Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production

This week on Talk Shop, Ariel is joined by one of the most influential designers of our time, Nate Berkus. Known for his classic, layered, historically-rooted approach to interiors, Nate has spent nearly 30 years helping people create homes that reflect who they are, not just how they live. Starting his interior design firm at just 24, Nate’s world has since expanded far beyond interiors, into product collections, television, film, and bestselling books. From curated furniture collections to collaborations with Kravet, Living Spaces, PetSmart and more, Nate’s design sensibility extends into every corner of the home. Nate is also the Travel Ambassador for Celebrity Cruises, and even served as Executive Producer on the Oscar-winning film The Help–multifaceted is an understatement.Nate has authored two New York Times bestselling books, and his newest book, Foundations: Timeless Design That Feels Personal, out November 18th, is the most intimate distillation of his philosophy: your home should tell your story, and that story should unfold slowly, over time. Join us for this warm and wise conversation with the wonderful Nate Berkus.-Join Nate and Friends on November 18th for a special event in NYC at Symphony Space: https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/nate-berkus-and-friends-foundations-timeless-design-that-feels-personal—Learn more: https://nateberkus.com/Follow Nate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateberkus/Explore Nate’s ShopMy storefront: https://shopmy.us/shop/nateberkus?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=nateberkus-storefront—Get Started on ShopMy TodayTo join Ariel and our Season 5 guests on ShopMy, create a free shopper account to build create a free shopper account to build wishlists and shop your favorite pieces: https://shopmy.us/home/shoppers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=talkshop

If you’ve ever fallen down a rabbit hole looking for the perfect crib or nursery chair , something stylish, safe, and built to last, chances are you’ve come across Nestig. This week on Talk Shop, Ariel is joined by Sara Adam Slywka, co-founder of Nestig, the beloved children’s furniture brand that’s redefining modern nursery design. Born from Sara’s passion for creating thoughtful, design-forward spaces for families, Nestig has quickly become known for its beautifully crafted cribs, furniture, and decor that balance form, function, and emotion.Before launching the company, Sara studied at Duke University and earned her MBA from Columbia Business School, where she met her co-founder at Nestig. Her background in merchandising and marketing helped shape her approach to building a brand that feels both elevated and deeply personal. Under her leadership, Nestig has built a devoted following of parents who care just as much about craftsmanship and sustainability as they do about style.—Learn more: https://www.nestig.com/Follow Nestig on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nestig/Explore Netstig's ShopMy storefront: https://shopmy.us/shop?AllBrand_id=1141—Get Started on ShopMy TodayTo join Ariel and our Season 5 guests on ShopMy, create a free shopper account to build create a free shopper account to build wishlists and shop your favorite pieces: https://shopmy.us/home/shoppers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=talkshop

Welcome back to a brand-new season of Talk Shop with Ariel Okin, brought to you by ShopMy! With ShopMy, you can discover and shop the pieces experts actually use and love in their own homes—all in one beautifully curated place.To kick off Season 5, Ariel sits down with two of the most respected names in American architecture: Bill Curtis and Russell Windham, founding principals of the award-winning Houston-based firm Curtis & Windham Architects.For more than three decades, Bill and Russell have collaborated to create homes and gardens that celebrate classical design through a modern lens—grounded in craftsmanship, proportion, and a deep respect for history, yet always infused with warmth and livability.Bill, who began his career working under the legendary architect Allan Greenberg, brings a scholar’s eye to architecture’s historic roots. Russell, whose background in both architecture and interiors lends a refined sensitivity to scale and comfort, complements that expertise with an instinct for how people truly live.Together, they’ve built a body of work that has been widely published and honored with countless awards, and most recently captured in their new book with Rizzoli, Building on Tradition—a stunning follow-up to their first monograph, A Vision of Place. Tune in as Ariel talks with Bill and Russell about their creative partnership, the evolution of their firm, and what it means to design homes that stand the test of time.—Learn more: https://www.curtisandwindham.com/Follow Bill and Russell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtisandwindham/Explore their ShopMy storefront: https://shopmy.us/shop/curtisandwindham?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=curtisandwindham-storefront—Get Started on ShopMy TodayJoin Ariel and our Season 5 guests on ShopMy by creating a free shopper account, then start building wishlists and shopping your favorite pieces: https://shopmy.us/home/shoppers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid_sponsorship&utm_campaign=talkshop

