The Chairish Podcast

From London to L.A.: Rita Konig on Living Well Through Design

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMT

On this episode of The Chairish Podcast, Chairish Co-Founder and President Anna Brockway sits down with the talented and beloved Rita Konig—London and Palm Beach-based interior designer, journalist, and educator—for a one-on-one conversation you won’t want to miss. From Notting Hill to New York to LA’s ultra-exclusive San Vicente Bungalows, Rita shares her approach to space planning, layering, and cultivating interiors that feel rich, warm, and wonderfully lived-in. A regular on AD100 and ELLE Decor’s A-List, Rita is as charming as her interiors. Hear her design secrets, her thoughts on what truly makes a room work—and why sometimes the best floor plan is the one that breaks the rules. This is a must-listen for design lovers everywhere!

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Anna Brockway's Pied-à-Terre Is Pure Chairish

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

From childhood dreams inspired by a transformative day in Manhattan to co-founding Chairish, Anna Brockway’s love for New York City has come full circle in a stunning apartment overlooking Central Park. Today, we explore her collaboration with interior designer Elizabeth Cooper, transforming a postwar Rosario Candela building into a vibrant, deeply personal sanctuary. Guest host and Veranda Editor in Chief, Steele Marcoux, sits down with Anna and Elizabeth to discuss the project—featured in Veranda's latest issue—and how they decorated her NYC home (almost) entirely with Chairish finds.

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Holiday Decor—the Ultimate Design Challenge?

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:00:20 GMT

Holiday décor should bring the joy of the season to life—but for many designers this time of year can inspire as much dread as delight. Are you expected to deck the homes of clients for the holidays because you designed their space? How do you manage expectations? Is there any way to make the season profitable and not a drag on your resources? Two interior designers—Charlotte Barnes and Lindsay Anyon Brier—and floral designer Denise Porcaro Tupper weigh in on how to navigate the pitfalls of holiday décor and entertaining, how to make the season profitable for your firm, and whether you should even try to expand beyond the expected red and green, holly and mistletoe.

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Designing Your Future: Should You Launch Your Own Firm?

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:00:56 GMT

Why do designers go out on their own? What drives them to leave a secure job and take the risk? Is launching a firm fueled by courage, ambition, or something else entirely? And, more importantly, are the rewards worth the challenges? Three designers—Tara McCauley, Michael Capuano, and Claire Ratliff of Henry Street Design—share their experiences in leaving prestigious firms, discuss their motivations, tell how they secured their first clients, and reveal the biggest hurdles they've encountered.

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Modern Living in Historic Homes: Renovations that Last

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:35:27 GMT

Even those who love homes with history, character, and patina agree that making old buildings work for modern living isn't always easy. No one wants to live in a museum, but how do you adapt the past to the modern world? Can an 18th -century palazzo, a 1920s apartment, or a 1950s glass house be made to answer the desire for expansive kitchens and baths, air-conditioning, and powerful Wi-Fi in every room? Interior designer and château owner Timothy Corrigan and Robert O’Byrne, the Irish Aesthete, weigh in on the rewards of renovation, how clever thinking and innovative approaches can maintain and enhance the beauty of the past, why old structures can be a relative bargain, and why patience is a crucial element in any renovation.

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Real Estate Update: What's Ahead for the Market?

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:00:01 GMT

When home and apartment sales slow, the design world feels the effects. High mortgage rates, a lack of inventory, and the sky-rocketing costs of homes and apartments have all had a devastating effect. But with the Federal Reserve seeming to indicate a lowering of rates soon, is all that about to change? Will that unleash a flood of buyers? Or will prices continue to rise and the nation’s housing shortage only worsen? Three real estate experts—Leslie Singer in New York City, Rochelle Atlas Maize of Los Angeles, and Amanda Pendleton of Zillow—weigh in on local and national markets, what they see ahead, and the amenities that luxury buyers are searching for now.

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Is Hospitality Design Right for You?

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 10:00:08 GMT

With the moribund real estate market prompting a slowdown in residential work, many designers are thinking about hospitality. But is expanding into hospitality or retail really a viable option? Are special skills required? What are the trends in hospitality design? And even more importantly, what are the pitfalls? Three top talents—Roger Thomas, Poonam Khanna, and Chad Dorsey—share their experiences in crafting restaurants, hotels, and retail spaces, reveal lessons they’re learned, and discuss how hospitality design differs from creating homes, but why it can be just as rewarding.

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Has Social Media Replaced PR?

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 13:00:40 GMT

How does a designer get their work seen and attract new clients? The power of print media has declined while, thanks to social media, every designer can easily put their work out into the world. But how do you stand out amid the daily flood of content? Is there still a role for public relations? Three PR and marketing pros—Sarah Burningham, Roxanne Hanna, and Sarah Boyd—discuss how they navigate the on-going upheavals in the worlds of online and print media, what it takes to successfully guide their clients in everything from creating web sites and Tik-Tok videos to launching major designer books, and why their roles are likely to become only more important.

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Behind the Lens with Douglas Friedman

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:00:10 GMT

Douglas Friedman is one of today’s most successful photographers of interiors and is a style setter in his own right, with a huge following on social media. His work has appeared in virtually every major shelter magazine, and he is also known for his fashion photography and portraiture. Douglas has an extensive knowledge of design history, has worked with virtually every top decorator and stylist, and is almost as well known for his wit and charm as for his talent. In this exclusive one-on-one interview, Douglas talks about his career, how the role of the photographer has been amplified by social media, and some of the lessons he’s learned working with today’s top design talents.

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How Smart Does a Home Need to Be?

Tue, 07 May 2024 13:00:44 GMT

Technology has invaded every aspect of the home. Now even our refrigerators and doorbells are smart. But do we really need wi-fi enabled musical showerheads? How do you keep your clients’ homes up to date without succumbing to short-lived fads? What tech is essential—and what’s soon to be antiquated? Designers Beth Dotolo and Cynthia Ferguson and architect Charles Hilton weigh in on what tech is essential, what they steer clear of, why geo-thermal construction and electric car chargers are here to stay, and why smart gyms and golf simulators may be the next hot accessories.

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What’s the Future of Design Events?

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 13:00:20 GMT

Design industry events and trade fairs are back—but are they still important? With designers busier than ever, should they allot the time and the money to go? What makes an event something you need to attend in person? Is it still crucial to search for newness and trends? Will the networking opportunities really benefit your business? High Point Market president Tammy Covington Nagem, LCDQ executive director Tamar Mashigian, and interior designer Denise McGaha discuss the importance of design trade gatherings, how and why they remain relevant, and how designers can get the most out of attending.

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What Makes For A Great Client Presentation?

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:00:35 GMT

After all the meetings, consultations, and brainstorming sessions with clients, how do you convey that the plans and concepts you come up with will meet their needs and fulfill their dreams? How do you dazzle them so that they get inspired and excited—and write the checks necessary for the project to move ahead? Client presentations are crucial. Three highly successful practitioners of architecture and design—Michael G. Imber, Nina Farmer, and Gideon Mendelson—reveal how they use everything from watercolor images, detailed renderings, mood boards, software programs, and samples to illustrate their visions, what they learn throughout the process, and why each presentation needs to be as client-specific as the project itself.

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How Style is Revitalizing Palm Beach

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:00:32 GMT

Palm Beach is undergoing a style renaissance, attracting new generations of bon vivants and design lovers. Nothing exemplifies this better than the resurgence of the Colony Hotel, which for generations served as a favorite getaway for royalty, movie stars, politicians, and wealthy tycoons. Under its new owners, the Colony, also known as the Pink Paradise, has turned to style setters Celerie Kemble, Aerin Lauder, Mark D. Sikes, and now Chairish, to create fresh takes on traditional Palm Beach style. To celebrate the launch of the Chairish Villa, Colony Hotel owner Sarah Wetenhall joins local designer Meg Braff, Isabel Elliman of Schumacher Hospitality, and Anna Brockway of Chairish to talk about the town’s new vitality, the latest direction in hospitality design, and why Chairish, Palm Beach, and the Colony are such ideal partners.

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Bergdorf Goodman's Linda Fargo on Bringing Glamour to Retail

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 14:00:53 GMT

One of New York City’s most fashionable women—and one its most influential—Linda Fargo is a style setter, a fashion force, and a master of high-end retailing. As Senior Vice President of Fashion and Store Presentation Director at the legendary Bergdorf Goodman, she shapes the look and feel of one of the city’s most iconic destinations. She sets trends, nurtures careers, and inspires all of us to dream. As Bergdorf unveils the second iteration of the Chairish Art Gallery, she talks about her legendary career, why her eye has always been her most powerful tool, what’s ahead for retailing, how she scopes out new talent, and why Chairish and Bergdorf Goodman are such ideal collaborators.

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From Trends to Tech: What’s Ahead for Interior Design in 2024

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:00:38 GMT

Every New Year brings a focus on what’s next, what trends are on the rise, and what we hope to banish once and for all. With the housing market in the doldrums, inflation still a factor, and technology making advances every day, changes are sure to encompass a lot more than colors and styles. Three designers from across the country—Katie McCaffrey, Benjamin Johnston, and Danielle Colding—weigh in what’s inspiring them now, how they see their businesses adapting in the year ahead, what technology they plan to adopt, and why they remain excited about 2024.

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Four Female Founders & What They've Learned in a Decade of Success

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 14:00:04 GMT

To celebrate the 100th episode of the Chairish podcast, we reached out to four women who founded enterprises that have succeeded for a full decade. At a time when most new businesses fail, these women launched companies in highly competitive fields—fashion, beauty, interior design, and online sales—and not only survived but continue to thrive. When Rebecca Hessel Cohen founded her fashion line LoveShackFancy, she was told her feminine and flirtatious aesthetic would never sell. April Gargiulo of Vintner’s Daughter upended the skincare business with a single product. Charlotte Lucas pursued her love of interior design despite setbacks and self-doubt. And Anna Brockway, co-founder and president of Chairish, was told by bankers and venture capitalists that her curated approach to an online marketplace would never succeed. Here they discuss how they managed to simultaneously grow their families and build their businesses, reveal the sexism they faced and the challenges they overcame, and tell how their passions helped them to persevere, even as the business world continued to change around them.

