Get ready to go antique shopping this week as we are joined by Hattie Sparks Collins, a New Orleans-based interior designer. Hattie's unique path from boutique owner to art history student to professional decorator has greatly shaped her ability to craft stunning spaces that foster genuine connections and authentic living. We dive into her expertise in finding exquisite and affordable treasured antiques, as she shares helpful tips for choosing the perfect vintage sofa. Discover Hattie's favorite antique hunting spots in New Orleans and gain insights on infusing color, pattern, and texture into your home, as she unravels the secrets to creating truly captivating and playful living spaces, which are also glitter proof!
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Mentioned in This Episode:
Decorating Dilemma
Looks to us like you are doing a great job already! First, Hattie suggests addressing the chairs and believes there isn’t anything wrong with them given the size of the room. To add more interest to the chairs, you can recover them in a patterned fabric, preferably a durable performance fabric. Moving on to the side table, Hattie suggests that although there isn’t much wiggle room between the chairs. Moving on to the side table, Hattie suggests that although there isn't much wiggle room between the chairs, replacing it to create more breathing space for the lamp and the framed photo is an option. She recommends selecting a rectangular table. Hattie appreciates the current table's two layers, as the second layer can be styled with coffee table books to enhance visual interest. A rectangular table placed horizontally under the window between the chairs would be a suitable replacement choice.
For window treatments, consider running crown molding along the top of the wall and hanging curtains right beneath it. The curtain rod (maybe a French return) should be positioned just below the molding, and the curtains should barely touch the ground. To enhance the room, you could incorporate a pattern into the curtains that complement the chairs if they are recovered - and good news - Ballard offers excellent prefab panel curtain options in solid blue!
Consider also looking at Ballard’s bookshelf options to maximize space, such as the Delano and the Avis. Or, you can go fully custom with a built-in bookshelf to add more storage and shelving options.
Lastly, regarding the rug, Hattie recommends incorporating a patterned rug and ensuring it is appropriately sized. She advises that the rug should fill the majority of the room, as using a rug that is too small can make the space feel smaller.
Good luck and thank you for writing in!
Ep. 305: Behind-the-Scenes of Design School with Justin Q. Williams
Ep. 304: Wallpaper and Textiles with Caitlin McGauley
Ep. 303: Decorating Small Spaces with Sarah Lederman
Ep. 302: Behind-the-Scenes of Design School with Kristin Kong
Ep. 301: Surprise! Our new TV show!
Ep. 300: Listener Q&A Special!
Ep. 299: Romantic Modernism with Bobby McAlpine
Ep. 298: Making a House a Home with Susanna Salk
Ep. 297: Trials and Triumphs
Ep. 296: A Welcoming Elegance with Suzanne Rheinstein
Ep. 295: Planning Multipurpose Rooms with Elizabeth Lawrence
Ep. 294: Blending Past and Present with Mallory Mathison
Ep. 293: Trend Report for 2023
Ep. 292: Romancing the Home with Stewart Manger
Ep. 291: Celebrating Ballard’s 40th Anniversary
Ep. 290: Aphrochic and the Legacy of Black Design
Ep. 289 Extraordinary Interiors with Suzanne Tucker
Ep 288: Trials and Triumphs
Ep. 287 Styling Secrets with Robin Zachary
Ep. 286 Renovating a Country House with Country Living
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