the GUSSIE

We don't know about you, but over here at the GUSSIE, 2022 was a jam-packed year. As we reflect on where we've been, and consider the opportunities presented by the dawn of a new year, we're channeling our inner cozy cotswold sitting room and making big plans to slow down and smell the Frasier Fir scented candle. Tune in to hear what we've been up to, our review of 2022, and our design predictions for the coming year.

One thing is for sure: A-list designer Amanda Nisbet is no shrinking violet (although to be clear, she wouldn't shrink from using the color violet). With a personality as vibrant and colorful as the rooms she designs, Amanda takes us through her journey from aspiring actress to accomplished interior designer. Tune in to hear how Amanda approaches the design process, what she's planning for the future, and why every home needs a "Bedofa." 

In our latest episode we sit down with Paloma Contreras, an award-winning interior designer and celebrated tastemaker who is also an author, retailer, podcaster, blogger, and now lighting designer. Tune in to hear about her new lighting line with Visual Comfort & Co, how she manages her many businesses and juggles family life, and why she thinks designing is a little like dating.

In this episode we sit down with Katie Rosenfeld, the Boston-based designer behind some of our favorite rooms. Known for her no-holds-barred approach to pattern, color, and layering, Katie is a master at achieving that oft elusive zone where a room is both editorial and livable. Given the multifaceted nature of her interiors, it is no surprise that Katie herself is a renaissance woman with a quick-witted personality to boot. Tune in to learn and laugh! 

It's January, which means it's time for "what's in" and "what's out” on the GUSSIE. In this episode, we break down the top design trends for 2022 (think brown furniture, matte paint, earth tones) and bid an overdue good riddance to the fads of yesteryear (buh-bye white shiplap!). We also reflect on how our culture — from hit shows to politics to cultural movements — directly impacts the design industry. What does 2022 have in store for the world of interiors? Tune-in to find out.

New sofa still  in production? Carpet stuck somewhere on the high seas? We feel you. One of the many unpleasant by-products of the pandemic is the global supply chain crisis. This unprecedented interruption in the ability to “get stuff” has many industries reeling, including the design world. In this episode we tackle “the why” of this problem, and explain how our business has been uniquely impacted. We also discuss real-time solutions for designers and consumers alike.

And just like that…we are back for a third season of design tips, trends, and tangents. In this episode we discuss our off-season exploits in the world of design, and offer a sneak peak into the many exciting topics we plan to cover this season. Tune in to hear about Pamela's eventful move into her new home, how our team rallied after our retail location was flooded, and why "delayed gratification" is our new design mantra.

Our final episode of Season Two is all about YOU! We love getting questions from our gussies, and in this episode we take on some of our favorite gussie inquiries. Can you use nickel and brass hardware in the same room? What about different kinds of wood finishes? Is there a trick to smart shopping at estate sales? What are the latest trends from High Point Market? For answers to these questions and more tune-in to this informative season finale!

In this episode we sit down with interior designer Robin Henry, a rising star in the biz whose playful use of pattern and color—alongside vintage and custom items—makes our GUSSIE hearts beat a little faster. In each of her spaces, Robin puts her knack for finding unique sources to good use, enhancing her rooms with bespoke light fixtures and other swoon-worthy, "one-of-a-kind" details. In our chat, Robin gives us the scoop on how she started out, what it's like to run her own firm, and why she believes designers can literally “shop anywhere.” She also reveals some of her secret sources, so get ready to take notes!

All good design begins with inspiration, and often the most impactful “aha moments” take place far from home. In this episode, we explore the dynamic interiors of some of the great American hotels and inns—properties that are sure to awaken the design-junkie within. So where are we off to now that summer break is on the horizon? Tune-in to find out!

In this episode we sit down with Liz Eichholz, co-founder of Weezie, a luxury towel company that is shaking up the industry with its plush, easily customizable wares. Joining us from her beautiful home in Savannah, Georgia Liz gives us the gussie on all things Weezie—from starting the company with longtime friend, Lindsey Johnson, to launching new product collaborations, and much much more. Tune-in to find out why we think every gussie needs to know about Weezie Towels.

For fashion designers, there’s Fashion Week. For interior designers? It’s all about High Point Market, the design industry's biannual furniture show. In this episode, we peel back the curtain and give you a no-holds-barred look at what really happens at market. Of course we couldn’t wrap this episode without gussie-ing about our own favorite memories from markets’ past. Get ready to laugh, this is a fun one GUSSIE fans!

