Podcast Summary: How to Decorate, Ep. 433

Elements of Timeless Style with Erin Gates

Date: September 30, 2025
Host: Ballard Designs team – Caroline (A), Taryn (B), Liz (C)
Guest: Erin Gates, New York Times bestselling author & Boston-based interior designer

Overview

This episode welcomes back celebrated designer and author Erin Gates for an inspiring and candid discussion about her latest book, Elements of Timeless Style, and her quest to create a true forever home. The conversation explores how Erin’s approach to design has evolved through personal experience, why living in your space before making major changes is essential, how to balance timelessness with personal evolution, and practical advice on renovations and design decisions that endure.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origin of Erin’s Third Book

[00:51-03:30]

Erin never initially planned to write a third book. The pandemic, her new home, and her editor’s encouragement motivated her to document the process of creating a forever home.
Elements of Timeless Style is structured around nine complete homes—fully designed by Erin’s team—unlike her previous books organized by room type.
Erin wanted to break from the trend of fleeting, quick-fix design or unattainable spaces, focusing instead on approachable permanency for real families.

Quote:
"I just got. I felt like a lot of books and content was flipping and more like quick fixes or the opposite, like completely unreachable design. So this is kind of like what I see and what I work with every day..."
— Erin Gates [02:47]

2. Finding—and Committing to—a Forever Home

[04:12-09:26]

Erin recounts her search during the pandemic, driven by a need for space and a yard, and the emotional highs and lows of house-hunting.
Her now-home was a “no” at first, being on a busy road, but the charm, generous yard, and certain intangibles won the family over (with encouragement from her dad).
This experience reinforced the idea that the “right” house often finds you, and initial reservations can be overcome by unique assets.

Quote:
"It was the first time I've ever bought a property and not had an absolute mental breakdown thinking I'd made the wrong decision after finding out we got it. So I felt like that was a sign."
— Erin Gates [08:34]

3. Adapting Design to Environment and Evolution

[09:26-13:37]

Adjusting from low ceilings to soaring ones forced Erin to relearn scale and consider the home’s proportions at every turn.
The new home’s drama and elegance nudged her to embrace bolder, more mature personal choices, especially with permanent features.
Erin distinguishes between features that should be timeless and those meant to evolve—soft furnishings, for instance, can refresh a space as tastes change. Even designers admit to mistakes and revisions over time.

Quote:
"I made smarter and smarter decisions as I went along, and I made a couple really dumb ones, which I'll happily admit—everyone does it, even designers."
— Erin Gates [10:15]

4. Guardrails, Authenticity & Architectural Respect

[13:37-15:20]

Erin cautions against forcing trends or mismatched elements into a space, advocating for deference to a home's architecture and era.
She encourages listeners to use their own home’s character as a guide, just as one would shop for flattering clothes.

Quote:
"I think it's really important to respect the architectural style of your house and not try to stray super far from that and having touchstones in the interior that reflects that era of your home."
— Erin Gates [14:21]

5. Variety Across Projects & The Quest for Timelessness

[15:20-17:08]

Unlike designers with a “signature look,” Erin’s firm takes pride in deeply individualized projects, whether city, coastal, rustic, or modern.
While some favorite design elements (staple chairs, stools) appear across projects, she adapts finishes and fabrics to each context.

Quote:
"Each one looks so different, and that’s what I am most proud of … That ability for us to really make these individual and unique homes that reflect our clients and not necessarily like, ‘Oh, Erin Gates must have done this house.’"
— Erin Gates [16:00]

6. Living in Your Space Before Renovating

[20:51-25:07]

Erin strongly recommends living in a house before initiating major renovations to understand flow, storage needs, natural light, and which spaces are actually used.
She recounts how assumptions pre-move-in were often upturned by daily living, leading to practical adjustments she wouldn’t have otherwise made.

Quote:
"Even if you're just in a house for six months before you pull the plug on a renovation ... when you do, do you have a place to put your keys and your mail down? ... Where you kind of see how the flow works day to day with your lifestyle."
— Erin Gates [22:22]

7. Budget, Phasing & Doing It ‘Right’

[25:07-27:19]

Patience and phasing major renovations can prevent waste and buyer’s remorse. Erin describes “facelift” projects as useful interim steps until full renovations can be done properly.
Reusing fixtures or materials helps reduce waste.

8. Biggest Lessons: People, Materials & Checking Details

[27:51-31:43]

Hiring the best people you can afford—those you trust, communicate well, and have strong references—saves heartache and money.
Don’t shy away from natural stone; it’s timeless, and beauty outweighs the risk of etching.
Always double-check every document, proposal, and detail. Assumptions lead to expensive mistakes.

Quote:
"Hire people you are happy to be with and talk to and collaborate with, who listen to you ... who will shoot straight and be honest about the things that go wrong and take accountability for those mistakes. It happens to all of us."
— Erin Gates [28:16]

9. Real-World Lessons: When Things Go Wrong

[31:43-34:43]

Erin shares a personal story about delayed cabinetry, temporary kitchen solutions, and the importance of function over aesthetics (e.g., not using a show-stopping ladder because it would be impractical).

10. Designing for Forever—but Allowing for Change

[36:24-39:44]

Permanent, expensive elements (like drapes and wall treatments) should be ageless and flexible, while kid-specific or temporary needs can be fulfilled with accessories or easily changed items.
Multi-functional spaces help future-proof homes for changing family life.

11. Clients’ Evolving Needs, Flexibility & The Hunt

[39:44-43:14]

Both Erin and the hosts highlight how rooms sometimes get used in unexpected ways long-term.
It’s OK if a “vision” changes; leave breathing room for spaces to evolve, and don’t aim for perfection from day one.
Selling or repurposing quality pieces on platforms like Facebook Marketplace makes change less costly.

Quote:
"Give yourself a little grace as you do. Everyone's growing and changing all the time. …Not 75% of your choices can be timeless and forever. And then that is always going to be a 25% that's going to shift and change and grow."
— Erin Gates [41:39]

12. Prioritizing Family, Not Resale

[43:14-45:18]

Erin discusses controversial choices—like adding a feature wall that blocked windows—in service of her family’s needs, not resale value.
She advises others to do the same, letting go of “what would the next buyer want?” in favor of present utility.

13. Special Features: The Barn, Patios, and Dream Projects

[45:20-48:41]

Erin describes her property’s original barn, creative dreams for its use (pool cabana!), and the realities of renovation costs.
The barn is used for storage—and office space during COVID—but major glamor upgrades are on hold for now.

14. Product Development & Looking Ahead

[48:41-51:43]

Erin’s team is involved in varied exciting new construction projects and expanding her branded product lines (rugs, wallpaper, mirrors).
She hints at the desire for future “side projects,” possibly including a rental property in Vermont, reflecting her passion for variety and content creation.

15. Paint Palettes & Practical Tips

[52:03-55:50]

The book includes actual color palettes for every project—a much-requested resource—although Erin stresses that paint colors must always be tested in your actual home light.
The team encourages painting all rooms a neutral shade before moving in as a practical blank canvas.
The book also gives guidance on paint finishes, trim transitions, and testing swatches for best results.

Quote:
"It is. There is such—you don't ever say, ‘Oh, and blindly paint a room from a picture.’ ... Test your paint colors."
— Erin Gates [53:46]

16. Book Design: Being a Resource for All

[57:29-58:08]

Erin wanted the book to be equal parts “really informative guide” and a beautiful inspiration volume. Each project concludes with candid takeaways and design lessons, pointing out both what worked and what to look for in each image.

Notable Quotes

"There's nothing wrong with some good classics. Classics are classics for a reason."
— Erin Gates [19:31]
"This is a very personal, long process… I'm happy that I've had a ton of repeat clients and that a lot of my clients become friends."
— Erin Gates [29:23]
"Functionally, this is gonna make me insane and probably cause, like, a broken foot. So I eliminated [the rolling ladder]."
— Erin Gates [34:04]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:51] – Why Book 3?
[04:12] – Erin’s Forever Home Story
[09:26] – Adapting Design for New Spaces
[13:37] – Respecting Architectural Style
[15:41] – Project Diversity & Individuality
[20:51] – Living Before Renovating
[27:51] – Biggest Design & Reno Lessons
[31:43] – Real-World Renovation Setbacks
[36:24] – Designing for Growth & Change
[43:14] – Resale vs. Family Needs
[45:20] – Barn Dreams & Patio Realities
[48:41] – Upcoming Projects & Future Directions
[52:03] – Paint Palette Q&A
[57:29] – Book Format & Takeaways

Tone & Style

The conversation is candid, practical, and warmly humorous. Erin offers honest insight into both her professional process and personal learning curves—making “timeless style” feel both aspirational and attainable.

For Listeners

This episode is rich with actionable advice:

Live in your home before making lasting commitments
Embrace slow evolution and personal meaning over fleeting trends
Invest in quality, classic pieces
Respect your home’s architectural DNA
Don’t be afraid of natural stone (or a little wear and tear!)
Hire trusted professionals—and check every detail yourself
Paint colors must always be tested in your own light

For more, find Elements of Timeless Style through Erin’s Instagram, indie bookstores, or major retailers.

