How to Decorate Podcast
Bonus Episode: Introducing Our NEW Spring/Summer Catalog Items!
Released: April 24, 2026 | Hosts: Caroline (Marketing), Taryn (Product Design), Liz (Creative)
Episode Overview
This lively bonus episode is a deep-dive exploration of Ballard Designs’ brand new Spring/Summer 2026 collection. The hosts, flipping through the just-released catalog, share the inspiration, design stories, and favorite pieces from the new line. With off-the-cuff anecdotes and design insights, they discuss trends, problem-solving furniture, standout fabrics, and the little details that make a collection feel “alive." Perfect for Ballard fans, aspiring decorators, or any listener looking to refresh their space, the episode is a conversational journey through must-have products and the creative process behind them.
Key Topics and Discussion Points
1. Collection Inspiration & Major Trends
[01:34–03:52]
- Fresh Color Palettes: Earthy pastels, ‘living’ color in home design, and embracing spring's vibrancy.
- Natural Materials: The ongoing love for wovens, rattan, rope, and artisan objects (“Can’t go to any store right now without running into a woven lampshade, rattan piece…” – Taryn, 02:57).
- Classic Motifs: Stripes remain a core element—Ballard “will continue to have stripes.”
- Coastal Chic: Aiming for a “break out of winter,” beach-inspired freshness with patina and embellishments.
2. Standout Furniture Pieces
[04:24–14:12]
- Carson Launch & Westbury Table:
- “The shape they can weave... it is so sweet and so nice, and the pedestal... the scallop molding…” – Liz, 04:46.
- Veda Bed:
- “If you guys are looking for, like, a wow moment...this beautiful, subtle wave...a little braided detail along the headboard”—Taryn, 05:17.
- Built-in scallop skirt praised for eliminating the need for separate bed skirts.
- Raya Bar Cart & Cabinet:
- Increased functionality (intentional bar height), versatile styling, and natural finishes.
- Henry Rope-Wrapped Console:
- Double baluster base, all rope-wrapped for texture, “really a wow moment”—Liz, 09:10.
- Ramona Dining Chair:
- Notable for carved rope details and tassel feet, inspired by both antiques and “a little bit of Aladdin” (10:08).
- Torino Bookcase:
- “In the photography, it looked great...in person, I was just blown away by the quality.”—Liz, 10:47.
- Victoria Secretary:
- Based on an antique found while traveling; functions as a desk, TV hider, and storage solution for smaller spaces (13:10–14:31).
3. Theming and Design Process
[12:43–13:09]
- Rope as versatile motif: Real vs. faux implementations; both design and merchandising teams influencing the theme.
- “It's kind of that faux bois… just another trick to get texture into a space.”—Taryn, 12:59
4. Texture & Material Surface Trends
[14:24–16:59]
- Fluting, burl, and veneers celebrated for subtle sophistication.
- Maris Office Collection: “A beautiful marriage of all the different things—rich burl, elegant legs, versatile shape.”—Liz, 16:31.
5. Color Stories for Spring/Summer 2026
[17:26–19:30]
- Lavender and Chartreuse as standouts.
- “We've been…really focused on green for a while…The green we've used in this season is more yellowy, like sour apple type of...”—Caroline, 17:34.
6. Fabric & Soft Goods Highlights
[32:20–35:02]
- Introduction of new Roman Shades (with contrast borders), creative mix-and-match with drapery panels.
- Outdoor pillows: “Groupings” encourage effortless, designer look (33:30).
- Trends in bedding: Pattern-on-pattern (Essie bedding) and ‘flop over valance’ drapery for a relaxed, chic vibe.
7. Outdoor Living Innovations
[23:21–29:35]
- Berkshire Porch Swing:
- “It has the lattice. It will look gorgeous on my white house with a little laps work…” – Taryn, 23:45.
- Comes with attachable side tray (“sidecar tray”) for wine and snacks.
- Bedford Collection by Suzanne Kasler:
- “If you love that wicker... it feels clean and refined”—Liz, 24:50.
- Biloxi Collection:
- “Shockingly comfortable” cushionless rope lounge—addresses perfomance and comfort fears (25:38).
- Outdoor Upholstered Furniture:
- Somerset and Santa Clara – real indoor look, marine-grade teak frames, “living outside with an indoor look”—Liz, 28:03.
- Outdoor Melamine Plates & Striped Mats:
- Taryn extols the virtues of sturdy, designer-minded melamine plates: “My food looks good. I don’t know why. It was just a striped plate!” (29:29).
8. Playful Details, Patterns & Accessories
[29:39–39:22]
- Striped matting for artwork and creative art pairings.
- Block-print and gingham outdoor pillows; “sweatpants for your windows” (flopover valance) as the ultimate in casual comfort (32:55).
- Indoor and outdoor stripe innovations: horizontal stripes (Halyard stripe drapery) for a “designery” custom feel (36:56–38:11).
9. Customization Options
[40:14–41:46]
- Custom-sized rugs: Up to “15 by 15” feet or tailored runners for tricky hallways; nine new patterns this season.
