Episode Summary: Ep. 399: This is Home with Geoffrey Allen

Podcast Information:

• Title: How to Decorate
• Host/Author: Ballard Designs
• Description: A weekly podcast dedicated to the trials and triumphs of decorating and redecorating your home, featuring interviews with interior designers, personal stories from the Ballard Designs team, and answers to listeners’ decorating questions.
• Episode: Ep. 399: This is Home with Geoffrey Allen
• Release Date: February 4, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 399 of How to Decorate, hosts Caroline, Taryn, and Liz welcome renowned interior designer Geoffrey Allen as their special guest. Known for his appearance on Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators and author of The Meaning of Home (2013), Geoffrey brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to modern interior design.

Guest Introduction

[00:25 - 01:03]
Caroline introduces Geoffrey Allen, highlighting his extensive background in California, training in London, and numerous features in prestigious design publications like Elle Decor and Architectural Digest. Geoffrey expresses his gratitude for being invited and briefly discusses his new book, This is Home, which captures his design journey over the past decade.

New Book Launch: This is Home

[01:13 - 02:11]
Geoffrey shares that his latest book, This is Home with Rizzoli, marks a decade since his first publication. His personal life has evolved significantly, moving across the globe, marrying, and welcoming a five-year-old daughter named James. These changes have deeply influenced his approach to design, making his work more family-oriented and adaptive.

Design Philosophy: Blending Styles

[02:11 - 08:09]
Geoffrey discusses how his upbringing in California and subsequent training in London have shaped his unique design style—a harmonious blend of California cool and English patina. He credits mentors like John Stefanides and his internship at Colfax and Fowler for instilling a deep appreciation for timeless design principles.

“It's about bringing a lightness to that look that I think the California light and just the California feel brings to the space.” [08:09]
— Geoffrey Allen

He emphasizes the importance of balancing antique pieces with modern elements to create spaces that feel both fresh and warm.

Impact of California Fires on Design Work

[03:37 - 05:01]
The conversation takes a somber turn as Geoffrey addresses the recent California wildfires, sharing his personal connection and the emotional toll it has taken on him and his community. He mentions losing eight friends’ homes entirely and the ongoing challenges faced by those affected, including the skyrocketing rental prices in Los Angeles.

“Our hearts go out to California... They need more than clothes; they need beds, sheets, towels, and a place to live.” [03:47]
— Geoffrey Allen

Key Projects Discussed

1. Seaside Cottage in Montecito

[05:01 - 06:19]
Geoffrey highlights his seaside cottage project in Montecito, his first family-designed home. This project was pivotal in his career, blending English coziness with California’s laid-back vibe. The cottage features expansive gardens and marked his transition from hillside homes to ground-level gardening spaces.

“It's one of the first houses I had that isn't on a hillside. So it was nice to have that garden and to work in the garden.” [05:16 - 06:19]
— Geoffrey Allen

2. Rock and Roll Farmhouse in Sullivan Canyon

[32:21 - 37:05]
Another standout project is the Rock and Roll Farmhouse in Sullivan Canyon. This eclectic home exemplifies Geoffrey’s ability to merge rustic antiques with contemporary design. The project was notably challenging due to the client’s extensive involvement and specific dislikes, such as her aversion to blue and window coverings.

“It’s all about the mix... Each piece was chosen with such care to respect its history and integrate it seamlessly into the contemporary space.” [32:21 - 36:51]
— Geoffrey Allen

The farmhouse features reclaimed materials, Venetian plaster walls, and a balance of textures that prevent the space from feeling cluttered despite the eclectic mix.

Incorporating Antiques in Modern Spaces

[07:24 - 49:17]
Geoffrey delves deeper into his strategy for integrating antiques into modern or contemporary homes without making them feel traditional. He advocates for thoughtful selection and strategic placement of antique pieces to maintain a fresh and airy atmosphere.

“It's about the balance of how you merge those together, you know?” [08:09 - 09:32]
— Geoffrey Allen

He emphasizes mixing high and low elements, such as pairing West Elm furniture with beautiful antiques, to create an authentic and youthful look.

Adapting Design to Family Life

[20:12 - 26:38]
Geoffrey shares how becoming a parent has influenced his design approach. Designing a home for a family with young children requires prioritizing comfort, safety, and functionality alongside aesthetics. He discusses the challenges of creating kid-friendly spaces that remain stylish and manageable.

“Everything is about balance... making sure her space is comfortable and her belongings are organized.” [20:24 - 23:18]
— Geoffrey Allen

He acknowledges the difficulty in maintaining pristine spaces in a home with active children but highlights the satisfaction of creating environments that evolve with his family’s needs.

Color Palettes and the Use of Blue

[41:00 - 47:59]
Geoffrey explains his nuanced use of color, particularly blue, to cultivate calmness and cohesiveness in his designs. Contrary to popular belief, his spaces don’t rely heavily on blue; instead, they use various shades and textures to create depth and interest without overwhelming the space.

“When you really look at it all together, there's not that much blue. It's more about the state of blue rather than the actual blue color.” [41:00 - 44:05]
— Geoffrey Allen

He discusses layering different textures and complementary colors to enhance the visual appeal and maintain an effortless, lived-in feel.

Listener Q&A: Backsplash and Soapstone Dilemma

[50:29 - 57:23]
In the Q&A segment, Caroline presents a listener’s dilemma about choosing a backsplash for a kitchen with green-tinged soapstone counters and north-facing windows. Geoffrey offers several solutions, emphasizing the importance of reflective quality and seamless integration with existing elements.

“Painting the baseboards would be an interesting idea... and consolidate the kitchen to feel unified.” [54:58 - 56:20]
— Geoffrey Allen

He suggests options like using stainless steel backsplashes for a reflective glow, beadboard for a custom look, or incorporating light-colored tiles to avoid a cavernous feel.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[57:23 - 58:14]
The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to Geoffrey Allen for sharing his insights and showcasing his latest work. The hosts express their excitement about Geoffrey’s new book and the possibility of an upcoming book signing event.

“We’ve enjoyed your portfolio so much. Thank you so much for your time and all your beautiful work.” [57:51 - 58:00]
— Taryn

Listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast on social media, subscribe for future episodes, and submit their decorating dilemmas for expert advice.

Notable Quotes:

1. Geoffrey Allen: “It's about bringing a lightness to that look that I think the California light and just the California feel brings to the space.” [08:09]

2. Geoffrey Allen: “Our hearts go out to California... They need more than clothes; they need beds, sheets, towels, and a place to live.” [03:47]

3. Geoffrey Allen: “It's all about the balance of how you merge those together, you know?” [08:09 - 09:32]

4. Geoffrey Allen: “When you really look at it all together, there's not that much blue. It's more about the state of blue rather than the actual blue color.” [41:00 - 44:05]

5. Geoffrey Allen: “Everything is about balance... making sure her space is comfortable and her belongings are organized.” [20:24 - 23:18]

This episode of How to Decorate provides a rich and engaging exploration of Geoffrey Allen’s design philosophy, his ability to blend different styles, and the practical challenges of designing for a modern, dynamic family life. Through insightful discussions and real-world examples, listeners gain valuable perspectives on creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional.