Slow Style Home: Decorating Personal, Meaningful Interiors

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! My guest today for our “Think Like A Designer” series is Gabriela Eisenhart, founder of Silo Studio Design. We cover a lot of bases in this conversation: finding inspiration for a “wow” moment in a kitchen; how to use color in a mostly neutral living room; mixing heavy and light layers to create a serene bedroom; what to do with that empty area y...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sit down with designer Barrett Oswald to examine the thought process behind her stunning, layered interiors. We explore the power of color, the role of texture, and how composition can transform a space—whether it’s a grand entryway or a cozy nook. Barrett shares insights from her work on both his...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this episode, I interview Nasozi Kakembo, author of 'African Decor Edit,' who shares her experiences traveling across Africa meeting artisans, and creating home accessories. Nasozi's book underscores the importance of understanding the cultural context behind African decor, highlighting 16 significant objects and how they are ar...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! Last week, I interviewed a designer who strongly follows and advocates for design rules, and while that method works for some, I advocate for a different, more personal approach to home design. I discussed various design rules, their origins, and how they can be broken to create a unique, joyful space that reflects individual style. I categorized...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this episode, I sit down with Betsy Helmuth, a professional designer known for her fast-paced, rule-based approach, which contrasts with my slow style method. While I emphasize self-exploration and taking time to layer a home, Betsy's clients prioritize efficiency and clear guidelines to avoid mistakes in their design decisions. Betsy sha...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this episode, I had a delightful conversation with Danielle Balanis, a Birmingham-based designer known for her bold, layered, and mixed aesthetic. Danielle's designs exude joy, abundance, and energy, adhering to the principles of the Slow Style philosophy. She emphasizes developing an aesthetic rather than adhering to strict style categor...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! Today I'm sharing a 1:1 coaching call from a listener who wanted help with his basement bar. It's a small area that he felt could use a big update.  And he wanted to use his recent trip to Germany as a jumping off point.  If you're watching this on YouTube, you'll see photos of his bar and some shots I pulled from German taver...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this first episode of my new "Fix My Room" series, I take you behind the scenes of a real-life design coaching session with Kathleen. Join me as I help her transform a frustrating living room into a peaceful, light-filled space by focusing on what truly brings her joy. We'll explore how a few strategic changes—removing heavy cur...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this episode, I sit down with Barbara Boyle, author of 'Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300 Year Old Italian Farmhouse.' Barbara shares her journey from a successful advertising career to renovating and living in an old Italian farmhouse. Her initial inspiration came during a honeymoon trip to Europe where she fell in love with a small Ital...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! Happy 2025! I love the new year and the sense of starting over it brings. In this episode, I steer clear of trends and focus on a slow style approach to interior design. Instead of overwhelming yourself with big changes, I suggest sitting in each room of your home to take stock of what makes you happy and what doesn't. I encourage you to use...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In the final episode of the Slow Style Home podcast for 2024, I talk to Stephanie O'Dea, the author of 'Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle Driven World.' We dive into how her book provides actionable steps for reorienting one's mindset towards a purposeful life, away from societal pressures. Stephanie expla...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this episode, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Nina Watson, a designer whose thoughtful and intentional approach to her home perfectly embodies the Slow Style principles I teach. As we talked, her stories brought these principles to life, offering real-world examples of how they can transform not just our spaces, but the way we live...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! When I sat down with Lauren Emerson and Genevieve Hewson of Walter G., I was transported into the world of block printing, where craftsmanship and soul meet.  We spoke about the philosophy behind 'slow style,' emphasizing the importance of handmade and artisan products and the ethical considerations of their creation. We discuss the uni...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! Schuyler Samperton and I talk about incorporating inherited items, mixing styles and eras, and creatively using dark wood. We highlight the importance of scale, inventive textile applications, and using light fixtures as focal points. Schuyler also goes behind the scenes with her own fabric and wallpaper lines and provides tips on mixing and matc...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this solo episode, I explore a popular topic: handling mementos and tchotchkes from travel. I share my thought process, from pre-trip preparations to what I buy and how I integrate those items into my home. Travel fuels home design with life and energy, inspiring us with new ideas and color palettes. I offer a deep dive into the Slow Style Fra...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! The Slow Style Home podcast is about the process of creating a beautiful, one-of-a-kind home without hurting the planet or your wallet to get there. Slow Style is an antidote to fast-paced micro trends and disposable decor and the pressure we've been feeling to live in this instantaneous, perfect home. My name is Zandra Zuraw and I'm re...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I sat down with Michael Bartz, a homeowner who built and lives in a tiny home with his partner and three cats. Michael's journey to sustainable living began in 2015 after a life-changing breakup, leading him to question traditional housing and embrace the tiny house lifestyle. He built his 175-...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I interview Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett, founders of KOBEL + Co . We explore their design philosophy, which includes the use of 'ugly' pieces to add tension, balance, and serendipity. They explain how incorporating antiques and avoiding matchiness can make spaces more interesting...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this solo episode, we will explore step three of my Slow Style framework, which is all about executing your vision for a room makeover. I'm here to guide you in thoughtfully connecting your design choices to the personal visions and values that matter most to you. I emphasize the importance of resisting impulsive shopping and instead care...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sit down with Samantha Stathis Lynch of Samantha Ware Designs to explore her rich background in art authentication and interior design. Samantha shares her journey from galleries to working at the prestigious De Gournay, and how she incorporates her deep understanding of art history into accessibl...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I talk with Abi Dare, author of 'The Soft Minimalist Home' and the 'These Four Walls' blog. We discuss her unique take on minimalism, which is not just about having fewer things but about making space for what truly matters. Abi explains that minimalism is an approach rather than...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I chat with Nicole Johnsey Burke, founder of Gardenary and author of Kitchen Garden Revival , about optimizing outdoor spaces —be it a large yard or a small balcony— for growing vegetables. Nicole shares her personal journey from overcoming food addiction to becoming a garden expert and discusses ho...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! My guest today is my friend and fellow podcaster, Rebecca West. Her book, “Happy Starts At Home,” is in its second edition and therefore giving me the opportunity to share it all with you. Her book will give you tons of thoughtful exercises to help you think through big decisions when it comes to designing and decorating your home. In this conver...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I host designer Jo Berryman, who discusses her book 'Expressive Interiors.' Jo encourages homeowners to be fearless and bold in their design choices, emphasizing the importance of expressing one's true self through their living spaces. We explore various design principles such as harm...

Text me your thoughts or questions on this episode! Today is the second episode in my series about the Slow Style Framework, a method I use to teach people how to create meaningful, beautiful homes one room at a time. The first episode covered step one, Envision, and today's episode focuses on step two, Experiment. This episode emphasizes the valuable lessons learned from experimenting with i...