Style Matters

I’m bringing you along with me to Santa Fe for a quiet, layered look inside the home of designer Heather French—a place that feels deeply rooted in its landscape and gently expressive of the family who lives there. Walking through her territorial-style house, especially dressed for the holidays, felt like a reminder that good design isn’t about spectacle, but about intention: rooms shaped by how they’re truly used, materials that show age and wear with grace, and traditions that build warmth over time. From fruit-laden tables and needlepoint banquettes to a kitchen designed for lingering and a living room meant for both conversation and rest, Heather’s home is a beautiful example of how style can be personal, soulful, and quietly enduring Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

As we wrapped up the year, I found myself gathering the moments from the show that moved me the most—the conversations that nudged me to think differently about home, beauty, and the way we shape our days. Revisiting these clips felt a bit like walking back through rooms I love: Olga reminding us that tiny shifts in our spaces can spark self-worth; Danielle celebrating the joyful friction of mixing styles; Bailey inviting us into that fearless creative “zone.” Then there were the makers—Francesca stirring pigments into velvety limewash, Brea and Guy rescuing centuries-old stone, and Michal weaving stories through embroidery—each one revealing the human hands and histories behind the things we live with. Sharing these voices again felt like opening a window to everything I believe about Slow Style: that beauty is both mirror and guide, and that home is an ever-evolving conversation between who we are and who we’re becoming. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal a

This week’s episode is a sweet, simple reminder of how small changes can make a home feel more like you. Laurie and I began in her kitchen, at the long window seat that greets you the moment you enter from the back door. Even with its beautiful view, it felt unfinished to her—like it wasn’t yet saying, We live here. As we talked, I encouraged her to trust the instincts she already had: using her own textiles, adding a little color, choosing organic patterns, and even hanging plants to bring some life into the space. We moved through the nearby rooms too, touching on lighting challenges and the beginnings of a gallery wall. In the end, every question circled back to the same truth: her home just needed more of her, and she already knew exactly how to make that happen. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I’m sharing the full talk I gave at the launch party for Slow Style Home—the one moment from that night we didn’t manage to record. I walk through the long, winding path that led me here, why the cultural noise around “dream homes” pushed me to write this book, and how serendipity, inspiration, and experimentation became the backbone of the Slow Style approach. I also take you behind the scenes of the event itself—yes, including the Little Yellow Couch, the Aperol spritz, and all the small details that tell a bigger story about creating a home that reflects who you are. If you’ve ever wondered what Slow Style really looks like in practice, this talk is the closest thing to standing in the room with me. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I talk with the wonderfully creative Fariha Nasir about how she transformed her builder-grade house into a deeply personal, heritage-rich home through bold DIY projects and meaningful design. Fariha shares how reconnecting with her Pakistani roots shifted her entire approach to style, leading her to incorporate block prints, color, pattern, and handmade details throughout her home. We walk through her favorite spaces, discuss the power of learning new skills, and explore how she creates a beautiful, intentional environment for her family. It’s an inspiring reminder that our homes can tell our stories—and that we can build them with our own hands. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I speak with Michal Silver, Creative Director at Christopher Farr Cloth, whose work is guided by curiosity, collaboration, and a deep respect for history. Michal shares how their textiles and wallpapers grow slowly from long conversations with artists, archives, and craftspeople around the world—allowing time for ideas to unfold rather than following fast-paced production cycles. She reflects on the joy of being pushed out of her comfort zone, the role of the hand in design, and the importance of creating interiors that feel personal and lived-in rather than perfect. Ultimately, this conversation is about embracing the slow evolution of home and creativity—letting spaces grow with us, layer by layer. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I talk with professional organizer Tracy McCubbin about how to approach the holidays with less clutter and more intention. Tracy shares what it’s been like helping clients rebuild after the LA fires and how loss reshapes our relationship with stuff. We discuss mindful giving, thoughtful donations, and finding joy in using what we already have. Her reminder stayed with me: your home should support you, not overwhelm you—and small, simple steps can make that possible. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

