Design Time

As the CEO of Airbnb, Brian Chesky knows a thing or two about what makes a good host, whether you're welcoming people into your house for a few nights—or a few weeks. Since cofounding the company in 2007, he has completely changed the way we think about home and travel. Here, he delves into why creativity isn't always measurable (and why that's important) and what he always has on hand to welcome guests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nell Diamond is the founder of Hill House Home and creator of the Nap Dress, a viral, easy-to-wear frock that makes you feel pretty, put-together, and (most of all) comfortable. Since starting the brand in 2016, it has exploded into a floral-filled wonderworld of bedding, robes, shoes, jewelry, and more—and buying a Nap Dress on launch day is like an Olympic sport. Listen in as Diamond explains what inspired the romantic Hill House Home aesthetic, why she's cried while putting together Container Store furniture, and how feeling like an outsider benefited her career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With their company, Houseplant, Seth Rogen (yes, that Seth Rogen) and Mikey Mohr are redefining the term high design. As in, they make the chicest cannabis accessories on the planet, from marble ashtrays inspired by potato chips to handmade ceramics designed by Rogen himself. Listen in as Mohr and Rogen talk about redesigning the humble ashtray, how they silenced the doubters, and the joy Rogen gets from building IKEA furniture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've definitely seen Virginia Sin's work on a dinner table, or maybe on a wall or hanging from a ceiling. And you've 100 percent seen her in Domino. Her ceramics, which are famous for their tubular shapes, use of negative space, and gorgeous texture, are now ubiquitous in the design world. And it all started with a paper plate. Listen in as Sin explains how her design aesthetic defies her upbringing, why working in advertising helped her start her company, and the way she recharges by organizing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Courteney Cox isn't just a world-famous actor, director, and producer—she's also a bit of a real-life Monica, thanks to Homecourt, her line of cleaning supplies and candles that smells every bit as luxurious as it looks. Listen in as she shares her preparty hack for when, say, Elton John is coming over for dinner; what she did when she realized her house was haunted; her trick for picking out a sofa you'll love forever; and who, in her opinion, was the messiest castmate on Friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shavonda Gardner is an interior designer who creates spaces that are highly beautiful but also highly functional—maybe that has to do with the fact that she lives in a 1,200-square-foot bungalow with her wife, two kids, and a 120-pound Great Dane named Callie. So it makes sense that her blog, SG Style, brims with inspirational ideas. Listen in as she shares her tricks for maximizing small homes and why she'll never have all-white walls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first episode of our second season, food personality Molly Baz, author of the best-selling Cook This Book, and spatial designer Ben Willett share all the secrets behind their food-themed Altadena, California, home, from the Caesar salad bathroom marble to the butter yellow kitchen cabinets. (You may have seen them in Domino's Fall digital issue?) Listen in as the married pair talk about how they work together in harmony and why, when it comes to projects, they had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Furniture designer Eny Lee Parker first took over our collective Instagram feeds in 2018 with her now ubiquitous U-shaped OO Lamp, which has appeared in the homes of such people as Sarah Sherman Samuel and Christian Siriano. From her studio in Queens, New York, Parker and her team continue to churn out the chicest totemic ceramic lighting and furniture—but in true rebel fashion, she says she's more focused on maintaining a happy staff and giving back to her community than just making art. Listen as she fills us in on why she's not interested in being the best designer on the planet, her two dream celebrity clients, and how she DIYed her rental kitchen—but don't tell her landlord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's no other way to say it: Beth “Bephie” Birkett is insanely cool. She runs her own creative design studio called Bephie, which has collaborated with brands like Nike and Jordan, and along with her husband, she co-owns Union, a streetwear institution in Los Angeles. Together with their sons, they live in a prismatic home that shows off their personal style—hello, bright blue sunroom—and an impressive Black art collection. (Maybe you saw it in Domino's Summer digital issue?) Listen in as we talk about how she got her start in fashion, why creativity is a privilege, and where she shops for future vintage treasures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eva Chen and Tom Bannister are the Internet's first couple: Chen is head of fashion partnerships at Instagram and a best-selling author—and before that she was editor in chief of Lucky magazine. Bannister is a creative director and entrepreneur who makes the most delicious granola, Tom's Perfect 10, which had a 17,000-person wait list when it launched last year. Through it all, they've never strayed from being unapologetically authentic. Together with their three children, they split their time between New York City and a charming cottage in Connecticut. Tune in as we hear about how they used customer feedback to launch a granola brand and how the pair is adjusting to life outside the city. Spoiler alert: They're gardeners now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our season finale, Ashley Graham proves that her rebellious nature extends far beyond the runway. Not only has she fearlessly led a body-positivity revolution and redefined the word supermodel, she's a mother of three boys (that includes twins!) and a new homeowner who just put a stylish spin on her lush backyard thanks to Affirm. Listen in to hear why she made the move from Brooklyn to the burbs, how she keeps a beige sofa clean with kids, and where she shops for discount pool towels.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've probably seen Ryan Norville aka @OatCinnamon's otherworldly floral creations while scrolling through your IG feed. Maybe it was her pearlescent spray-painted stems that caught your eye, or a neon-colored installation at an event for one of your favorite brands—her arrangements aren't easily forgotten. Listen in as we chat about how she went from cleaning buckets to designing florals full-time, the vintage Esty find she definitely paid too much for, and the trick to keeping your bodega bouquet looking fresh for longer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're a design lover (or just a person in the world), you have surely seen Ellen Van Dusen's bold, geometric work hanging from towel racks or adorning beds. (At Domino, we've photographed the Dusen Dusen quilted bedding set more times than we can count!) Last year, The New York Times's T magazine named her one of the 12 talents shaping the design world, and her company's sample sales draw lines around the block—and then some. Tune in as we learn about why she didn't go to design school, how she knows what colors look good together, and the New York City institution she'd like to give a glow-up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interior designer Tiffany Howell is no stranger to working with big names. She got her start in the music industry, where she produced videos for Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez. Then in 2016 she launched her design studio, Night Palm, and since then has spun her signature style (think: soulful vintage and lots of glam) into the homes of actress Laura Harrier, basketball player Klay Thompson, and screenwriter-producer Mara Brock Akil, among others. Listen in as we chat about collaborating with celebrity clients, how she makes her musical mood boards, and why she doesn't follow design trends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie Sturino is as rebellious as they come. She's the founder of Megababe, a company near and dear to our hearts (and armpits and inner thighs), and she's also the author of Body Talk, the body-positivity bible. If you've been following her as long as we have, you know that she first gained Internet fame as the mom of Toast the dog. In this episode, she talks about size inclusivity in furniture, her favorite place to find custom curtains, and why she doesn't care if you don't like her candy-colored Palm Beach condo. #SorryNotSorry