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What Do Artisans Wish Designers Knew?

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 14:00:37 GMT

One of the surest ways to add distinction and visual richness to any interior is to collaborate with artisans. Decorative painting, gilding, verre eglomisé, cast plaster, carvings and wood inlays are only a few of the many techniques that can personalize and glamorize projects. How can you work with artisans to expand your vision? And how do you find the talents to execute your design ideas? Three skilled artisans Cindy Simes, Jonas Everets, and Leah Beth Fishman—weigh in on what artisans bring to the table, how they are organizing to make it easier to find and collaborate with them, how they encourage the next generation of talents, and what they wish every designer knew.

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Are We Maxed Out on Maximalism?

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 21:17:46 GMT

Rooms that are richly layered, full of saturated colors, bold graphic patterns, and scenic wallpapers are all over social media and fill the pages of shelter magazines. Maximalist style is definitely here, as two new books chronicle. But is it here to stay? Three designers—Hillary Taylor, Matthew Carter, and Alexander Doherty—weigh in what elements of the trend they have adapted, why a theatrical approach is not always the best option, and what they see ahead. Could subtlety and softness be on the horizon?

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Mary McDonald On Her Evolving Style

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 13:00:57 GMT

Known for her exuberant blend of Hollywood glamor and restrained Parisian chic, Mary McDonald has become one of today's most sought-after interior designers. But her success goes far beyond the richly imagined, graphic, and colorful rooms that have made her a social media star and a favorite of shelter magazines. She also designs fabrics and wallpapers, rugs, lighting, and furniture. She’s even conquered television. In an exclusive interview, she talks about her early years in fashion, her love of drama and theatricality, where she finds inspiration, why she now considers herself a country girl, and why she always, always, loves a gimmick.

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Has Ralph Lauren Reshaped American Interior Design?

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:00:51 GMT

On the 40th anniversary of Ralph Lauren Home, which is being celebrated with a lavish new book, three former RL staffers who went on to establish their own successful careers—Joy Moyler, Jenny Wolf, and Mark Cunningham—look at Ralph Lauren’s impact on two generations of American interior designers, their own memories of working for the company and what they learned, how the firm attracts and retains top-tier talent, and why Ralph Lauren’s multi-faceted dreams of the American home remain so potent and so powerful.

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Can Design Save a Historic American Town?

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:00:58 GMT

When the historic town of Hudson, New York, fell on hard times decades ago, it was design that came to its rescue. A few influential dealers opened shop, and were followed by designers, artists, and creatives. Now the town is a hotbed of fine dining, chic boutique hotels, and an ever-increasing number of design shops. And the entire Hudson River Valley is undergoing a renaissance. But can the town and the region maintain the momentum? Three lovers of the region—dealer Hannah Khachadourian, designer Nick Olsen, and interiors photographer William Abranowicz—discuss the role design played in this remarkable turnaround and how the area can sustain this success without losing its character.

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Should You Take Your Clients Shopping?

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:00:53 GMT

Shopping with clients is always fraught. Can you take clients to showrooms and dealers without them beginning to view you as their personal shoppers? How do you make them see that the process is about creativity, not access, and that your job is not just to source furnishings and objects? And how has the interaction changed in the internet era? Three designers from across the country—Martha Mulholland, Kesha Franklin, and Katie Davis— weigh in on when and why they take their clients into the design marketplace. and the price you may have to pay if you decide not to.

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Christopher Spitzmiller on Lighting Up Tradition

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 13:00:03 GMT

Christopher Spitzmiller’s gleaming and boldly colorful lamps can be found in some of the most distinguished homes in America—and in virtually every shelter magazine. In an exclusive interview, he tells how he overcame his dyslexia by turning to pottery and how he became a designer favorite, updating traditional techniques and classic forms for a new generation. He also discusses his evolution into a social media maestro with his posts about his house and garden at Clove Brook Farm, why he feels the current “maker-moment,” is here to stay, and why he is optimistic that respect for craft and the hand-made object is only going to increase.

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How is The History of Design Crucial To Its Future?

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 13:00:14 GMT

Designers have always looked to the past for ideas—but there is so much design history to choose from! What styles and periods remain relevant? What still works even though modern life has undergone so many dramatic changes? What’s ready for a revival and what remains hopelessly dated, never to rise again from the dustbins of history? Two young designers—Noz Nozawa and Dan Mazzarini—and historian Emily Evans Eerdmans weigh in on why a knowledge of the past remains crucial, which periods they love and which they would rather forget, and why even 18th-century bows, cuckoo clocks, and folk art quilts are ripe for reinterpretation.

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2023 Real Estate Update: What Every Designer Needs to Know

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:00:16 GMT

Real estate and interior design are intimately connected. When mortgage rates went up, sales slowed down, and we heard the first rumblings that the two-year design binge during the pandemic might be coming to an end. So what happens now? Three real estate professionals—Leonard Steinberg of Compass, Amanda Pendleton of Zillow, and global luxury expert Mickey Alam Khan—weigh in on what they see ahead for sales and rentals, why they feel buyers and sellers are ready to accept a “new normal,” why there’s no easy solution to housing’s affordability crisis, and the many reasons the interior design industry has to be optimistic about what’s ahead.

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Why Is Kitchen Design Changing So Dramatically?

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:00:22 GMT

The kitchen is the heart of the American home—and the hardest working room in the house. But it is also an ever more important canvas for creativity and style. Three kitchen-design experts—Barbara Sallick, Matthew Quinn, and Sophie Donelson—weigh in on why kitchens are more crucial than ever, evaluate all the latest trends, and reveal why efficiency is over-rated and why an old-fashioned table lamp may be the most innovative kitchen appliance of all.

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Summer Entertaining 2023—What’s Trending, What’s Timeless

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 13:00:25 GMT

Summer is the best season for entertaining, whether bringing together family and friends for a casual lunch or an over-the-top wedding. But entertaining can be stressful. Is the food you serve au courant? Is your table-setting up to snuff? Will your party prove Instagram worthy?

Three party planners extraordinaire—Lulu Powers, Bronson van Wyck, and Tara Guerard— talk about what’s new in summer entertaining, what’s timeless, and what you should never worry about. Recounting their biggest disasters and their most inventive solutions, they share how to bring a splash of style to every summer gathering—from hauling out the sterling to preparing colorful flavored ice cubes.

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Putting Creativity First—How to Avoid Burnout

Wed, 24 May 2023 13:00:49 GMT

It’s not easy to run a business, but interior design can be more difficult than most. On top of coping with the day-to-day issues—from screwed-up deliveries to overbooked artisans to indecisive clients—designers are expected to be constantly creative, nourishing their visions and endlessly coming up with clever solutions. No wonder creative burnout is an issue. Three top designers—Nina Magen, Liz Caan, and Rayman Boozer—tell how they remain creative in the face of all sorts of distractions and stresses, how they structure their staff to allow them to focus on design, and the tricks and techniques they use—from meditation to travel to simply going for a walk—to avoid becoming overwhelmed and to remain creatively engaged.

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Keeping History Alive: How Two Storied Houses Stay Relevant

Wed, 10 May 2023 13:00:52 GMT

How do you keep a historic brand from ending up on the dust-heap of history? Two heritage fabric houses with storied pasts show how it’s done. Morris and Co, founded in 1861 by William Morris, the brilliant British designer and social reformer, and Braquenié, a favorite of Marie Antoinette now celebrating its bicentennial, have managed to remain as relevant and as sought-after today as when they were founded. Jessica Clayworth, lead designer of Morris & Co, and Patrick Frey, head of Pierre Frey which owns Braquenié, discuss how they respect the past while staying relevant, what new directions they can pursue without losing authenticity, and why the product always comes before the brand.

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Alex Papachristidis on Why Old-School Decorating Will Never Go Out of Style

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:00:41 GMT

New York designer Alex Papachristidis creates interiors that are traditional but never old-fashioned, bringing new energy to the old-school traditions of decorating. He deftly mixes bold patterns and jewel-tone colors, rare antiques and contemporary designs, to create homes that are lush but modern, elegant but exuberant. In an exclusive interview, the larger-than-life designer tells how a friend’s advice changed his life, why understanding his clients is crucial, why he never wants to repeat himself, and why he never ceases in his quest for beauty.

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What Does A Lighting Designer Do?

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 13:00:53 GMT

Lighting is one of the most important—and most amorphous—elements of design. It affects everything we see and has a big impact on how we feel. Yet lighting design is too often misunderstood—or completely overlooked. Two professional lighting designers, Nathan Orsman and Stephen Bernstein, share why they consider themselves the back-up dancers of design, how LEDs have transformed the world and changed the color of light, and why, when it comes to outdoor lighting, a little goes a long way.

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Is There a Future for Craftsmen and Artisans?

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:00:54 GMT

It’s a common complaint among designers that it is nearly impossible to find skilled artisans and craftspeople. Why is there such a shortage, and what can designers do to inspire more young people to work with their hands? Three outstanding practitioners—decorative painter Caroline Lizarraga, floor painter Chris Pearson, and upholsterer Luther Quintana—weigh in on how they learned their craft, and how they find and train staff to keep up with demand. They discuss the ways social media has transformed the artisan community and reveal why you just might find your next talented team member at the local carwash.

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Should You Work with an Art Advisor?

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 13:00:21 GMT

Good art is essential to a great room. But the art world is strange and intimidating, the art market seems to reach new heights every year, and art fairs are overwhelming and bewildering. How do you navigate all this to find works that your clients will love and are worth the often-considerable investment? Two art advisors, Laura Solomon and Andrea Feldman Falcione, explain how they guide designers and clients through the morass, why not working with an advisor can be a designer’s biggest mistake, and why sometimes a lack knowledge about art can be a client’s greatest strength.

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Crafting the New Closet: Why Glamour and Luxury Are Essential

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:00:23 GMT

Proper organization and storage are crucial to any successful home. But storage has gone far beyond the utilitarian. Luxury closets have become potent fantasies for clients and stars on social media. Creating spaces for everything from an array of Hermès handbags to a hand-made carbon fiber bicycle is an opportunity for designers to dazzle their clients—or disappoint them. How can you satisfy the demand for luxury organization? Three closet designers—Lisa Adams, Melanie Charlton Fowler, and Maria Castro—reveal their secrets for transforming overlooked spaces into useful assets, ingenious ways to upgrade existing storage spaces, and why closets are quickly becoming the most glamorous room in the house.

