How to Decorate Podcast

Episode 454: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 2 – The Junk Gypsies
Date: February 24, 2026
Host: Ballard Designs Team with Carson Kressley
Guests: Amy & Jolie Sykes (The Junk Gypsies)

Episode Overview

This episode of “How to Decorate” continues the Carson Kressley mini-series, welcoming Amy and Jolie Sykes—better known as Texas legends The Junk Gypsies. The conversation explores how the sisters grew their business from humble flea market beginnings into a vibrant, multi-faceted brand (with a serious cult following), and dives into the magic of Round Top, TX: a vintage and antique Mecca. The episode is full of practical tips on hunting for treasures, mixing old and new, and embracing creativity and joy in both business and life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Junk Gypsies Origin Story

• Family Influence & Early Days

  • Amy and Jolie grew up in East Texas, raised by parents who owned a pizza restaurant (in a renovated old building) and took their daughters thrifting and antiquing.
  • Their mom was the primary creative influence, always encouraging them to use their creativity rather than pursue stable (but less inspiring) traditional careers.
  • Quote:
    “Mom wanted us to do something with what she had taught us growing up… She thought that we had creative gifts and that we would be wasting those and we would be unhappy if we were lawyers and doctors.” – Amy (07:12)

• From Pillows to Global Brand

  • The sisters first tried selling homemade, embellished pillows—none sold, but the display furniture (vintage, chippy, peely) got attention instead. They pivoted quickly, selling styled vintage vignettes at flea markets.
  • A commemorative T-shirt (“Well-behaved women rarely make history”) at Round Top became a runaway hit, launching their statement clothing and merchandise line.
  • Business lessons came from direct experience (“no plan but follow your gut and joy”).

2. Building the Junk Gypsy “Experience”

• Their Aesthetic & Philosophy

  • Emphasize mixing high and low, simple and luxe, with creativity valued over price tag.
  • Quote:
    “Simple design… doesn’t have to be fancy or high dollar. We would mix like a flea market treasure with maybe a really beautiful crystal chandelier.” — Jolie (18:19)
  • Empowerment—especially for women—is central, reflected in their events and branding.

• Brand Evolution

  • Gigs with big names (Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley), collaborations (Pottery Barn, QVC), and TV shows followed organically as they “picked up hitchhikers along the business road.”
  • Their Round Top store is described as more an immersive experience than simply a shop (“magical wonderland”).
  • Quote:
    “The business has been dragging us behind it for a long time and we're just doing our best to keep up.” – Amy (17:18)

3. The Magic of Round Top, Texas

• Why Round Top?

  • A tiny town of ~87, now famous for its massive, twice-yearly antique show spanning thousands of acres and vendors worldwide.
  • Carson’s Perspective:
    “It feels like Christmas morning every time I go there… It is a mecca for designers.” (24:02)

• Round Top Culture & Overview

  • The show, which started as a high-end antiques event for Houston society, is both “minks and manure,” mixing European treasures, Americana, and rustic finds—from $50,000 French wardrobes to “a rusty chicken coop.”
  • The people—vendors and shoppers—create a happy, creative community (“like a theme park for vintage lovers”).

• Advice for Newcomers

  • Fly into Austin, rent a car for the scenic drive (stop at Buc-ee’s on the way), plan at least a few days to allow for exploration and rest.
  • “You pick your own adventure in Round Top. It can be really bougie or it can be hope-floats authentic.” — Amy (50:10)

4. How to Do the Antique Show

• Shopping Strategies

  • Research ahead—know if you want “fields bargains” or high-end curated antiques. Favorite fields: Excess (eclectic global finds), Marburger (upscale), Market Hill, The Arbors; new venues like The Horseshoe for vintage clothing.
  • Allow the unexpected: Amy and Jolie preach “have a concept, but don’t be rigid—your finds may inspire the whole room or new direction.”
  • Quote:
    “That piece is going to call to you… If you love it, it's going to work.” – Carson (41:12)