In our first episode of The Rebellious Ones, we're chatting with Christian Siriano, a fashion and interior designer who knows what he wants in paint colors—and in life. He was the youngest-ever winner of Project Runway. He now runs an über-successful fashion line and dresses people like Billy Porter for the Oscars, Michelle Obama for the DNC, and Oprah Winfrey. During the pandemic, he and his team sewed 2 million masks for essential workers. He also has a furniture and interior design business, and his New York City apartment was featured on the cover of Domino's Spring digital issue. Listen in as we learn what Christian's go-to Benjamin Moore shade is and why he takes selfies with the cashiers at HomeGoods—no spoilers here! 

What is a rebel? Is it someone who paints a room all black? Or is it a person who engages in tiny acts of resistance every day? Wait—am I a rebel?    Join me, Julie Vadnal, Domino's deputy editor, for Design Time: The Rebellious Ones, where I try to answer those questions and so many more. This season, starting in June, I'm going to be talking to rebels—the out-of-the-box thinkers who put their creative stamp on our world, whether they work in design, fashion, or even food.    Each week, I'll chat with a new guest—a rebellious one, if you will—about how they turn off the doubting voices in their head, and how you can find your only-you style. Be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen so you don't miss a moment.

You know a Jonathan Adler piece when you see it. If you close your eyes, you can envision his original classic white vase—you know the one, covered in lips. With cheeky decorative goods, including his self-described groovy lighting and medicinal canisters, as well as statement-making velvet sofas, Jonathan's work screams “having fun with glamour.” Since expanding his brand worldwide, his modern, kitschy aesthetic has never felt more fresh, especially in a crowded global design marketplace. Tune in to hear all of the smart tips and tricks Jonathan has up his sleeve and what it takes to truly carve out your own creative path.

