This is a great podcast to listen to if you are interested in designing realistic and comfortable spaces for your home. I almost always learn something from the established design professionals who serve as guests. There’s only been one episode that I did not like (the guest was from a nationally recognized paint company who brought up politics on a design podcast - gross). The hosts are entertaining and “keep it real” by sharing their personal design projects and dilemmas.

Fun and filled with great information. Thank you for this episode.

First of all….Everyone should lay off on Liz, I enjoy her contributions and insight that she brings to the show. 🩷 I’ve learned SO much from this show. Keep it up girls!!!! Love from Tulsa. PS: We need a store in Oklahoma!

I get so much from hearing about real life experiences.

I love listening to the hosts and their guests! I always learn something in every episode and love the Design Dilemma and Trials and Triumphs segments. Keep up the great work! Thanks!

I stopped listening a few months after Karen left. I too agree Liz doesn’t ad to the podcast. I do enjoy the guests and questions but feel the last segment where people ask for advice is weak.

I look forward to each new episode and save it for my home projects and if its a long project I binge on old episodes with Karen. Caroline and Taryn are wonderful. I am sure Liz is a nice person but she isnt really a podcast kind of personality. Karen Mooney was so entertaining and really engaged with the guests. Liz really just complements the guests a lot and then asks very general questions that are overly vague. Im sorry to criticize but maybe Ballard could look for another person with a more upbeat and engaging podcast-like personality??

Hi! I keep coming back. That says a lot. I love many of the guests. At least one I have listened to more than once — because I wanted to take notes. 😃 I have been introduced to so much thru this podcast. I have deleted this podcast and brought it back. It is a keeper, with some caveats. I have a couple of suggestions that I think about repeatedly when I listen. (I checked the reviews and I am not the only one. 😂😃) BTW I tried and failed to find a private means of communication with the podcast and Ballard before writing this. *Is this podcast Ballard’s stepchild? I hate that analogy, but it fits here. Is the podcast a side project that no top exec really values? If so, that makes me sad. So much potential and so many good things have come from this podcast. It keeps me coming back to Ballard. There are obvious things about the podcast that could be better if an exec put more money (?) and investment (time for staff / production ?) into it. I’m writing b/c I care. *Classes for lead host on presentation, asking, questions, elocution. I don’t know enough to know how to describe such classes but surely there are classes out there. I sometimes wonder if writing out a list of questions would help with stuttering, long pauses, tripping on words. One review said the questions seem written out — but that would be better than the stumbling. It is painful, as one reviewer wrote. Also — podcasts are no longer a wing and a prayer. Even the most humble have good equipment and a team to do the essentials and make things sound professional. This podcast lacks a sense of professionalism in the presentation. *I can deal and totally understand searching for words when the host is into the depth of the interview and new questions are popping into her head, but the beginning needs to be strong and confident. The most recent episode I listened to — and there was a really strong, strong guest so I continued listening — contained embarrassing and frankly unprofessional stumbling when reading the intro of the guest!!! (Groan, cover face — what was the guest thinking, not to mention the listeners like me?) Also, with the intro and the convoluted first question, it took forever for listeners to hear the guest’s own voice. But when he did speak — finally some well put-together thoughts! This goes back to my first bullet. Does Ballard not care about good editing? Why didn’t the host stop and redo in a more confident manner and let the editor edit out the embarrassing mistake later? Is it because there is no professional editor / team / producer? Ballard please say that ain’t so. Come to think about it, a producer could say, hey, mi amor, no sweat, let’s just do that again. 😃 *So in short, it’s so easy to criticize. I could never do what you guys do. Thank you for great guests. Thank you for continuing to try to improve. Ballard deserves that and so do we. We love your content!

I LOVE trials and triumphs! Can you get Cameron back in to talk about gardening? Love the pod!

I listened to the first episode, which was getting to know the guests basically. I found it really boring because it is just a bunch of small talk so I jumped ahead hoping to actually get some tips on decorating and design, but it was pretty much the same situation where they are talking about what their homes look like. who cares? If they don’t talk about the reasons for each addition instead of saying, “oh, and I think that the pillow I bought looks pretty nice with my gray couch” then who would want to listen? This is not for anyone who wants to actually learn about decorating. Listen if you want to know about random people and the stuff they have in their house. Please save yourself hours of listening to these people. However, they did a good job not advertising for Ballard designs

I listened to three episodes in the hopes it would get better. It did not. The host(s?) can’t ad lib a genuine conversation. It seems they have stock questions they ask but, as soon as the opportunity arises to expand on a topic spontaneously, they either miss it entirely or fill the space with meaningless platitudes such as, “So you find the New Orleans art scene is pretty colorful? That’s so neat. Do you find yourself using a lot of color in your designs?” Duh, the guest already stated this dozens of times. Bottom line: I don’t learn anything about the supposed subject of the podcast. The time is spent getting to know each guest through the teenage small-talk of the hosts. It s painful. Its design for people who know nothing about design. I give it credit for not being a commercial for Ballard Designs though.

I’ve been a listener from the beginning and love this podcast. I see some people dislike the banter between the hosts or the trials and tribulations, but often that’s my favorite part of the show. I like that Caroline and Taryn are about my daughter’s ages and enjoy listening to their perspectives on design as well on what’s happening in their lives. Liz is a good addition, but I do miss Karen..she always made me laugh! The guests are usually interesting to me and offer great advice. I do wish we spent less time on the “how did you become a designer “ portion of the interview. I understand it’s important to establish the background of the guest but sometimes it can be too much. I love the Southern design aesthetic and graciousness in design, but would also enjoy hearing from some designers in other parts of the country…Pacific NW, California, mid-west, etc. just to hear other perspectives. Overall I adore this podcast and really like the down to earth, chatty hosts…it’s like sitting over a glass of wine with your gal pals to talk about design.

I LOVE this podcast. This is the podcast that got me started on podcasts. It launched my love of decorating podcasts. I have listened to every episode twice. There. You know I love you guys, but seriously it is time to get it together. I listen to several podcasts and each of these launches their new episode at the same time each week. You guys are sometimes 6 AM sometimes noon, heck sometimes evening. Additionally the website isn’t caught up with the episodes of the podcast. I am pretty darn sure that of all the decorating podcasts I listen to, you guys have the largest support staff, yet the others manage to stay consistent while you don’t. Also several of these are now on YouTube with video- what’s up guys? We could seriously benefit from the visual so often. I loved the qvc shows as the visuals really drive home your message but even an informal style would help your listeners/ viewers. I think it’s time to realize your audience is pretty savvy and deserves a little consistency.

This is a fantastic podcast for novices and professionals. Great discussion, good questions, fun guests and hosts! When there’s a guest who has written a book, I’ve often purchased the book after listening. I am very impressed with how well the hosts prepare for the podcast by carefully reading the guest’s book and asking thoughtful questions and pointing out the most interesting aspects of the book, and the most unique and definitive aspects of the person’s work. Very through preparation! Would it be possible to post the pictures of the decorating dilemma in the podcast app? Thanks!

I've listened to the How to Decorate podcast for awhile but I often turn it off because the hosts and guests speak so immaturely. There is a great deal of watered-down millennial speech. Phrases such as "sort of," "kind of," and "just" are used with great frequency. Apparently that is the modern version of "like." My 12-year-old daughter speaks much more maturely than the guests and hosts of this show. One guest used the term "sort of" four times in one sentence! All of the content went away and it made her sound unprofessional and unpolished. It was simply too distracting. Another guest said that she "sort of liked kind of using custom drapery in her products." Does she like using custom drapery or not? If it wasn't so annoying it would be funny. Cut out the filler words and speak maturely. You'll be much more effective that way.

I absolutely love this podcast! I have been a subscriber since the beginning and feel like I have learned so much from Karen, Caroline, Taryn, and now Liz + the awesome guests they interview. Listening each week is such a treat and I enjoy the personal trials and triumphs and the interviews with guests equally. Pressing play feels like catching up with good friends and so often I find myself thinking of discussions I have heard on the podcast whether it is in my professional life as an interior designer or my personal life entertaining at home. Keep up the fantastic work Ballard!

Just listened to your episode with the crew from Houses with History. I absolutely LOVE their show and this podcast. Thank you for bringing us wonderful guests and fresh perspectives on design and decoration decisions. I look forward to your show every week!

I’ve been a devoted Ballard Designs customer for years. Although, my closest store is over an hour away, I still go regularly to see and feel all the new looks. I discovered the podcast during Covid. I listen during my 60 min treadmill time. It’s like a lunch with your girlfriends without the calories. I always learn something new. It has also introduced me to new Instagram accounts of the guests that you feature. I’ve recommended it to several friends as a great podcast. Thanks Ballard.

The guests are great, I wish the hosts wouldn’t keep interrupting them. Four hosts is overkill when you have great guests. There is one host who is a good interviewer but I don’t know her name.

I love you guys! I am obsessed with ALL things decorating and learn so much from listening to you and your guests! I love the variety of your guests and how there is something for everyone! I have even been surprised choosing some that I didn’t think would be my style and ending up taking away something that I loved! I also love watching the YouTube show. It’s wonderful!

I absolutely love this podcast! So much so I have been now binge listening to the older episodes! I also cannot get enough of their new show on QVC PLUS Design School with Ballard Design. If you love design and decorating I would highly recommend this podcast!

Like like like like…it’s unbearable. Content is so good, but like….

The Ballard brand is a travesty. Listening to these 4(?) is like plucking each ear hair out individually. Please - go back to finishing school, or at least talk about design and decorating.

If I could give this Podcast 10 stars I would. I found this Podcast several years after its inception but have since delved deep and listened to all the episodes (some episodes more than once). I have learned so much about interior design, landscaping, and at-home entertaining from listening to this show. My home is a constant work-in-progress and it has been wonderful to have a library of “How to Decorate” episodes to listen to on certain topics by experts in those areas (e.g., landscape tips from Brooke and Paul Giannetti, kitchen design from Mathew Quinn, entertaining tips from Bunny Williams and Eddie Ross, etc.) as well as new episodes to look forward to each week. It took me a bit of time to familiarize myself with the different hosts’ voices and now I adore each of them! Not only are they fun to listen to, they ask very thoughtful questions of guests, and have great entertaining and decorating suggestions themselves. As a now avid listener of the podcast I highly suggest giving this show a listen! …And one more bonus tip, check out the podcast episode page on the Ballard Designs blog to see corresponding photos of the listener decorating dilemmas so you can really visualize the suggestions given. Keep up the good work ladies!

I have listened to all of your podcasts! Several more than once! I have also written in twice with two different decorating dilemmas and you all were very very helpful. I look forward to every Tuesday and listen to old episodes in between ❤️

I really enjoy the host’s banter and interviews with so many incredible experts! I’ve learned so much about interiors! I also enjoy when guests outside of the decorating and interior design field are hosted on the podcast! (Landscape, architect, industrial design, etc.) Pro tip for northerners: listen at 1.25 speed or faster to get reduce the slow southern speech patterns and pauses.

Thank you for inspiring me each time I listen!!

I absolutely adore this podcast. It’s brought me so many new designers to follow for inspiration and ideas to make our house a gorgeous home. Thank you and keep ‘em comin!

I really enjoy your podcast! So much helpful and inspiring information. I frequently send episodes to my clients, as I am an Interior Designer myself! Thank you for continuing to put out helpful hints and tricks, allowing them to come from YOU sometimes makes my job easier😀

I love this podcast! I’ve listened to every episode and have been meaning to write this review for a long time. Your podcast actually helped me get through the pandemic because I had Tuesdays to look forward to hearing your sweet and funny personalities and expert advice from you and your guests. I have implemented so many of the tips highlighted in your podcast. One of the biggest is lighting sources- my husband now jokes that we MUST have at least five sources in each room. Thank you for taking the time to record the podcast. I enjoy the interviews and trials and triumphs.

I can’t hear the guests or focus on what theyre staying because of all the interruptions (unnecessary laughing loudly, uh huh, trying to make a joke) from one host in particular.

I don’t think I’m part of the target demographic for this podcast. I love decor. Making my small (rental) beautiful is a huge passion of mine, but I shop from places like Wayfair and Amazon. I can’t relate to most of the guests or content, so I’m out.

I’ve listened to every episode of How to Decorate! It makes home/interior design so fun and approachable. I am not in a financial situation to hire a designer so this podcast has helped me craft my home over time into a place I (and my husband) feel good about! I just listened to ep 290 on Aphrochic, which prompted me to finally write a review. THANK YOU for spotlighting this important topic on the black family/culture, what home means, and the challenges faced (past and present)! Home is something I think many of us take for granted.

As a 27-year-old just now beginning the process of decorating my own home, I find the candid interior design advice of Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to be a great weekly resource for inspiration and knowledge. Can’t wait to submit my own “decorating dilemma” one of these days!

I miss the beginning portion of the show when the hosts chat, without that they feel completely stripped of their personalities and the overall flow is just awkward. Also, I’m sorry but some of the guests are so snobby and I end up feeling like a ragamuffin for not having upholstered dining chairs or some other item that would be nice but is a luxury. One guest I did love was Liz Lidgett, she did a great job of informing without making me feel less than.

She is needed. Please and thank you!

So many times I reach to turn off the episode because the "vocal fry" just grated on the nerves. Please tell your guests.

I really like this podcast but I wish the listener dilemma questions were shortened and not read verbatim. They are too long and sometimes hard to follow. Summarize! Other than that this is good information but it is missing some of the humorous banter from previous years.

I love your podcast, but there is one host, in particular, that does a LOT of agreeing when the guest is talking, by making the “ah-hmm... “ah-hmm...” constantly. Episode 258 is a great example of when I just have to stop listening. As much as I’d love to hear the entire podcast, I just can’t take her constant interruption of “ah-hmms”.

At one time this was my binge podcast. But some one sped up the dialogue and robbed these ladles of any personality. I miss them ,

i LOVE this podcast so much. I have ONE piece of feedback to give and I promise you others feel the same- Taryn, my love you are awesome, but the reading of the Design Dilemmas is just not for you. Let the other ladies take this on! It just is very hard to listen to the choppiness. Love everything else and It is one of my go-to podcasts!!!

I too am a design junkie and love to hear the details and insights the great design guests provide. I’ve learned lots and enjoy listening to them. However, I used to enjoy listening more frequently….The chatty part at the beginning I could do without and the hosts themselves do not seem interested either. Is this just filler? More about the guests! One of the hosts can be domineering and difficult to listen to. Embarrassing when a great guest is interrupted, and I’ve heard it often. I realize everyone has their days, but… let the guests shine.

As a design junkie, I thoroughly enjoy the guests and show content. They often interview designers whose work I admire, and introduce me to new ones. It’s great learning more about the design industry experts, and they often share helpful tips about their process. The show’s hosts have changed over the years and this improved the dynamic and refocused the show on design (and less on the water-cooler type gossip that used to take up a lot of time). While the other hosts are good, Taryn’s interviewing skills are lacking. She tends to be overly familiar with designers and interrupts them often with flippant comments that don’t bring value to the conversation. She also laughs loudly at inexplicable times, like when a recent designer mentioned working for her mother as part of her background experience??? It can be a real downer when you’re excited to hear from a guest and she dominates the conversation. The guests are always gracious but as a listener, I want to hear from the experts — not Taryn’s side comments. Overall a wonderful podcast if you love decorating.

Some of the guest designers seem so untouchable unless you have a BIG budget. I would really like to see them recommend their favorite Ballard products instead of “showroom only”!

I love this podcast! The ladies are so real, easy to listen to, and I always enjoy learning new decorating tips, tricks, and tidbits. So many amazing design hacks, when to save vs. splurge, and how to create a style that truly reflects YOU in your home! Keep up the amazing work ladies!

I have been listening since the beginning. This podcast used to be a cannot miss for me…but I’ve lost a lot of love for it.I’ve been increasingly annoyed by the hosts’ lengthy, rambling, apologetic, “not-sure-what-I-want-to-ask”questions for the guests. Tighten the questions up. Be brief and to the point. Taryn uses the phrase “to your point” so often, I can’t take it. And the awkward, faked, sort of sarcastic tone she’s uses along with the obnoxious laughing needs to stop. I feel uncomfortable for the guests most of the time. Prepare good questions, ask them succinctly and stop the filler trying to be cute. Do you ever go back and listen to the production? Caroline and Liz are generally great. Also, listening to Taryn try to read the decorating dilemmas is painful.

I like the interviews with the pros very much but can't handle the first 23 minutes of chit chat from 3 hosts. Very difficult to listen to 3 women interrupting, giggles and most importantly not interesting conversations they have. I've never written a negative review before but it's that irritating!

Hi hi! I love the content, but I do think the time could be cut in half with a more efficient process. I think I would enjoy it more if they removed the small talk at the beginning, had only one interviewer, and left most of the dialogue to the guest. I would love to see the hour long episodes cut down to around 40 minutes. Maybe consider editing out insignificant comments. I say all of this because I love the concept of this podcasf, and would like to see it improve 😄 I find myself fast forwarding the first fifteen / twenty minutes to get to the meat of the episodes.

This would be one of the best design podcast if only the hosts could refrain from the overuse of the word “like”. Ladies you sound like teenagers and not in a good way IMO. Distracting and difficult to listen to.

I have enjoyed listening to the hosts and the guests they have on. It’s been very educational and helpful with my own design challenges! The only part that stops me from playing the podcast lately is how lengthy the chatting can be in the beginning of each episode. While I love hearing about the hosts on a personal level, I think this part could be shortened by 15 minutes.