Ep. 399: This is Home with Jeffrey Alan Marks

How to Decorate

Ballard Designs

Arts, Business, Design

4.2 • 785 Ratings

🗓️ 4 February 2025

⏱️ 59 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

This week, we're thrilled to welcome renowned designer Jeffrey Alan Marks to the show, known for his appearances on Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators and his acclaimed book, The Meaning of Home. In our conversation, we dive into his latest work, This is Home, released this month with Rizzoli. The conversation explores Jeffrey's journey from his California roots to his training in London, revealing how his unique blend of Californian cool and English coziness informs his approach to interior design. Discover the challenges he faces when blending antiques with contemporary spaces, and gain insight into the evolving preferences of clients. Jeffrey shares personal anecdotes about balancing family life with the demands of design, reflecting on the impact of significant events like the California wildfires. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast 00:33 Welcoming Jeffrey Alan Marks 01:13 Jeffrey's Personal Journey and Family 01:55 Design Philosophy and Influences 03:28 Impact of California Wildfires on Design Projects 05:01 Montecito Seaside Cottage Project: A Family Haven 06:41 Blending the Aesthetics of California and English Styles 07:52 The Challenges of Mixing Antiques with Modern Design 12:29 Adapting Design Strategies for Contemporary Spaces 16:03 Insights into Client Preferences and Evolving Design Trends 19:54 Designing for Families: Function Meets Aesthetics 21:59 Navigating Challenges in Kid's Room Design 27:29 Exploring Neutral and Minimalist Design Aesthetics 29:48 Dream Homes and a Love for Antiques 30:24 The Charm of Swedish Antiques and Venetian Plaster 31:16 Balancing Calmness and Chaos in Design Spaces 32:05 The Sullivan Canyon Project: A Rock and Roll Farmhouse 33:12 Embracing Eclectic Design and Rustic Charm 37:33 The Art of Mixing Textures and Colors for Depth 39:32 Valuable Insights from Clients and the Design Process 41:01 Finding the Perfect Color Palettes: The Power of Blue Hues 47:59 Best Practices for Mixing Antiques with Contemporary Pieces 49:57 Listener's Kitchen Renovation Dilemma: Backsplash Solutions • • 57:34 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to How to Decorate from Ballard Designs, a weekly podcast all about the trials and triumphs of decorating and redecorating your home.
0:09.1	I'm Caroline. I'm on the marketing team. And I'm Taryn and I'm a product designer.
0:12.8	I'm Liz. I head of the creative team. We're your hosts. Join the expert team at Ballard Designs for tips, tricks, and tales from interior designers, stylists,
0:20.9	and other talents in the design world.
0:22.5	Plus, we'll answer your decorating dilemmas at the end of each episode.
0:25.4	We love answering your questions, so don't forget to email us at podcast at balderdesigns.net.
0:30.5	Now on with the show.
0:33.5	You might remember today's guest from his years on Bravo's hit TV show, Million Dollar Decorators,
0:39.0	or perhaps his first book, The Meaning of Home, published in 2013, or maybe one of his
0:44.9	countless features in design bibles like El Decor, Architectural Digest, and How's Beautiful,
0:49.9	with Roots in California, training in London, and projects all over the country,
0:53.3	we're excited to talk about his newest book publishing this month.
0:57.1	This is Home with Rizoli. Welcome to the show, Jeffrey Allen Marks.
1:01.4	Thank you. Thank you for having me.
1:03.6	Yes, we were so thrilled to get a copy of your book and to get to read it.
1:09.9	And so I'm, we're just thrilled to have you here.
1:12.2	So thanks for being here.
1:13.4	The book, you know, picks up 10 years later after the first book.
1:18.5	But, you know, things have changed for me personally.
1:21.7	I've moved all over the world and back again.
1:26.7	And married now, and I have a little daughter, which a few of you have seen,
1:31.8	who's five years old. Her name is James, and that makes writing a book and doing my design
	...

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