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How to Decorate

Ep. 405: Interiors of a Storyteller with Stephanie Sabbe

How to Decorate

Ballard Designs

Arts, Business, Design

4.2785 Ratings

🗓️ 18 March 2025

⏱️ 61 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

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*** What You’ll Hear on 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 Decorating Dilemma: 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: Shop Ballard Designs | Website sabbeinteriordesign.com | Designer Website @sabbeinteriordesign | Designer Instagram Interiors of a Storyteller | Order Now 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!

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. I'm Liz. I head of the creative team.

0:14.8

We're your host. 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. Plus, we'll answer your decorating dilemmas at the end of each

0:24.8

episode. 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.

0:34.3

Okay, this week, we are thrilled to welcome back to the show, Nashville interior designer

0:39.7

Stephanie Sabby, known for her ability to blend historic charm with modern sensibilities.

0:45.6

Stephanie's design embraces the unique stories behind every space.

0:49.1

So it is perfect that today she's going to be introducing and sharing her book with you in tears of a storyteller.

0:56.4

It's part personal essay, part your interiors and all of your latest design projects.

1:01.9

So Stephanie, welcome back to the show.

1:03.4

Thanks for having me.

1:05.7

So happy to have you.

1:08.0

You know, we spoke a couple years of maybe four or five years ago, actually. So it's been a minute.

1:13.4

Tough.

1:15.3

But how exciting for your new book to be out this month.

1:19.7

Yes, thanks.

1:20.3

And we get to make sure everybody hears about it and goes and gets it on pre-order.

1:26.0

Yeah. I forgot how long it's been since we've talked.

1:29.2

We, um, I was still working from home when we talked. And so I remember sitting in our mudroom

1:35.9

to get away from my office and we've now been here for four years in this space. So it's time flies.

...

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