Podcast Summary: How to Decorate – Ep. 424: Exploring Our NEW Fall 2025 Items!
Released on July 29, 2025
Hosts:
- Caroline – Marketing Team
- Taryn – Product Designer
- Liz – Head of the Creative Team
- Guest: Will – Product Design Team
Introduction
In Episode 424 of How to Decorate, the Ballard Designs team delves into their highly anticipated Fall 2025 collection. The hosts—Caroline, Taryn, and Liz—alongside guest Will, discuss the extensive work that went into curating the new items, the inspiration behind the collection, and the exciting features that make this season's offerings stand out.
Launching the Fall 2025 Collection
Caroline kicks off the episode by expressing her enthusiasm for the new collection, highlighting the two-year effort it took to bring the items to fruition. Despite Liz being temporarily stranded in Michigan due to car trouble, Will joins the conversation to discuss the collection's design elements.
Notable Quote:
"These are like two years in the making. So anytime we finally get to the finish line and they're live and on the site and people can go buy them, it always feels like such exciting, such a huge accomplishment." – Caroline [00:32]
Inspiration and Color Palette
The team emphasizes the inspiration drawn from traditional European antiques and the desire to blend timeless elements with modern maximalism. The Fall 2025 palette focuses on deep, warm tones with an emphasis on chocolatey browns, soft blues, lavenders, and sage greens. These colors are chosen to evoke the comfort and warmth associated with the fall season while introducing fresh, unexpected hues like lavender and chocolate brown, which have seen a resurgence after a period dominated by grays and navies.
Notable Quotes:
"It's about the feeling of fall and what we really want to surround ourselves with during the season." – Taryn [02:30]
"Chocolate brown was definitely a color in, like, maybe the mid-2000s... it feels really fresh, even though it's so timeless." – Caroline [05:15]
Highlights:
- Lavender and Chocolate Brown: Introduced as fresh yet timeless, these colors add depth and warmth to spaces.
- Terracotta and Burnt Bamboo: Deeper shades of orange and brown that transition seasonal interiors from summer to fall seamlessly.
- Digital Purple: A nod to current fashion trends, enhancing the collection's modern appeal.
Featured Products
1. Textiles and Fabrics
- Francis Fabric: A traditional yet playful pattern in antique brown, perfect for adding vintage charm.
- Meryton Green: Bold floral patterns paired with a lavender wall, showcasing sophisticated layering.
- Cut Velvet Pillows: Trending this season, they add texture and luxury to any space.
Notable Quotes:
"It's a beautiful antique look. It's very vintage feeling." – Taryn [13:25]
"The Netta chandelier... has 6,000 hand-strung beads." – Caroline [18:15]
2. Lighting
- Netta Chandelier: Handmade with 6,000 beads, offering both functionality and artisanal beauty.
- Aida Pendant: Available in the new "Tea" green, adding a fresh pop of color to various settings.
- Fandeliers: A blend of fan and chandelier, hiding the functional aspects while maintaining elegance.
3. Furniture
- Newberry Bed: Featuring a burnt bamboo technique with an antique finish, perfect for adding warmth.
- Rena Media Console: Designed to accommodate larger TVs with elegant turned legs and textured drawers.
- Maxine Collection Revival: Incorporating rich burl finishes that bring a deeper, more sophisticated look.
Notable Quotes:
"We have it in nightstands and big dressers. So you could really do a nice upholstered bed with these nice beautiful brown pieces." – Taryn [47:50]
"The Rena media console... has these beautiful, delicate legs that make it feel like it's on tippy toes." – Taryn [50:45]
4. Accessories and Decor
- Woven Trays: Functional art pieces that help organize while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
- Animal Print Accessories: Including dachshund bookends and tortoise shell accents, adding a natural and playful touch.
- Candles and Votives: Unique designs like the mushroom-shaped candle bringing creativity to the decor.
Notable Quotes:
"It's like if you love the look of a Persian rug, but you like the feel and the casualness of a jute rug." – Caroline [46:49]
"These are edited and beautiful, just a little work of art." – Caroline [34:07]
Rug Program
The Fall 2025 collection introduces a new custom-sized rug program, allowing customers to order rugs in one-foot increments up to 15 feet. This flexibility caters to unique room shapes and sizes, ensuring perfect fits for any space. Additionally, a range of new patterned and hand-knotted rugs adds variety and sophistication.
Notable Quotes:
"We have a new custom sized rug program... it's really exciting because we all have been there where you're like, this one's a little bit too big or too small." – Caroline [45:12]
Art and Final Touches
The collection also features a diverse range of art pieces, including portraits and animal-themed prints, enhancing the overall aesthetic. The integration of mirrored closets and functional details like valet rails adds both style and practicality to the designs.
Notable Quotes:
"If you can't have built-ins, but you want to maximize your storage and see your outfits, our mirrored closet collection is perfect." – Taryn [58:39]
Team Reflections and Final Thoughts
The hosts express immense pride and satisfaction with how the collection turned out, praising the collaborative effort and attention to detail. They share personal excitement about the products they've chosen for their own homes and encourage listeners to explore the new offerings both online and in-store.
Notable Quotes:
"I've already bought some of it, so I don't know what's on y'all's list." – Caroline [69:08]
"It felt like the valor that I grew up with, but in the best way possible." – Liz [67:35]
Conclusion
Episode 424 of How to Decorate offers an in-depth look at Ballard Designs' Fall 2025 collection, highlighting the meticulous design process, rich color palettes, and a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. The hosts and guest provide valuable insights into each product category, ensuring listeners feel informed and inspired to refresh their own spaces with the latest trends.
Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to visit BallardDesigns.com to explore the new collection, visit physical stores, and engage with the brand on social media. Additionally, they are invited to email their decorating dilemmas to podcastallarddesigns.net for personalized advice.
Notable Timestamps:
- Introduction to Fall 2025 Items – [00:32]
- Color Palette Discussion – [02:30]
- Highlighting Key Products – [13:25], [18:15], [47:50]
- Rug Program Introduction – [45:12]
- Art and Accessories Insights – [58:39]
- Team Reflections – [67:35]
- Conclusion and Call to Action – [71:04]
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 424, providing listeners with a detailed overview of Ballard Designs' exciting new Fall 2025 collection and the creative vision behind it.