Style Matters

Last week, I interviewed a designer who strongly follows and advocates for design rules, and while that method works for some, I advocate for a different, more personal approach to home design. I discussed various design rules, their origins, and how they can be broken to create a unique, joyful space that reflects individual style. I categorized design rules into three buckets: classical aesthetic principles, practical rules learned through trial and error by pros, and cultural trends. I believe in playing with these rules rather than strictly adhering to them. I shared my thoughts on specific rules such as lighting sources, scale of lampshades, furniture placement for flow, family portraits, rug sizes, and curtain lengths, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'why' behind each rule. For me, design is more art than science, and I encourage exploring and creating a space that truly represents one's unique style. Slow Style is about enjoying the process of decorating and finding joy i

In this episode, I sit down with Betsy Helmuth, a professional designer known for her fast-paced, rule-based approach, which contrasts with my slow style method. While I emphasize self-exploration and taking time to layer a home, Betsy's clients prioritize efficiency and clear guidelines to avoid mistakes in their design decisions. Betsy shares how she helps her New York City clients choose practical, affordable furniture, often from Ikea, over high-end pieces due to their transient living situations. She provides tips like investing in items with moving parts, such as drawers, for better durability. Betsy also discusses her method for creating a cohesive color palette using an inspiration piece with three colors, and her 60-30-10 rule for color distribution. This episode highlights the value of understanding multiple approaches to design and finding what best aligns with your preferences. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I had a delightful conversation with Danielle Balanis, a Birmingham-based designer known for her bold, layered, and mixed aesthetic. Danielle's designs exude joy, abundance, and energy, adhering to the principles of the Slow Style philosophy. She emphasizes developing an aesthetic rather than adhering to strict style categories, focusing on creating evocative experiences rather than matching products. Danielle draws inspiration from varied sources like fashion and film and stresses the importance of playing with design elements and taking time to let styles unfold. We discussed several projects where she broke conventional design rules, such as rejecting the 60-30-10 color rule and using unusual combinations and scales. Danielle shared specific stories behind her projects, such as draping a whole bathroom to create a luxurious feel and using unexpected elements like antique mirrors and layered patterns. She highlighted a family room framed with dramatic portières and a moody, persimmon-a

Today I'm sharing a 1:1 coaching call from a listener who wanted help with his basement bar. It's a small area that he felt could use a big update.  And he wanted to use his recent trip to Germany as a jumping off point.  If you're watching this on YouTube, you'll see photos of his bar and some shots I pulled from German taverns for inspiration.  Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this first episode of my new "Fix My Room" series, I take you behind the scenes of a real-life design coaching session with Kathleen. Join me as I help her transform a frustrating living room into a peaceful, light-filled space by focusing on what truly brings her joy. We'll explore how a few strategic changes—removing heavy curtains, relocating clutter, and finding the perfect rug—can completely shift how you experience a room. This isn't about spending lots of money, but about creating intentional, meaningful design that reflects your personal style. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I sit down with Barbara Boyle, author of 'Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300 Year Old Italian Farmhouse.' Barbara shares her journey from a successful advertising career to renovating and living in an old Italian farmhouse. Her initial inspiration came during a honeymoon trip to Europe where she fell in love with a small Italian town. She speaks about the sense of community and belonging she found, the bravery it took to leave her life in San Francisco, and the challenges, including concerns about family and her unexpected battle with breast cancer. Barbara also paints a vivid picture of her home's transformation, blending modern and traditional elements, and discusses the meaningful items she brought from her old home. Her story is one of transformation, adventure, and finding joy in the slow, intentional living that Italy offers. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you up for every design decision you'll

Happy 2025! I love the new year and the sense of starting over it brings. In this episode, I steer clear of trends and focus on a slow style approach to interior design. Instead of overwhelming yourself with big changes, I suggest sitting in each room of your home to take stock of what makes you happy and what doesn't. I encourage you to use inspirations like new hobbies, recent travels, and the desire to declutter to make meaningful transformations. The goal is to make your home reflect your evolving self and create spaces that give back to you. Link mentioned in this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/869740/episodes/15483666-step-1-for-room-makeovers-the-magical-first-step-you-ve-been-skipping.mp3?download=true To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you up for every design decision you'll need to make!Sign up here to receive the free guide (and lots of suppport along the way).

In the final episode of the Slow Style Home podcast for 2024, I talk to Stephanie O'Dea, the author of 'Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle Driven World.' We dive into how her book provides actionable steps for reorienting one's mindset towards a purposeful life, away from societal pressures. Stephanie explains the concept of slow living, which she defines as 'simply look only within,' focusing on intentional, sustainable living. We discuss her transition from writing bestselling cookbooks to advocating slow living, her experiences with societal pressures, and the necessity of aligning personal success with authentic desires. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of small, manageable steps towards goals, rather than striving for perfection. We also touch on the implications of social media-induced FOMO and decision fatigue, and the need to remain intentional in our daily lives. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to crea

In this episode, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Nina Watson, a designer whose thoughtful and intentional approach to her home perfectly embodies the Slow Style principles I teach. As we talked, her stories brought these principles to life, offering real-world examples of how they can transform not just our spaces, but the way we live in them.We explored how Style Evolves through her reimagined design choices, like lightening molding in her kitchen to better serve the space. Nina’s process reminds us that living with our design choices helps us understand and refine them over time. We also explored the principle that Life Informs Style. For Nina, this means creating spaces that are practical and reflective of her family’s routines and needs. Nina spoke about how Style Reflects Your Values. Her home is a testament to sustainability and the joy of storytelling. From upcycled flea market treasures to her custom ruby-red front door, every element is chosen with care and intention. Nina’s designs aren’

When I sat down with Lauren Emerson and Genevieve Hewson of Walter G., I was transported into the world of block printing, where craftsmanship and soul meet.  We spoke about the philosophy behind 'slow style,' emphasizing the importance of handmade and artisan products and the ethical considerations of their creation. We discuss the unique tactile and visual qualities of handmade fabrics and the stories they carry into our homes. Lauren and Genevieve share their personal experiences and inspirations from their travels, particularly their time in India, where they learned traditional block printing techniques. We also touch on their approach to design, inspired by antique and global motifs, and their seamless integration of traditional and modern elements. Join us for an insightful conversation that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the beauty and soul embedded in every Walter G design. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you

Schuyler Samperton and I talk about incorporating inherited items, mixing styles and eras, and creatively using dark wood. We highlight the importance of scale, inventive textile applications, and using light fixtures as focal points. Schuyler also goes behind the scenes with her own fabric and wallpaper lines and provides tips on mixing and matching patterns. We explore several of her projects so you can see how she integrates personality and storytelling into her rooms. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you up for every design decision you'll need to make!Sign up here to receive the free guide (and lots of suppport along the way).

In this solo episode, I explore a popular topic: handling mementos and tchotchkes from travel. I share my thought process, from pre-trip preparations to what I buy and how I integrate those items into my home. Travel fuels home design with life and energy, inspiring us with new ideas and color palettes. I offer a deep dive into the Slow Style Framework for home makeovers and discuss my recent trip to London, providing practical advice on blending iconic sites and hidden gems, finding inspiration, using boutique hotels for design ideas, and selecting meaningful and practical souvenirs. I also give tips on saving free mementos, creating travel rituals, and immediately incorporating your finds into your decor. Whether you're planning your next excursion or simply looking to enrich your home's aesthetic, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and tangible advice. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you up for every design decis

The Slow Style Home podcast is about the process of creating a beautiful, one-of-a-kind home without hurting the planet or your wallet to get there. Slow Style is an antidote to fast-paced micro trends and disposable decor and the pressure we've been feeling to live in this instantaneous, perfect home. My name is Zandra Zuraw and I'm really excited to introduce you to Slow Style.  On the show, you'll hear solo episodes with me as well as  interviews with the best pros working in the interior design field.  To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you up for every design decision you'll need to make!Sign up here to receive the free guide (and lots of suppport along the way).

