Ep. 200: designer Brian Paquette

How to Decorate

Today's guest is Seattle designer Brian Paquette. He joins us to talk about his brand new book At Home: Evocative and Art-Forward Interiors, as well as his unconventional path to design, his love of art, and why he finds so much inspiration in an earthy palette.

What You'll Hear on the Show:

• His unconventional background into the design field
• Why it's important to listen when working on a clients design (or your own home)
• Why he typically favors weaves over patterns in his more permanent pieces
• We talk about his book (why Karen loved his captions)
• Sense memory in a room and why Brian loves to speak to a client's sense memory
• Why Brian creates a signature scent for each of his clients' home
• Brian thinks listening and inferring information is his super power
• Why asking about a paint color someone used in their home isn't a smart way to choose a paint color
• Why he likes a monotone palette for media rooms and bedrooms
• Why Brian leaves art to chance in his design projects
• Why a home should age and we should accept and enjoy the aging process

Decorating Dilemma:

Brian suggests switching your throw pillow inserts to Trillium which is a down alternative. This is what Brian uses for all of his clients! For the rest of the room, own the blue sofa! Add more blue in with two club chairs to coordinate with your sofa -- it could be pillows, some cording on the chairs, or a similar but different blue fabric on the chair. You're almost there. Just two more chairs will tie it all together.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Brian Paquette Interiors
• Brian Paquette on Instagram
• At Home: Evocative & Art Forward Interiors, by Brian Paquette
• Trillium pillow inserts from PillowFlex