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Collaborating as a Couple — How Do You Bring Out The Best in Each Other Creatively?

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 08:00:34 GMT

The collaboration between architect and interior designer is crucial. At its best, it can push both to new heights. But creative differences, miscommunications, budget disputes, and client conflicts can all complicate this intense working relationship. And how much more fraught is it when the architect is married to the designer? Architect Peter Pennoyer and designer Katie Ridder, a couple who often collaborate, discuss the importance of clarity and communication, how valuable it can be to see a challenge through a different set of eyes, how they minimize mistakes, and why you should never make the client a mediator between two creative visions.

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The Year Ahead: Trends to Banish, Trends to Embrace

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 14:00:25 GMT

Trends are inevitable. If anything, the pace of what’s in and what’s out seems only to accelerate. It’s harder than ever to keep up—and to distinguish the best of what’s new. Shannon Wollack and Brittany Zwickl of LA-based Studio Life/Style, and San Francisco designer Jonathan Rachman joins Chairish's VP of Merchandising, Noel Fahden, to look at the trends likely to shape interior design in the year ahead. Is this the year when open floor plans and open-shelved kitchens lose their appeal? Will granny chic reign? Will bouclé be banished? Is terracotta the next color obsession? The experts weigh in and reveal why there’s likely to be a floor lamp or a footstool in your future.

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Creating Retail Magic: The Chairish Art Gallery at Bergdorf Goodman

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 16:32:37 GMT

No other store in New York is as glamorous and fashion-forward as Bergdorf Goodman. And Bergdorf’s seventh floor features the ultimate high-style home store, a long-time favorite of designers. Now, as Bergdorf’s unveils the new Chairish Art Gallery, Anna Brockway, co-founder and president of Chairish, joins Bergdorf’s Andrew Mandell to talk about how this exclusive collaboration came about; how Bergdorf’s keeps its home floor fresh and exciting; and what these two retail powerhouses see ahead for home design and the future of shopping.

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How Do You Keep Mistakes and Fiascos From Hurting Your Business?

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:00:16 GMT

Every design project has its problems. But then there are the major disasters. How do you cope with fiascos ranging from monthslong delays and damaged deliveries to rejected custom pieces and recalcitrant contractors? Who bears the burdens and costs? How do you minimize mistakes and keep your team motivated in the face of major setbacks? Designers Heidi Caillier, Keita Turner, and Crystal Sinclair share how they have faced—and faced down—all sorts of dilemmas, why trust and transparency are crucial and finger-pointing is useless, and why it is always best to get it in writing.

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Jonathan Adler on Pottery, His Passions, and the Crucial Importance of Charm

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 14:00:22 GMT

After starting out as a humble potter, Jonathan Adler has grown to become a well- established design force, with his signature witty and colorful touch evident in everything from vases and pillows to furnishings, accessories, homes, and hotels. Yet he still has his hands in the mud. Here he tells of his amazing rise; why, despite his love for design history, he has always considered himself a design outsider; how he was influenced by fashion; why Madonna remains his muse; and the challenges he faces in bringing wit and charm to interiors and product design.

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What Makes Toronto Such a Design Destination?

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 14:00:59 GMT

Toronto is one of the fastest growing cities in North America—and one of the most stylish. Three designers based in the city—Colette Van den Thillart, Cynthia Ferguson, and Louise MacDonald—weigh in on why they love Toronto, how its many different neighborhoods shape their work, and the increasing sophistication of their clients. But they also address the unique problems—from shipping complications to import duties to the reams of required paperwork— that can make working in Canada so challenging.

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Michael Boodro On His Career, Podcasting and Everything In Between

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 22:48:49 GMT

To celebrate our 75th episode, we decided to flip the script! Chairish’s co-founder and president Anna Brockway sat down with the esteemed host of The Chairish Podcast, Michael Boodro to discuss how he got his start and how he became one of the design world's most successful and beloved editors. In this exclusive interview, he takes us back to his beginnings in the publishing world, what it was really like as editor-in-chief of Elle Decor, how he worked alongside powerhouse names like Anna Wintour and Martha Stewart and how he landed in the world of podcasting. Tune in to hear the surprising lessons he's carried through the years and what he's learned along the way.

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Jean-Louis Deniot on the Practicality Behind French Glamour

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 14:50:00 GMT

For two decades, Jean-Louis Deniot has brought a cool, contemporary edge to French glamour, and endowed projects around the globe with his unique French accent. His work is lush but never overdone, contemporary but always inclusive of the past, and bold yet always comfortable. In this exclusive interview he tells why he always looks first for the flaws in any project, how important it is for a designer to abandon any pre-conceived ideas, why he believes that luxury and sustainable design are compatible, and shares his strategy for enticing clients to go far beyond their initial vision.

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How Jamie Drake and Caleb Anderson Are Redefining the Idea of Luxury

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 13:00:51 GMT

When Jamie Drake, one of New York’s most successful and beloved designers, announced seven years ago that he was forming a partnership with Caleb Anderson, the impact was immediate. The firm has expanded without losing any of its characteristic verve, color, or luxe, and maintaining its quality and status. In this episode, the partners discuss how they work together, why their strengths are compatible, what they see ahead, and how sustainability and wellness are already reshaping the very idea of luxury.

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Updating Tradition the British Way

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:00:09 GMT

Americans have long looked to British homes for inspiration. But for a young British designer, can the weight of history sometimes seem too much? How do you update tradition so that it remains relevant and works for realms far beyond the grand country house? The principals of two rising British design firms—Bunny Turner and Emma Pocock of Turner Pocock and Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen of Salvesen Graham—reveal how their backgrounds shaped their sense of design, why color, pattern, and handcrafted details are crucial to their visions, how they sometimes find inspiration in the work of American designers, and why quality and comfort remain the hallmarks of British design, no matter what the century.

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In With The Old: Why Vintage Furniture is The New New

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:17:23 GMT

As with so much else, the pandemic had a huge impact on the vintage market and changed what and how people purchased items for their homes. As any stigma about buying used furnishings diminished, and as awareness of the importance of sustainability increased, vintage items became more sought after than ever. With Chairish about to issue its second status report on the state of the resale market, three experts—interior designer Laura Hodges, vintage dealer Stephanie Schofield, and Anna Brockway, co-founder and president of Chairish—size up the vintage market today, report on changed attitudes, discuss the shortage of artisans and craftsmen that limits the viability of many vintage pieces, and reveal what they feel is most likely to be sought after in the months ahead—everything from games table to wicker and bamboo to all things blue.

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Thomas O’Brien on Transforming a Personal Vision into a National Brand

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 13:00:35 GMT

Thomas O’Brien is not only a hugely influential interior designer, but since the founding of his firm, Aero Studios, in 1992, he has been a merchant and shopkeeper, and has designed numerous successful lines of furnishings for a range of companies. From faucets to furniture, towels to tableware, he seems to have designed it all. Here, he tells of his early years in New York working for Mario Buatta and Ralph Lauren; how his passion for design history, his love of New York City, and his skill at shopping have all equally shaped his vision; why movies of the 1930s and ‘40s still inspire him; and why he feels that, even as design trends come and go, vintage will always have value.

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Does To-The-Trade Have a Future?

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:00:10 GMT

In an era where the internet has made virtually everything available to anyone with a click, and when social media has revealed design to be a passion for multitudes, what does To-the-Trade mean anymore? Does it matter if a product is exclusive to designers or does the world of custom orders, long lead times, and the mysteries of net versus list pricing simply confuse clients? And what is the role of a design center in an all-access world?

Three people who know the ins-and-out of To the Trade—David Sutherland, founder of Sutherland Furniture and Perennials, Katie Miner, general manager of the Atlanta design center ADAC, and Los Angeles designer Joe Lucas, owner of the showroom Harbinger, discuss the validity of exclusivity today, why markups and billing are evolving, how showrooms can foster creativity and fuel desire, and why they feel that no matter how commerce changes, there will always be a To-the-Trade market.

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The Dirt on the New American Garden

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 13:00:10 GMT

With the pandemic shutdown, the interest in gardens seemed to skyrocket. Did this mark a significant and permanent change in how we approach nature? Will the garden become a place to be lived in and not just looked at? Do concerns about the environment and climate change affect how people interact with their own outdoor spaces? Landscape designer Edmund Hollander and garden writer Catie Marron discuss the connection between house and garden, the importance of gardens and parks for solace and serenity, how to help clients achieve their outdoor dreams, why clover is no longer considered a weed, and why vegetable gardens may be the status symbol of the future.

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Can Designers and Architects Ever Get Along?

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:00:05 GMT

When an architect and a designer collaborate, the results can be greater than either of them, or the clients, expected. But it can also be a difficult relationship, with clashing visions, disputed budgets, and creative misunderstandings. Two top talents—architect Gil Schafer and interior designer David Netto—discuss the success of their past collaborations, why a shared vision is important but different perspectives can be even more powerful, how to turn inevitable friction points into creative opportunities, and why window treatments and mantels so often become bones of contention.

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Is a Slowdown Coming? How To Prepare

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 13:00:12 GMT

After two years of unprecedented growth, is the design industry heading into a slowdown? Inflation is rampant, interest rates are on the rise, and the stock market is down. What does this mean for the high-end designer? Heads of two major companies that cater to the to-the-trade market—Gale Singer, president of Visual Comfort/Circa Lighting and Timur Yumusaklar, president and CEO of F. Schumacher and Co.—weigh in on what they see for the months ahead, the ways to handle continued supply chain disruptions, how to-the- trade is being redefined, and why they remain confident that high-end design has a bright

future.

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Designing in LA Today

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 17:34:24 GMT

Los Angeles has long been a city of dreams and a hotbed of creativity and innovation. The city has embraced numerous styles over the years, witnessed the triumph of celebrity culture, and set trends that resonate across the country. So, what’s next, design-wise, for the City of Angels? Three LA designers—Betsy Burnham, Jeff Andrews, and Mimi Shin—talk about creating homes for the city’s new creative class, the trends their clients are asking for (pickleball, anyone?), why having a celebrity client can be a mixed blessing, and how the city’s disregard for traditional aesthetic rules can be challenging—but also inspiring.

