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!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode:
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. 285 Achieving an Eclectic Look with Veronica Solomon
Ep. 284: Holiday Essentials with Karen
Ep. 283: Flower Showhouse: Recap
Ep 282 Flower Showhouse: The Primary Bedroom with Cathy Kincaid
Ep 281 Flower Showhouse: The Library with Barry Dixon
Ep. 280: Flower Showhouse: The East Wing with Julie Dodson
Ep. 279: Flower Showhouse: The Scullery with Melanie Millner
Ep. 278: Flower Showhouse: The Powder Room with Nellie Jane Howard Ossi
Ep. 277: Decorating the English Way with Emma Sims-Hilditch
Ep. 276: A Vision to Design with Stephen Sills
Ep. 275 Trials & Triumphs
Ep. 274: Rugs 101
Ep. 273: Decorating with Emotion with Anne Hepfer
Ep. 272: How to Design Fearlessly with Drake/Anderson
Ep. 271: Bedding 101
Ep. 270 Trials & Triumphs
Ep. 269: How to Decorate Like a Parisian with David Jimenez
Ep. 268: Creative Ways to Change Your Aesthetic with Amanda Brooke Interiors
Ep. 267: What Sets a Room Apart with Lorraine Enwright
Ep. 266: Designing the Perfect Entertaining Environment with Elle Cole
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