Hilton Carter is on a mission to change the way the world thinks about plants. After working as a filmmaker, Hilton discovered the power of plants in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, while filming a commercial. Since then, he's incorporated lots of greenery into his living spaces all over America, including Los Angeles, New Orleans, and now Baltimore, where he has just completed a home renovation that includes a sun-filled room specifically for his flora. With three books and a major product collaboration with Target under his belt, Hilton has become Instagram's go-to plant doctor, sharing care tips alongside images of Treezus, his now Insta-famous fiddle-leaf fig tree. Today he also runs his own content and e-commerce site, where he shares his art and product recommendations. Listen in as we glean some inside knowledge from the ultimate plant parent and hear Hilton's insight on how we can all live beautifully with plants.

As a fashion stylist, Beverly Nguyen has become known for her high-low design philosophy and cutting-edge editorial shoots. Having managed the studio of Kate Young, noted stylist to the stars, Beverly has developed an eye for what's cool, exciting, and next. This past April, she made a foray into interiors and founded Beverly's, one of New York City's most stylish homewares boutiques. In this new endeavor, she brings an idiosyncratic point of view to home goods. The selection merges affordable functionality with covetable design, while staying true to her Vietnamese heritage and family history of shopkeeping. Tune in as we talk trends and all things chic for your space with Beverly.

​​You likely know Bobby Berk as the resident design expert and Emmy-nominated host of Netflix's Queer Eye, but he's actually been cultivating his style for decades with stints at Bed Bath & Beyond and Restoration Hardware. Today he runs his own bespoke interior design practice for residential, commercial, and hospitality clientele and has teamed up with A.R.T. Furniture and Tempaper to launch exclusive designs. Listen in as Bobby reveals his special secret sauce for doing it all and how he comes up with new and innovative trends that we all want to copy.

For Heather Taylor, creating a beautiful table isn't so much about the items on top of it as it is the feeling. After noticing a lack of tasteful linens on the market, she returned to her knitting roots in 2013 and began making her own textiles, which now grace the tables of the chicest dinner parties and are stocked in beautiful home shops around the world, including her own brick-and-mortar space in Los Angeles. With new collaborations with West Elm, Clare V., and Dôen, Heather Taylor Home is poised to become the next great homekeeping brand. Listen in as Heather shares her clever tips for creating no-fuss centerpieces and how to actually enjoy hosting, as well as her go-to strategies for making entertaining casual, relaxed, and comfortable..

You likely know Jordan Ferney from the delightful party shop and website Oh Happy Day!, as well as the innovative and 'gram-worthy color experience Color Factory. Her unique approach to design stands out from the pack—and she introduces clever decorating hacks in her very own Domino column. Surrounded by an abundance of creative DIY projects and vintage finds, Jordan shares her studied tips for sourcing out-of-the-box pieces that express her personal style and her unconventional wisdom, which we can all use in our own design journeys. Come along as I visit her awe-inspiring and playful New York City home to see firsthand all the amazing work she's done to the space.

In design, the top tastemakers know that good style has the power to create the next big thing. Domino's new Design Time podcast, Trending Forward, is all about people who push the limits of what exists to create something new and better, something that ignites a spark in others. Join me, Domino contributing editor Ben Reynaert, for a special series that will take you on a journey to what's next. From sourcing exciting new products to discovering unexpected color palettes, we'll get the inside scoop from the designers and creatives who are setting the major trends for us all. Trending Forward is for the curious and design obsessed, and it's launching October 14. Be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen, so you don't miss a beat.

Aya Kanai's distinct style and perspective comes from years of working at some of fashion's most exciting publications and brands, and her creative approach leans on her decisive instinct that's as artful as it is personal. By leveraging her experience first as an editor on the launch team at Teen Vogue and then at such magazines as Nylon and Cosmopolitan—and more recently as editor in chief at Marie Claire—in her new role as Pinterest's head of content and creator partnerships has put Aya at the helm of an exciting new initiative within the company. Pinterest is prioritizing creators, putting people at the heart of the platform and honoring the personalities that drive the ideas and pins that become the trends. And what is the life cycle of a trend? Aya understands what causes a trend to really take off and how to stay ahead of that curve, and she's always looking for the next big idea. I'm so excited to share my conversation with Aya with all of you.

