Ep. 473: Best of Archives: Traditional Design with a Twist with Katie Rosenfeld

Welcome to our summer "best of" series! While the team takes a short break, we are reliving some of our absolute favorite conversations from the archives. In this beloved episode, we sit down with Massachusetts-based designer Katie Rosenfeld. Katie is known for her happy, family-friendly, and approachable style, but it is her ability to blur the lines between classic and modern—with bits of "quirky" added for good measure—that makes her work truly stand out.

Katie joins the show to discuss her unwavering love for traditional design and why she believes "traditional with a twist" is an evergreen concept. She breaks down her philosophy on mixing patterns, why you should always opt for white bedding, and the importance of allowing for "imperfection" in your home to make it feel collected and lived-in rather than stiff and orchestrated.

Quick Decorating Takeaways:

• Define "Traditional with a Twist": The "twist" isn't just about using new items; it's about juxtaposition. Pair formal elements with casual ones—for example, adding a casual seagrass or sisal rug to a very formal dining room with mural wallpaper helps dress down the formality.
• The Case for Pattern-on-Pattern: Katie believes that pattern is a design staple. If you love pattern, don't be afraid to use it liberally. If you want to keep the room feeling fresh, she suggests swapping the traditional ratio: instead of doing the main pattern on the drapes, try using a bold floral on your upholstered sofa or chair.
• Keep Big Pieces Neutral: To avoid dating your room too quickly, keep your foundational pieces (sofas, large armchairs) neutral in color. Save your bold gestures for items that can be easily swapped out, like textiles, lamps, and smaller decorative accents.
• Embrace "Imperfection": When a room is too orchestrated or "just so," it feels uncomfortable and stiff. Katie argues that a little bit of imperfection—a slightly crooked piece of art or a mix of disparate items—is what creates a warm, comfortable, and charming home.
• The Power of White Bedding: Even if your room is off-white, keep your bedding crisp white. It serves as a fresh, clean foundation that allows you to play with patterned sheets or throw pillows without the room feeling cluttered.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• 00:34 Intro: Why we’re re-airing this beloved archive episode
• 02:00 Traditional design: Defining "Traditional with a Twist"
• 05:00 Updating formal spaces with contemporary lighting and casual rugs
• 06:00 Why Katie loves florals and pattern-on-pattern layering
• 09:30 The "Granny Chic" debate and why timeless style doesn't need a label
• 12:00 The importance of tuning out social media trends to stay original
• 14:00 Katie’s design background and the influence of her Southern roots
• 22:00 A deep dive into Chintz: Cotton fabrics, saturated colors, and how to use them
• 26:00 Ruffles, trim, and needlepoint: Historic details having a moment
• 38:00 Maintaining a sense of imperfection to keep a home cozy
• 44:00 Creating "moments" versus "Epcot" (making disparate rooms coexist)
• 46:00 Decorating Dilemma: Solving "Zoom Gloom" in a dark blue/beige guest room
• 56:54 Where to find Katie and her web series

Also Mentioned:

• Katie Rosenfeld & Company | Website
• Follow Katie on Instagram: @KatieRosenfeld
• Shop Ballard Designs

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Happy decorating!

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