Liz and Taryn chat with celebrated interior designers James Dolenz and Tom Riker of James Thomas Interiors. Since 2003, James and Tom have been transforming homes with their unique design philosophy centered on elegance and comfort. They discuss their journey from commercial interiors to high-end residential design, emphasizing details, historical understanding, and the importance of creating spaces that evoke emotion.
The conversation covers the duo’s design heroes, the significance of team culture, and practical advice for both aspiring designers and homeowners. Additionally, they answer a listener’s decorating dilemma about a challenging living room layout, providing thoughtful, expert solutions.
***Watch this week’s episode as recorded in video form on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel***
What You’ll Hear This Episode:
- 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast
- 00:34 Meet the Designers: James Dolenz and Tom Riker
- 01:55 The Journey of James Thomas Firm
- 04:22 Building a Creative and Supportive Team
- 05:32 Design Philosophy and Client Interaction
- 08:10 Advice for Aspiring Interior Designers
- 14:33 Learning the Craft: From Novices to Experts
- 20:11 Influences and Inspirations in Design
- 22:57 Trends and Timeless Design
- 26:58 Creating Cozy and Inviting Spaces
- 30:43 Creating Cozy Spaces with Natural Elements
- 32:56 Designing a British Colonial Inspired Home
- 34:37 Choosing the Right Wall Colors
- 36:53 The Importance of Details in Interior Design
- 38:56 Incorporating Unique Materials and Textures
- 40:59 A Stunning Tortoise Shell Ceiling
- 45:40 Listener’s Decorating Dilemma: Making an 80s Home Cohesive
- 54:39 Wrapping Up: Where to Find Us
Decorating Dilemma:
Hi! I love your podcast and have been listening for years!
Here’s my dilemma: We moved into a ranch-style 80’s home two years ago, with most ceilings at 8′ high, except for the living room and sunroom. This room hasn’t come together like the rest of our home, and I’m looking for suggestions to make it feel more cohesive and calming. Should I consider a more colorful rug and then paint the walls a color from the rug?
We’ve just purchased the sectional, so it needs to stay. With a lot of glass in the room, window treatments might help. There are four windows and a door to the patio on the south wall, and two windows on the east wall. Living in Texas, sun control is also important. We’re leaning towards a modern look, and I’m considering natural fiber or fabric Roman shades.
However, all the shades I see are mounted within the window frame, and I’m concerned that six small shades might look choppy. Maybe I should use three long shades, each spanning two windows, mounted as high as possible before the ceiling slope?
Additionally, I’m curious if mounting shades close to the ceiling has become outdated, since all I see now are interior-mounted shades.
Thanks for all you do to entertain and educate!
– Joanne D.
Hi, Joanne!
James and Tom suggest adding tongue and groove paneling to the ceiling for texture and continuity, incorporating a room-sized sisal rug, and updating window treatments with motorized shades for sun control. They advise lighter accent pillows to add warmth and scale the coffee table for balance. For personalized window solutions, they also recommend consulting a specialist.
Best of luck, Joanne, and we can’t wait to see your space transformation!
– How to Decorate
Also Mentioned in This Episode
- James Thomas Interiors | Website
- @jamesthomasinteriors | Instagram
- Ballard Designs
- Ballard Designs YouTube | Watch Full Episodes w/ Images
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!
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