Classic & Curious

What makes an object worth bringing home? For Jamie Creel, the story is part of the beauty. In this episode of Classic & Curious, Anne Kokoskie steps inside the world of Creel & Gow—a modern-day cabinet of curiosities where nature, craftsmanship, and a lifelong love of travel come together. Jamie shares how a conversation in the Galápagos sparked the idea for the shop, and how his search f...

What does it mean to live wholeheartedly—and create a life that feels like your own? In this episode, Classic & Curious turns inward. So often, we explore what we choose to bring into a considered life. Today, we pause to consider what comes from within. Anne is joined by Holly Ruth Finigan, author of Wholeheartedly: The One You Want to Find Is You and Beyond the Map , featured on her Substack...

What does it mean to live wholeheartedly—and create a life that feels like your own? In this episode, Classic & Curious turns inward. So often, we explore what we choose to bring into a considered life. Today, we pause to consider what comes from within. Anne is joined by Holly Ruth Finigan, author of Wholeheartedly: The One You Want to Find Is You and Beyond the Map , featured on her Substack...

How do you create a layered home that feels personal, collected, and comfortable? Benjamin Raynaert joins Anne Kokoskie on Classic & Curious to explore the art of decorating with personality. An editor, stylist, and creative director, Benjamin has honed his discerning eye at some of design’s most influential publications, including Martha Stewart Living, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful,...

What happens when fashion and interiors share a creative vision? For designer Marla Mullen, the answer takes shape in the Nantucket Rose—a floral brooch created in collaboration with Helena Simon, whose handmade brooches were commissioned for the Met Gala. Blending beautiful fabrics, a tassel inspired by interiors, and a personal connection to Nantucket, their collaboration celebrates how a small...

What if the secret to a beautiful life is collecting small moments of joy? Alexander Widener, founder of Widener Company in Wiscasset, Maine, joins Anne Kokoskie on Classic & Curious for a conversation about design, craftsmanship, curiosity, and starting over. Recently seen alongside Meredith Hayden on Netflix’s Wishbone Kitchen, the decorator, collector, and storyteller shares how leaving New...

What happens when a love of mahjong meets a lifelong devotion to Halloween? Anne welcomes writer and actress Jill Kargman and Center & Spring co-founder Sandi Drucker-Wright to talk about their delightfully spooky mahjong tile collaboration. Jill and Sandi share how a vacation game sparked the idea, and how artist Kelly Lillian brought it to life with skulls, snakes, fanged lips, and jokers de...

As summer draws to a close and we reflect on America’s 250th anniversary, Americana is having a moment—and no one has defined it more beautifully or enduringly than Ralph Lauren. My guest today, interior designer Javier Burkle, knows that world firsthand. After working with Ralph Lauren, he founded the Dallas-based firm Burkle Creative. A two-time featured designer at the prestigious Kips Bay Deco...

What makes a Nancy Meyers interior feel so timeless—and how can we bring that same warmth into our own homes? Annie Meyers-Shyer , the creator and discerning eye behind This Oak House , joins Classic & Curious for a conversation about it all began, her new book and upcoming collaborations. The daughter of acclaimed filmmaker Nancy Meyers, Annie grew up on film sets where beautifully layered in...

What if quiet luxury has less to do with what you own—and everything to do with how you make people feel? In this episode, Anne welcomes interior designer Benjamin Deaton, founder and principal of Benjamin Deaton Interior Design and Benjamin Deaton Home, for a thoughtful and delightfully practical conversation about timeless interiors, effortless entertaining, personal style, and the true meaning...

In this episode of Classic & Curious , Anne welcomes celebrated interior designer and author Eric Ross, founder and principal of Eric Ross Interiors, for a thoughtful conversation about the enduring appeal of traditional design—and how to make it feel relevant, personal and entirely at home today. Eric shares why familiarity lies at the heart of timeless interiors, how collections bring soul a...

In this episode of Classic & Curious , Anne Kokoskie sits down with Rosemary Hallgarten, founder of one of the world’s most admired luxury textile houses.  A British-born, award-winning textile designer and second-generation craftsperson, Rosemary pioneered the use of alpaca in luxury rugs and fabrics, building an internationally recognized brand known for its extraordinary texture and modern...

What does it mean to honor someone’s legacy while finding the confidence to create your own? In this deeply moving episode of Classic & Curious , Anne Kokoskie welcomes Dana Ferraro , Principal of Molly Patton Design, for a conversation that extends far beyond beautiful interiors. Following the passing of her dear friend and business partner, Molly Patton, Dana made the extraordinary decision...

In this episode of Classic & Curious, Anne sits down with celebrated event designer David M. Handy for a conversation on the art of entertaining, timeless design, and creating meaningful moments that linger long after the last guest leaves. From the founding of Handy & Dallaire Events to the thoughtful curation behind The Event Rental Co., David shares how he and his husband, Donald, built...

This week, Anne welcomes Ann Huff and Meg Harrington, the visionary duo behind Huff Harrington, for a conversation on how a meeting over lunch in Atlanta grew into one of designs most admired creative partnerships.  Ann and Meg share the evolution of their brand — from selling art out of their kitchens to building a multifaceted business spanning galleries, interiors, retail, curated travel, and P...

In this episode, Anne sits down with James Dolenc and Tom Riker, the founders of James Thomas, to explore their unconventional path from corporate careers to building one of Chicago’s most respected residential design studios. James and Tom share the story behind their 23-year partnership, the lessons they’ve learned growing a business together, and why culture has remained at the heart of their f...

In this episode, award-winning interior designer Carolyn Kendall, founder of Alcott Interiors, joins Anne for a rich conversation on collected living, Southern hospitality, and the art of creating spaces that tell a story. Known for her refined eye and timeless interiors, Carolyn has been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design, Traditional Home, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, and Homeworthy, and was...

In this soulful episode of Classic & Curious, Anne sits down with internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter, composer, and storyteller Dominick Farinacci for a conversation about music, humanity, and the stories that connect us. From growing up in Cleveland to becoming part of Juilliard’s inaugural jazz studies program — under the influence and mentorship of jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and the...

In this Mother’s Day episode, Anne welcomes Houston-based interior designer Meg Lonergan for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, motherhood and building a life and brand.  Meg shares her unconventional path as a self-taught designer, from a childhood rooted in Louisiana tradition to launching her Houston design firm in 2009. She opens up about learning to trust her natural gifts, overcoming...

In this episode, Anne sits down with Tanya Rose, founder of Mason Rose and host of the widely celebrated podcast Travel Secret s to explore the deeper meaning behind travel and the stories that stay with us long after we return home. From building a global luxury travel PR agency to launching a podcast with millions of engaged listeners, Tanya shares how storytelling, and connection have shaped he...

Today's guest is Blake Sams founder of Gregory Blake Sams Events an award-winning event planning firm known for its flawless execution located in Charleston and New York City.  Blake's creative talents extend beyond events into interior design, and most recently his signature taste and style can be found in his Charleston shop, Wentworth . His work has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, Veranda, Vo...

Just beyond New York City, Litchfield County has quietly become one of the most coveted escapes. And at its heart is a destination as thoughtful as it is transporting.  In this episode, we step inside Lost Fox Inn with co-founder Eliza Clark, joined by her daughter, designer Arden Wray.  Eliza, a former HGTV producer, turned hotelier and designer brings a refined editorial eye and a deep appreciat...

What does it really look like to shop for antiques in the Cotswolds—and do it well? In this episode of Classic and Curious, we’re joined by Tammi, founder of Claiborne & Olive, known for helping clients experience the charm of antique shopping in the Cotswolds, sourcing English antiques with confidence, and enjoying the beauty of boutique hotels, farm-to-table food, and thoughtfully planned bu...

Today on Classic & Curious, I’m joined by AD100 designer Patrick Mele, whose colorful design journey began at Kate Spade and Ralph Lauren before building  one of today’s most celebrated interior design firms.  Patrick’s work has been featured in leading publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Frederic, and New York Magazine. He has been named to the prestigious AD100 List and...

There are certain lives that feel like a masterclass in grace — lived with intention, elegance, and a reverent attention to detail. We may know the names, admire the work, study the legacy. But rarely do we glimpse how these individuals truly lived. Today, we are honored to welcome back Linda Jane Holden — author, historian, and thoughtful storyteller. Known for her beautiful tributes to Bunny Mel...