Ep. 405: Interiors of a Storyteller with Stephanie Sabbe

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 Sabi
• 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!