Podcast Summary: How to Decorate Ep. 416 – "Home Is Where The Heart Is" with Olivia Westbrooks
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Ballard Designs
Guest: Olivia Westbrooks, Award-Winning Interior Designer and Artist
1. Introduction and Guest Overview
In Episode 416 of How to Decorate, the Ballard Designs team welcomes Olivia Westbrooks, an esteemed Atlanta-based interior designer known for her multiple ASID awards and artistic prowess. Olivia shares insights from her extensive 20-year career in interior design and construction, and delves into her latest venture—a television show titled Home Is Where The Heart Is, launched in collaboration with Hallmark Plus.
2. Origin and Concept of "Home Is Where The Heart Is"
Olivia recounts the serendipitous inception of her TV show:
Olivia Westbrooks [04:14]: "I just started, like, automatically deleting things after a while, and that one came through in my inbox... I said, you know what? Maybe I wasn't able to do this for me, but being a part of helping somebody else meant everything to me."
The show focuses on assisting families in renovating inherited or childhood homes, blending emotional narratives with the practical aspects of design. Olivia highlights the show's unique angle of intertwining personal family stories with the transformation of living spaces, setting it apart from conventional design programs.
3. Emotional Connection to Home and Design
A significant theme of the conversation centers on the profound emotional ties people have to their homes. Olivia shares a heartfelt story about selling her childhood home, emphasizing the emotional challenges involved:
Olivia Westbrooks [05:12]: "I remember sitting at the closing table with my dad, and both of us are, like, fighting back tears..."
This experience fueled her passion for the show, aiming to honor the sentimental value of homes while facilitating meaningful design transformations for families.
4. Production Process and Challenges
Olivia opens up about the rigorous production schedule of the show:
Olivia Westbrooks [08:22]: "I designed 12 spaces in 10 days. And then we shot it in five weeks. It was nuts."
Balancing the intensive demands of filming with running her own business and family responsibilities proved to be her most significant challenge. However, Olivia credits her success to a strong support system, including her senior designer Christine Vilwak and the dedicated production crew.
5. Design Philosophy and Color Theory
A deep dive into Olivia's design philosophy reveals her passion for color and texture. She discusses how the show allowed her to experiment beyond the neutral palettes common in contemporary design:
Olivia Westbrooks [16:00]: "I always get caught up on those questions. What would you use with this?"
Engaging in a spontaneous color theory game, Olivia demonstrates her intuitive approach to pairing colors, advocating for bold choices that reflect the homeowners' personalities and create vibrant, joyful spaces. She emphasizes the importance of integrating undertones and textures to make neutral spaces dynamic and engaging.
6. Working with Clients: Balancing Trends and Personal Taste
Olivia articulates her commitment to authenticity in client interactions:
Olivia Westbrooks [18:28]: "What's right for them because a lot of people, they hire you because they don't know."
She stresses the necessity of guiding clients towards choices that genuinely resonate with them, even if it means challenging prevalent design trends. Olivia encourages clients to prioritize their happiness and personal connection to the space over fleeting trends, fostering enduring satisfaction with their environments.
7. Personal Creative Pursuits and Maintaining Artistic Passion
Beyond her professional endeavors, Olivia and the hosts explore personal artistic pursuits. Olivia shares her love for quilting and jewelry making, highlighting the therapeutic and meditative aspects of creating art:
Olivia Westbrooks [52:28]: "Do you always go back to painting? Like, even if you try something else."
She emphasizes the importance of carving out time for personal creativity to sustain her passion and inspire her professional work. The conversation underscores the value of balancing professional responsibilities with personal artistic fulfillment to maintain overall well-being and creativity.
8. Closing Remarks and Where to Find More
As the episode concludes, Olivia provides listeners with information on how to watch her show and connect with her:
Olivia Westbrooks [57:24]: "You can watch all six episodes. Binge, binge. You can download it for free right now for a week and watch all the episodes."
She directs listeners to her Instagram (@OliviaWestbrooksInteriors), her website (OliviaWestbrooks.com), and assures them of the show's availability across various digital platforms. Olivia encourages viewers to engage emotionally with the show, hinting at its compelling and heartfelt content.
Key Takeaways:
- Emotional Design: Integrating personal stories enhances the design process, making spaces more meaningful.
- Color Theory Expertise: Bold and thoughtful color choices can transform neutral environments into vibrant, personalized spaces.
- Client Collaboration: Successful design hinges on understanding and prioritizing clients' authentic preferences over trends.
- Balancing Roles: Effective time management and a supportive team are crucial for handling multiple professional and personal responsibilities.
- Personal Creativity: Maintaining personal artistic pursuits fuels professional creativity and overall satisfaction.
Notable Quotes:
- Olivia Westbrooks [05:19]: "I couldn't be happier, really. Yeah, it's exciting."
- Olivia Westbrooks [16:00]: "There's so many different things you can do with color. I always get caught up on those questions."
- Olivia Westbrooks [18:28]: "When clients ask me what's trendy, what should I do? I'm like, who cares? What do you want to do?"
- Olivia Westbrooks [55:57]: "Authenticity…the word has lost a little bit of its value, but that's really what it's all about."
- Olivia Westbrooks [57:24]: "You can watch all six episodes. Binge, binge."
For those eager to embark on their own decorating journey or seeking inspiration from seasoned designers, this episode offers a blend of professional insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice. Home Is Where The Heart Is not only showcases transformative designs but also celebrates the emotional essence that makes a house a home.
Stay Connected:
- Instagram: @OliviaWestbrooksInteriors
- Website: OliviaWestbrooks.com
- Watch the Show: Available on Hallmark Plus
Subscribe to the How to Decorate podcast here, send in your decorating dilemmas to questions@podcastballardesigns.net, and follow Ballard Designs on social media for more tips and inspiration.