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Risks + Rewards of Running a Storefront

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 13:00:13 GMT

Designers are surrounded by beautiful objects and work with such talented artisans and craftsmen that it is not surprising many of them are tempted to open a shop or showroom. But is retail really the way to go? Is it worth the effort and expense to bring your aesthetic to the public? Will it help or hinder your design career? Three designers—Meg Braff, Patrick Mele, and Eric Haydel—weigh in on the risks and rewards of running a retail establishment.

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How a Creative Collaboration Works

Wed, 18 May 2022 13:00:52 GMT

Travel can be inspiring in ways that go way beyond the expected. Product designer, entrepreneur, and frequent traveler Annie Selke loved her stays at Firmdale Hotels in New York and London so much she became a huge fan of their co-founder and designer, Kit Kemp. When the duo finally had the opportunity to work together—with Annie in Massachusetts and Kit in London—on a line of rugs, bedding, and accessories, creative sparks flew, and a lasting bond was formed. The collaborators reveal what brought them together, how Kit’s experience in hospitality brought a fresh vision to designs for the home, why working long distance was not a problem, and what’s next on their agenda.

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Should You Launch Your Own Firm?

Wed, 04 May 2022 10:00:51 GMT

At some point, virtually every designer considers starting their own firm. No matter how much experience and training you have, however, the prospect is scary. Are you cut out for it? Can you build a winning team? Will the clients come? Three designers who have successfully made the transition—Summer Thornton, Leyden Lewis, and Zoë Feldman—share their hard-won wisdom, reveal their early blunders, the naive assumptions they made and the lessons they learned, and tell why sometimes you just need to fake it till you make it.

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BONUS EPISODE: Love It Or Hate It Live from High Point Market

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 12:02:24 GMT

This episode was recorded live at 214 Modern Vintage during High Point Market Week. Michael Boodro hosted Chairish's signature game, Love It Or Hate It, with a panel of A-List designers including Ariene Bethea, David Phoenix, Holly Phillips, Jesse Carrier and Josh Greene. Tune in to hear their no-holds-barred opinions on this year's hottest design trends!

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Earth Week 2022: Can Interior Design Become Sustainable?

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 10:00:44 GMT

In honor of Earth Week, we are revisiting one of our most important episodes, with insights and advice on how designers can become better stewards of the planet. Katie Storey, founder of the Good Future Design Alliance, designer Laurence Carr, and Susan Inglis of the Sustainable Furnishings Council—outline easy steps every designer can take, strategies on how to involve clients, organizations that can help, and how design can have a positive impact in the fight for a sustainable future.

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Suzanne Tucker on the California Look and Beyond

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 10:00:38 GMT

San Francisco designer Suzanne Tucker has been a force in the design world virtually since she started as “secretary” to iconic designer Michael Taylor, who is credited with creating the California Look. In this intimate look at her career, she talks about her transition to becoming Taylor’s protégé and successor, how she managed to thrive in San Francisco’s male-dominated design scene of the 1980s, the launch of her fabric line, why she considers antiques and vintage pieces to be crucial, how clients have changed over the years, and why learning what your clients don’t like can often be your most effective tool.

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Finding Talent, Keeping Talent—What Every Design Firm Should Know

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 16:21:49 GMT

Finding the right staff, and holding on to your current team, are two of the biggest challenges facing any design firm. As business has soared during the pandemic, designers have found it increasingly difficult to find and train new hires, and to manage their current staff and keep morale high in the face of remote work and increasing competition for talent. Designers Beth Martin of San Francisco and Charleston-based Cortney Bishop join creative recruiter Billy Clark to discuss the staffing situation today, the strategies that have worked for them, how hiring has changed, and why retaining the staff you have is probably worth the effort.

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What's Blooming In The World Of Floral Design?

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 14:00:38 GMT

Flowers and foliage are a classic way to enhance any room, the finishing touch every designer relies on. But flowers are just as susceptible to fashion and trends as any other element of décor. Just in time for Spring, sought-after florist Ingrid Carozzi, founder of Tin Can Studios, and Frances Palmer, renowned ceramicist, gardener, and Instagram star, talk about their passion for flowers; what’s trending in floral arrangements; the essential tools, vases, and vessels everyone should own; how sustainable practices are changing the floral industry; and why ikebana is becoming such a potent inspiration.

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Where are Americans Moving—and What Does It Mean for Designers?

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 15:10:43 GMT

The pandemic and the rise of remote work has had a huge impact on how—and where—Americans want to live. There have been all kinds of reports—often conflicting—on where people are moving, and what it means for the future. Has there been a rush to the suburbs? Are cities dead? And how does it affect designers in the cities that have become hot new destinations? Amanda Pendleton of Zillow gives the lowdown on what the data truly reveals about where Americans are moving, while designers Mallory Mathison of Atlanta and Hannah Crowell of Nashville share what the design scene is like in two of the top 10 cities experiencing an influx of new residents, what it means for their business, and why starter homes may be a thing of the past.

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What Can TV Do for a Designer’s Career?

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 14:00:49 GMT

Design is conquering TV, with hundreds of hours of shows focusing on renovations, competitions, and make-overs of all kinds. But does appearing on TV really benefit an interior designer’s career? Can you become a TV regular and still maintain a design practice? And now that the grueling behind-the-scenes reality is being revealed, is TV something you should still consider? Three high-end designers who have successfully navigated this treacherous terrain—Thom Filicia, Breegan Jane, and Lauren Liess—share their experiences and weigh in on the benefits and the costs of designing on television.

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Miles Redd on Bringing Glamour and Fun Back to Decorating

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 14:00:26 GMT

Few contemporary designers have had the impact of Miles Redd. Even before Instagram, his fresh take on traditional decor, full of exuberant colors, lacquered walls, bold patterns, and faded chintzes inspired a new generation of designers. Here he talks about how his childhood in Atlanta inspired his love for design history, the lessons he learned while working with Oscar de la Renta, why returning phone calls is crucial, and how auction catalogues have become a secret resource, plus much more.

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Trends at the Table: What’s Next for Entertaining

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 08:00:05 GMT

Forget crowded cocktail parties or stiff, formal dinners. Even prior to the pandemic, the way we entertained was changing. Photos of home-baked bread and elaborate table settings filled social media. So, what’s next for parties, dinners, and gala events? Three experts—Paperless Post founder James Hirschfeld and designers and renowned hostesses Mally Skok and Shelley Johnstone—talk about how Instagram has transformed entertaining, why smaller, more spontaneous—but still carefully planned—events are likely to fill the months ahead, why they feel that preparation remains paramount, and why a welcoming, thoughtful, and caring approach is far more important than the menu.

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How To Deal With Delays, Disruptions and Eruptions

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 11:00:07 GMT

Supply chain disruptions are rampant, shipping costs have skyrocketed, inflation is on the rise, delivery dates keep being extended, and nerves are frayed.

As the pandemic continues to upend the design business, how do you handle the frustrations and disappointment of clients, vendors, staff, artisans, and colleagues? Four industry veterans—designer Frank Ponterio, furniture executive Alex Shuford III, vintage dealer Margaret Schwartz, and fabric and rug company head Chad Stark—talk about how to deliver bad news without undermining trust; why clarity, communication, and patience are crucial; and what they foresee for the year ahead.

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2022 Update: New Year, New Trends?

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 11:00:27 GMT

Who starts trends and how do they become ubiquitous? What are the forces behind the scenes that shape what hits the marketplace—and what so many of us ultimately desire? Professional trend forecaster Patti Carpenter, Chicago designer Sasha Adler, and Los Angeles designer Tiffany Howell of Night Palm share their attitude toward trends, what their clients are asking for, the colors that are enticing them, why cozy textures and a hand-made touch are crucial now, and why French macarons may start looking even more delicious in the months ahead.

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Design + Inclusion: Black Creatives on What's Ahead

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 14:00:51 GMT

As the design world comes to terms with its lack of representation, diversity and inclusion, Black designers, artists, and artisans are forging ahead, creating collectives and support groups to encourage, inspire, and promote the work of their members. Three members of one such group, the Black Artists and Designers Guild—founder Malene Barnett, interior designer Beth Diana Smith, and furniture maker Jomo Tariku—tell why such groups are so important, how social media inspires action, what they see ahead, and why they are no longer look for traditional mainstream support or press acclaim as they pursue their creative visions.

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Should You Publish A Coffee Table Book?

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 11:00:45 GMT

So many designers are publishing beautiful volumes of their work these days, it virtually seems to be a career requirement. But are design books still relevant? What really goes into producing one? And is publishing one something you should consider? Book packager Jill Cohen, publisher Suzanne Slesin, and designer Ashley Whitaker, who just released her first book, reveal the truth behind the glossy pages, and tell why the right kind of photography is crucial, how much work goes into preparing one—and how much it costs—and why a book could be the best investment a designer can make.

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How Can Design Make A Difference?

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 10:00:44 GMT

The generosity of designers is widely known, and the number of benefits and showhouses to raise funds for worthy causes make clear how much designers care. But expensive black- tie dinners and elaborate room makeovers aren’t the only ways to help. Three top talents—Charlotte Moss, James Huniford, and Kelly Finley—discuss their innovative philanthropic work, how their clever ideas and hands-on approach benefit national and local causes, how to use your skills and draw upon your networks, resources, and vendors for help, and why social media can be your best friend in helping to raise awareness—and funds—for the causes you are passionate about.

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Can Interior Design Become Sustainable?

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 10:00:02 GMT

Building, renovating, and redesigning involves vast quantities of shipping, packaging, and waste but in the face of climate change, designers are beginning to grapple with sustainability. But what can a single designer do? Three experts—Katie Storey, founder of the Good Future Design Alliance, designer Laurence Carr, and Susan Inglis, executive director of the Sustainable Furnishings Council—outline simple steps every designer can take, strategies on how to involve clients, how to recycle, and why changing mindsets is even more important than revamping rooms.

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What You Need To Know About Working With A Photographer

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 07:00:56 GMT

Beautiful images of their work have become a necessary tool for any designer—used everywhere from websites to social media to magazines, books, and newspapers. But how do you find the right photographer? How much will you need to pay? And how do you turn what can be a fraught process into a rewarding, creative endeavor? Chairish's photo editor Julia Duquette and acclaimed interiors photographer Brittany Ambridge weigh in on every detail a designer needs to understand—from contracts to costs to copyright—to make this crucial collaboration successful.