• Junk Gypsy Events

  • The infamous “Junk-O-Rama Prom” (spring & fall antique shows) invites everyone to dance in vintage prom gowns under the stars—emphasizing fun and creativity for all ages.
    • “It just became tradition…and now it’s grown. People blow us away with their creativity.” – Jolie (36:14)

• Decorating with Vintage

  • Advice for styling: Let antiques be the “salt and pepper”—seasoning that gives new spaces character and soul. Don’t feel pressure to go all-in on one era or look.
  • Mix new (especially for upholstery) with antique art or accent furniture for rooms that feel collected, not staged.
  • “We always combine both… Never get so tied to one look.” – Amy (40:21)

• Fashion & Ambience

  • Round Top has become a “fashion show” for cowgirl chic—boots, hats, layers of jewelry, quilted jackets—and people-watching is half the fun.
  • Packing tip: Bring boots or tennis shoes for walking on dirt, bandanas, and hats for sun (but you’ll likely want to shop for more as you go!).

5. The Power of Story and Creativity

• Why Vintage Matters

  • Amy and Jolie see themselves as caretakers and storytellers for found objects:
  • “Sometimes these pieces…are supposed to be with certain people at certain times. Maybe we’re just ushering them through this world.” – Amy (41:53)

• Creativity as a Lifestyle

  • Their immersive displays (“like an Anthropologie window on steroids”) are driven by whimsy and refusal to grow up.
  • “If it makes us smile and makes us happy, then we want it.” — Jolie (61:10)
  • Their dad’s “MacGyver” engineering brings their wildest installation ideas to life.

• Inspiring Others

  • Letters from customers (men and women) credit Junk Gypsy’s example for inspiring bold career and life pivots.
  • Embracing fun, breaking rules, and remembering that joy is the goal.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We never had a business plan. Our business plan was to see what opportunities arose along this path.” – Jolie (11:23)
• “The business has been dragging us behind it for a long time and we’re just doing our best to keep up.” – Amy (17:18)
• “Simple design. It doesn’t have to be fancy or high dollar…if it spoke to us or had a story to tell, then we liked it.” – Jolie (18:19)
• “That piece is going to call to you…if you love it, it’s going to work.” – Carson (41:12)
• “We feel like we’re kind of the freelance Chamber of Commerce for Round Top.” – Jolie (45:49)
• Giant homemade Ding Dongs (51:39) – the unofficial food mascot of Junk Gypsy events!

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:55] – Carson introduces the Junk Gypsy sisters and their story
• [06:58] – The role of their mom and family in launching the business
• [11:10] – The first attempt at selling and pivotal move to selling styled vintage
• [15:44] – How the brand grew into apparel, TV, and collabs
• [24:02] – Carson’s epic description and personal love for Round Top
• [27:34] – Amy’s first epic drive and emotional arrival at Round Top
• [32:54] – Navigating Round Top: when and where to shop, practical travel advice
• [36:08] – The Junk-O-Rama Prom: legend, creativity, and tradition
• [38:20] – How to blend vintage into modern decorating
• [45:44] – Clarification about Round Top show dates and the Chamber of Commerce role
• [47:22] – Small-town Round Top outside show seasons; local events and energy
• [48:46] – Advice on lodging, booking, and maximizing the evening events
• [56:25] – Round Top fashion tips—boots, hats, layers, and people-watching
• [60:19] – Creativity behind their display style and how whimsy drives them

Where to Find the Junk Gypsies

• Instagram: @junkgypsy
• Pinterest: JGCO
• Website: shopjg.com
• Physical Stores: Main store in Round Top (open year-round); smaller outpost in Wimberley, TX
• Special Collections: Available at Buc-ee’s

Final Thoughts

This episode is a blend of hilarious stories, heartfelt wisdom, and practical advice for those who love (or yearn to try) vintage decorating and treasure hunting. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newbie, Amy and Jolie’s journey will inspire you to follow your own creative instincts… and maybe visit Round Top for a little magic and a giant Ding Dong.