Podcast Title: How to Decorate
Episode: Ep. 405: Interiors of a Storyteller with Stephanie Sabbe
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Host: Ballard Designs
Guest: Stephanie Sabbe, Nashville Interior Designer and Author of Interiors of a Storyteller
Introduction
In Episode 405, the Ballard Designs team welcomes back Stephanie Sabbe, a renowned Nashville interior designer known for her ability to harmonize historic charm with contemporary aesthetics. Stephanie discusses her newly released book, Interiors of a Storyteller, which intricately weaves personal narratives with her latest design projects. The hosts—Caroline, Taryn, and Liz—express their excitement about Stephanie's unique storytelling approach to interior design.
Interiors of a Storyteller: A Blend of Personal and Professional
Stephanie introduces her book as a fusion of personal essays and design projects, aiming to offer readers both emotional resonance and visual inspiration. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in design, explaining how each space she creates tells a unique story rooted in history and personal experience.
Notable Quote:
"I really wanted to write a memoir, but no one knows me as any sort of author or storyteller, so I kind of used my interior design work to get the opportunity to write the book that I've always wanted to write."
— Stephanie Sabbe (01:20)
Timeless Design: Embracing History and Permanence
Stephanie delves into her design philosophy, highlighting her passion for timelessness and the enduring quality of historic architecture. She shares a poignant story about revisiting her childhood home, built by her father with durable materials like brick, which has stood the test of time despite economic constraints.
Notable Quote:
"When did people stop building things even when they were young and poor, that would still be there in 40 years and look like they did?"
— Stephanie Sabbe (05:55)
She contrasts this with the modern trend of disposable architecture, lamenting the loss of permanence and aesthetic integrity in contemporary building practices.
Storytelling Through Design
Stephanie emphasizes that every home should tell a story, moving away from impersonal, neutral spaces towards environments that reflect the inhabitants' personalities and histories. She believes that design is not just about aesthetics but about creating lived-in spaces that evoke emotions and memories.
Notable Quote:
"When guests come to your house, you want them to say, like, this feels like you, you know, instead of like this feels like a tear sheet from a catalog or something."
— Stephanie Sabbe (16:49)
She discusses how she incorporates personal narratives into her projects, making each space not only functional but also emotionally resonant.
Designing Without Rules: Breaking Conventional Boundaries
Stephanie challenges traditional design rules, advocating for flexibility and personal expression. She criticizes outdated mandates like the kitchen triangle or obligatory can lighting, encouraging designers and homeowners to prioritize functionality and personal comfort over rigid adherence to trends.
Notable Quote:
"There is nothing new under the sun. We refer to history for most of our projects. We're not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it resonates with most people because history does."
— Stephanie Sabbe (10:16)
She encourages embracing individuality in design, stating that breaking conventional rules opens up limitless possibilities for creativity and personal expression.
Color Theory and Palette Creation
The conversation shifts to Stephanie's approach to color selection. She prefers "muddy" and earthy tones that offer subtlety and livability, avoiding overly bright or trendy colors. Stephanie explains her systematic method for palette creation, starting with architectural elements and gradually layering in textiles, rugs, and wall coverings to achieve cohesive and timeless color schemes.
Notable Quote:
"Colors will come and go, but what's timeless will endure."
— Stephanie Sabbe (26:32)
She highlights the importance of testing colors in different lighting conditions to ensure they maintain their intended appearance throughout the day.
Listener’s Decorating Dilemma: Master Bedroom Solutions
Stephanie addresses a listener's question about designing a master bedroom with high ceilings, a large semicircular window, and inadequate closet space. She offers practical solutions:
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Window Treatments: Suggests using antique or polished brass rods with guided tracks (zip rods) to accommodate the window's unique shape. Recommends a thin, elegant rod that complements the room's aesthetics.
Notable Quote:
"Dragging rings over a rod on a high ceiling is kind of a nightmare."
— Stephanie Sabbe (53:52) -
Closet Space: Advises against traditional closets, proposing built-in cabinetry to maximize space and maintain the room's polished look. She emphasizes functional storage solutions that blend seamlessly with the room's design.
Notable Quote:
"A built-in that has the shelves and the drawers that you actually need is a lot more efficient use of space and could give that room so much character."
— Stephanie Sabbe (57:42)
The Emotional Impact of Design
Stephanie reiterates that design is deeply emotional, aiming to create spaces that evoke joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging. She discourages chasing fleeting trends, advocating instead for enduring styles that reflect the homeowners' true selves.
Notable Quote:
"Life is too short to kind of save it all for that one day home or that one day life."
— Stephanie Sabbe (20:29)
She emphasizes that individuals should find contentment in their living spaces now, rather than postponing happiness for a future, potentially unattainable home.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to Stephanie for sharing her insights and book. The hosts express their admiration for Stephanie's ability to blend humor, vulnerability, and design expertise, making her book a must-read for anyone interested in thoughtful and personal interior design.
Notable Quote:
"I cry. I laugh and cry in my own book, too."
— Stephanie Sabbe (59:15)
Stephanie humorously declines further podcast appearances, likening it to being a guest at a party rather than hosting one, but leaves the door open for future collaborations.
Final Thought: The episode underscores the power of storytelling in interior design, encouraging listeners to infuse their homes with personal narratives and timeless elegance.
Additional Resources
- Book Mentioned: Interiors of a Storyteller by Stephanie Sabbe
- Listener Questions: Submit your decorating dilemmas to podcast@ballarddesigns.net
- Podcast Website: howtodecorate.com/podcast
- Social Media: Follow Ballard Designs on various platforms for more tips and inspiration.
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