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How Resale is Revitalizing Home, Fashion and the Environment

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 10:00:27 GMT

This summer’s severe weather—floods, droughts, wildfires—made it more clear than ever that we need to become better stewards of the planet. But how can home design and fashion become more responsive? Jennifer Sey, Executive Vice President & President of Levi’s Brand and Anna Brockway, Co-Founder & President of Chairish discuss how their respective industries are changing, why vintage is crucial, and how something as simple as keeping pieces longer can have a major impact.

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Expanded Family, Limited Space—the New Design Dilemma

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 10:00:23 GMT

Even before Covid, housing shortages, high rents, and rising real estate prices were challenging the ideal of the single-family home. Now the pandemic has disrupted the living situation of thousands of elder parents and young adults, made clear the central importance of family, and led to thousands of multi-generational households. But what to do when a family expands, but its space doesn’t? Designers Janie Molster, Shari Francis, and Brynn Olson discuss how design can come to the aid of the newly enlarged household, why walls and doors are back, the importance of workspaces and private nooks, and why mother-in-law apartments may just be the next big design trend.

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Designing the Next Generation of Hotels and Restaurants

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 10:00:00 GMT

After a rough year, hotels and restaurants are back. Gatherings are happening, and travel

will continue, but has the pandemic changed what we expect when we go out, or when we

check in? How do designers make people feel safe and cared for? Three top hospitality

designers—Pamela Babey of BAMO, Matt Berman of Workshop/APD, and Adam Farmerie

of AvroKO— share their insights on how business travel will morph, why outdoor spaces

will become more important than ever, how the idea of service is evolving (but why robots

are unlikely to be checking you in), and why the mini-bar will never be the same.

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Can Austin Boom and Still Stay Weird?

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 07:00:12 GMT

Austin is perhaps the most creative, bohemian city in Texas—the state capitol, a college

town, a hub for music, food, and fun. But it is also one of the fastest growing cities in the US,

with an influx of tech companies and entrepreneurs. In the face of all the new wealth and

gentrification, what is to become of the city’s design scene? Three passionate Austin

lovers—designers Fern Santini, Avery Cox, and Malcolm James Kutner—weigh in on its

changing culture, the growing sophistication of clients, and ways the town can sustain

craftsmanship and collaboration and not lose its bohemian heart.

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Why Is British Style Back?

Sat, 24 Jul 2021 07:01:40 GMT

Americans have had a long love affair with British style, but the relaxed, layered, and richly detailed rooms the British seem to create so effortlessly often don’t jibe with the hectic American lifestyle—or the pared-down architecture of so many American houses and apartments. It isn’t easy to live the Downton Abbey life on this side of the Atlantic. Yet a new generation of young US designers and clients are increasingly attracted to the comfort and worn elegance of English rooms. Two exemplars of classic British style, designer Penny Morrison and Sue Jones, a founder of OKA, tell how the British look is evolving, why comfort and confidence remain all-important, how American energy can reinvigorate tradition, and why dogs are so crucial to the look.

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What Clients Say—And What They Really Mean

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 07:00:13 GMT

The relationship between designer and client is crucial to the success of any project. But how do you know if the chemistry is right? Is there any way to tell if the client/designer matchup will work—or if this is the wrong client for you? Designers Susan Zises Green and Joy Moyler draw on their decades of success to share tips about how to size up clients during initial interviews, what to look and listen for, when to bring up the delicate subject of budgets, how to insure respect, and why you might want to be careful about turning clients into friends.

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Is Social Media Your Most Important Business Tool?

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 07:00:37 GMT

Social media has affected design in myriad ways—how designers market their work, gain

new clients, discover new vendors, and share ideas and proposals with clients. But social

media is constantly evolving and it’s not easy keeping up. Designers Carmeon Hamilton and

Caitlin Flemming share how they have navigated social media from the early days of their

blogs to their current large Instagram followings, where they focus their efforts now, and

discuss why Pinterest has become a crucial creative tool, how Instagram hooks them up

with artisans and small vendors, and why web sites, after all these years, remain relevant.

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Bunny Williams on Design Past and Present

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 10:00:16 GMT

Few decorators have had the longevity or the impact of Bunny Williams. Ever since her first job at the legendary firm of Parish Hadley, she has been creating rooms that meld beauty with comfort and a sense of welcome. Renowned as a gardener as well as a designer, she was in the vanguard of shaping today’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle. An author and a furniture designer, she has also promoted the careers of many other designers through her work with the Kips Bay Showhouse. In her first podcast appearance, Bunny discusses the importance of understanding the business side of our creative industry, whether instinct or training is more important, the value and danger of Instagram and Pinterest, why antiques still matter, and how despite changes in styles and trends, the role of the designer remains constant—to bring homes to life and help their clients to live a beautiful life.

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Why Is The Design Industry Turning to Print Magazines?

Wed, 26 May 2021 10:00:35 GMT

In this age of digital everything, is print becoming the new go-to media? Why are so many design companies, from brick-and-mortar retailers to online behemoths, using print to engage and entice their customers and clients? Three industry leaders who have had major success online—Dara Caponigro of Schumacher, Julia Noran Johnston of Business of Home, and Anna Brockway of Chairish—share why they have launched print publications, how print’s impact came to be undervalued, why publishing on paper has become important to their businesses, and the impact that can come from filling people’s mailboxes with beauty and inspiration.

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Lauren Santo Domingo on Bringing Luxury Online with Moda Operandi

Wed, 12 May 2021 10:00:27 GMT

The woman who brought high-end fashion online, Lauren Santo Domingo talks about the success of her acclaimed site, Moda Operandi, and explains how she creates a sense of exclusivity and service through her careful curation of designers and brands, how social media changed fashion, why the wives of tech investors are so important, her new role as a Chairish Design Insider, and how caviar became a major inspiration behind her stunning home collection, Moda Domus, a chic blend of contemporary style with old-world craftsmanship.

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How Do Staging and Design Intersect?

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 10:00:27 GMT

Staging has become vital to real estate, but what is its relation to design? Is staging a stepchild, a way to break into the design industry, or a lucrative sideline? Three who know the ins-and-outs of the discipline, Lauren White of Ellen W. Interior Concepts, Alessandra Santopietro of Santopietro Interiors, and stager and broker Jason Saft of Compass, discuss what differentiates staging, the importance of speed and seasonality, how bad layouts often create great opportunities, and why understanding demographics can be just as important as knowing the latest design trends.

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What Does a Set Decorator Do?

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 10:00:40 GMT

Movies and television have long inspired interiors—from Art Deco fantasies to futuristic, sci-fi visions. Three top Hollywood set decorators, Elizabeth Keenan, Jessica Petrucelli, and Ellen J. Brill, whose work on the screen has ranged from gritty realism to fanciful visions of luxury—and who have garnered multiple Emmy and Academy Award nominations—talk about how they got into showbiz, why character-driven design is such a challenge, their secret sources, how obsessed collectors help to bring their visions to life, and why multiple sets of sheets are often crucial.

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At Home With Fashion

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 10:00:26 GMT

Fashion and home have had a long and complex relationship. Fashion designers are known for creating stunning homes—and have often lent their talents to designs for the home. And decorators have frequently looked to the runways for inspiration. But fashion moves fast, and interior design changes more slowly, so how valid is the connection today? Milan stylesetter and designer JJ Martin and luxury fashion designer Adam Lippes talk about their passion for home design, their entry into the home market, how fashion is faring, and why Art Nouveau may just be the next big thing.

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Wedded to Design

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 07:00:29 GMT

It is often said that a successful marriage takes work. So what happens when your work life and home life are totally entwined? Married principals of three high-powered design firms—Katie and Jason Maine of Maine Design, Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller of Carrier & Co., and Christine and John Gachot of Gachot Studios—talk about the joys and challenges of balancing creativity with domesticity, how they cope with difficult collaborations and artistic disputes, and what it’s like to be married when design is your language of love.

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Secrets of The Workroom

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 11:00:18 GMT

Small changes can have a big impact, but it isn’t always easy to get small jobs done. In this episode, Elizabeth Calderone, who owns a retail design shop, and designer Michael Tavano and his partner Lloyd Marks, who maintain a to-the- trade workroom, share insights about everything from reupholstery to window treatments to home automation, the difficulty in finding and training skilled craftsmen, the importance of building trust with clients, and how seemingly minor projects can often lead to major business.

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What Does a Market Editor Do?

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 11:00:16 GMT

Long before there were social media influencers, the market editors at top magazines served as major arbiters of taste. Their job was to discover the latest and greatest new products, talents, and trends, and bring them to the world’s attention. It’s never been an easy job,

and with the rise of social media, the role is more consuming and more crucial than ever.

In this episode, three editors who cover the design market—Kathryn Given of Luxe, Benjamin Reynaert of Domino, and Dayle Wood of Veranda, share how they keep on top of all that is happening, what they look for, how Covid has transformed the way they work, and the best ways to get products seen and publicized.

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Million Dollar Decorators: 10 Years Later

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 11:00:45 GMT

No design show on television has been as influential—or as controversial—as Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators. It changed the way high design was perceived and roiled the industry. A decade after its launch, four of its stars, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Mary McDonald, Jeffrey Alan Marks, and Nathan Turner, reunite to reveal how and why they became involved, how their clients felt about being on TV, the ways in which the show affected their careers, and incidents that were so crazy they had to be edited out

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Do Trends Still Matter in 2021?

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 09:00:35 GMT

Who needs trends? And if nobody follows them, why does everyone pay attention to them? In this episode, three top designers and major influencers, Brigette Romanek, Michel Smith Boyd, and Jessica Schuster weigh in on what they see for the year ahead, why clients care about the newest and the latest, and what they love and hate at the moment—everything from accent walls to playful pastels. They also reveal why editing may be the top trend of 2021, and how they have learned never to say never.