Podcast Summary: How to Decorate, Ep. 433

Elements of Timeless Style with Erin Gates

Date: September 30, 2025
Host: Ballard Designs team – Caroline (A), Taryn (B), Liz (C)
Guest: Erin Gates, New York Times bestselling author & Boston-based interior designer

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origin of Erin’s Third Book

[00:51-03:30]

Erin never initially planned to write a third book. The pandemic, her new home, and her editor’s encouragement motivated her to document the process of creating a forever home.
Elements of Timeless Style is structured around nine complete homes—fully designed by Erin’s team—unlike her previous books organized by room type.
Erin wanted to break from the trend of fleeting, quick-fix design or unattainable spaces, focusing instead on approachable permanency for real families.

2. Finding—and Committing to—a Forever Home

[04:12-09:26]

Erin recounts her search during the pandemic, driven by a need for space and a yard, and the emotional highs and lows of house-hunting.
Her now-home was a “no” at first, being on a busy road, but the charm, generous yard, and certain intangibles won the family over (with encouragement from her dad).
This experience reinforced the idea that the “right” house often finds you, and initial reservations can be overcome by unique assets.

3. Adapting Design to Environment and Evolution

[09:26-13:37]

Adjusting from low ceilings to soaring ones forced Erin to relearn scale and consider the home’s proportions at every turn.
The new home’s drama and elegance nudged her to embrace bolder, more mature personal choices, especially with permanent features.
Erin distinguishes between features that should be timeless and those meant to evolve—soft furnishings, for instance, can refresh a space as tastes change. Even designers admit to mistakes and revisions over time.

Quote:
"I made smarter and smarter decisions as I went along, and I made a couple really dumb ones, which I'll happily admit—everyone does it, even designers."
— Erin Gates [10:15]

4. Guardrails, Authenticity & Architectural Respect

[13:37-15:20]

Erin cautions against forcing trends or mismatched elements into a space, advocating for deference to a home's architecture and era.
She encourages listeners to use their own home’s character as a guide, just as one would shop for flattering clothes.

5. Variety Across Projects & The Quest for Timelessness

[15:20-17:08]

Unlike designers with a “signature look,” Erin’s firm takes pride in deeply individualized projects, whether city, coastal, rustic, or modern.
While some favorite design elements (staple chairs, stools) appear across projects, she adapts finishes and fabrics to each context.

6. Living in Your Space Before Renovating

[20:51-25:07]

Erin strongly recommends living in a house before initiating major renovations to understand flow, storage needs, natural light, and which spaces are actually used.
She recounts how assumptions pre-move-in were often upturned by daily living, leading to practical adjustments she wouldn’t have otherwise made.

7. Budget, Phasing & Doing It ‘Right’

[25:07-27:19]

Patience and phasing major renovations can prevent waste and buyer’s remorse. Erin describes “facelift” projects as useful interim steps until full renovations can be done properly.
Reusing fixtures or materials helps reduce waste.

8. Biggest Lessons: People, Materials & Checking Details

[27:51-31:43]

Hiring the best people you can afford—those you trust, communicate well, and have strong references—saves heartache and money.
Don’t shy away from natural stone; it’s timeless, and beauty outweighs the risk of etching.
Always double-check every document, proposal, and detail. Assumptions lead to expensive mistakes.

9. Real-World Lessons: When Things Go Wrong

[31:43-34:43]

Erin shares a personal story about delayed cabinetry, temporary kitchen solutions, and the importance of function over aesthetics (e.g., not using a show-stopping ladder because it would be impractical).

10. Designing for Forever—but Allowing for Change

[36:24-39:44]

Permanent, expensive elements (like drapes and wall treatments) should be ageless and flexible, while kid-specific or temporary needs can be fulfilled with accessories or easily changed items.
Multi-functional spaces help future-proof homes for changing family life.

11. Clients’ Evolving Needs, Flexibility & The Hunt

[39:44-43:14]

Both Erin and the hosts highlight how rooms sometimes get used in unexpected ways long-term.
It’s OK if a “vision” changes; leave breathing room for spaces to evolve, and don’t aim for perfection from day one.
Selling or repurposing quality pieces on platforms like Facebook Marketplace makes change less costly.

12. Prioritizing Family, Not Resale

[43:14-45:18]

Erin discusses controversial choices—like adding a feature wall that blocked windows—in service of her family’s needs, not resale value.
She advises others to do the same, letting go of “what would the next buyer want?” in favor of present utility.

13. Special Features: The Barn, Patios, and Dream Projects

[45:20-48:41]

Erin describes her property’s original barn, creative dreams for its use (pool cabana!), and the realities of renovation costs.
The barn is used for storage—and office space during COVID—but major glamor upgrades are on hold for now.

