How to Decorate, Ep. 453: Carson Kressley Takeover Pt. 1 – Thom Filicia
Podcast: How to Decorate (Ballard Designs)
Release Date: February 17, 2026
Episode Overview
This special episode marks the launch of a four-part miniseries co-hosted by TV personality and style icon Carson Kressley, celebrating his new Ballard Designs collection. In Part One, Carson is joined by his longtime friend and design collaborator Thom Filicia—an Emmy-winning Queer Eye alum and celebrated designer. The conversation is lively, humorous, and packed with personal stories, expert tips, and practical advice on turning homes and spaces into reflections of their owners’ lives, styles, and stories.
Key Themes & Discussion Points
1. The Carson Kressley Miniseries and Dynamic with Thom Filicia
- [00:00-07:21] Carson joyfully kicks off his guest-hosting run, sharing excitement for his Ballard collection and previewing upcoming guests.
- Highlights the close, playful relationship with Thom, their collaborations (Queer Eye, "Get a Room"), and their mutual admiration.
2. Behind the Scenes in the Design World
- [08:31-14:49] The duo recounts their antics hosting the Arts Awards, providing a window into the often-overlooked role of industry organizations and award shows.
- Quote:
“The Emmys for furniture…they have a category for accent furniture!”
— Carson [11:10]
3. Designing Your Own Home: A ‘Designer’s Laboratory’
- [15:32-18:15] Thom discusses the challenges and creative freedom of decorating his own homes, including his new Aspen condo and Sag Harbor house.
- Stresses the importance of value engineering and balancing creativity with budget constraints.
- Design should be durable and personalized, especially for active lifestyles or lending to friends.
4. Personal Style, Paralysis, and Accessibility
- [20:15-22:15] Both discuss the difficulty of making decisions for one’s own space—even professionals get “design paralysis.”
- The conversation touches on how to help clients (or oneself) break through indecision by connecting home choices to personal style.
- Quote:
“The minute you start talking about home accessories or tabletop…people sort of get paralyzed because they feel like it’s a decision they’re not comfortable with making every day.”
— Thom [20:44]
5. Translating Personal Aesthetics Into Home Design
- [22:01-25:46] Insights from Thom’s show "Dress My Nest"—he relates decorating to a language clients understand (fashion, cars, etc.) to empower their decisions.
- Participation and personalization are at the heart of great design.
6. Signature Thom Filicia Style
- [25:46-30:33] Carson describes Thom’s style as “masculine, contemporary, clean, layered, but also incredibly warm.”
- Thom prefers “balance” over the sometimes-vague term “transitional,” aiming for spaces that are rooted in classic design yet fresh and approachable.
- Quote:
“I much prefer the word ‘balance’ to ‘transitional’…Balance is about working together, whereas transitional … is just sort of standing apart and being in the middle.”
— Thom [29:31]
7. Celebrity Clients and Confidence in Design
- [30:59-35:00] Thom shares stories of designing for Iman and David Bowie, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, personality, and being comfortable in one’s own skin for successful spaces.
- Quote:
“If there’s one bit of advice…be authentic…This is about you. This isn’t about winning.”
— Thom [33:35]
8. High/Low Design and Editing
- [39:21-44:46] Recalling their TV show "Get a Room," Carson recounts learning the importance of “editing” from Thom—knowing when to curate and let special items stand out.
- Both advocate for mixing high- and low-end pieces for a livable, unique space.
9. On Trends and Timelessness
- [47:15-48:48] Trends can add freshness but shouldn’t dominate your entire décor. Refresh a room with small elements (plants, pillows, coffee tables) and focus on editing and decluttering regularly.
- Replace “spring cleaning” with “seasonal cleaning”—make it habitual.
10. Warmth, Comfort, and Imperfection
- [50:07-52:53] Strive for a home that’s not too “buttoned up” or perfect—leave a margin for lived-in imperfection so people feel relaxed and welcome.
- Quote:
“That little bit of imperfection is what allows people to be like—to feel like they can breathe in a space.”
— Thom [50:36]
11. Lessons from Design Legends
- [53:04-61:04] Thom reflects on mentorships and advice from design icons like Albert Hadley and Sister Parish.
- Albert Hadley: “Every room needs a surprise.” Don’t be predictable; add something quirky or unexpected.
12. Advice for Young Designers
- [62:16-64:48] Take your work seriously, not yourself. Don’t be pretentious.
- Value internships and soak up every role and skill in the business—from emptying trash to selecting fabrics.
- Quote:
“Do as much…If you can do every job, from emptying the waste baskets to drawing the elevations…that will help.”
— Thom [64:08]
Memorable Quotes & Moments
-
Carson’s Introduction:
“It’s one of my most exciting things that’s ever happened to me, and I’ve done some exciting things, but I just love this partnership…”
[00:28] -
Arts Awards Fun:
“We keep hidden bottles of wine around. It’s like an Easter egg hunt.”
— Thom [10:13] -
On Aspen:
“I was very lucky to find a little teeny, tiny condo right in the village of Aspen…that actually was my Christmas present to myself and Lago, my dog.”
— Thom [11:45] -
On Editing:
“Editing is something that I learned from Tom. It’s so important ‘cause it makes the good stuff sing.”
— Carson [43:01] -
On Making Home Personal:
“I always think that…rooms, homes, offices, whatever you’re designing should be autobiographical.”
— Carson [36:27] -
On Warmth and Hosting:
“The way that you describe an interior should be the way you describe your best friend.”
— Thom [38:59] -
From the Legends:
“Every room needs a surprise.”
— Albert Hadley via Thom [55:37]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:00–07:21 – Miniseries introduction, Carson’s excitement, and intro of Thom Filicia
- 08:31–11:32 – Hosting the Arts Awards—insider industry stories
- 15:32–18:15 – Thom on designing his own homes: freedom, challenges, and value
- 20:15–22:15 – Overcoming “design paralysis” and how professionals relate
- 22:01–25:46 – Translating fashion or other passions into personal design
- 29:31 – Thom on why he prefers “balance” to “transitional”
- 33:35 – Importance of authenticity in design
- 39:21–44:46 – “Get a Room” show memories, high/low philosophy, editing
- 53:04–61:04 – Mentors and legendary advice: Albert Hadley’s “surprise”
- 62:16–64:48 – Career advice for aspiring designers
Where to Find the Guests
- Thom Filicia:
- Sedgwick & Brattle showroom (NY Design Center: to the trade weekdays, open to all Saturdays)
- thomfilicia.com
- Instagram: @thomfilicia
- Books: American Beauty and others (Amazon, Rizzoli)
Tone and Takeaways
Filled with wit, warmth, and insider knowledge, this episode is ideal for anyone looking for decorating inspiration and encouragement. Carson and Thom embody design as joyful, approachable, and authentic—emphasizing that a home should tell your unique story, be livable not just “impressive,” and include little surprises that make life (and rooms) memorable.
Tune in for the next installment with the Junk Gypsies from Round Top, Texas!