Wendy Glaister joins Eric G for a lively chat about the art of interior design, where we dive into the nitty-gritty of how designers pinpoint your unique style and aesthetic. Picture this: you’ve just bought a new home, and the walls are blank canvases just waiting for your personal touch. But wait! You have no idea what your style actually is. That’s where the magic of a designer comes in. Wendy emphasizes that each person has their own design aesthetic, but often they struggle to articulate it. She shares her fascinating process, which includes sifting through inspiration photos with clients to discover hidden preferences that might not be immediately obvious. It’s like a treasure hunt, only instead of gold doubloons, you find out that you really love mid-century teak furniture paired with industrial chic lighting. Who knew?! As we giggle our way through the episode, Wendy reveals that the biggest challenge for designers is often to ensure that their personal style doesn’t overshadow the client’s vision. She recounts her own experiences with clients, where she plays detective, figuring out what they truly love. It’s a delicate balance of guiding without imposing, and Wendy’s insights are not just valuable for designers, but also for homeowners who might feel overwhelmed by decision fatigue. We touch on the importance of working with a designer to avoid costly mistakes—like painting a room three times before landing on the right shade. Trust me, no one wants to live through that drama! By the end of our chat, we’ve uncovered the beauty of collaboration in design. Wendy stresses that a good designer will always prioritize the client’s needs and aspirations, making the process enjoyable rather than stressful. So whether you're a first-time homeowner or someone looking to refresh your space, the takeaway is clear: don't hesitate to bring in a designer who values your vision. After all, your home should reflect you, not someone else's Pinterest board!
Takeaways:
- Interior designers have a unique ability to uncover your personal aesthetic, even when you can't articulate it yourself.
- The conversation emphasizes the joy of collaboration between homeowners and designers to create spaces that truly reflect individual styles.
- Designers aim to make their clients' visions a priority, ensuring the final outcome is uniquely theirs, not a reflection of the designer's own tastes.
- Finding a designer who understands your needs is essential; the right relationship can transform your home into a space you'll love for years to come.
- Trends in design shift rapidly, and what’s 'in' today could be 'out' tomorrow, making timeless choices essential for long-term satisfaction.
- Investing in quality design and furnishings pays off, as it not only enhances your space but also saves you money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- REI
- Houzz
- Turlock
- Galerie Finesse
- Urbanite
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Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.
Mentioned in this episode:
Made by Contractors for Contractors check out Instabid.pro
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Check out the smartest hardware with Baldwin
Baldwin Hardware, known for its luxurious solid brass craftsmanship, has partnered with Level, an ASSA ABLOY Group brand that combines advanced technology with timeless design. This collaboration pairs Baldwin’s iconic style with Level’s innovative engineering—featuring a hidden battery housed within the bolt— to set a new standard in secure, stylish, smart-living.
Baldwin Hardware
Evolve Stone
We tell the story of Evolve Stone and how they are made in the USA. To listen to the complete episode: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ef96f15d-b960-44a8-9522-1c3fa56c7cb7/
To find out more and order your free samples with promo code ATH26 head to EvolveStone.com
Evolve Stone
Made by Contractors for Contractors check out Instabid.pro
Turn 3 hours of manual estimating into 5 minutes. Real material prices. Real labor rates. Professional PDF quotes delivered instantly. To find out more head to https://instabid.pro/
Instabid
Episode 2241 — Real Design Starts with American-Made Tile: Inside Daltile | Made in America 250
Great design starts with great materials. In this episode of our Made in America 250 campaign, Eric G digs into what makes American-made tile the right choice for your next project — and why Daltile has been a go-to for designers and pros for decades.
As a Certified Kitchen Designer with 35+ years in the industry, Eric uses Daltile in his own projects, and in this conversation he breaks down how the right tile elevates a design, what to look for in quality and selection, and why manufacturing here in America matters for the products going into your home.
If you haven't experienced Daltile, you need to check them out — from kitchens to baths to outdoor living, they've got the surfaces to bring real design home. Learn more at daltile.com. https://player.captivate.fm/episode/07a8c105-8e88-40eb-b8f1-a5340d6a3518/
In this episode:
How American-made tile elevates your next design project
What separates quality tile from the bargain-bin stuff
Why Daltile's selection gives designers and homeowners more to work with
Daltile is a featured brand in the Around the House Made in America 250 campaign, celebrating the American manufacturers shaping real design.
Daltile
Episode 2240 — Prep Like a Pro: Tile Secrets with William White of Ardex Americas | Made in America 250
Great tile starts long before the first piece goes down. In this episode of our Made in America 250 campaign, Eric G sits down with William White from Ardex Americas to break down the prep steps the pros never skip — and the shortcuts that cause tile jobs to fail months down the road.
As a Certified Kitchen Designer with 35+ years in the industry, Eric uses Ardex on his own tile projects, and in this conversation you'll hear why. William shares what proper substrate prep really looks like, the products that make or break an installation, and how American manufacturing keeps Ardex at the top of the trade.
If you haven't heard of Ardex, this is your introduction — give them a try on your next project. Learn more at ardexamericas.com. https://player.captivate.fm/episode/69c7e03f-1852-4481-9a23-ccd389961aec/
In this episode:
Why prep is the difference between a tile job that lasts and one that fails
The prep products the pros trust before every installation
What makes Ardex an American manufacturing standout
Ardex Americas is a featured brand in the Around the House Made in America 250 campaign, celebrating the American manufacturers building better homes.
Ardex
Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or running backup power near the RV, weather can change fast. A generator still needs to run outside, but rain and snow can put your power plan at risk. GenTent helps protect your portable generator while it’s running, without blocking airflow or access to controls. Keep your power ready for the trip, no matter the weather. Visit gentent.com/ericg.
Gentent 2026
