We're joined this week by acclaimed designer & author Elaine Griffin, where we dive deep into the fundamentals of decorating through her 2009 best-selling book, 'Design Rules: The Insider's Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator.'
The ladies discuss proportion principles, the impact of personal style, and the importance of timeless design, all while Elaine opens up about her Southern cultural influences, navigating different regional styles, evolving personal aesthetics, and strategic planning for young decorators. The episode also emphasizes how to incorporate cherished items, where and when to invest in quality furniture pieces, and how to adapt your design choices to life experiences in a meaningful way.
Watch this week's conversation as recorded on Ballard Designs YouTube.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to How to Decorate, the Podcast
00:36 Meet Elaine Griffin
01:16 ‘Design Rules’: The Timeless Guidebook for Home Decoraters
02:18 Practical Tips for Home Decor
15:47 The Emotional Connection to Home
16:34 Influences on Elaine’s Personal Design Style
31:20 Design Stages and Investment Pieces
36:22 How to Blend Treasured Possessions and Sentimental Items into Cohesive Design
38:47 The Evolution of Your Own Personal Style
39:28 Liz’s Card Catalog: A Journey Through Time
41:15 Reflections on Design and Sentimentality
58:35 Decorating Dilemma: Design Advice for a Lake Home
01:14:02 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Decorating Dilemma:
Follow along with images of this week's decorating dilemma on the How to Decorate Blog: CLICK HERE.
Hi Amanda,
First off, Elaine commends Amanda on her initial color choice of alabaster, describing it as a beautiful off-white that ranked among the top Sherwin Williams colors. She suggests that you need to focus on allowing the natural landscape to guide her color palette since the lake house likely offers a view worth highlighting. Elaine also emphasizes the importance of choosing colors that complement the scenery to ensure the view remains the focal point. For the screen porch, she recommends considering a daring, dark green to provide a dynamic contrast and allow the room to blend with the natural surroundings.
Elaine also shares key color rules, advising that Amanda match her home's interior and exterior styles to maintain cohesion, and suggests incorporating beige tones as an alternative to gray, which can look dated. Elaine points out the importance of considering natural light and how it interacts with chosen colors, encouraging Amanda to seek a palette that lasts and complements both the home's interior and its natural setting.
Give us an update when you finish this project, we really want to see what decision(s) you make!
- How to Decorate
Also Mentioned:
'Design Rules: The Book' | Order Your Copy Today!
Elaine Griffin at Home | Website
@elaine_griffin | Instagram
Ballard Designs
Watch the Full Episode w/ Images: Ballard Designs YouTube