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Leede, principal of the NYC/Hamptons-based design and textiles firm, Katie Leede and Company. Known for her sophisticated, worldly, and yet relaxed interiors, Katie’s designs are very much a reflection of her own love of global travel and collecting. A born aesthete, Katie’s appreciation for beauty has been the driving force behind her ever-evolving and expanding career. Joining us from Sag Harbor, Katie talks to us about her many passions, including her newly discovered love of shopkeeping. We also delve into her design process and learn how she skillfully creates a shorthand with new clients. What’s next for Katie? Tune-in to find out! 

Spring is in the air, ushering in a time of hope, renewal, and - most importantly - a wardrobe refresh (jk but not really). And for design junkies, all this change means it's time for some new design obsessions. In this episode, we divulge our most recent fixations, including painted tubs, fluted sinks, fringed chairs, tortoise anything, and much, much more. Tune in to hear the full list of items we are currently coveting!

In this episode we cajole decorated Jacksonville designer, Andrew Howard, to take an hour out of his busy schedule to gussie with us. Well known for family-friendly designs that are bold and lively yet relaxed, Andrew’s happy interiors give us all the feels. Plus, he’s funny. Great taste and a sense of humor, what more could a couple of design junkie podcasters ask for!?

The study of interior design is more than a catalogue of beautiful rooms. It is a window into the values of our culture, what we care about in any given snapshot in time. No room embodies this more than the “Family Room”—a modern invention that reflects the casualization of home life, and a renewed focus on family. In this episode, we breakdown the components of a well-designed Family Room. From layouts to sofas, coffee tables, storage pieces, and much, much more, we go deep into the room that has become the epicenter of a happy home.

In this episode, we are joined by the talented (and hilarious) Anderson Somerselle, who launched his eponymous digital showroom earlier this year. A veteran of prestigious textile houses Holland & Sherry and John Rosselli & Associates, Anderson takes us through the various stages of his career, gives us a glimpse at his life at the famed D&D Building in NYC, and tells us why he was motivated to set out on his own. Get ready to laugh and learn! 

Responsible for many of our favorite textiles, famed design house “Schumacher” has long been synonymous with style. In this episode, we sit down with Tori Mellot, Schumacher’s Style Director, who is smart, funny, and simply the chicest girl around. Nothing is off-limits in our chat with Tori, which includes a look back at her time at Domino & Trad Home, a window into the exciting things happening at Schumacher, and an important conversation about what it means to be a working mom in the midst of a pandemic.

Great design starts with a clean slate. The good news? Getting rid of what you don’t need is an easy and free way to enhance your home life. In this episode we take you behind the scenes of our primary bathroom purge (calling all shampoo hoarders!). We also tackle listener questions on wallpaper, coffee table styling, and faux plants. But first and foremost, we opine on the very “undesigny” topic of Britney Spears. Come for the Britney, stay for the design.

In this episode we welcome Nashville-based, mega designer Lori Paranjape, known affectionately within the industry (and to her many Insta fans) as “Mrs. Paranjape.” Recognized for her signature, “new classic” aesthetic, Lori is as fresh and fun as her gorgeous interiors. A natural storyteller, Mrs. Paranjape takes us behind the scenes of a high-end install, shares the secret behind her success, and reminds us of the why in design (hint: it’s not all about the shiny wallpaper). Get ready to take notes GUSSIE fans!

Welcome to Season 2! We are back with more design tips, trends, and (of course) tangents. For our first episode, we delve into our predictions for 2021. Is “Farmhouse Modern” here for good? Will “granny” stay “chic?” We also take-on listener questions, with topics ranging from rentals, to dog proofing, to guest rooms, and more. What’s on our wish lists for the season ahead? You’ll have to tune-in to find out!

In our final episode of Season One, we share our 2021 to-do lists. Some years usher in big projects, like kitchen remodels or new additions. But even without an exciting renovation on the horizon, your home deserves attention. From steam cleaning your sofas, to garage organization and bathroom upkeep, we itemize the small things you can do each year to keep your house in working order. We also discuss the importance of making room in the budget for some fun, aesthetic updates. After all, hard work deserves reward.

Need a little high gloss in your life? In this episode, we welcome, Stephen Dlouhy, founder of premier decorative painting firm “Floe Painting,” and great friend of the GUSSIE. Stephen is our go-to source for all “fine” painting treatments, including high gloss walls, lacquered libraries, Chinoiserie murals, painted floors, stenciled ceilings, and even fireplace surrounds. Get ready to learn how to gussie-up those plain walls and floors and reimagine your life in lacquer.

More than ever, we are all craving places to escape to within our own homes. In this episode we talk about the science of a great bedroom—the most personal room in your house, and often the most challenging room to design. We address everything from obvious Do’s (love a good swing-arm sconce!) to more controversial topics like bedroom TVs (for one of us it’s a MUST!). If your bedroom needs a little gussie-up, this is the episode for you.