In this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I sat down with Michael Bartz, a homeowner who built and lives in a tiny home with his partner and three cats. Michael's journey to sustainable living began in 2015 after a life-changing breakup, leading him to question traditional housing and embrace the tiny house lifestyle. He built his 175-square-foot mobile home in his brother's backyard over four years, relying on YouTube, books, and the National Tiny House Jamboree for guidance. Michael later found a perfect spot to park on an elderly couple's farm, facilitating a community-oriented living arrangement. We discussed the challenges and rewards of off-grid living, the importance of aligning home design with personal values, and the impact of his podcast, 'In Over My Head.' Michael's story highlights the potential for a fulfilling, lower-impact lifestyle through intentional living and creative problem-solving. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guid

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I interview Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett, founders of KOBEL + Co. We explore their design philosophy, which includes the use of 'ugly' pieces to add tension, balance, and serendipity. They explain how incorporating antiques and avoiding matchiness can make spaces more interesting and welcoming. We discuss the importance of taking your time to evolve your style and the impact of personal and historical items in a home. Through photo examples from their projects, we analyze how they skillfully mix materials, colors, and eras even in children’s rooms. This episode offers a rich visual and conceptual understanding of their approach to design. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you up for every design decision you'll need to make!Sign up here to receive the free guide (and lots of suppport along the way).

In this solo episode, we will explore step three of my Slow Style framework, which is all about executing your vision for a room makeover. I'm here to guide you in thoughtfully connecting your design choices to the personal visions and values that matter most to you. I emphasize the importance of resisting impulsive shopping and instead carefully selecting decor that truly reflects your personality and passions. I talk about how to use tools like mood boards, which can help you translate the feelings and experiences you want in your space into specific design elements. My goal is to help you create a unique, personal style for your home. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you up for every design decision you'll need to make!Sign up here to receive the free guide (and lots of suppport along the way).

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sit down with Samantha Stathis Lynch of Samantha Ware Designs to explore her rich background in art authentication and interior design. Samantha shares her journey from galleries to working at the prestigious De Gournay, and how she incorporates her deep understanding of art history into accessible interior design for all. She discusses the importance of mixing various design eras to create a layered, personalized home aesthetic and offers valuable tips for antiquing and spotting quality pieces. Samantha emphasizes the significance of creating homes filled with beauty and authenticity while also championing the eco-friendly aspects of reusing antique pieces. Her insights stress the importance of your home reflecting your story and personality, making each space unique and joyful. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you up for every design decision you'll need to make!Sign up here to r

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I talk with Abi Dare, author of 'The Soft Minimalist Home' and the 'These Four Walls' blog. We discuss her unique take on minimalism, which is not just about having fewer things but about making space for what truly matters. Abi explains that minimalism is an approach rather than a rigid style, and how her synesthesia influences her preference for a neutral and calm home environment. She highlights that minimalism can look different for everyone—whether it's a calm, neutral space or a vibrant room full of art. We also talk about practical examples from her book, which includes homes that are both colorful and minimalist. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a home that reflects your personality and supports your well-being. We also discuss why style matters and how decluttering and intentional design can lead to a more fulfilling home environment. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide o

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I chat with Nicole Johnsey Burke, founder of Gardenary and author of Kitchen Garden Revival, about optimizing outdoor spaces —be it a large yard or a small balcony— for growing vegetables. Nicole shares her personal journey from overcoming food addiction to becoming a garden expert and discusses how gardening can foster a deep connection with our homes. She offers step-by-step guidance on planning, planting, and maintaining a kitchen garden, emphasizing seasonal crops, companion planting, and aesthetics. Nicole shares practical tips for beginners and highlights the importance of daily gardening habits. Her insights inspire a newfound appreciation for the benefits of kitchen gardening, rekindling a tangible connection to home and nature. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you up for every design decision you'll need to make!Sign up here to receive the free guide (and lots of suppport al

My guest today is my friend and fellow podcaster, Rebecca West. Her book, “Happy Starts At Home,” is in its second edition and therefore giving me the opportunity to share it all with you. Her book will give you tons of thoughtful exercises to help you think through big decisions when it comes to designing and decorating your home. In this conversation, we zero in on questions of how to spend money well, how to talk with your partner, or anyone else you may be living with, and how to get the most out of renting, if you don’t own a home, because Rebecca is currently renting in Paris! Here’s Rebecca. To use the Slow Style approach in your home, start with this free guide on how to create a vision that sets you up for every design decision you'll need to make!Sign up here to receive the free guide (and lots of suppport along the way).