10. Kitchen & Storage Solutions
[41:50–45:44]
- Bruno Kitchen Pantry:
- Lauded for “good narrow size” and gold accents.
- Humorous bit about displaying potatoes: “If you need to display something, like a potato…” (42:41).
- Bridge Storage Cabinet & Kitchen Island:
- “Such a little...if you’ve been thinking about having a coffee bar, this is the perfect little station for you.”—Taryn, 44:00.
- Attention to small but important details: cord management, hinges that allow full bifold opening.
11. Favorite Picks & Shopping Lists
[46:30–50:10]
- The hosts round-table their actual Wish Lists:
- Taryn: Melamine plates, porch swing, custom rugs/runners, Roman shades.
- Liz: Carson Brighton bar cart, outdoor umbrella, faux orange plant in chinoiserie vase.
- Caroline: Violette Chartreuse bedding (“that chartreuse looks so good in a navy room”), Greek key blue & spa pillow, candle lamp (aka “candle with a hat”), new outdoor pillow covers.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- “Can’t go to any store right now without running into a woven lampshade, rattan piece of furniture. We continue to, like, love that natural material and the way the artisans are creating any objet.” – Taryn, [02:57]
- “If you guys are looking for, like, a wow moment for a room, this bed... has this beautiful, subtle wave... a little braided detail along the headboard.” – Taryn on the Veda Bed, [05:17]
- “It would be hard to convince someone that it’s not an antique... it’s that well done.” – Caroline on the Victoria Secretary, [14:58]
- “There’s a magic to pattern on pattern... What would stripes look good with? And then we were kind of into these florals.” – Taryn, [31:51]
- “I don’t have, like, the kid plates that have, like, dinosaurs. We just have pretty melamine that I want to see.” – Taryn, [30:19]
- On flop over valance drapery, “It gives a very relaxed, casual look... nothing is too precious.” – Taryn, [32:33]
- “If you need to put something on your window that was sweatpants, what would it be?” – Taryn, [35:02]
- Potatoes as a running joke: “If you need to display something, like a potato…” – Caroline, [42:41]
- “We need it in about... he’s on a tablescape. Yeah, I know. But that sage to start is fabulous.” – Taryn on the candle lamp, [49:58]
Timeline/Timestamps for Key Segments
- 01:34–03:52: Overall collection direction; trends, inspiration, and mood.
- 04:24–14:12: Deep dives on standout furniture launches—Carson, Westbury, Veda, Raya, Henry, Ramona, Torino, Victoria Secretary.
- 14:24–16:59: Material trends—fluting, burl, Maris office collection.
- 17:26–19:30: Color palette highlights—chartreuse and lavender.
- 23:21–25:30: Outdoor launch—Berkshire Porch Swing, Bedford and Biloxi Collections.
- 28:03–29:35: Outdoor upholstery—Somerset/Santa Clara collections; outdoor melamine plates.
- 32:20–35:02: Fabric trends; pattern-on-pattern bedding (Essie), flop over valance.
- 36:56–38:11: Stripe innovation—horizontal stripe drapery.
- 40:14–41:46: Custom rug sizing; runner solutions.
- 41:50–45:44: Kitchen pantry, bridge storage cabinet, hinges, and (jokingly) potato storage.
- 46:30–50:10: Personal shopping picks from each host; candle lamps and pillow covers.
- 32:55–33:05 and 35:02-35:19: “Sweatpants for your windows” riff.
- 42:41–44:21: Hilarious kitchen potato display tangent.
Additional Notables
- The episode’s tone is playful, insider, relaxed, and loaded with practical nuggets for real-life decorating dilemmas.
- Pillows, accessories, and little luxuries (like melamine tableware, art with striped mats, and playful candle lamps) are positioned as quick wins for home updates.
- Customization is heavily spotlighted for rugs and window treatments.
- Textures and layered materials are emphasized as the single most important strategy for achieving a sophisticated, magazine-worthy home.
- Furniture and soft goods that help maximize space and function (Victoria Secretary, kitchen pantries, rope-wrapped consoles) are recurrent themes for the modern, multi-use home.
Summary Table: Host Shopping Lists
| Host | Must-Have Picks |
|----------|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Taryn | Melamine plates, Berkshire porch swing, custom rugs & runners, Roman shades |
| Liz | Carson Brighton bar cart, outdoor umbrella, faux orange in chinoiserie vase |
| Caroline | Violette chartreuse bedding, Greek key pillow, candle lamp, new outdoor pillow covers |
Final Takeaway
This special bonus podcast episode offers a vibrant, behind-the-scenes look at the best of Ballard Designs’ Spring/Summer 2026 collection. If you’re yearning for color, comfort, texture, and a curated touch in every room (inside and out), this episode is your ultimate guide—full of both expert tips and “real life” shopping confessions. The trio’s enthusiasm and humor make it a joy, and you’ll come away brimming with inspiration for your next home project.
For more details, photos, and product links, visit howtodecorate.com/podcast or find Ballard Designs on your favorite social platforms.
Notable Quote, close to the end:
“I would actually like to give them thanks for joining. A prize for getting this far. You can have a tea light. Call me...or a potato.” — Taryn & Liz, [51:22]