely wanna try out these ways at home.
Nsncy
Hi I need help decorate and keeping it simple.
Heather Daly
Hi Nancy,
We would love to answer your design questions! We have designers that are here to help. Simply submit your decorating question along with some photos to https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/send-us-your-own-decorating-dilemma/
Lisa
Hi, we are building our new home and need some help with what size dining room table to get. The dining room is 12×10, open concept floor plan.. I was wondering if a Round 60in pedestal table with 6 chairs would work, I want planning on adding a side bar. Any suggestions welcomed. Thank you.
Heather Daly
Hi Lisa,
A 60″ round pedestal table would fit in a 12×10 dining room, especially if it’s open concept. This size still leaves room for dining chairs. A round table also makes it easier to move around the space. Check out our Andrews Pedestal Dining Table: https://www.ballarddesigns.com/andrews-pedestal-dining-table/350657?searchTerm=SUGGESTION%20-%20ANDREWS%20PEDESTAL%20DINING%20TABLE
Good luck with the new home!
Jan Peak
What color cabinets and countertops would go with dark gray wood grained floors?
Heather Daly
Hi Jan,
If you are looking to brighten the kitchen, you could choose white kitchen cabinets with light countertops. These colors are neutral and would pair beautifully with gray wood floors.
Elizabeth Fernandez
Since I can’t afford to get rid of my dining room set, I’d appreciate suggestions for creating an updated look within the confines of a small budget.
Heather Daly
Hi Elizabeth,
We have a great free design service where a trained interior designer can make some suggestions for you based on your budget.
Sign up here for an appointment: https://www.ballarddesigns.com/design-solutions/contenthttps://www.ballarddesigns.com/design-solutions/content
Jeanne
Great pointers! Here’s an idea that would be helpful in your catalogs and online for selecting sizes of paintings: please state the size shown in your photos so we can get an idea of the scale. WhileI have made templates to see the size before buying, it would still be helpful to know what you used in your vignette.
Heather Daly
Hi Jeanne,
Thank you for your feedback! We will be sure to pass that along.
Nancy McMenaman
Love your ideas and wisdom … very refreshing and humble .. moving on with the times !! Pls put me on your e mail list … thank you. Nancy McMenaman. honandmom@gmail.com
Heather Daly
Nancy,
Thank you for the kind words! You can sign up to stay current on all things Ballard through our website at the bottom of the page.
https://www.ballarddesigns.com/
Caroline
I’ve followed Ballard since the early 90’s. There are products shown in your “mistakes” that are viable today. In your dining example of a matched set….I wish I had that today! I think its important to understand that every “look” is suitable and trendy for the time it exists and don’t think of it as a mistake. I am not a design aficionado but have spent eons studying it and I believe Ballard has done a great job over the years.
Nanci Natale
I love your catalogs. While I never really look at the rooms “as a whole” – I like to look at them in an exploratory way – will that little item in the background work in my home? How will that chair fit in – not necessarily buying all the items in a room as a whole – I’ve purchased many items that I culled from your rooms – never been a fan of “matchy matchy” – I’m eclectic all the way!
Bethany G.
It was nice that you pointed out that it’s important to make sure that your art wall decor is going to be placed at approximately eye level. My husband and I are planning to buy new home wall decor products including frames. We want to make sure that people will have the time to appreciate the beauty of the home wall decor products that we will buy, so I’ll make sure to consider all your tips.
Nicholas Williams
Thanks for sharing this great article and wallpaper are awesome. Keep up good work.
Lauren
Hi, where can I find the square leather ottoman?
Thanks!
Heather Daly
Hi Lauren,
While this ottoman is no longer available, check out our Carmen Ottoman with Latte Leather top for a similar look!
https://www.ballarddesigns.com/carmen-leather-ottoman/475318?&prank=19
Fabby
Very pretty table, wish you hadnt place the name card on top of the pretty plates, couldnt see the pattern.
Fabby
Sharon Wilson-Smith
I found it helpful when you said that you should consider hanging art pieces at approximately eye level to make sure that you can look at them properly. My husband and I are interested in buying oil canvas paintings that we can use to decorate our house. We want all the people that will see it to not have a hard time appreciating it, so we’ll make sure to follow your tips.
covemaven
The link to the petite art in the first vignette is not the same picture as the one on the mantel. The one on the mantel is matted. The one in the link is not, and it is a very different scape than that pictured. Is the one on the mantel available through Ballard?
Heather Daly
Hello,
The correct link for that artwork can be found here
https://www.ballarddesigns.com/petite-complete-calm-art/479631?prank=28
Cynthia Priola
Please come to Las Vegas we need you and were growing !! Love your eye for color pattern texture it all comes to gather beautiful .
Dawn
August issue — What color/name is the blue paint on page 58?
Caroline McDonald
Dawn,
That is Benjamin Moore’s Windy Sky #1639. So glad you liked it!
Caroline
KiM
Wall color on page 70 please!
Caroline McDonald
Kim,
Did you want to know the paint color on page 70 of the August 2018 catalog? It’s Inner Balance by Benjamin Moore.
Happy Decorating,
Caroline
Keisha Bergeron
Hello,
I’m trying to find the color of paint used on page 92 and 93 of the August 2018 catalog. It has 35 years on cover. I love the blue office! Thanks
Caroline McDonald
Keisha,
It’s Benjamin Moore’s New York State of Mind #805. You can see all of the paint colors here: https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2018/07/fall-2018-catalog-paint-colors/
Caroline
Joy Butler
Hi Caroline, it’s great that you elaborated on creating a focal point. I had no idea that the combination of enough space, modern furniture, and accessories will give a beautiful home. I will certainly be doing this awesome tip in our house. Thanks a lot!
Virginia Tutza
August 2018 catalogue. What color paint is on the walls on page 69 and page 70.
My home has an Open floor plan. Living room has Ballard Marchesa rug 8×10 family room and dining room each have Ballard Tabitha rug 8×10. Wall color on page 70 looks like it will work with all 3 rooms.
Thank you in advance for a response.
Caroline McDonald
Virginia,
The color is Benjamin Moore’s Inner Balance. I definitely think it’ll work with both the Tabitha and Marchesa rugs. Those pair so well together! Glad you liked these spaces.
Happy decorating,
Caroline
Nancy Lear
I diligently listen to your podcast. This week I enjoyed more than most. Katie Lydon was so down to earth and she shared valuable decorating advice for your listeners! thank you so much
Caroline McDonald
Nancy,
Thank you! Thank you! We love hearing that, and I’m so happy that you enjoyed this episode. Thanks for listening, and please send more feedback always.
Caroline
Gerri L McQueen
Love the look of the windows. What hardware did you use to achieve the full wall look?
I have ordered 12 panels of Suzanne Kasler Signature 13oz Linen Drapery Panels. But need rod that can go up to 120″ across to cover wall of windows.
Caroline McDonald
Gerri,
This is our regular Single Drapery Rod Kit which goes up to 108″. Because you need a bit longer, you could try using some of our corner connectors to lengthen the rods, but you may be able to find rods that go up to 120″.
Good luck!
Frances Goldston
Interesting that your photo shows a twin bed as I, too, am thinking of downsizing from a queen size to a twin for my BR makeover. I need to make better use of my small space & feel this is the best place to start. Any trends you can share?
Ellen Hughes
The best part of your blog for me is when you talked about the importance of making sure that there will be enough space between tools for people to dine, so you must consider determining the number of stools that can fit in your space. This is a nice tip for me because I’m planning to buy new kitchen stools and covers for it. My goal is to have a comfortable space in my kitchen while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. Thanks!