Join Caroline and Liz as they welcome back Nashville interior designer Stephanie Sabbe to the show for an insightful and engaging discussion about her latest book Interiors of a Storyteller.
Known for her unique ability to blend historic charm with modern sensibilities, Stephanie shares the personal stories that inform her design philosophy and journey. In this episode, you’ll discover not just the importance of storytelling in the creation of timeless spaces, but also tips for effective yet livable color palettes, approaches to window treatments for challenging or unique features, and closet solutions that combine functionality with clean design.
***Watch this week’s episode as recorded on Ballard Designs’ YouTube Channel***
Inspired by week’s conversation about Stephanie Sabbe’s latest book? Order your own physical copy here: https://bit.ly/3DODlUg
What You’ll Hear This Episode:
- 00:00 Introduction to Ballard Designs Podcast
- 00:35 Welcoming Back Stephanie Sabbe
- 02:06 Stephanie’s New Book: Interiors of a Storyteller
- 05:37 The Importance of Timeless Design
- 10:17 Stephanie’s Design Journey and Inspirations
- 16:49 The Role of Storytelling in Design
- 25:49 Color Palettes and Design Techniques
- 32:07 Starting the Design Process
- 32:37 Choosing the Right Paint
- 33:33 Designing for Different Climates
- 34:54 The Art of Fabric Selection
- 38:43 Breaking Design Rules
- 41:13 Client Interactions and Personal Touches
- 50:30 Window Treatment Dilemmas
- 55:46 Closet Space Solutions
- 58:53 Final Thoughts and Farewell
IMAGE CREDITS: “College Grove” by Sabbe Interior Design
Decorating Dilemma:
Hi There!
A fellow Atlantan here who is just so not good at all of this stuff, but that’s why I love listening to the podcast!
Y’all are an inspiration and I learn so much from you each time I listen. My question lies in our Master Bedroom. We have beautifully high ceilings, but the roof line is a bit complex.
We also have a gorgeous large window that faces the street and lets in great afternoon / evening light. It has a semi-circular top to it, so it’s posing some troubles when it comes to drapery. My question is really around 1) the window treatment for the window and 2) what would you do with this layout if you wanted to add closet space?
First – The people before us LOVED amazon gadgets… and they put up a very large dark automated drapery rod that opens and shuts with a remote. Not to say there isn’t a time and place for that, but I’m looking for something more sophisticated than that in our master bedroom. They have it hung right now over the entire window and I just don’t love it.
I haven’t invested in nice drapery yet because I just don’t know if we should get a very thin, light colored rod to hang above the whole window, or if we go across the bottom of the semi-circular area and leave the top open to be similar to a transom?
There is a “regular” window in the room as well that I’d get drapery for when we invest in the main window. I’d love to have Euro-pinch pleat drapery in a simple white that I saw at the latest Designer Showhouse. Simple, classic, elegant – those are the words that I want to think of when I see this. So do we hang a bar above or cut the window at the top of the rectangular part? Would the pleats look strange? We’d like to keep open and be able to shut them ourselves.
Lastly, the Master doesn’t have enough closet space (well, really, who actually has enough, right?). I’d love to figure out if we can build in some closet space or if you’d suggest getting a large armoire type thing to fill this space where the dressers are now?
Any help would be so welcome. Thanks everyone!
Kristin R.
Hi Kristen,
The hosts dive into your dilemma regarding your master bedroom’s window treatments and closet space, offering thoughtful advice to enhance your space. Stephanie begins by discussing the importance of practicality and aesthetics for your semi-circular window.
For the window treatments, she suggests opting for a slimmer, potentially antiqued brass or polished lacquered rod. Stephanie recommends using a zip rod that allows for easier operation without the hassle of rings, making it manageable to open and close even with the height of your ceiling. She encourages you to maintain the arched shape without cutting it off, as this preserves the window’s character.
Regarding your closet situation, Stephanie advises against a traditional closet build and instead proposes creating built-ins that serve as a stylish and functional solution. Positioning cabinetry to square off the room, particularly near the entry to the bathroom, will offer efficient storage while adding character without overwhelming the space. This approach combines detail and functionality, ensuring you have a beautiful, organized area.
Ultimately, Stephanie’s guidance aims to help you balance style and usability, making your master bedroom feel more personalized and inviting.
Good luck with your updates! We hope these recommendations help you create a space you love.
– How to Decorate
Also Mentioned in This Episode
- Shop Ballard Designs | Website
- sabbeinteriordesign.com | Designer Website
- @sabbeinteriordesign | Designer Instagram
- Interiors of a Storyteller | Order Now
- Portrait Photo Credits: Cameron Jones
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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