Ep. 413: Elevating Everyday Design with Kate Figler - Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: How to Decorate
• Host/Author: Ballard Designs
• Episode: Ep. 413: Elevating Everyday Design with Kate Figler
• Release Date: May 13, 2025
• Description: This episode delves into the world of interior design with Nashville and Connecticut-based designer Kate Figler. The discussion covers her unique journey into design, the importance of education in the designer-client relationship, material selection for families, regional influences on her style, insights from a special show house project, and solutions to a listener's decorating dilemma.

1. Introduction and Guest Hosts [00:33 - 02:22]

The episode begins with a brief introduction from the hosts Caroline, Taryn, and Liz. Due to Taryn needing to take a temporary leave, special guest hosts from the Ballard Designs team join for this episode. Jamie Corona from the merchandising team steps in, bringing her expertise in outdoor decorative accessories and a fresh perspective to the conversation.

2. Introducing Kate Figler [02:22 - 02:23]

The main guest, Kate Figler, is welcomed. Kate is a respected interior designer based in Nashville and Connecticut, renowned for creating layered and timeless interiors. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as Southern Living, the Wall Street Journal, and Homes and Gardens. Recently, Nashville Lifestyle magazine recognized her as one of Nashville's up-and-coming designers.

3. Kate Figler’s Background and Path to Design [02:23 - 08:15]

Kate shares her unconventional journey into interior design, highlighting her previous roles and influences:

• Early Life and Family Influence: Growing up in a rural town in northwest Connecticut, Kate was immersed in a family-run restaurant, where she developed strong client service skills. "My grandmother made, you know, now that I look back on it, like, outrageous choices that I'm like, how did she do that?" ([03:13] Kate).

• Transition from Education: Initially aiming for a career in law, Kate shifted to teaching and became a kindergarten teacher. Her teaching experience fostered patience and effective communication, crucial skills in design.

• Discovery of Passion for Design: Through multiple home moves and hands-on renovation experiences, Kate discovered her natural talent for design. Encouraged by a builder, she transitioned into interior design without formal training, becoming self-taught through continuous learning and vendor relationships. "I am completely self-taught. But I think, you know my background in teaching... is all about educating our clients."

4. The Role of Education in Interior Design [08:15 - 11:12]

The discussion emphasizes the critical role of education in the designer-client relationship:

• Educating Clients: Designers often need to educate clients on various aspects such as materials, maintenance, and project timelines. "We are certainly educating on, you know, lead times, price points, wear and tear of materials, that sort of thing" ([08:15] Taryn).

• Complexity of Design Projects: Especially in projects involving construction or renovation, clients may be unaware of the intricacies involved. Taryn mentions, "when you are doing a new construction project, that you have to make 115,000 decisions when you're the homeowner" ([08:32] Taryn).

5. Material Selection for Families [11:12 - 22:10]

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around selecting appropriate materials for homes with children and pets:

• Choosing Durable Fabrics: Taryn advises against using viscose due to its vulnerability to water damage, recommending polyester-cotton blends instead. "Things that contain viscose... when it gets wet, it leaves a permanent ring" ([13:22] Taryn).

• Rug Recommendations: Wool is highly recommended for its durability and cleanability. "I cannot say enough about wool. It's cleanable and has natural stain resistance" ([16:47] Taryn).

• Sofa Construction: Emphasizing the importance of firmness in back cushions to withstand heavy use by children and pets. "Either go with a tight back sofa that has no cushion at all on the back or just do that standard like firmer back cushion" ([16:43] Taryn).

• Performance Materials: Highlighting the advancements in performance textiles that offer both aesthetic appeal and practicality. "We work with performance lines like perennials that are very cleanable" ([16:53] Taryn).

6. Regional Influences: Connecticut vs. Nashville [22:10 - 28:36]

Kate discusses how her move from Connecticut to Nashville has influenced her design aesthetics:

• Shared Love for Tradition: Both regions value tradition, with Connecticut showcasing saltbox houses and farmhouses, while Nashville clients often bring in heirloom furniture.

• Color and Eclecticism: Connecticut has a "preppier, more colorful vibe," whereas Nashville is more eclectic. Kate embraces vibrant colors and patterns in her designs, as opposed to solely neutrals.

• Respect for Architectural Features: Nashville clients appreciate and preserve the original charm of their homes. "I love the charm... You cannot recreate that" ([25:35] Kate).