If you’ve ever wondered how a designer really lives, you’ll love this week’s “Designers at Home” episode. I visited Julia Chasman in her Pasadena Craftsman, and her home is a masterclass in warmth, humor, and fearless pattern mixing. We talk about her buffalo-check chair from the Pasadena Showcase, the story behind her antique Steinway, and why a little imperfection—and a wink of whimsy—makes a room come alive.  Julia’s space feels like Slow Style in motion: personal, soulful, and full of stories. Tune in if you need a dose of creative inspiration and want to remember why decorating your home should always bring you joy. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this final episode of the season, I get to sit down with the one and only Vern Yip—yes, that Vern Yip! You probably know him from his trailblazing days on design television, but today he joins me to talk about his beautiful new book, Color, Pattern, Texture. We dive into everything from the deeply personal story of a scroll his mother carried while fleeing communist China, to how he uses those kinds of meaningful objects as the foundation for timeless design. Vern shares why starting with what matters most to you—not trends—creates homes that are layered, enduring, and uniquely yours. We look closely at some of the spaces from his book, break down why they work, and talk about the emotional side of design: how a room can tell your story, reflect who you are, and even help you step into who you want to become. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I talk with designer and shop owner Stephanie Rudloe about her work with Marrakesh Designs and her long collaboration with Moroccan artisans. Stephanie shares how she first fell in love with Moroccan craft, from rugs and doors to brass lighting and pottery, and how these handmade pieces bring depth and character into our homes. We also explore how to layer just a touch of Morocco into everyday interiors in a way that feels natural and personal without going overboard or being overly thematic. What we find is that certain Moroccan objects and motifs have been design staples for many decades in America.  Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I sit down with designer and shop owner Molly Carter, whose passion for sustainability and storytelling in design is contagious. We talk about what it means to buy with your values, how she sources everything from hundred-year-old rugs to locally made candles, and why slowing down matters when you’re building a home. Molly shares the stories behind her favorite projects, including a wine country retreat and a mid-century gem in Placerville, and reminds us that every choice—from a pillow to a piece of art—can carry history, culture, and care.  Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I sit down with Breda and Guy Kellner of Paris Ceramics to talk about their extraordinary work with natural and reclaimed stone. I’ve long admired how they honor the history and geology of each material, transforming salvaged slabs into flooring, fireplaces, and surfaces that feel both timeless and deeply alive. We talk about what it means to live with materials that change and age, why patina is worth celebrating, and how true craftsmanship connects us to the past while shaping spaces for the future. This is a conversation about beauty, imperfection, and choosing to design with time—not trends. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I talk with Natalie Papier about her new book, “Start With the Art”. Natalie explains why the art you choose—whether it’s from a flea market, your kids, or a gallery—can and should be the starting point for designing a room. We discuss how art can shape color palettes, patterns, and materials, and why it tells the real story of a home. Natalie also shares examples from her own spaces, offers advice on experimenting with paint and scale, and emphasizes the importance of adding humor (think a six-foot fiberglass ostrich) and personality to your interiors. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

Looking back, my kitchen has gone through many lives. It started with painted cabinets and bamboo floors on a tight budget, then evolved through a moody green phase during COVID before finally landing on a navy-and-white look inspired by the sea. Along the way, we tiled to the ceiling, swapped in a gorgeous Bertazzoni stove, shiplapped the ceiling, and added furniture pieces to make it feel warm and lived-in rather than purely functional. Each change taught me something about color, materials, and the value of taking time to figure out what really works.With my renovation journey behind me, I sit down with Barbara Ballinger and Margaret Crane, authors of Kitchen Conversations, to talk about what really goes into creating a kitchen that works for you. We cover the basics like layout, storage, and lighting, and why planning for how you actually use the space matters more than following trends. Barbara and Margaret share practical tips on where to save, when to splurge, and how to avoid common renovation mistake

In this episode, I talked with Maria Resto, a longtime listener whose Chicago home reflects her love of travel, vintage finds, and evolving style. She shared how over 25 years she’s layered antiques, global pieces, bold textiles, and personal items—like a burgundy sofa and a juju hat—learning through trial and error to create rooms full of character. Maria also plans to highlight more of her Puerto Rican heritage, blending family history with her eclectic style. What excites her most is that a home can keep changing, staying personal and never truly “finished.” Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

This episode with Francesca Wezel is for all you design enthusiasts. Francesca is a colorist who creates stunning, one-of-a-kind colors. She shares the inspiration behind her colorful palettes, including her Himalayas palette, which was inspired by a trip to India. We also talk about her Houghton Hall and Poison into Medicine collections, which both have incredible backstories. We discuss the health benefits of using lime wash, which is the oldest form of paint known to man. Francesca explains that she never uses the words "right" or "wrong" when it comes to paint colors and that a paint color should be unique to who you are. A home should reflect your life experiences, your dreams, and what makes you feel happy. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

This week, I’m answering a listener question from Meg about how to balance style with function, especially when it comes to storage. She wants a home that looks good but also works for real life. I walk through different strategies depending on where you are in the process: whether you're starting from scratch, filling in gaps, or trying to upgrade over time. I also share my thoughts on when it makes sense to go with something quick and affordable like IKEA, and when to hold out for something more lasting.We discuss using placeholders, being honest about your priorities (speed, price, or quality—you can only choose two), and how to avoid clutter by utilizing storage solutions that also add character. I show a few examples from my own home, including how I use vintage crates, tins, and even sugar bowls to keep things both tidy and personal.This is the last episode of the season. We'll be back on August 18th. Also, early bird pricing for the retreat ends August 1st, so if you’re thinking about joining

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I talk with Elizabeth Rees, founder of Chasing Paper. We cover what makes her peel-and-stick wallpaper different, why it’s not just for renters, and how it holds up over time. Elizabeth shares how she built a high-quality, sustainable product that’s easy to use and doesn’t feel temporary or trendy. We also get into how to choose the right pattern, scale, and colorway—plus how to make wallpaper work with artwork, furniture, and older homes that aren’t perfectly straight. If you’ve ever been curious about wallpaper but felt overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this one’s for you. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!

In this episode, I talk with Joseph Marini, author of Mastering the Art of Entertaining. We cover what it really means to host, beyond the perfect table setting. Joseph shares why entertaining is about connection, not performance, and how a little planning goes a long way. We talk about what makes a good guest, how to keep people out of the kitchen, and why it’s okay to serve store-bought food, as long as you put it in a real bowl. This is a practical, honest conversation about making people feel welcome in your home, no matter your style or budget. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!