Podcast Episode Summary: Ep. 421 – Relaxed Elegance with Brittany Bromley
Title: How to Decorate
Host/Author: Ballard Designs
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Guest: Brittany Bromley, New York-based Designer and Author
Introduction
In Episode 421 of How to Decorate, the Ballard Designs team welcomes Brittany Bromley, a renowned New York-based interior designer and author of her debut book, Relaxed Elegance. Known for her traditional interiors enriched with layers of pattern and unique details, Brittany shares insights into her design philosophy, her extensive home renovation projects, and practical tips for incorporating patterns and colors into living spaces.
Brittany's Personal Home Renovation
Brittany begins the conversation by discussing her personal home, which served as the opening chapter of her book. Despite warnings from 15 different contractors about potential challenges, Brittany embraced the renovation, driven by her belief in the house's inherent beauty and historical significance.
Notable Quote:
“What drew me to it is that I'm stubborn because to have so many different professionals tell me that I should think otherwise and then to do it anyway must mean that I have, like, an innate prove you wrong sort of gene.”
— Taryn Bromley [02:02]
She highlights the home's traditional bones and historic elements, which offered a rich foundation for restoration rather than opting for a cautious buy.
Transforming the Dining Room
One of the standout projects Brittany discusses is her dining room transformation. This space acts as a crucial connector in her home, linking the front hall to the kitchen. Given its high traffic, the dining room needed to balance functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Brittany utilized innovative papier-mâché paneling to create a "Tree of Life" motif, offering a magical and ethereal ambiance. The 3D elements, though intricate, are surprisingly durable and adaptable, allowing for adjustments as needed.
Notable Quotes:
“The entire thing is rendered in papier mâché...it just creates this really, really special, special, like, every room.”
— Taryn Bromley [06:23]
“It's actually the exact opposite of delicate. And I would say that with total certainty that we have indeed tried to break it...”
— Taryn Bromley [07:58]
To maintain openness and prevent the room from feeling cluttered, Brittany opted for minimalistic furniture, including an antique French potting table repurposed as a bar, ensuring the walls remain the focal point.
Mastering Pattern Mixing
Brittany delves into her approach to pattern mixing, emphasizing the importance of starting with a "hero" fabric that dictates the color palette. She advocates for combining floral and geometric patterns, balanced with solid elements and textured materials to create a harmonious and personalized space.
Notable Quote:
“If you love something, I think there's an element of just going for it and saying, like, this works for me.”
— Taryn Bromley [13:02]
She offers practical guidelines for mixing patterns, such as varying scales and integrating textures to provide depth and balance. Brittany reassures listeners that when done thoughtfully, pattern mixing adds excitement without overwhelming the space.
Highlight on the Bridgehampton Residence
Brittany recounts her work on the Bridgehampton residence, where she skillfully blends traditional elements with playful touches. The entryway features a juxtaposition of a classical portrait and modern black sheep sculptures, infusing humor and lightheartedness into the space.
In the living room, Brittany utilizes oversized botanical prints and a grand mirror to complement the double-height ceilings. By maintaining traditionally scaled furniture, she ensures the room remains inviting and functional, avoiding the common pitfall of overpowering large wall spaces with oversized furnishings.
Notable Quote:
“I would always rather have traditionally scaled furniture and more of it than something that's so large that you'll never use it again.”
— Taryn Bromley [29:12]
Incorporating Color and Neutrals
Brittany provides invaluable advice for integrating color into predominantly neutral spaces. She suggests using muted, nuanced colors that add vibrancy without dominating the room. By selecting colors like duck egg blue or persimmon coral, she creates a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere.
Notable Quotes:
“Color value can be a much more shallow end application of color... it's extremely effective.”
— Taryn Bromley [34:49]
“You can have color without it being a primary color application.”
— Taryn Bromley [32:54]
She emphasizes the importance of color as an accent rather than the main focus, enabling spaces to remain serene while still showcasing personality and style.
The Charm of Natural Fiber Rugs
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Brittany's preference for natural fiber rugs, particularly sisal and jute. These materials offer durability and a forgiving texture, making them ideal for homes with children and pets. Brittany appreciates the tonal variations and soft underfoot feel of modern jute rugs, which align with her philosophy of "Relaxed Elegance."
Notable Quote:
“Nothing feels too precious. And so not having to worry about my children or my dogs... that's the definition of that to me, is that it's not precious.”
— Taryn Bromley [41:30]
Brittany advocates for layering rugs to add depth and character, ensuring that each space feels collected and lived-in rather than staged or temporary.
Adapting Design Across Different Residences
Brittany discusses the adaptability of her design principles across various projects, from rural homes to urban apartments and West Palm offices. She emphasizes the importance of respecting the spirit and place of each residence, tailoring color palettes and materials to suit different environments while maintaining her signature use of color and pattern.
Notable Quote:
“Things should have, like, a sense of place and time.”
— Taryn Bromley [53:02]
She also highlights advancements in performance textiles, which allow for greater flexibility and durability without compromising on aesthetics, especially in high-traffic or climate-sensitive areas.
Conclusion and Book Promotion
Brittany reflects on the rewarding process of compiling her projects into Relaxed Elegance, enjoying the opportunity to revisit and reflect on her design journey. She encourages listeners to explore her work further by purchasing her book through various retailers and following her on Instagram (@bittybromley).
Notable Quote:
“I never want anyone to walk in and say, oh, you just redecorated.”
— Taryn Bromley [42:55]
Brittany's emphasis on livable, elegant spaces that reflect personal stories and collections resonates throughout the episode, offering listeners both inspiration and practical advice for their own decorating endeavors.
Where to Find Brittany Bromley
- Instagram: @bittybromley
- Website: bebromley.com
- Book Purchase: Available at local bookstores and Amazon
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