We are thrilled to welcome Carson Kressley—style expert, television personality, and design enthusiast—to the show. Today we're talking about his background, his love of equestrian living, and his new collection with Ballard Designs.
This episode is a reminder that great design doesn't have to be intimidating—it should feel joyful, expressive, and uniquely yours. As Carson proves, when you mix timeless style with a little personality, the result is always chic.
Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/InsideDesignYouTube
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/26vjfy24
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve
Or wherever you get your podcasts. #InteriorDesignPodcast, #InsideDesign, #CarsonKressley, #BallardDesigns, #EquestrianStyle
CARSON KRESSLEY BIO:
Emmy Award-winning TV personality and design expert
You may know him as the breakout star on Bravo's Queer Eye for the Straight Guy back in 2003, or in his long-standing role as a judge on RuPaul's Drag Race, among many other shows. He has been a competitor on Dancing with the Stars and a trusted fashion critic on every red carpet. He is an author, a lifelong equestrian and overall, one of the funniest people we have been around. We are super excited to share with you his collaboration with Ballard Designs, but most importantly to help you get to know Carson a little bit better.
You can explore Carson's "Thrill of the Hunt" collection at Ballard Designs at www.ballarddesigns.com or hopefully you already get their catalog in the mail. For those of you living in Atlanta, don't miss the incredible flagship store on Huff Road in West Midtown.
Explore Carson's collection with Ballard Designs and bring a touch of equestrian-inspired elegance into your home.
KANDRAC & KOLE BIO
Voted one of "Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers" by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the US. Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership.
They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy.
In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, "Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole." This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, "The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly," in 2024.
Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
1. Style your home the way you style yourself—personal always wins. If it doesn't feel like you, it won't feel right—no matter how beautiful it is.
2. Equestrian style = leather, brass, and polish… not horse overload. It's about subtle nods to tradition through materials and tailoring, not literal motifs.
3. The best rooms feel collected, not decorated. Layering pieces over time creates depth, character, and that effortless designer look.
4. Splurge on the anchors, save on the accents. Invest in the pieces you live with every day, and have fun switching out the rest.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: "Your home should tell your story—layered, personal, and never too perfect."
FUNNY QUOTE: "Good design is like a great outfit—if you're uncomfortable, it's not working."
Thank you to our producer Russ Riba with the Podcast Studio Network – reach out to him for engineering, producing or voice overs!
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