In this episode, we sit down with LA-based designer and textile creator Schuyler Samperton. Schuyler has been featured in every noteworthy publication from Vogue to Elle Décor to Architectural Digest. In addition to being super talented and the woman behind some of our favorite patterns, Schuyler is just plain fun. If you don’t know her textile line, you should. Tune in to hear us dish on beautiful patterns, embracing “more is more,” and how to design textiles…but make it fashion.

With the holiday season on the horizon, we’re bringing you our Dining Room Do’s, Don’t’s, and Maybes. From lighting to chair rail to faux plants, we cover it all. Thinking of adding occasional seating? Wondering whether to invest in a statement mirror, or if you should ditch the rug and paint the floors? Tune in to hear our deep dive into Dining Room décor and how to get gussied for the season ahead.

In this episode we sit down with established Washington, D.C. interior designer and creator of one our favorite textile lines, Marika Meyer. Marika had us at “Beatrix,” a floral print inspired by beloved children’s author and accomplished botanical illustrator, Beatrix Potter. Marika’s textiles bring a unique, whimsical vitality to a room, and after meeting Marika – who is as smart and warm as she is talented – it’s easy to see the connection between the designs and the designer. Get ready for a total fangirl moment!

When you walk into a room, what do you notice first? Is it the furniture? The colors? The architecture? When designing for yourself, do you prioritize certain aspects, like art or pattern and textiles? In this episode we introduce our list of the five “love languages” of design and divulge our own personal persuasions. We also discuss why it’s important to know your design love language, and how identifying your area of passion can impact your choices. Wondering what yours is? Tune in and get the gussie.

Do you ever wonder how magazines and design books achieve those picture-perfect interiors? Or why your friend’s house has that ‘gram-worthy appeal, but your own rooms seem to be missing that je ne sais quoi? In this episode we break the fourth wall of design and deliver the tricks of the trade right to you. We’re talking ceilings, trim, lighting, textures, pattern, scale, and why too much symmetry can sink a room. Tune in to get gussied! 

Who loves a good “gussie” more than us!? In this episode we take a closer look at how to “gussie-up” your old pieces – whether it’s grandma’s chair or a great find from a local consignment shop. From repainting to reupholstering to repurposing, we’ve got you covered! We also reveal our secret source for knock-out hardware, and our hacks for turning artifacts into art. It’s time to ditch the shabby and embrace the chic!

The secret to a dynamic home is embracing change. Just like personal style, your house should be constantly evolving. This means occasionally moving around your furniture, art, and accessories, and discovering new ways to appreciate what you have. Good designers use the changing of the seasons as a signal that it’s time for a home refresh. From linens to books, carpets and more, we breakdown the art of a good fall facelift. This episode is Botox for your home!

In this cheekily named episode, we take on two ingredients essential to the bones of a good room. When should you opt for wall-to-wall carpeting? What are the advantages of a custom-cut carpet? We also lay out our favorite kinds of carpets and tell you why you should never ask your party guests to take off their shoes. In our window segment, we debate the different types of treatments, breakdown our love of dining room panels, and discuss dead giveaways that your drapes are outdated.

In this episode of “The Gussie,” we take on the taboo subject of design budgets. When should designers talk budgets with their clients? If designing for yourself, how do you balance your goal of finding quality items with the temptation of an online sale? Are there really any great “steals” out there? We also lay out some hard-learned facts about the design business, including our thoughts on childproofing, shipping costs, online purchasing, designer pet peeves, and the essential ingredients for a well-designed home. Get ready to hear our design industry bare-all!

Good interior design starts with editing. When working with a design client, or designing for yourself, the first question you need to ask is, what stays and what goes? For our second episode of “The Gussie,” we dive into the world weeding, Marie Kondo, and Swedish Death Cleaning. How do you decide what pieces of furniture to hold onto? How do you overcome that inevitable feeling of resistance when paring down? We also talk upcycling, the value of well-made furniture, and how to find and gussie-up older pieces. When it comes to vintage finds, with a little time and knowhow, someone’s “yuck” can become your “yum.”

For our very first “The Gussie” episode, we decided to begin at the beginning. What are the different styles of interior design? How do you figure out which style is “you?” You will also hear about our own personal design evolutions, how we got here, and why we are venturing into the world of podcasting. We touch on our favorite design books, our sources of inspiration, and pose the age-old question: why there are no cute dog gates!?  (Yes, there will be tangents). Plus, we introduce our weekly segment, aptly named, “The Gussie.” Are you ready to get gussied?