Ellen Bennett likes to speak in mantras. As founder and CEO of apron and kitchen accessories company Hedley & Bennett, Ellen has had an incredibly inspiring path to success. Her new book, Dream First, Details Later: How to Quit Overthinking & Make It Happen!, is for all the entrepreneurs out there who have dared to dream. It's a fresh take on a business book, crafted with the tone of your friend giving you a pep talk, and it's packed with sage advice, vibrant illustrations, and frank and honest accounts of her own journey. Among other things, Ellen is a talented chef and organizer. And during the pandemic, Hedley & Bennett has sold and donated more than a million masks to date. You always learn something when you talk to Ellen, and her passions run deep. I'm so excited to share my conversation with Ellen with all of you.

JJ Martin has created a brand and a life that radiate color. Her expressive collection, La DoubleJ, includes ready-to-wear, accessories, home, bedding, and tabletop. It is a dynamic reflection of JJ's life in Italy and the evolution of her very personal journey to success. She launched her business from Milan, selling vintage fashion and accessories, alongside her career as an American journalist reporting on fashion, design, and travel for a hit list of the best international publications. With an incredible eye for all things vintage and also color-driven, JJ's collection is joyful and accessible. In May JJ debuted a fabulous collaboration with Ladurée, including a tea set, apron, and dessert plate adorned with a spectacular tree of life motif. Plus she opened her very first La DoubleJ shop in Milan. More recently, she has incorporated her spiritual practice into her brand, and today we explore how all these things are impacting her collection, the perfect calming pink in her living room, and how to truly hunt for vintage—without breaking the bank. I'm so excited to share my conversation with JJ with all of you.

Carmeon Hamilton has had a big year: winning HGTV's Design Star: Next Gen, landing her own TV show, and taking on so many exciting new projects with her interior clients and brands. Big green energy and plants are a huge part of Carmeon's work—she incorporates them into almost every project, and on- and offscreen she creates spaces that are personal, layered, highly curated, and alive! At the core of her design practice, Nubi Interiors, is the passion for creating spaces that are a true reflection of how you live, what you value, and what makes you feel good. Her exciting new television concept is all about stylish and smart solutions for renters and how to shop for your home in a way that is thoughtful and accessible. Carmeon is hugely influenced by her favorite design hotels and her hometown of Memphis. Add to that interiors that exude joy and her love for deep shades of green. Her power and positivity feel so right for this moment.

Joy Cho of Oh Joy! is a graphic designer, author, product designer, O.G. lifestyle blogger, Pinterest super-influencer, and Domino's Summer issue cover star. Her Los Angeles home, built from the ground up, was years in the making—a collection of buildings that includes a dreamy A-frame house that serves as a hybrid creative space, photo studio, and guest quarters for visiting friends and family. Known for a signature aesthetic that leans on color-blocking, pattern, whimsy, and bold creativity, Joy has partnered with big-name brands such as Target, Keds, and Anthropologie to help bring her style to scale. Add to that impressive résumé author, social influencer, brand ambassador, and overall creative cheerleader. Joy is a master of documenting the process. She openly shares her journey on her Instagram feed, the pain points in growing her successful business, and the emotional balancing act of family and work. Her renovation and build process have been no different. Joy has documented the twists and turns, visual inspirations, sources, and financial considerations that go into a project of this scale. She's got a lot to say! I'm so excited to share my conversation with Joy with all of you.

There is a certain level of polish and style associated with organizing the Martha Stewart way. There’s a reason for this, and much of it traces back to Kevin Sharkey. Kevin is the executive vice president and executive director of design for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and for more than 25 years he has been Stewart’s right hand and creative confidant. He is a visionary decorating editor, a creative mind, and one of the most organized people I know. His apartment in Manhattan features a number of stylishly organized spaces that lean heavily on color—a beautifully designed bookcase with hundreds of books arranged by hue, a graphic all-black closet that rivals the merchandising at any chic store, and an epic china and silver cabinet for his encyclopedic collections of tabletop. After a conversation with Kevin, I walk away inspired and always having learned something. Tune in as we explore Kevin’s organizing solutions, which are as hardworking and precise as they are intuitive and cool.