This week on Talk Shop, Ariel is joined by the award-winning Los Angeles designer, Peter Dunham. Known for his signature California-cool-meets-international-chic style, Peter has built a multifaceted career that spans interior design, fabrics and wallpapers, and his iconic showroom, Hollywood at Home.Raised in France and educated in England, Peter made his way to New York before settling in Los Angeles in 1998, where he launched his design firm. Five years later, he introduced a textile and wallpaper collection that has become a beloved industry staple. In 2007, he opened Hollywood at Home, a destination for furnishings, textiles, and vintage finds that has since expanded from LA’s La Cienega Design Quarter to New York City.Most recently, Peter published his first book, The World of Peter Dunham: Global Style from Paris to Hollywood (Vendome), a celebration of his refined yet worldly design perspective.Tune in for a conversation about his journey, his inspirations, and what continues to drive his ever-evolving vision.—Learn more about Peter Dunman’s Textiles: https://peterdunhamtextiles.com/Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterdunhamdesign/And pick up his book now: https://www.vendomepress.com/products/the-world-of-peter-dunham

This week on Talk Shop, Ariel is joined by the brilliant Rebecca Gardner, founder and creative director of Houses & Parties, a full-service events, interiors, and retail collective with homes in Savannah and New York. Named a top event designer by Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, Rebecca is known for creating unforgettable experiences and imaginative worlds, with her work featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, The Wall Street Journal, and beyond.Through Houses & Parties, she curates what she lovingly calls “unnecessaries,” collections brimming with wit, elegance, and delightfully unexpected treasures. And now, she adds “author” to her repertoire with the release of her debut book, A Screaming Blast (Rizzoli).Tune in for a conversation that dives into Rebecca’s unique creative vision and the irresistible joy she brings to everything she touches.—Learn more about House and Parties: https://housesandparties.com/Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/housesandparties/Plus pick up her book now: https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780847874255/

This week on Talk Shop, we’re bringing you the second of our live-recorded panels from the Fenimore Lane Design Summit at the Mayflower Inn & Spa. In partnership with our friends at ShopMy—an invaluable tool for creators and brands alike—this conversation dives into the power of creators in the home space and how they build authentic, engaged communities.Moderated by Grace Beuley, Home & Design Editor at LUXE Interiors + Design, the panel features an incredible lineup: Tiffany Lopinsky, Co-Founder of ShopMyLouise Roe, Founder of Sharland EnglandEliza Harris, Chief Creative Officer of Sister Parish DesignErin Jennie, Founder of the Underwater Weaving Studio.Together, they share how they bring their unique perspectives into their work, their homes, and their digital platforms—offering inspiration and insights on creativity, connection, and the evolving role of creators in design.—Learn more about ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/homeFollow our panelists on Instagram:Tiffany Lopinsky: https://www.instagram.com/tifflopinsky/Louise Roe: https://www.instagram.com/louiseroe/Eliza Harris: https://www.instagram.com/eliza.c.harris/Erin Jennie: https://www.instagram.com/erinjennie/