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Strategies for Coping with Shortages, Delays, and Disasters

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 09:00:43 GMT

The design business has proved surprisingly resilient and buoyant over the past year, but once again, the Coronavirus is surging. How can designers contend with continued supply-chain shutdowns and delays, shortages of materials, manufacturing disruptions, and the pandemic’s effects on colleagues, artisans, craftsmen, and installers? As the pandemic grinds on, designers Barrie Benson, Peti Lau, and Benjamin Dhong weigh in on the strategies they have used to keep their clients happy, their staffs motivated, and business booming.

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Ken Fulk on Designing for the Good Life

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 09:00:50 GMT

San Francisco designer Ken Fulk is a force in design. His theatrical sensibility, his passion for history, and his ability to conjure magic atmospheres have resulted in numerous stunning homes across the country, and his designs for hotels and restaurants have set new standards for conviviality and hospitality. His credo that everyone should live with pleasure and beauty has made him both sought after by clients and influential with a generation of younger designers. In this episode, Ken explains why creating a narrative for each of his projects is crucial, how he thinks like a movie maker, and why pink is always a good idea.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Do You Make Time for Creativity?

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 11:00:47 GMT

No one said running a business was easy, but how do designers make sure that amid all the invoices, purchase orders, and shipping logistics, they still find time to be creative? In this episode, New York designers Ellen Hamilton and Sandra Funk and Nashville-based Lori Paranjape discuss the systems and secrets so they never lose focus on the part of the job they love—designing beautiful rooms. They share the computer programs they use to handle everything from office management to email lists, the outside services and professionals they rely on, how they approach contracts and apportion their staff’s time, and reveal why trust and communication are the bedrock of any successful firm.

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Does Online Marketing Really Work?

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:33:39 GMT

In the crowded field of interior design, how do you get your work seen, and how do potential new clients discover you? Social media can certainly be effective. But that doesn’t mean that other tools—websites, blogs, and especially email marketing—don’t still have power. Marie Burgos, Kati Curtis, and Kevin Isbell, three designers with rising profiles, reveal the marketing efforts that work for them, how they balance creativity with salesmanship, and how their firms handle the increased workload required to stay in the forefront.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's Ahead for Design in DC?

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 16:10:03 GMT

In Washington, D.C., politics rules, and the political scene is more partisan than ever. Can design cross the aisle? What is it like to be a designer in DC, and how ready for change is this city with such a historically traditional aesthetic? Two DC-based designers, Kiyonda Powell and Marika Meyer, weigh in on what it is like to bring high style to a city where politics is ubiquitous, how a new generation is reshaping the town, and why the Washington design scene is busier than ever before.

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Rita Konig on Updating Tradition

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 08:00:36 GMT

London-based designer Rita Konig is one of today’s most popular and influential tastemakers. Her fresh take on English style, relaxed, colorful, and family friendly, is both pretty and practical, and has made her a star on both sides of the Atlantic. In this episode, Rita talks about her work, growing up with her famous mother, Nina Campbell, how she hopes to demystify and democratize design, and why it all comes down to “tables, lamps, and chairs.”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Burgeoning Business of E-Design

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 04:01:00 GMT

Thanks to the pandemic, we have all become used to working, socializing, and learning at a distance. But can beautiful design be created remotely? In this episode, two guests with very different styles, Los Angeles designer Martha Mulholland and Palm Beach- based Danielle Rollins, tell how they got started with e-design, how their virtual business has grown, what they find rewarding—and frustrating—about this new approach to creating beautiful homes, and how they handle clients and spaces they have never seen in person.

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How Do Interior Designers Become National Brands?

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 07:01:14 GMT

How do certain designers make the transition to becoming viable brands? Who decides which designers get to put their stamp on everything from rugs to fabrics to apartment towers? Kate Verner, whose firm has been instrumental in the success of numerous designers and brands, and her client, acclaimed designer Alexandra Champalimaud, share their insights on how to expand a designer’s portfolio and visibility, strategize for success, and cope with the increased workflow. As the two make clear, the process is neither easy nor quick, but it can be creatively and financially rewarding.

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Do You Really Need Design School?

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 07:01:00 GMT

Is attending design school still worth the time, effort, and money it takes? And are the schools teaching the right things? Should the focus be on principles or practicalities? In this episode, the president of the New York School of Interior Design, David Sprouls, is joined by two of the school’s distinguished alumni, Penny Drue Baird and Drew McGukin, to talk about whether techniques or technology should prevail, why they only hire design school graduates, how schools can help diversify and expand the student body, and why nobody seems to know design history these days.

In this episode, our guests discuss:

Why design schools are worth the time and money
Are students actually learning what they need to know for the real world?
How the curricula at NYSID has kept up with changing lifestyles and the increasing use of technology
How to keep up with new technology while balancing traditional design tactics like sketching and hand drawing
The most important skills Penny and Drew learned while at design school
Why firms prefer hiring people who went to design school
How the NYSID decides its curriculum and coursework

Additional resources:

10 Things You Should Know About Becoming an Interior Designer on MyMove
15 Interior Design Schools Worth Applying to on Architectural Digest
Become An Interior Designer on ASID
Meet Our New Scholarship Winner on Chairish
New York School of Interior Design
Dessins LLC.
Drew McGukin Interiors

Connect with Chairish and our guests on Instagram:

Chairish: @chairishco
Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro
NYSID: @nysid
Penny Drue Baird: @pennydessins
Drew McGukin: @drewmcgukin
David Sprouls: @david.sprouls

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Does A Stylist Do?

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 07:30:12 GMT

Powerful and beautiful photographs of your work are more important than ever, now that social media has become such a crucial tool. But how do you turn your three-dimensional spaces into compelling images that will attract attention in the image-saturated world of design? In this episode, two top stylists who have worked with major magazines and top interior photographers around the world, Mieke ten Have and Robert Rufino, share their tips, explain the difference between documenting a space and capturing its spirit, how they bring “soul, magic, and pizzazz” to every shoot, and why you might want to leave the stilettos at home.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remote Possibilities: Home Offices that Work

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 07:30:00 GMT

Now that working from home has become the new normal and home schooling has become mandatory, the home office is more central to domestic happiness than ever before. And with the appeal of working remotely likely to continue long after the pandemic has retreated, the demand for chic and functional home offices is likely only to increase. In this episode, two top designers skilled at meeting the needs of modern families with great style, Chloe Warner and Mikel Welch, weigh in on what’s next and reveal how they are solving their clients’ evolving needs, why we are likely to see a resurgence in walls and doors, the difficulty in finding the perfect desk chair, and why the home office is likely to evolve into the home lobby.

In this episode, our guests tackle:

Solving for problems of a regular office space including storage, charging stations, and organization
Is there a comfortable desk chair that is chic enough to work in a home setting?
Innovative requests from clients including “work pods” in addition to traditional home offices
How can families live and work together now that they’re in the same space 24/7?
The reality of “Zoom background envy” and growing interest in well-designed backgrounds

Additional resources:

The Work From Home Edit via Chairish
35 Eclectic Home Offices via Chairish
Developing Trend: New Homes Will Include Personalized Home Offices on Forbes
That ‘Home Office’ of Yours? It Needs an Upgrade on The New York Times

Connect with Chairish and our guests on Instagram:

Chairish: @chairishco
Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro
Chloe Warner: @redmondaldrichdesign
Mikel Welch: @mikelwelch

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Traditional Design for a New Era

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 14:49:20 GMT

Grand, exuberant, and exquisitely layered rooms have always had an exalted place in the design world. But are they still relevant in a post-Covid-19 world? Two top interior designers, Michelle Nussbaumer and Timothy Corrigan, argue that their styles—traditional, colorful, and eclectic—are even more valid than before, and share their insights into creating comfort, the importance of fine detailing, the coming revival of antiques, and the need for a touch of visual dissonance in every room.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rise of the Regionals

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 07:30:00 GMT

Even in the age of social media, print retains its power. But with fewer national shelter magazines, how can designers get their work published and attract new clients? Fortunately, regional publications have come to the rescue. Regional shelter magazines are better than ever, reach a wider range of readers, and have more impact than they ever did. Three top editors, Pamela Jaccarino of Luxe Interiors+Design, Kendell Cronstrom of New York and Hamptons Cottages and Gardens, and Clinton Smith of New England Home, share their insights on the state of regional media today and their advice on how designers can access its potential to promote their work.

In this episode, our guests discuss:

How regional magazines find their projects and which types of interior design work they are seeking
What’s coming next for regional publishing
The immediate response of being published in smaller local publications
Which types of projects will and won’t get selected for publication
Why they enjoy working with up-and-coming designers
How editors determine which products they choose to include and what readers will respond to

Additional resources:

Luxe Interiors+Design
New York Cottages and Gardens
Hamptons Cottages and Gardens
New England Home
How regional design magazines are sparking a print revolution on Business of Home
How To Get A Project Published on Elle Decor

Connect with Chairish and our guests on Instagram:

Chairish: @chairishco
Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro
Kendall Cronstrom: @kcronstrom
Cottages & Gardens: @cottagesgardens
Pamela Jaccarino: @pamelajaccarino
Luxe Magazine: @luxemagazine
Clint Smith: @mrclintsmith
New England Home Magazine: @nehomemagazine

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's Next For The American Home?

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 07:30:00 GMT

After being confined to our homes for months, we’ve all become intimately acquainted with what works in our homes—and what doesn’t. The new demands imposed by the Coronavirus-crisis are prompting changes, and we’ve all become aware of shortcomings in the way our homes function. So what does this mean for design in the future? In this episode Sarah Ramsey, a partner at the firm Cullman and Kravis, and Tom Kligerman, a founder of the architectural firm Ike Kligerman Barkley, explore how even the most traditional of American homes are likely to adapt, with innovations from layouts that allow greater flexibility to more home office space to "Cotsco closets" and more.

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The Greater Outdoors

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 07:30:00 GMT

One result of the coronavirus quarantine is an increased appreciation for the great outdoors. Parks, beaches, and hiking trails are packed, and sales at plant nurseries are booming. What does this mean long term for America’s homes and backyards? In this episode, renowned interior designer Suzanne Kasler and landscape architect Janice Parker talk about all things garden—from elaborate outdoor kitchens for entertaining, the new popularity of loggias, chicken coops and firepits, why the sudden the rage for raising vegetables and the best ways to make the connection between indoors and out closer and more seamless than ever.