Jeremiah Brent is on a mission for the original. Known for his megawatt career and likable television personality, Jeremiah’s design approach is rooted in the ritual of living in a home you love and comfort without sacrificing an ounce of style. Despite his visual point of view being highly appealing, he is incredibly thoughtful about what he buys, instinctual, and generous. Natural materials, sculptural lines, and collected vintage mingle in a way that is artistic and uniquely his. Along with his husband, Nate Berkus, Jeremiah’s current TV projects include HGTV’s competition show Rock the Block and Netflix’s Say I Do, along with the popular Nate and Jeremiah by Design, which follows their career and family life with their two adorable children, Poppy and Oskar. His collections of furniture for Living Spaces are a study in emotional and functional design. Listen in as Jeremiah shares his rituals around family life and the budget-friendly reno hacks he’s learned on TV.

Sophia Roe wants us all to have a conversation. By inspiring an open dialogue, she’s bending the idea of what wellness really means, pushing the boundaries of every industry she touches. Most recently, it has been through her Vice TV series, Counter Space, which weaves a narrative around where culture, food, community, sustainability, racial justice, and storytelling meet. Beyond cooking delicious, beautiful food and lending focus to its impact on health and well-being, Sophia is a spiritual powerhouse who wants to show you how to nourish and care for your soul—tapping into balance and what makes you feel good, which extends to your home, your surroundings, and the items you choose to touch every day. Listen in as she brings awareness to the topics of food insecurity, welfare, shelter, and body positivity in a way that is approachable and empowering and inspires action.

Swedish-born and London-based designer Beata Heuman believes interiors should really sing. They should tell your personal story and be a reflection of the lives lived within a space and of the places and personalities that have inspired the journey to get you there. Beata is a rising star in the British design world—known for her bright and fearless interiors but also as a smart and open-minded product designer. Her Shoppa web shop sells everything from her fantastical and wildly patterned fabrics to smart lighting and bespoke furniture. Her designs strike this cool balance of effortlessly Scandinavian and distinctly British—which means they are cozy, whimsical, inviting, and timeless. In the foreword to her new book, Every Room Should Sing (Rizzoli), Beata writes, “It is easy to become preoccupied with trying to copy a perfect look. But the truth is that if you try to completely imitate another person’s style, you will always fall slightly short.” Learn more as we explore the dynamic spaces she creates that are a reflection of her go-for-it attitude. They rest not on expensive items or hard-and-fast design rules, but instead value passion, humor, fearlessness, and comfort. Bright, happy colors, new ways to frame and hang art—unexpected details intended to bring you joy.

Julia Marcum has built her career around the concept of love. Her popular blog, Chris Loves Julia, launched as a personal creative diary of renovation, home, marriage, and family—all of the very real parts of life that impact how you truly live in your home. Her deep passion for the process of renovation and documenting all the little details—the earned sweat equity and mishaps that happen in the journey of making spaces better and more personal—gives her content an approachability that inspires her fans to do it themselves. With her community following along as she updates her spaces, Julia believes that you can always make a space function better for you and budget is a construct we can all learn to work within. Listen in as we chat with the self-described homebody and explore the six kitchens she has renovated along with her husband, Chris.

Loeffler Randall’s Jessie Randall has a spot on the timeline of Domino’s history. The O.G. Domino cover featuring her Brooklyn home with the “For Like Ever” poster launched a thousand Pinterest boards and Etsy shops, and that story is still circulating today. Jessie’s love of sun-faded neutrals, ditzy florals, and reimagined gingham finds its way into her collections, and she shares those inspirations on her Instagram feed. Her brand is embarking on a new chapter this month, with Loeffler Randall’s first retail shop, opening in New York City’s Nolita neighborhood; a ready-to-wear collection; and shoes that strike that magic balance of comfort and style. So many of the techniques used in crafting the label take their inspiration from interiors—pleating, hand-stitched embroidery, quilting—and it all is informed by Jessie’s own creative process. Listen in as we dive into the projects and hands-on crafts that she’s been working on for the past year.

British designer Matilda Goad’s products are just the dose of joy we all need in our homes right now. Her collection of tabletop and brightly hued accessories is a fabulously low-commitment way to inject new energy into our spaces: wavy rattan lampshades, scallop-edged napkins, and planters in a spectrum of appealing colors. Matilda’s love for elevating everyday items informs everything she touches. Her own home in London is equally bold and chock-full of ideas—a checkerboard-pattern tile on the stovetop surround, a smart grid of inexpensive glossy white tiles with oxblood red grout in the pantry, a scalloped detail behind a sink, and a skirt fashioned from an oversize floral to hide away unsightly messes. Dive in as we explore the joy in shaking things up in your home: by setting a fun table, playing some good music, or surrounding yourself with flowers, which reminds us that home should be a reflection of your passions—whatever that means to you.

Frances Merrill of Reath Design draws inspiration from seemingly unlikely sources—a favorite item of clothing, a textile from an antiques mall, or a piece of furniture handed down from a friend. Frances got her start designing spaces for Commune, and her warm, cozy, and layered interiors radiate personality—they are, like Frances herself, a bit of California style by way of Greenwich Village. Her use of color has become a signature and feels familiar and welcoming yet always surprising. Frances and her team design high-vibration spaces, saturated with personality, texture, and color. Adventurous block prints sit next to more traditional elements, and it’s this juxtaposition that makes Reath Design’s spaces exciting, fresh, and unique—not one is the same. Listen in as we explore the boldness and intentionality that are the hallmarks of Frances’s design approach.

Estelle Bailey-Barbenzien is the cofounder and creative director of fashion and lifestyle brand Noah and Dream Awake Design. She’s responsible for building the Noah brand and retail environments, including its downtown New York City flagship, shops within Dover Street Market in Los Angeles and London, and locations in Osaka and Tokyo. The company donates a portion of its profits to causes it cares about. Estelle’s interiors prioritize fabric, a meaningful lifestyle, and conscious consumerism, and they’re classic, soulful, and timeless. Her choice of materials leans on the education she received at Central Saint Martins in London, and her recent project—a sustainably driven townhouse for actor Adrian Grenier in Brooklyn—will be revealed on Domino next month. Noah isn’t just good retail; it’s become a community gathering spot (pre-COVID, of course) for local design and inclusive activism. Listen in as Estelle shares her thoughts on sustainability in design and creating environments that build community and connections.

Anthony D’Argenzio of Zio and Sons has evolved from stylist, photographer, designer, and content creator to renovation expert, developer, and real-estate visionary. As a frequent contributor to Domino, he’s documented his journey of restoring and refreshing historic spaces in New York’s Hudson Valley and creating a series of enviable short- and long-term residences that he rents via Airbnb. Anthony understands how to maintain the beauty, patina, and integrity of a space while updating it for modern living. Anthony has collaborated with Clé Tile on an incredible line of easy-to-install zellige tile; is launching a new wallpaper collection this spring; and has a booming real-estate practice. He embraces old-world materials and European influences—brass, plaster, artfully crafted wood—and knows how to source and collect the best vintage. Listen in as we learn how all these elements come together to create Anthony’s coveted spaces.

Shea McGee’s hit Netflix show, Dream Home Makeovers, just launched its second season, highlighting her talent for creating spaces that strike that perfect balance between aspirational, attainable, and highly livable. In the series, Shea and her husband, Syd, take us into the day-to-day life of Studio McGee, their design, interiors, and commerce business located in Lehi, Utah, south of Salt Lake City. Along with their highly successful collections for Target; a best-selling book, Make Life Beautiful; and a growing and engaged Instagram audience, the McGees have helped define what it takes to build a thriving design studio and multifaceted content business. The firm crafts spaces that are, of course, beautiful, but also easy to understand and layered with materials that are timeless and classic. Its clean and enviable aesthetic is often copied, but for many, it’s the way that Shea speaks about the creative process that’s the hook—and the opportunity to learn from her successes and choices keeps her fans hungry for more. Listen in as we dive into Shea’s approach to design, and the colors and materials she is loving right now.

Jean Brownhill, founder and CEO of Sweeten, really understands homeowners’ needs when jumping into a renovation project. She learned by personal experience both as an architect and a first-time homeowner while renovating her brownstone in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. After learning from a mis-hired contractor and her own mistakes, and seeing an opportunity in the market to empower homeowners and contractors, Jean decided to launch Sweeten in 2011. She provides an invaluable service—connecting homeowners with vetted and certified contractors and providing tools to aid in the process, including budgeting, bidding guidelines, financial protection, and planning—and is an inspiring innovator and visionary. Sweeten experienced massive growth in 2020, with so many people at home really experiencing their spaces and planning how to make them function better. Specializing in projects big and small, Jean and her team have seen it all when it comes to renovations. So if you’re thinking of taking one on, listen in…you’ll want to take notes.

For our last episode of 2020, Jessica Romm Perez and Domino editors Kate Berry and Alex Redgrave sit down for a special chat about all things kids. The team was so excited to launch Domino Kids this year and support families with hardworking ideas and fun. Our theme, “Kids Rule the House,” would actually become a reality—and the team quickly saw the need for parents to gain advice on how to set up that homeschool station in a small space; put together an organization strategy that tames some of the toy chaos; and—maybe most important—create a home where everyone can still have fun together, be creative, and make special moments even during challenging times. The resident moms of Team Domino have been scattered around since March: Kate stayed in her Manhattan apartment with her husband and 7-year-old daughter, Quinn; Alex and her husband and 2-year-old son, Mischa, went to live with family in Canada; and Jess has been moving around with her family of five a lot, between their apartment in New York and rentals upstate. It’s been a wild ride, so listen in as they look back and share what they’ve learned!

Roman Alonso and his Los Angeles–based creative studio, Commune Design, have had a hand in defining what many associate with the modern California aesthetic. Layered, collected, built to last—these are the signatures of Commune’s work. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Roman defined his career as a visionary creative, working across fashion, interiors, and publishing. From the time he founded his groundbreaking studio, Roman and his team have been incredibly prolific, designing textural, layered environments for hotels, restaurants, and retail and residential interiors. With a holistic creative approach that values community and collaboration, the team fuses historic references and global perspective with product design across almost every category imaginable. Listen in as Roman shares his thoughts on some of the most exciting interiors of the past two decades.

Nate Berkus is a role model in so many senses of the word. As an interior designer, megawatt TV celebrity, businessman, and industry thought leader, he’s changed the course of how designers think about what’s possible in their careers. Nate’s aspirational approach to interiors is communicated in language that is attainable, accessible, and uniquely his own. He established his design firm at 24 years old and launched his TV career on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show and later with his own hit series, The Nate Berkus Show. Nate has product lines for the Shade Store, Target, and Kravet, as well as a furniture collection for Living Spaces. Beyond product, it’s his soulful approach to design and family that really strikes us. Listen in as we catch up with Nate as he shares the ways he and husband Jeremiah Brent and their two kids, Poppy and Oscar, have been sharing this time of unique togetherness.

On a very special episode of Design Time, we were able to get two of our contributors—Sarah Sherman Samuel, our cover star from last winter’s Renovation issue, and our newly anointed cover star, Leanne Ford—to talk about the concept of coming home, which is something we have all done in some capacity this year. Their hilarious, heartfelt chat is filled with reno gold, and the two buddies, who have both left Los Angeles to move home—Sarah to Michigan and Leanne to Pennsylvania—are seeing their careers blossom in inspiring new directions. There is a lot to learn from these two, and we hope you love it. Don’t forget to pick up our Winter Renovation issue featuring Leanne’s new home and so much more. It will inspire and guide you through your next reno project, big or small.

Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors has had a really big year. Team Domino is constantly talking about her expert renovations and calming, light-filled spaces—and her three shops in Los Angeles have seen incredible growth this year, as everyone has been focused on nesting. Amber’s recent best-selling book, Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles, dives into the art of layering and focuses on how we create spaces that are warm, welcoming, cozy, and—most important—a reflection of what we love and value. Despite her massive following and successful career, Amber is approachable and funny and doesn’t take design too seriously. You can really feel that joy in her spaces, and isn’t that ultimately how we all should live? In this episode, she dives deep on the recent renovation of her L.A. house, what materials give you the most bang for your buck, and how everyone should reimagine their home to be more comfortable for daily living.