Joining Ariel this week Talk Shop is Alexander Widener, a lifelong design enthusiast whose love of rummage sales and flea markets as a child in Pennsylvania grew into a career in the textile world. After stints at Matouk, Sister Parish, and Samuel & Sons, Alexander took a leap of faith earlier this year: leaving corporate America, moving to coastal Maine, and opening his own shop, Widener Collection, in a former antiques store. Since he joined us, his guest cottage is now open to visitors, and the shop, Widener Collection, is open for your visit. So tune in for a conversation around the thrill of collecting, art of brand-building, and what it really takes to pivot into a new chapter of life. Plus, his explosion on TikTok!---Follow Alexander on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexander_widener/And TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexander_widenerPlus learn more about his cottage and store: https://widenercompany.com/Finally, the Ina is Cooking for Jeffery playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6qyF59UZ2apkT0IzVuqFTn

This week, we return to the idyllic Mayflower Inn & Spa in the Connecticut countryside for a special conversation from our second annual Fenimore Lane Design Summit. Our first of two panels celebrating design, is in partnership with Farrow & Ball, all about the timeless influence of British design. Our host today, and dear friend, Grace Hunt, Home & Design Editor at Luxe Magazine, is joined by two iconic voices: Emma Burns, Managing Director of the legendary firm Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, and Paddy O’Donnell, International Brand Ambassador for Farrow & Ball. Together, they dive into their love of British design, the power of color, and share personal stories and practical takeaways from their remarkable careers. It’s a lively, inspiring exchange you won’t want to miss.---Learn more about Farrow & Ball: https://www.farrow-ball.com/Follow Emma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violetburns/And Paddy on Instagram: 

This week on Talk Shop, Ariel sits down with due behind Nickey Kehoe, Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe, lifelong friends turned creative partners whose shared love for design has shaped one of the most celebrated names in interiors. The two first met at a New York City dinner party, sparking a decades-long collaboration that would lead to their AD100 design firm and two beloved home stores across the country.Before launching their partnership in 2004, Todd honed his skills in retail design for fashion houses like Donna Karan and Badgley Mischka, while Amy was crafting hospitality spaces at Starwood. Together, they built a brand that blends curated vintage finds, private-label products, and globally sourced treasures—pieces designed to live far beyond a single lifetime.Now more than 20 years later, Nickey Kehoe has expanded its Los Angeles retail footprint and grown its thriving e-commerce business, with Amy leading design and Todd steering retail. Tune in as Ariel unpacks the story behind their friendship, their creative vision, and the business of building a timeless brand.—Follow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymkehoe/And Todd: https://www.instagram.com/toddnickey/And learn more about Nickey Kehoe: https://nickeykehoe.com/

 This week Ariel welcomes Anna Brockway, co-founder and president of Chairish, the premier online marketplace for exceptional home furnishings, art, and jewelry. Since launching Chairish in 2013—alongside her co-founders, including her husband—Anna has transformed the way designers and tastemakers source one-of-a-kind pieces for the home.With a background in Art History from Columbia University and a successful career in fashion, culminating as VP of Worldwide Marketing at Levi Strauss & Co., Anna brings a unique creative and entrepreneurial vision to the design world. Under her leadership, Chairish has grown to offer over 1.2 million vintage, antique, and contemporary products, serving a global community of design professionals and aficionados.Join Ariel and Anna as they dive into the story behind Chairish’s success, the evolution of online design shopping, and why this platform has been named the “#1 can’t live without decorating app” by Architectural Digest.—Shop now at Chairish: https://www.chairish.com/And follow Anna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabrockway/

 This week on Talk Shop, Ariel sits down with the legendary interior designer Markham Roberts, hailed by Vogue as “a master of timeless American style.” With over twenty-five years of experience and an enviable roster of iconic clients and projects, Markham has built a career on creating interiors that are both deeply personal and effortlessly elegant.From his early days working alongside the great Mark Hampton to founding his own firm in 1997, Markham has consistently brought a refined, layered approach to every project—favoring authenticity and client collaboration over fleeting trends. His work, featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Vogue, has earned him a place on the AD100 list and the prestigious 2024 Arthur Ross Award for Interior Design.Tune in as Ariel and Markham discuss his design philosophy, career-defining moments, and what it takes to create spaces that feel as timeless as they do inviting.—Follow Mark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krbnycAnd learn more about his firm: https://www.markhamroberts.com/

