This week, we welcome back the lovely design duo, Lathem Gordon and Cate Dunning from GordonDunning, who also just happen to be our guests on episode 6 of Design School. They dive deep into the art of maximizing a small space, sharing their expert tips on layering elements without making the room feel cluttered. Lathem and Cate share their love for creating beautiful cozy nooks and how their design approach evolves to reflect the unique stories of their clients.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode:
- What is the squint test, and how can we use it?
- New to patterns and layers – listen up for tips on starting small and gaining your confidence as you go along.
- How to think about small spaces and know when you need to edit.
- Managing accessories and little trinkets and treasures.
- A few Lathem and Cate’s favorite ways to bring lighting into a small space.
- Is there an end-point to maximalism?
- Why are islands so big, and how can we keep them from being such a cluttered mess?
Decorating Dilemma:
Hello!
I am a huge fan of the podcast AND of Ballard Designs!! I think I have listened to every single episode, and I love the advice you give to listeners and the perspective you provide! It has been so helpful to me in decorating my own home.
Here is my own design dilemma: My living Room, kitchen and dining area are all in one open area, with an archway dividing the kitchen/dining from the living area. They are all visible from my front entryway. I have no formal dining room, so I like to keep our dining area looking a little more formal, but also a space that is functional for entertaining guests. My questions are as follows:
Question #1- I would love to add drapery to the windows in the living room, however, I’m not sure with the vault on the ceiling if I would hang the drapery rod below or above the transom windows? There is also limited wall space on the sides of the windows so I’m not sure how drapery would look.
Question #2- My home was built in the height of the “gray” era, and I would love to add more color, but I’m stumped as to how to do that with the layout of the home since all the walls seem to be so connected and the areas of the home are so visible from the entryway. I’d love your feedback on colors or if you see a way to add wallpaper.
Question #3- I’m currently using a dining set that is old and worn and have been looking to replace it with something that is more fitting to the style of my home. The current table is more of a “farmhouse”, and I’d like something a little more chic and modern. Any suggestions for what type of table would look nice in the area and fit the style of the rest of the home? I’d love to do a round table, but I don’t think it will work in the space. Perhaps something oval?
Thanks for any advice you can offer! I appreciate you guys so much!
– Rebekah
Thank you Rebekah and we are happy to have you as a loyal fan!
First, we suggest using decorative panels instead of functional drapery, which would keep the window treatments within the framing (about six inches on either side) to highlight the high ceilings and create a softening effect. There’s also the possibility of wallpapering the living room and kitchen. Framing wallpaper panels around the archway can also add a decorative touch.
As far as the dining set, maybe think about a racetrack-shaped table, either classic or modern in style and a marble or marble-like material for the tabletop. Colorful chairs would also look great. Your choice of table may influence the selection of a new light fixture, like a more organic or circular shape to complement the dining table.
Thanks for listening and happy decorating!
– How to Decorate
Also Mentioned This Episode:
Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.
Happy Decorating!
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts
