Podcast Summary: Ep. 398 - Timeless Design Tips with Liz Williams
Host: Caroline, Taryn, and special guest Liz Williams
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Podcast Title: How to Decorate by Ballard Designs
Introduction to Liz Williams
In this episode of How to Decorate, the Ballard Designs team welcomes Liz Williams, an esteemed Atlanta-based interior designer and founder of Liz Williams Interiors. Liz shares her journey from studying historic architecture at the College of Charleston to establishing her own firm in 1998 after five formative years at Carter K Interiors.
Notable Quote:
"I've learned so much about attention to detail from her, so I think that sort of transcends all the styles."
— Liz Williams [01:57]
Evolution of Interior Design Over the Last 20 Years
Liz Williams reflects on the significant changes in interior design over the past two decades. She highlights the shift from predominantly brown furniture to lighter, painted patinas favored by younger clients. The discussion underscores the cyclical nature of design trends, noting the resurgence of brown furniture as clients seek timeless and practical solutions.
Notable Quotes:
"We do a lot of that, especially younger clients want the lighter, brighter feel."
— Liz Williams [03:39]
"I think the brown is back, and I didn't get rid of any of mine, so a lot of clients didn't either."
— Liz Williams [04:39]
Timeless Pieces and the Use of Antiques
Liz emphasizes the importance of integrating antiques and timeless pieces into modern designs. Her portfolio showcases a blend of traditional elements with contemporary accents, allowing spaces to feel both classic and fresh. She advocates for pairing antique furniture with modern art or sculptural pieces to maintain a harmonious balance.
Notable Quote:
"We kept the traditional roots, but we're always trying to tweak it and make it more modern."
— Liz Williams [04:06]
Color Trends: Past and Present
A significant portion of the conversation centers around color trends. Liz discusses the decline of brown furniture in the last 10-15 years and its recent comeback. She delves into the popularization of colors like sage green, earthy tones, and the nuanced reintroduction of reds and pinks in subtle forms. The hosts explore how designers can incorporate trendy colors without overwhelming a space, suggesting the use of accent pieces and layered color palettes.
Notable Quotes:
"It's a little bit more sage. It's a little bit more earthy kind of green."
— Liz Williams [06:56]
"I love that color. I think it's far removed from that trend and totally came around the same thing, but kind of different in execution."
— Liz Williams on mocha mousse [28:08]
Incorporating Trends Without Compromising Timelessness
Liz provides insights on balancing trendy elements with timeless design. She advises incorporating current trends in smaller doses—such as through pillows, rugs, or art—to ensure longevity and ease of updates. The discussion includes practical strategies for integrating features like shiplap or moody green kitchens in a way that feels enduring rather than fleeting.
Notable Quotes:
"If you look at the whole room and have something that's not going to take over the entire space, it's better."
— Liz Williams [09:16]
"Maybe do something with the shiplap that's a little bit different."
— Liz Williams [10:04]
Refreshing Spaces: Small Updates vs. Major Overhauls
The hosts explore the benefits of making incremental updates to home decor rather than undertaking complete makeovers. Liz emphasizes the importance of starting with solid foundations and refreshing elements like curtains, pillows, or rugs to keep spaces feeling current without the stress of large-scale changes.
Notable Quote:
"If you start with good bones, you may not need a complete overhaul."
— Liz Williams [14:10]
Show Houses and Collaborative Design Challenges
Liz shares her experiences working on show houses, particularly the challenges of maintaining cohesion among different designers’ contributions. She highlights the importance of communication and the creative opportunities that arise when designers experiment with diverse styles within a unified framework.
Notable Quotes:
"It's always fun to see what everybody comes up with and who is using the same colors."
— Liz Williams [40:22]
"Try to come up with new and different ways to do what we always do so that people can see it."
— Liz Williams [39:55]
Listener Question: Dressing Bay Windows
Towards the end of the episode, the hosts address a listener’s dilemma about dressing bay windows in different rooms of a townhouse. Liz offers practical solutions, recommending full drapery panels mounted on ceiling tracks to accommodate the angles of bay windows. She suggests using blackout curtains with heavy linings for bedrooms to address privacy and sound absorption needs, while advising against using Roman shades due to limitations with soffit space.
Notable Quotes:
"If you like panels, I think that's the way to go."
— Liz Williams [43:27]
"Blackout curtains with a heavy-duty fabric really help with sound and privacy."
— Liz Williams [45:11]
Conclusion and Where to Find Liz Williams
The episode wraps up with Liz sharing her contact information and upcoming projects. She encourages listeners to visit her website, follow her on Instagram, and look out for her feature in Southern Home magazine. The hosts express their gratitude for Liz’s insights and participation.
Notable Quote:
"Our website is lizwilliamsinteriors.com and Instagram is at Liz Williams Interiors."
— Liz Williams [48:01]
Key Takeaways
- Blend Tradition with Modernity: Integrating antiques with contemporary pieces creates timeless and polished spaces.
- Embrace Color Thoughtfully: Use trendy colors in small doses to maintain flexibility and longevity in design.
- Incremental Updates: Refreshing elements like textiles can keep a home feeling current without major renovations.
- Customized Solutions: For unique architectural features like bay windows, custom drapery solutions ensure functionality and aesthetics.
- Collaborative Creativity: Show houses offer designers the opportunity to experiment while maintaining overall cohesion.
Additional Resources
- Liz Williams Interiors
- Website: lizwilliamsinteriors.com
- Instagram: @LizWilliamsInteriors
- Upcoming Features:
- Southern Home Magazine, March Issue
- Show House Projects Spring Season
By delving into the practical and aesthetic aspects of interior design, Liz Williams provides valuable insights for homeowners and aspiring decorators alike. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to achieving timeless elegance while embracing contemporary trends.