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The Sisterhood of Fashion and Home

Wed, 27 May 2020 09:00:00 GMT

No two people exemplify the connection between fashion and interior design better than Tonne and Wendy Goodman. From their positions at Vogue and New York Magazine, respectively, they have chronicled and shaped the course of American style. In this episode, the sisters discuss the evolution of American design in fashion and the home, the growth of celebrity culture from Madonna to today, the importance of visual storytelling, and what’s next for fashion, interiors, and the media after the corona crisis.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's Ahead for Small Makers

Wed, 13 May 2020 06:00:00 GMT

More often than not, it is the work of a craftsman or artisan that brings the ultimate touch of style and distinction to a room. But during times of crisis or financial uncertainty, they are the ones likely to suffer the most drastic setbacks. On this episode, interior designer Brad Ford, who founded the high style crafts fair Field + Supply, and Analisse Taft-Gersten, whose ALT for Living showrooms feature works by numerous talented makers, weigh in on how we can sustain artisans and small makers through the pandemic and ensure that we don’t lose their skills or their unique sensibilities and style.

In this episode, our guests tackle:

How Brad and Analisse source for new, talented makers and artisans as partners
The direction of the future of design in terms of crafts and handmade things
The impact of COVID-19 on projects, workrooms and studios
The parallels between 9/11 and the coronavirus pandemic’s repercussions on the design industry
Ways to sustain artisans and makers during a crisis
Suggestions on how to deliver information to clients so they feel supported and come up with a plan for the future

Additional resources:

Don’t Miss This Maker’s Amazing Story via Chairish
Makers Meet The Modern Age via Business of Home
“A Maker Movement” Is a New Way to Virtually Discover Artisans and Makers via House Beautiful
Local Custom Furniture Maker Pivots to Design Homeschool Desks for Kids via 5280

Connect with Chairish and our guests on Instagram:

Chairish: @chairishco
Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro
Analisse Taft-Gertsen: @altforliving
Brad Ford: @brad_ford_id

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there a Future for Custom Design?

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 13:00:00 GMT

At a time when it was already becoming difficult to get clients to wait 12 to 16 weeks for custom pieces, how do you convince them to be patient in light of artisan slowdowns, shipping disruptions, and the shut-down of entire countries due to the Coronavirus crisis? Is the best worth the time and effort? How do you keep your artisans and workrooms busy and engaged? And what are the alternatives? Host Michael Boodro is joined by interior designers Madeline Stuart, Robert Stilin and Thad Hayes.

In this episode, our guests tackle:

The importance and value of custom made and one-of-a-kind pieces to create a truly unique space
How to educate and encourage clients to wait for well made and high quality pieces
Their concerns for the design industry, artisans, makers and vendors in the time of COVID-19
Suggestions on how to manage client’s expectations as COVID-19 causes delays and cancellations that directly impact projects
The takeaways and silver linings of a pandemic

Additional resources:

Playing Favorites with Robert Stilin via Chairish
Custom Art is Helping Homeowners Paint a Clearer Picture via Wall Street Journal
7 Ways the Coronavirus Will Change How We Design, Style, and Live in Our Homes via Better Homes & Gardens

Connect with Chairish and our guests on Instagram

Chairish: @chairishco
Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro
Madeline Stuart: @madelinedstuart
Robert Stilin: @robertstilin
Thad Hayes: @thadhayesinc

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Design from a Distance: Working Remotely

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 13:00:00 GMT

How can design proceed now that every detail—from presentations to orders to installations—needs to be done from a distance? How do you motivate your staff, reassure clients, and stay on top of your workrooms and artisans to make sure your workflow is flowing? Three top talents weigh in on what has worked for them in the past, the tools and processes they use, and how they have adapted to the new “remote” world: Atlanta designer Tish Mills, Courtney Coleman of Brockschmidt and Colman, with offices in New York and New Orleans, and New York-based fabric and interior designer Katie Leede.

In this episode, our guests tackle:

How technology has changed the way we work, both at the office and at home
Operating remotely, exploring different technologies and how to best connect with your team while working from home
Ways to stay on top of your workrooms and artisans to make sure your workflow is flowing smoothly
Suggestions about how to lead your team remotely through a crisis and adjust to stress of the unknown
The impact of COVID-19 on projects both in-progress and coming down the pipeline
The importance of home, now that we’re spending so much more time in them

Additional resources:

The WFH Edit via Chairish
Virtual Reality: Top Designers’ Tips for Working Now via Chairish
Three Warning Signs That Your Remote Employees Are Starting To Crack Under The Stress Of Working From Home via Forbes

Connect with Chairish and our guests on Instagram:

Chairish: @chairishco
Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro
Courtney Coleman: @brockschmidtandcoleman
Katie Leede: @katie.leede @katieleedeandco
Tish Mills: @tishmills

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creativity During the Crisis

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 18:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Chairish Podcast, Anna Brockway, co-founder of Chairish; entrepreneur Peter Sallick, founder of the Design Leadership Network; and acclaimed designer Celerie Kemble join host Michael Boodro in discussing ways for design firms to navigate the coronavirus crisis, and how, by joining forces, the design world can survive the pandemic—and thrive in its aftermath.

In this episode, our guests tackle:

How the design industry can evolve as we face this crisis together
Thinking about what this means for teams, including those within firms and also the artisans, tradesmen and partners that work closely together on projects
How to elevate your design business and advance into the future
Operating remotely, exploring different technologies and how to best connect with your team while working from home
Communicating with vendors and clients so you can continue to develop projects, even though times are uncertain
The impact of postponement and cancellation of design and industry events
How Chairish is supporting the design community, brands and partners through the launch of the first-ever online Virtual Preview and featuring The Dealers of High Point
Breaking down short term, medium term and long term strategies when thinking about your business

Additional resources:

The WFH Edit via Chairish

10 Ways Remote Workers Can Improve Communication Skills via US News and Report

How Interior Designers Work With Clients In The Time Of Corona Virus Mandated Social Distancing via Forbes

Connect with Chairish and our guests on Instagram:

Chairish: @chairishco
Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro
Anna Brockway @annabrockway
Peter Sallick @petersallick
Celerie Kemble @celerie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Designer's Guide to Social Media

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 07:30:00 GMT

Get to know our social media savvy guests:

Experienced designer Alyssa Kapito launched her design firm using Instagram. Kapito is known for restrained but sumptuous apartments, lofts, and beach houses, where she mixes classic vintage pieces, subdued palettes, and luxurious textures, and her work has been featured in numerous publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Vogue. She also has more than 150K followers on Instagram.

For the past 23 years, Cara Woodhouse has been creating interiors with bold contemporary furnishings, texture-rich rugs, and colorful accents, bringing a sense of fun and energy to family living. Along with designing, she is also a brand ambassador for various companies and a social media influencer. She has more than 200K followers on Instagram.

Skylar Frederick is the social media manager at Chairish, which has about 300K followers on Instagram.

In this episode, our guests tackle:

How Instagram benefits designers through product lines, clients, and more
The importance of high-quality visuals on Instagram
Creating social media goals
Quality over quantity in posting
The value of cohesive and compelling branding
Using Pinterest to communicate with clients about style
Crafting authenticity on social media
Incorporating video into social media practice
Agreed-upon rates for collaborations / partnerships on Instagram
Advice for young designers launching their firms on Instagram

Additional resources:

Social Media Tools You Should Be Using via Chairish
How to Create a Social Media Marketing Strategy in 8 Easy Steps via Hootsuite
How to Build Your Social Media Marketing Strategy for 2020 via Sprout Social

Connect with Chairish and our guests on Instagram:

Chairish: @chairishco
Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro
Alyssa Kapito: @alyssakapitointeriors
Cara Woodhouse: @carawoodhouseinteriors
Skylar Frederick: @skylar_allen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does PR Still Have an Impact?

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 08:30:00 GMT

In today’s changing-by-the-minute media landscape, how do you get your firm’s projects published, viewed, and talked about? Does public relations still have an impact in this age of social media? Three veterans Elizabeth Blitzer, Sarah Boyd and Lauren Urband discuss the ins and out of PR, what they can do for a designer’s career—and when it might not be worth the investment.

In this episode, we dive into:

How to expand PR opportunities beyond print magazines
The limitations of Instagram
Working with influencers
The value of regional publications
Exclusivity agreements
How to leverage projects on various fronts
The career point at which to hire a designer
Advice for young / newer designers
Choosing goals with clients

Check out these resources for more information:

An intro to what publicists do via Elle Decor
Lauren Urband’s webinar on how to generate buzz about your design business via Chairish
An interview with Elizabeth Blitzer via the Lifestyle Edit

Connect with Chairish and our guests on Instagram:

Chairish: @chairishco
Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro
Lauren Urband: @lurband22
Sarah Boyd: @sarahmcboyd
Blitzer & Company: @blitzer_co

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coping with Clients

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 09:02:00 GMT

Today’s clients are ever more savvy and informed, but are they also more demanding, and difficult? What do clients want from designers, and how do you navigate their needs and desires? Host Michael Boodro is joined by renowned designers Sheila Bridges, Richard Mishaan and Josh Greene.

In this episode, we find out how to deal with difficult clients and more:

Challenges of working with clients
What ignited a shift in client behavior
Establishing boundaries and understanding expectations
Paying due diligence
Red flags to watch out for
Photography agreements
Client relation best practices

Get to know our high-profile guests:

Named “America’s Best Interior Designer” by CNN and Time Magazine, Sheila Bridges founded her own interior design firm, Sheila Bridges Design, in 1994. She recently launched her own product line originally based in French toile wallcoverings — called Toile de Jouy — that has expanded to include a variety of good home goods. Toile de Jouy motifs challenge some of the stereotypes about the African-American experience. Her work is embellished with thoughtful pieces and colors, and has landed her on the Architectural Digest 100 and Elle Decor’s A-List from 2011 to 2019.

Owner of Richard Mishaan Design, Richard Mishaan holds more than three decades of experience in design, combining his knowledge of fashion, architecture, and interior design. He has crafted style ranging from urban to beachside in his distinctly layered and luxe, colorful style.

One year ago, Josh Greene founded his own firm, Josh Greene Design, that focuses on creating stylish environments balancing functionality, warmth, and comfort. He has over 15 years of design experience and has been featured on publications such as the New York Times, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful.

