Ep. 430: Balancing Old & New with Claire Staszak

How to Decorate

Join Caroline and Taryn as they welcome Chicago-based interior designer Claire Staszak to the show, known for her expertise in historic architecture where she expertly blends tradition with modern flair.

Claire delves into her journey of transforming traditional design elements with contemporary touches. Having established her design firm a decade ago, Claire offers listeners a peek into her distinct aesthetic and approach to projects. She shares the exciting journey of renovating her dream home, for example: a 1926 Mediterranean house where she skillfully blends charm with modernity, focusing on natural light and practical design.

The discussion also covers how to handle design choices with kids in mind, emphasizing practicality without compromising on style. Moreover, Claire introduces her exquisite wallpaper collection, shedding light on its inspiration and customization options. This episode rounds off with practical advice for tackling design challenges and creating cohesive yet functional spaces.

What You'll Hear This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to How to Decorate Podcast
00:33 Meet Claire Staszak: Chicago's Historic Home Specialist
01:03 Claire's Design Philosophy and Journey
04:29 Balancing Traditional and Modern Elements
10:42 Claire's Personal Home Renovation Journey
20:18 Designing for Functionality and Aesthetics
26:42 Navigating Renovation Challenges
36:33 Transforming the Mud Room: Aesthetic and Functional Design
39:08 The Importance of a Welcoming Entryway
40:30 Exploring Color Palettes: Warmth and Earthiness
45:26 Designing with Kids in Mind: Balancing Beauty and Practicality
49:56 Wallpaper Collection: Inspiration and Customization
56:53 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Us

Also Mentioned:

• @centeredbydesign | Claire's Instagram
• ⁠centeredbydesign.com⁠ | Claire's Official Website
• ⁠Shop Ballard Designs⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Website

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!

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