14. Product Development & Looking Ahead

[48:41-51:43]

Erin’s team is involved in varied exciting new construction projects and expanding her branded product lines (rugs, wallpaper, mirrors).
She hints at the desire for future “side projects,” possibly including a rental property in Vermont, reflecting her passion for variety and content creation.

15. Paint Palettes & Practical Tips

[52:03-55:50]

The book includes actual color palettes for every project—a much-requested resource—although Erin stresses that paint colors must always be tested in your actual home light.
The team encourages painting all rooms a neutral shade before moving in as a practical blank canvas.
The book also gives guidance on paint finishes, trim transitions, and testing swatches for best results.

Quote:
"It is. There is such—you don't ever say, ‘Oh, and blindly paint a room from a picture.’ ... Test your paint colors."
— Erin Gates [53:46]

16. Book Design: Being a Resource for All

[57:29-58:08]

Erin wanted the book to be equal parts “really informative guide” and a beautiful inspiration volume. Each project concludes with candid takeaways and design lessons, pointing out both what worked and what to look for in each image.

Notable Quotes

"There's nothing wrong with some good classics. Classics are classics for a reason."
— Erin Gates [19:31]
"This is a very personal, long process… I'm happy that I've had a ton of repeat clients and that a lot of my clients become friends."
— Erin Gates [29:23]
"Functionally, this is gonna make me insane and probably cause, like, a broken foot. So I eliminated [the rolling ladder]."
— Erin Gates [34:04]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:51] – Why Book 3?
[04:12] – Erin’s Forever Home Story
[09:26] – Adapting Design for New Spaces
[13:37] – Respecting Architectural Style
[15:41] – Project Diversity & Individuality
[20:51] – Living Before Renovating
[27:51] – Biggest Design & Reno Lessons
[31:43] – Real-World Renovation Setbacks
[36:24] – Designing for Growth & Change
[43:14] – Resale vs. Family Needs
[45:20] – Barn Dreams & Patio Realities
[48:41] – Upcoming Projects & Future Directions
[52:03] – Paint Palette Q&A
[57:29] – Book Format & Takeaways

Tone & Style

For Listeners

This episode is rich with actionable advice:

Live in your home before making lasting commitments
Embrace slow evolution and personal meaning over fleeting trends
Invest in quality, classic pieces
Respect your home’s architectural DNA
Don’t be afraid of natural stone (or a little wear and tear!)
Hire trusted professionals—and check every detail yourself
Paint colors must always be tested in your own light

For more, find Elements of Timeless Style through Erin’s Instagram, indie bookstores, or major retailers.

Ep. 433: Elements of Timeless Style with Erin Gates

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Summary

Podcast Summary: How to Decorate, Ep. 433

Elements of Timeless Style with Erin Gates

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origin of Erin’s Third Book

2. Finding—and Committing to—a Forever Home

3. Adapting Design to Environment and Evolution

4. Guardrails, Authenticity & Architectural Respect

5. Variety Across Projects & The Quest for Timelessness

6. Living in Your Space Before Renovating

7. Budget, Phasing & Doing It ‘Right’

8. Biggest Lessons: People, Materials & Checking Details

9. Real-World Lessons: When Things Go Wrong

10. Designing for Forever—but Allowing for Change

11. Clients’ Evolving Needs, Flexibility & The Hunt

12. Prioritizing Family, Not Resale

13. Special Features: The Barn, Patios, and Dream Projects

14. Product Development & Looking Ahead

15. Paint Palettes & Practical Tips

16. Book Design: Being a Resource for All

Notable Quotes

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Style

For Listeners

Summary

Podcast Summary: How to Decorate, Ep. 433

Elements of Timeless Style with Erin Gates

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origin of Erin’s Third Book

2. Finding—and Committing to—a Forever Home

3. Adapting Design to Environment and Evolution

4. Guardrails, Authenticity & Architectural Respect

5. Variety Across Projects & The Quest for Timelessness

6. Living in Your Space Before Renovating

7. Budget, Phasing & Doing It ‘Right’

8. Biggest Lessons: People, Materials & Checking Details

9. Real-World Lessons: When Things Go Wrong

10. Designing for Forever—but Allowing for Change

11. Clients’ Evolving Needs, Flexibility & The Hunt

12. Prioritizing Family, Not Resale

13. Special Features: The Barn, Patios, and Dream Projects

14. Product Development & Looking Ahead

15. Paint Palettes & Practical Tips

16. Book Design: Being a Resource for All

Notable Quotes

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Style

For Listeners