It’s 2020, and Ina Garten needs no introduction. Her passionate following hit a peak during lockdown, when the food-world superstar began sharing viral videos of her life at home with her husband, Jeffrey, and imparting her knowledge on what to cook, how to organize, and how to live during these challenging and unusual times. Her Instagram fan base of more than 2 million followers hang on her every post, and she has emerged as a sort of quarantine queen for the home cook, bringing joy and humor to everything she does. Ina released a just-right-for-now best-selling book in October called Modern Comfort Food, filled with recipes that feed your soul and make you feel good. She’s a homebody in the best sense of the word. Ina’s bons mots give us license not to be perfect: “How easy is that” and “Store-bought is fine” make it okay for us all to be a little easier on ourselves—and that feels right. Listen in as Ina shares her tips on how to group your pantry staples and how to make a weeknight dinner feel like a celebration with her signature relatable style and ease—which has inspired a whole new generation of home cooks.

Matt Hranek and Yolanda Edwards are what most would call a creative power couple. Throughout their careers, they have worked together and separately for some of the most dynamic and inspiring publications, documenting their travels, food, and homes for digital and print, and solidifying a loyal following that trusts their every move. Each recommendation they put out there—where to go, where to eat, what to drink, what to shop for—and, most important, how to document it, is supported by vibrant images and heartfelt storytelling. Memory keeping and collecting are central to Matt and Yolanda’s perspective. They are gifted editors, prolific content creators, and trusted curators who are generous with their knowledge and always up to share a recommendation or a story to give their suggestions more weight. After leaving Condé Nast Traveler, they each launched independent print magazines, WM Brown and YOLO Journal, while engaging their loyal audience on Instagram and consulting for brands. As we approach the holidays, we catch up with Matt and Yolanda to talk about how they’re celebrating the holidays, even on a smaller scale this year.

Despite the uncertainty around us, it’s been quite a year of accomplishments for Ayesha Curry. While gracing the cover of Domino’s Fall Style issue, the food enthusiast, philanthropist, and mother of three released her second cookbook, New York Times best-seller The Full Plate: Flavor-Filled, Easy Recipes for Families With No Time and a Lot to Do; appeared at the Democratic National Convention; and hosted an Instagram Live cooking demo with Vice President–elect Kamala Harris. This year has marked many serious milestones for Ayesha, including launching her media platform and magazine, Sweet July, which champions female entrepreneurs and people of color, and planning for the imminent opening of her retail environment in downtown Oakland, California. Along with that, her nonprofit foundation, Eat. Learn. Play., which she cofounded with her husband, NBA superstar Steph Curry, is doing incredible work to support children in need through this moment of global pandemic and remote schooling. Her work and vision are an inspiration, as is the way she decorates, feeds her family of five, and communicates with her fans. Listen in as Ayesha shares how she uses her platform to amplify diverse voices…and for that, we are all grateful.

Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters of design firm Forbes Masters are a creative team focused on a personal approach to design, diving into their clients’ passions, personalities, and style before embarking on a plan for interiors. They are all about innovating the design process, pushing their craft forward with digital design, social media, and their active and growing network. With an impressive roster of celebrity clients and exciting product collaborations in the works, including a wallpaper collection with Mitchell Black, Tavia and Monet are just getting warmed up. Bold in their approach, and inspired by projects big and small, they are about to move into a brand-new studio and embark on some of their most personal work to date. 2020 and COVID-19 have boosted the duo’s online presence, with clients all over the country utilizing their digital design services. Listen in as we dive in on the future of digital design and what the future holds for this impressive pair.

Colin King, stylist, dancer, and creative director, is a force in the design world, working with photographers and brands to craft beautiful spaces and images that are as moving and emotional as they appear effortless and aspirational. In this week's episode, we explore spaces with meaning and the community Colin has built in the design world, including close collaborators from some of the best stores, brands, and publications in the business including Architectural Digest, Zara Home, Hay, RW Guild, T Magazine, House Beautiful, Vogue, Milk Decoration, and of course, Domino. Colin recently launched a collection for Beni Rugs called the Shape of Color, a lush and graphic group of floor coverings in the most warm and welcoming color palette of ochre, eggplant, navy and rich caramel. It feels just right for now. Tune in as we explore what Colin King does best….creating beautiful, simple, minimalistic and inspiring spaces.