Caroline, Taryn, and Liz welcome back Debbie Mathews to the show, an antiques expert & dealer with over 30 years of experience running her showroom and design business in Nashville, Tennessee. Debbie shares her valuable insights on selecting timeless antique pieces that can seamlessly integrate into any home.
Debbie also addresses essential pieces for newcomers to the antique world, provides practical advice on what to look for when buying and caring for antiques, along with tips for identifying current trends in the antique market. This week’s episode is packed with expert tips and fundamental knowledge essential for anyone interested in antiques or looking to enhance their home decor. Join us for a delightful conversation filled with practical insights and a lively discussion on antiques!
***Watch this week’s episode as recorded in video form on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel***
IMAGE CREDITS: “Linville Mountain Cottage” by Debbie Mathews Designs
What You’ll Hear On This Episode:
- 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast
- 00:35 Welcoming Antiques Expert Debbie Mathews
- 01:22 Key Pieces for Young Antique Collectors
- 02:41 Versatile Antique Furniture Recommendations
- 13:11 Shopping for Antiques: Tips and Tricks
- 24:26 Understanding Antique Pricing and Value
- 41:04 Dealing with Infestations in Antique Furniture
- 42:35 Exploring Antique Lighting Design
- 44:36 Collecting Vintage Lamps and Mirrors
- 48:23 Challenges of Rewiring Antique Fixtures
- 55:41 Trends in Antique Furniture
- 59:49 Solving Kitchen Seating Dilemmas
- 01:10:08 Conclusion and Farewell
IMAGE CREDITS: “Linville Tudor” by Debbie Mathews Designs
Decorating Dilemma:
Hello Ladies and special guests!
I live the Podcast and look forward to a new episode each week! I’m in need of some help with my kitchen seating area. Our banquette is just a bit too large and the seating is not very deep. I’ve also struggled with seating options and the lighting placement.
We made a few updates about a year ago adding a cushion bench and some wood detail but I don’t love it. We had planned to tear it out but part of the wall is load bearing.
After some soul searching I really love a good booth design but not sure if that’s possible. I’ve thought about tearing it out with some upholstery pieces instead but unsure on the table. Right now an oval might fit better and give us more space. We also made our island bigger so a smaller footprint would be ideal. I also don’t love swagging the light so open to changing it.
What should I do? I’m in desperate need of some additional help!!!
Thank you!
Jess
Hi Jess,
The hosts empathize with your kitchen seating dilemma, highlighting the cozy nook as a beautiful feature in your home. Debbie offers several insightful suggestions to improve your space.
First, she emphasizes the importance of comfort, noting that the current banquette seat depth is insufficient for enjoyable dining. Debbie recommends either rebuilding the banquette to provide a deeper seat or removing it altogether and incorporating a standalone table and chairs, allowing for greater flexibility in the space.
For the table, she suggests considering an oval design, which can enhance movement around the area and better accommodate the flow of your kitchen. Debbie also addresses your lighting concerns, recommending that you either center the existing fixture or consider using a ceiling medallion to create a polished look while covering any patch jobs.
Ultimately, Debbie encourages you to trust your instincts and make the changes that best suit your comfort and style, ensuring that the space serves your needs.
Best of luck with your kitchen updates! We hope these tips help bring a fresh approach to your seating area.
– How to Decorate
Also Mentioned in This Episode
- Shop Ballard Designs | Website
- DebbieMathews.com | Website
- @debbiemathewsdesigns | Instagram
- Debbie Mathews Antiques | Instagram
- Debbie Mathews Antique & Design Shop | Chairish
- Ep. 177: Debbie Mathews | Prior Appearance on Podcast
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Happy Decorating!
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