Podcast Summary: Ep. 423 – An Intentional Home with Caitlin Creer
Released on July 22, 2025, "How to Decorate" is a weekly podcast by Ballard Designs dedicated to exploring the art and challenges of decorating and redecorating homes. In Episode 423, hosts Caroline, Taryn, and Liz engage in an insightful conversation with Caitlin Creer, a Utah-based interior designer and author of the debut book An Intentional Home: Creating Spaces for Living Beautifully. This episode delves into Caitlin’s design philosophy, her approach to creating intentional living spaces, and the intersection of functionality and aesthetics in interior design.
1. Introduction to Caitlin Creer and Her Journey
The episode begins with a warm introduction of Caitlin Creer, highlighting her extensive experience since 2009 in helping clients remodel and build their dream homes with purpose and intention. Caitlin shares her excitement about her debut book, which encapsulates her design ethos and strategies for creating intentional living spaces.
Notable Quote:
“The book really honed in on and solidified a lot of my design ethos and my mindset behind why we do and how we do what we do with our clients.” – Caitlin Creer [02:00]
2. Transitioning from Design Projects to Writing a Book
Caitlin discusses the challenges and rewards of shifting from hands-on design projects to authoring a book. She reflects on how the process was initially intimidating but ultimately beneficial in clarifying her design principles and enhancing her vision for client meetings.
Notable Quote:
“It was something that I think, you know, you think as a project-based concept, right? Like a book is a project and it has a different client and different needs.” – Caitlin Creer [02:30]
3. Emphasizing Intention in Home Design
A central theme of the conversation is the importance of intentionality in creating living spaces. Caitlin explains how reflecting on personal history, lifestyle, and individual preferences is crucial in designing a home that feels authentic and unique to its inhabitants.
Notable Quote:
“When you can pull back and take a step back and pull out what's true for you, I think in the end, you end up with a home that you really love that feels more signature, that feels more authentic.” – Caitlin Creer [05:20]
4. Developing a Vision with Clients
Caitlin elaborates on her method of assisting clients in developing a clear vision for their homes, especially those who may not initially know what they want. She emphasizes the role of deep reflection and personal storytelling in uncovering the elements that will make a space truly resonate with its users.
Notable Quote:
“The first chapter is called Reflect. Like, that's the first chapter in the book. And I think reflection is such a huge part of it.” – Caitlin Creer [08:00]
5. Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics
The discussion touches on the delicate balance between creating beautiful spaces and ensuring they are functional. Caitlin shares her belief that form and function can coexist harmoniously, ensuring that spaces not only look appealing but also support the daily lives of their occupants.
Notable Quote:
“I don't think it's always that you have to choose between form and function. Sometimes there are things that we design that are just meant to be the visual moment or just grab your eye.” – Caitlin Creer [13:10]
6. Creating Coziness in Large Spaces
Addressing the challenge of making expansive rooms feel cozy, Caitlin introduces her strategy of layering—incorporating multiple elements such as color, texture, and furnishings to add warmth and depth to large spaces.
Notable Quote:
“Never underestimate how much those finishing touches are going to add to your space. It's because we were able to go to the end of the road in building in those details.” – Caitlin Creer [26:12]
7. The Role of Color in Modern Design
Caitlin explores current trends in color, noting a resurgence of vibrant and earthy tones after a prolonged period of neutral palettes. She discusses how color can be used strategically to express personality, create cohesion, and introduce unexpected elements into home designs.
Notable Quote:
“I love seeing how people use color again, and we're seeing a lot of really earthy and kind of moody colors.” – Caitlin Creer [31:18]
8. Personalizing Spaces for Family Needs
The conversation highlights the importance of tailoring spaces to accommodate the unique lifestyles and needs of families. Caitlin shares examples of how she customizes areas for activities like reading, cooking, and family gatherings, ensuring that each space supports the desired lifestyle.
Notable Quote:
“We created these magical garden-adjacent spaces for them. They work in the garden every day together, and we styled spaces both indoors and out to make that a highlight of the experience of visiting their home.” – Caitlin Creer [15:30]
9. Influences and Inspirations in Design
Caitlin discusses her inspirations, including travels and iconic brands like Ralph Lauren, emphasizing how different environments contribute to her color palettes and design choices. She underscores the importance of adapting inspirations to fit the unique context of each home.
Notable Quote:
“Ralph Lauren tells the story that everyone buys into, and a home is not entirely unsimilar to that.” – Caitlin Creer [43:09]
10. Final Thoughts and Resources
In wrapping up, Caitlin shares where listeners can find her book and connect with her work. She emphasizes the value of completing the full design process, from foundational elements to final details, to create cohesive and intentional living spaces.
Notable Quote:
“My book is available on Amazon to order. The title of my book is An Intentional Home and it's easy to order on Amazon.” – Caitlin Creer [46:55]
Conclusion
Episode 423 of "How to Decorate" offers a deep dive into the philosophy of intentional home design through the expertise of Caitlin Creer. Listeners gain valuable insights into the balance of aesthetics and functionality, the strategic use of color, and the importance of personal reflection in creating spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful. Caitlin’s experiences and methodologies provide actionable advice for anyone looking to infuse intention into their home decorating journey.
Connect with Caitlin Creer:
- Book: An Intentional Home: Creating Spaces for Living Beautifully – Available on Amazon and FoundationGoods.com
- Website: CaitlinCreerInteriors.com
- Instagram: @CaitlinCreerInteriors
Follow "How to Decorate":
- Website: howtodecorate.com
- Email: questions@podcastallardesigns.net
- Social Media: @BallardDesigns
Whether you're embarking on a new decorating project or seeking to refine your living space, Episode 423 provides inspirational and practical guidance to help you create a home that reflects your unique style and intentional living.