Welcome back to season four of Talk Shop with Ariel Okin! To kick it off, Ariel sits down with Kate Rheinstein Brodsky, the creative force behind the beloved home store KRB NYC. As the daughter of iconic designer Suzanne Rheinstein, Kate grew up immersed in interiors and honed her eye at Jeffrey Bilhuber, Ralph Lauren Home, and Elle Decor before launching her own retail destination on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in 2015.Kate shares the story behind KRB’s 10-year journey, her approach to blending classical design traditions with a fresh, colorful perspective, and why her store has become a go-to source for timeless yet unexpected treasures. From antiques and vintage furniture to art and exclusive home accessories, Kate’s curated selections are all about finding that one piece you can’t help but fall in love with.Tune in for a conversation filled with design inspiration, personal stories, and a celebration of a decade of KRB.—Follow KRB on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krbnycAnd check out the KRB collection: https://krbnyc.com/

This week we're wrapping up season three with an incredible guest. Elizabeth Lawrence’s design origin story is one to inspire – rising from intern to partner at one of the most prestigious interior design firms in the country. Originally hailing from Wilmington, Delaware, the classically trained interior designer attended the University of Richmond and then the New York School of Interior Design. After graduation, a coveted internship with Bunny Williams led to a job as a Junior Designer, and she rose through the ranks, from Senior Designer to becoming the firm’s first ever Partner – a major accomplishment.Together, Elizabeth and Bunny run Williams Lawrence, the interior design firm formerly known as Bunny Williams Inc., and the firm’s product line, Bunny Williams Home. Elizabeth has been honored by the New York School of Interior Design, and her work has been widely published in media outlets including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda, Galerie, Milieu, and others, as well as being featured in Bunny’s newest interior design course on Create Academy, “How to Design Your Dream Home.”Thank you again for joining us for this season and stay tuned for season three coming this Spring!

This week we’re welcoming a mother-daughter duo, the creative forces behind Lee Ann Thornton Interiors. Lee Ann and her daughter, Allie, are known for their soothing color palettes and incredibly warm and inviting interiors, and believe in creating homes filled with meaningful furnishings and charming details that bring joy, comfort, and inspiration. Since launching her eponymous boutique design firm in 2003, Lee Ann has developed a reputation for creating high-end residential and commercial projects rooted in classical designs, and infused with an Anglophile thread. In 2016, Allie joined her mom, starting as a project manager, designer, and now, partner. She brings to the team a fresh, preppy, bohemian style, a welcomed thread to Lee Ann’s timeless and classic sensibilities, and each approaches their work with both warmth and thoughtful attention to detail. Lee Ann and Allie’s work has been featured in magazines like House Beautiful, Coastal Living, Luxe, and others, and we are so thrilled to have the mother-daughter duo on today. —Follow Lee Ann and Allie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leeannthorntoninteriors/Learn more about their firm: https://leeannthornton.com/

We return this week as we are diving fully into the world of color, as Ariel’s welcomes the fabulous tastemaker and author Dabito to the podcast! His bold use of color and eclectic maximalism has cemented him as an always refreshing and ever-evolving influence in the world of interior design. In 2010, Dabito launched his blog, Old Brand New – an outlet to express himself and explore a broad range of creative mediums. Before jumping into interiors, his background varied in multimedia art forms, in printmaking, photography and graphic design. Since then, Old Brand New has amassed a devoted following across multiple platforms, and has been recognized by Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, Architectural Digest and House Beautiful.Dabito's guiding design philosophy is that everyone can harness the power of color and meaningful objects to tell a moving and personal story in their home. He splits his time between Los Angeles and New Orleans with his husband, Ryan, and their fur babies, Luigi, Sterling, and Verbena.So tune in for a conversation full of joy, color and advice! The best way to ring in the new year! —Follow Dabito on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dabito/ Learn more about his blog and book, Old Brand New: https://www.oldbrandnew.com/Check out his current collabs with Mitzi and Brooklinen:https://www.mitzi.com/Products/Feature/Dabitohttps://www.brooklinen.com/pages/dabitoAnd listen to his jukebox playlists on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/122877525

This week Ariel is headed into the hospitality world, as she welcomes Callie Stanton, Senior Vice President of Brand for Auberge Resorts Collection. For any design aficionado, Auberge properties are a must visit – their one-of-a-kind properties truly capture the soul of each destination. With 28 hotels and resorts around the globe, each one is unique, immersive, and incredibly luxurious – not to mention stunning. Beautiful, unique design is at the core of the Auberge experience. With over 15 years in the marketing industry, Callie leads all brand communications, strategic partnerships, social media, and influencer marketing for Auberge. We here at Talk Shop are beyond lucky to not only call her a friend, but also to have the opportunity to work with her on our annual Fenimore Lane Design Summit at the Mayflower Inn & Spa, an Auberge Resorts Collection property in the Connecticut countryside. Prior to joining Auberge, Callie spent eleven years at Nike Communications, a New York-based luxury communications agency, where she led the hospitality, real estate, and lifestyle divisions, and her first role in the industry was at the iconic Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side. She often jokes that she feels more at home at a hotel than anywhere else in the world, so we’d say she picked the perfect career. Join Ariel as we go behind the scenes of some of the most beautiful properties in the world!—Find your next Auberge destination: https://aubergeresorts.com/Follow Callie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callieestanton/--From Ariel and the Talk Shop team, we'd like to wish you all a very happy holidays. We'll be taking a short break and return in the new year with even more incredible guests. So have a happy new year and see you in 2025!

On this week’s episode, Ariel is joined by the duo behind Weezie Towels, Liz Eichholz and Lindsey Johnson. Launched in 2018, Weezie Towels is not only our favorite brand for gorgeous towels, but also a true embodiment of a modern, luxury direct to consumer brand with a big heart. Weezie’s origin story is the stuff of lore: Newly married, Liz had a lackluster experience looking for embroidered towels. She approached her long-time friend Lindsey, and the two agreed that there was a gap in the market. They hit the ground running to modernize this niche space, eventually introducing the world to Weezie. Liz, Weezie’s Creative Director, was born and raised in Austin, Texas. After receiving a BFA in graphic design from the University of Georgia, she spent five years in New York working in creative, including at Uncommon Goods and Bustle before moving to Savannah, GA with her husband and three children. Managing the business side, CEO Lindsey spent her childhood with stops around the US, before attending Vanderbilt for undergrad, and then Columbia Business School. She spent almost a decade in New York City, before planting roots in Atlanta with her husband and three children. With fifteen years of friendship, and over five years at Weezie (plus six kids between the two of them!), Liz and Lindsey constantly inspire us here, and hopefully you too, as you listen in on the conversation about entrepreneurship in the design world.—Start your own collection of Weezie Towels: https://weezietowels.com/ and use the code TALKSHOP15 for 15% off your entire order. Order ASAP for delivery in time for the holidays!—Follow Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz_weezie/Follow Lindsey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsey_weezie/Follow Weezie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weezietowels/ 

This week Ariel welcomes our first husband-wife duo to the podcast! Travis and Rhiannon, lead Hageman Homes, a Residential Interior Design and Custom Home Building Firm located in Oakville, Ontario. The couple's path to design began with a love of traditional architecture, decoration and craftsmanship. What started as a custom home building firm has evolved into a boutique design studio where architectural storytelling and deeply personal interiors come together with beautiful results. Rhiannon's full-service interior design approach celebrates the art of layering, from storied antiques and classic textiles to collected pieces that whisper of lives well-lived. Her spaces feel as though they've been thoughtfully assembled over generations, each room telling its own unique story. Travis brings his expertise in engineering, design and construction management to their practice, ensuring that every detail and architectural element is executed with precision and authenticity. Together, the couple believe that truly great homes should feel lived-in and are to be enjoyed, spaces where memories can be made without worry, and where every corner holds something meaningful. Over the last 5 years the Hagemans have built a reputation for creating residences that honor traditional craftsmanship while embracing the way families really live. Their work has garnered attention throughout Canada and the US, with features in Veranda and House & Home, where they continue to craft spaces that feel both sophisticated and deeply personal, designed to be cherished for generations to come. —Learn more about Hageman Homes: https://hagemanhomes.ca/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hagemanhomesinteriors/

This week we’re journeying to the storied past of NYC and the East Village as Ariel welcomes the founder and visionary behind the Il Buco hospitality group, Donna Lennard. For the last thirty years, Donna has been at the forefront of ingredient-driven Italian/Mediterranean cuisine, winning numerous accolades, including a rare three star New York Times review for il Buco Alimentari. With the recent launch of Il Buco Vita, the group's foray into the home space, Lennard's impact on creating warm, inviting and lasting interiors is even more impactful. Donnabegan her career as an independent film producer and worked in restaurants all over Manhattan during her school years, where she initially met Alberto Avalle, a “foodie” from Umbria. In 1994, she and Alberto stumbled upon a storefront on cobblestoned Bond Street and created il Buco, which was initially opened as an antique shop. Il Buco catered to the tastes of the artists living in the area who quickly discovered thatDonnaand Alberto not only had an eye for beautiful antiques, but also a refined taste for delicious food and wine. It didn’t take long before the store transformed into the buzzy restaurant it remains to date, in a gorgeous interior setting to boot.Since the opening of il Buco,Donnahas opened three more restaurants in New York City, the Hamptons and Ibiza, along with their coveted tabletop and lifestyle brand - il Buco Vita. The common thread weaving each area ofDonna’s locations is an inviting atmosphere of quiet luxury with an exquisite attention to detail.—Visit one of Donna’s Restaurants: https://ilbuco.com/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilbuco_av/And shop for your own piece from il Buco Vita: https://ilbucovita.com/

This week we’re joined by a guest whose prolific work in the architecture and interiors worlds is, quite literally, historic. Ben Pentreath is an English architectural and interior designer, whose firm has become known for its brilliant master-planning and urban development, along with incredibly detailed and beautiful private homes and playful interiors all over the world. As Ben says, “we love designing spaces that work beautifully for the long term, and feel right for the place.”Ben’s background is in Art History, which he studied at the University of Edinburgh before attending the Prince of Wales’s Institute of Architecture. He worked for five years in New York at Fairfax and Sammons, and then with the Prince’s Foundation, before starting his own practice in 2004.In 2023, Ben Pentreath was awarded the Richard H. Driehaus Prize, given to a living architect whose work embodies the highest principles of traditional and classical architecture and urbanism in contemporary society, and reflects positive cultural, environmental and artistic impacts. Ben is one of the youngest laureates of the award.Along the way, Ben has also established himself as an author, with regular contributions to the Financial Times and other journals, as well as three fantastic books which I adore. His most recent book, An English Vision, a monograph of the work of the practice, is out now with Rizzoli!---Learn more about Ben Pentreath’s Firm: https://www.benpentreath.com/Follow Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benpentreath/Pick up a copy of Ben’s new book: https://pentreath-hall.com/products/english-decoration-copyArchitecture and Design Books Recommendations:Jame Gibbs' Book of Architecture - https://www.amazon.com/Gibbs-Book-Architecture-Eighteenth-Century-Classic/dp/0486466019Ben’s Blog on Living in Vogue -  https://pentreath-hall.com/blogs/bens-posts/you-can-t-judge-a-book-by-its-cover