7. Show House Project: The Venus Drawing Room [28:36 - 38:23]

Kate and the hosts delve into a special project—designing the Venus Drawing Room:

• Project Overview: The room was transformed into a feminine and colorful space inspired by Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus." Despite initial challenges, including a window placed above the bed in a high-ceilinged room, the team successfully created an inviting atmosphere.

• Design Elements: Utilized a custom chandelier, vibrant drapery, and a stunning mural "Linda's Garden" provided by Gracie. "We wanted it to feel like a room that some group of ladies would come back from at the end of a long day and unwind by the fire" ([31:32] Kate).

• Creative Solutions: Overcame architectural constraints by painting the ceiling pink to simulate a cocoon-like effect and arranging furniture to create the illusion of windows and symmetry.

8. Listener Q&A: Decorating a Narrow Bedroom [38:23 - 58:55]

A listener, Bri from Williamsburg, Massachusetts, poses a decorating dilemma about anchoring a floating bed in a narrow, high-ceilinged bedroom:

• Kate’s Suggestions:

  • Color Drenching: Painting the entire room or adding a feature wall in earthy greens or blues to add depth and grounding. "I would paint everything. This ceiling, the trim, the walls" ([47:43] Taryn).

  • Wallpaper: Introducing patterns with elements like trees or vines to create an illusion of depth and integrate with the high ceilings. "A wallpaper that has some trees or vines... creates a treehouse effect" ([47:43] Taryn).

  • Furniture Enhancements: Adding a tall, dramatic headboard or a canopy bed to utilize vertical space and provide visual anchoring. "A tall headboard with an unusual shape... adds height and becomes a focal point" ([54:36] Caroline).

  • Lighting Solutions: Incorporating taller lamps or wall sconces to draw the eye upward and balance the low furniture with the high ceiling.

• Taryn’s Additional Tips:

  • Symmetry and Balance: Ensuring furniture placement accounts for the room's quirky architectural features.

  • Functional Decor: Selecting furniture that aligns with the room’s purpose, making it a space that is both beautiful and livable.

9. Closing Remarks and Contact Information [59:03 - 60:30]

• Kate’s Contact Information: Kate encourages listeners to reach out through her website katebiglerinteriors.com, Instagram (@KateBiglerInteriors), and Pinterest.

• Final Thoughts: The hosts express gratitude to Kate and the guest host Jamie Corona for their contributions. They remind listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and follow Ballard Designs on social media for more decorating inspiration.

Notable Quotes:

• Kate Figler [03:13]: "My grandmother always impressed upon me that it's fun, that it's to be enjoyed and that it's to be shared."

• Taryn [08:15]: "We often hear about education as being such an important part of the designer-client relationship."

• Taryn [16:43]: "Don't go 100% down on the back... or just do that standard like firmer back cushion."

• Kate Figler [25:35]: "I love the charm... You cannot recreate that."

• Taryn [47:43]: "The industry expectation now, if you're working with a young family, that... if you have access to some of these amazing performance lines, you should use them."

• Caroline [43:34]: "I want to highlight what you said about putting things in a room that you want to use."

• Taryn [54:55]: "You need a statement on that wall."

Key Takeaways:

1. Unique Pathways into Design: Kate’s transition from kindergarten teaching to interior design highlights the importance of transferable skills such as patience, education, and client service.

2. Educating Clients: Effective communication and education are crucial in managing client expectations and ensuring successful project outcomes.

3. Material Selection: Choosing durable, cleanable materials is essential for homes with children and pets. Wool rugs and polyester-cotton blends are recommended for their practicality and longevity.

4. Regional Influences: Moving from Connecticut to Nashville has broadened Kate’s design palette, allowing her to blend traditional elements with vibrant, eclectic styles.

5. Creative Solutions in Design: Projects like the Venus Drawing Room demonstrate the importance of creativity and adaptability in overcoming architectural challenges.

6. Personalized Design Solutions: Addressing specific design dilemmas, such as anchoring a bed in a narrow room, requires tailored approaches that consider color, furniture placement, and decorative elements.

7. Continuous Learning: Kate’s self-taught expertise underscores the value of continual education and relationship-building with vendors to stay updated with industry trends and materials.

Conclusion:

Episode 413 of "How to Decorate" offers valuable insights into the world of interior design through the lens of Kate Figler’s experiences and expertise. From her unique career path and material selection tips to regional influences and creative project solutions, Kate provides a comprehensive look at what elevates everyday design. Listeners are encouraged to apply these lessons to their own spaces, ensuring that their homes are both beautiful and functional.