Discover the work of our marvelous guests, and find more tips:

Tour Sheila’s colorful home in Reykjavík via The Cut
Inside Richard’s chic space in New York via Architectural Digest
Check out this beach house from Josh and his former partner via Architectural Digest
More tips for handling challenging clients via Kathy Kuo

Connect with us on Instagram:

Chairish: @chairishco
Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro
Sheila Bridges: @harlemtoilegirl
Richard Mishaan: @richardmishaan
Josh Greene: @joshgreenedesign

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hitting The Wall: How Can Designers Confront A Blank Wall?

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 17:30:00 GMT

If it’s not vast expanses of glass then it’s large expanses of white wall designers have to contend with. From multi-million dollar artworks to hand-painted wall coverings to hand-rubbed Venetian plaster, how can designers best confront a blank wall? Host Michael Boodro chats with designers Bella Mancini and Elena Frampton, as well as Phillip Jeffries CEO Jeffrey Bershad.

What you can expect from this episode:

The contemporary wallpaper trend
Client hesitation about wallpaper
Tips for selecting artworks for walls
Detailing, balance, and additional finishes
The trends and future of wall design

Get to know our chic guests:

Bella Mancini is known for her charming and astute way of working with patterns and wallcoverings within her designs. She founded her firm, Bella Mancini Design, just two years after making her career shift from fashion PR and marketing to interior design.

Elena Frampton is a talented designer and owner of interior design studio Frampton Co, which includes an art advisory service and locations in the Hamptons and New York City. Her studio uses dynamic, otherworldly palettes while also elevating artists and expanding access to their art.

Jeffrey Bershad is the CEO of Phillip Jeffries, a wallcovering company that was started with just 10 grasscloths over 40 years ago by his father, and is now a preeminent global company. With an elevated focus on design, quality, and efficiency, Phillip Jeffries prides itself on ready-to-ship and custom solutions and has been featured in magazines including Luxe, California Home+Design, and Interior Design.

During the episode, we mention these high-end wallpaper brands:

Phillip Jeffries – a range of high-quality wallcoverings
Fromental – hand-embroidered wallpaper
De Gournay – bold and custom wallpaper
Pierre Frey – commissions artists for wallpapers

Think beyond conventional wallpaper ideas with these sources of inspiration:

Sisters and interior designers Charlotte Harris Lucas and Liz Harris Carroll offer their tips on wallpapers via Chairish
Tour this Dumbo loft from Bella Mancini via Brownstoner
Art advisory via Frampton Co.
The latest, art-inspired wallpaper collection from Phillip Jeffries
Shimmering wallpaper ideas via Chairish

Connect with Chairish and our guests on Instagram:

Chairish: @chairishco
Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro
Bella Mancini: @bellamancinidesign
Frampton Co: @frampton_co
Phillip Jeffries: @phillipjeffriesltd

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showhouses: How Much Will They Cost You and Will They Pay Off?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 05:01:00 GMT

This episode on The Chairish Podcast we will look at the growing phenomenon of Showhouses. Why are there so many, who do they benefit, and do they really make a difference to a designer’s career? Guests include interior designers Neal Beckstedt and Young Huh, whose rooms at the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse became hugely popular on social media, and publicist Christina Juarez, who has helped shape the careers of numerous designers and worked with many national brands.

We mention these showhouses in the episode:

Kips Bay Decorator Show House, New York City and Palm Beach
The Hampton’s Showhouse, Hamptons, New York
Holiday House, New York City
Brooklyn Designer Showhouse, Brooklyn, New York
The Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles: Home for the Holidays, Atlanta
Ronald McDonald 2019 Designer Showhouse, Miami

During the episode, we discuss these showhouse designs:

Young Huh – Corridor and Bath, 2014, and Artist Loft, 2019 / Both from the Kips Bay Decorator Show House
Neal Beckstedt: Sitting Room, 2017 / Kips Bay Decorator Show House
Sasha Bikoff’s – Color Me Happy Stairway, 2018 / Kips Bay Decorator Show House
Robert Passal Living Area, 2019 / Kips Bay Decorator Show House

Check out these urther resources:

Design tips from Young Huh via Chairish
Explore Derek Lam’s Manhattan home that was designed by Neal Beckstedt via Architectural Digest
Tour Christina Juarez’s colorful apartment via Elle Decor

Connect with us on Instagram:

Chairish: @chairishco
Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro
Neal Beckstedt: @nealbeckstedt
Young Huh: @younghuh
Christina Juarez: @christinajuarezandco

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Success by the Yard

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Host Michael Boodro questions the conventional idea that fabric lines make designers rich: “Is it possible to have success by the yard?” Four fabric professionals with a range of perspectives — including Stephen Elrod and Brian Dicker from Kravet and Holland and Sherry respectively, and designers Lori Weitzner and James Huniford — gather to talk about how they made it in the fabric industry, and how they continue to look forward to the future of fabric.

This episode we dive into:

How brands select designers for collaborations
The method and process of collaborating on a fabric line
What makes licensing and collaborations successful
How to become successful through a fabric line
The future and technology of textiles
Buyer trends and the value of the experience

Get to know our fabulous guests:

Stephen Elrod is the executive vice president and creative director for Lee Jofa and Brunschwig & Fils. With close to three decades of experience, Stephen has led partnerships with various designers including another podcast guest, James Huniford, and most recently, Kelly Wearstler.

President of Holland and Sherry, Brian Dicker drove the tailor-focused fabric company’s expansion into interior design. Holland and Sherry is now a prominent player in the interior design realm and has partnered with designers like Elizabeth Eakins, Muriel Brandolini, and Christopher Maya.

Lori Weitzner is an independent fabric designer and the founder of Weitzner. Lori built her own textile company from the ground-up and later, successfully merged with Pollack. After 12 years as a business owner, Lory grown as a fabric designer and expanded into other areas of design.

James (Ford) Huniford, is a renowned interior designer and founder of Huniford Design Studio. He has a fabric line with Kravet / Lee Jofa and has been featured in magazines such as Architectural Digest, W Magazine, and Vogue.

Check out these further resources:

Get to know the history of Kravet
The story behind Holland and Sherry:
Lori Weitzner’s new collection for Artistic Tile:
Video: Tour Lori Weitzner’s studio
Learn more about Huniford Design Studio
Discover some of James Huniford’s top design tips.

Connect with Chairish and our guests on Instagram:

Chairish: @chairishco

Michael Boodro: @michaelboodro

Kravet: @kravetinc, @leejofa, and @brunschwigfils

Holland & Sherry: @hollandandsherryinteriors

Lori Weitzner: @loriweitzner

James Huniford: @fordhuniford

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Color(s) of the Year

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 04:59:00 GMT

Each year major paint companies, Pantone, etc, announce their color of the year—and they are all different. What is the meaning of color trends, and do they have any importance? And how do certain colors become anointed—and is that a good thing? Should designers embrace or ignore color hype? Guests include designers Nick Olsen and Nicole Fuller, who are known for their innovative use of color and Martin Kesselman, a paint retailer and color consultant who recently created the “perfect” modern white for Farrow and Ball.

You’ll love this episode if you’re interested in:

Color trends and colors of the year
What meaning trends have and their impact
How our guests implement color and best practices
Light, contrast, and perception
White, a color that can’t be overlooked
The inspiration and process of color development and selection
The influence and mood color ignites

Get to know our guests:

Nicole Fuller is an interior designer and owner of Nicole Fuller Interiors with offices in New York and Los Angeles. She is known for contrasting neutrals with bold color and pattern and has created a line of tile with Ann Sacks, wallpaper for Fromental, and various rug designs for The Rug Company. Currently she’s in the process of collaborating on a paint collection with fashion photographer Steven Klein for Farrow & Ball.

After completing an architecture degree at Columbia, Nick Olsen shifted into interior design after working with Miles Redd. Nick launched his own firm, Nick Olsen Style, in 2010, and as Michael describes, is distinguished by the added charm, humor, and playfulness he adds to his designs. His work has been featured on the covers of Domino Magazine and World of Interiors.

Martin Kesselman is an entrepreneur, interior designer, and color consultant. Martin owns his own paint shop in New York City, In Colour, which represents brands including Farrow & Ball, Benjamin Moore, Fine Paints of Europe, and Donald Kaufman Color. He has previously worked with many of these paint companies, and most recently developed a contemporary white with Farrow & Ball called Martin Kesselman White.

Michael notes these 2020 Colors of the Year from paint brands:

Classic Blue by Pantone
First Light by Benjamin Moore– Pale rosy pink
Back to Nature by Behr – Gentle sage
Naval by Sherwin-Williams – Grayed navy

Check out these go-to whites and off-whites:

Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore – Gray hints
Simply White by Benjamin Moore – Fresh white
Dove White by Benjamin Moore – Neutral
All White by Farrow & Ball – Pure white. Nicole Fuller references this color as a “ceiling pop” white.
Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball – Hint of gray
Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball – Warm gray undertone
Martin Kesselman White by F arrow & Ball – This new shade of white, created by Martin, was inspired by the stark white of galleries, and transformed into a warmer shade of white for the home.

Shades of gray our guests couldn’t get enough of:

Gull Wing Gray by Benjamin Moore – Miles Redd’s townhouse entryway is painted in this “Dior gray” featuring a hint of blue.
Metropolitan by Benjamin Moore – Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year in 2019.
Purbeck Stone by Farrow & Ball – Nicole’s revered gray she used in her home.

Additional colors mentioned:

Caliente by Benjamin Moore – a surprising choice of merlot for Color of the Year in 2018.

Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball – Nicole mentions this blue when speaking about monochrome.

For more resources, explore:

“How Light Affects Colour” from Farrow & Ball.
“The Colors You’re Going to See Everywhere in 2020” from Elle Decor.
“The Luxury Paint Company Creating a New Kind of Anxiety” from The New Yorker.
“How Color Shapes Our Lives” from The Atlantic.
"Your Guide To Sophisticated Neutrals" from Chairish
“Unlock Radiant Rooms With Jewel Tones” from Chairish.

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The Chairish Podcast: Coming Soon!

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 18:39:50 GMT

Join host Michael Boodro for interviews and insights from the design world's top talent as they discuss the challenges of creativity today.

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