In this episode, Anne sits down with James Dolenc and Tom Riker, the founders of James Thomas, to explore their unconventional path from corporate careers to building one of Chicago’s most respected residential design studios.

James and Tom share the story behind their 23-year partnership, the lessons they’ve learned growing a business together, and why culture has remained at the heart of their firm’s success.  Their work has been featured in leading design publications, showcased on Homeworthy and most recently selected for the 50th Anniversary Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York, one of the design industry’s most prestigious showcases.  

Along the way, they discuss the importance of kindness in leadership, developing a distinctive brand voice, mentoring the next generation of designers and creating homes that feel deeply personal rather than trend-driven. They also offer their unique perspective on how anyone can discover and express their own “voice” through their personal homes. 

This episode is a thoughtful conversation about partnership, creativity, and the values that sustain both a design practice and a meaningful life.

As with every Classic & Curious episode, the conversation concludes with a collection of inspirations—from favorite hotels and brands to timeless advice and unexpected discoveries—offering a deeper glimpse into the people, places, and ideas that continue to spark curiosity and
s​hape a considered life.

In this episode, award-winning interior designer Carolyn Kendall, founder of Alcott Interiors, joins Anne for a rich conversation on collected living, Southern hospitality, and the art of creating spaces that tell a story.

Known for her refined eye and timeless interiors, Carolyn has been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design, Traditional Home, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, and Homeworthy, and was recently recognized with a Best of Design award from Modern Luxury Interiors. She shares her journey from Southern California to Nashville, why the city’s culture of hospitality shaped both her life and design philosophy, and how meaningful collections — from oyster plates to antique glassware — bring warmth, personality, and depth into a home.

Together, Anne and Carolyn explore entertaining in Nashville, layering interiors with intention, avoiding visual overwhelm, the importance of lighting and ambiance, and why the most beautiful homes reflect the people who live within them. 

If you love thoughtful design, timeless antiques, and the feeling of a home that invites people to gather and stay awhile, this conversation will leave you inspired to see your own spaces with a more curious and intentional eye.

In this inspiring conversation, Dominick Farinacci shares how music and storytelling can create deeper human connection, foster healing, and inspire meaningful change. From his journey as an acclaimed trumpeter to his work at the intersection of arts, wellness, and education, Dominick explores the power of listening, creativity, and using music as a universal language that brings people together.

In this Mother’s Day episode, Anne welcomes Houston-based interior designer Meg Lonergan for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, motherhood and building a life and brand. 

Meg shares her unconventional path as a self-taught designer, from a childhood rooted in Louisiana tradition to launching her Houston design firm in 2009. She opens up about learning to trust her natural gifts, overcoming the need for outside validation, and rebuilding her business after a season of burnout.

Together, Anne and Meg explore what it means to ask for help, protect your energy, create a home that feels deeply personal, and stay connected to the creative passions that shaped you as a child. Meg also shares thoughtful Mother’s Day gift ideas, the brands currently inspiring her, and the hotels she loves to escape to.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that motherhood, creativity, and ambition do not always exist in perfect balance, but they can create a life full of meaning, beauty, and belonging.

Tanya Rose, founder of Mason Rose and host of Travel Secrets podcast, joins Anne for a conversation about the art of travel, storytelling, and creating connection.

From building a globally respected luxury hospitality PR agency to launching a podcast loved by travelers around the world, Tanya shares the places, people, and memories that have shaped her extraordinary journey.

Expect travel inspiration, style notes, favorite hotels, and the reminder that the best experiences are often about connection more than destination.

This episode explores how to live beautifully through entertaining and interior design with event planner and designer Blake Sams. We discuss how to host meaningful gatherings, design your home with intention, and create an “entertaining capsule.”

Blake is the founder of Gregory Blake Sams Events an award-winning event planning firm known for its flawless execution located in Charleston and New York City. 

Blake's creative talents extend beyond events into interior design, and most recently his signature taste and style can be found in his Charleston shop, Wentworth. His work has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, Veranda, Vogue, and Elle Decor. 

Together we discuss the essence of living beautifully, in ways that may surprise you.

For Blake, it all comes down to something simple.  The people you surround yourself with are the most meaningful detail of any gathering, and for us, that's exactly why this episode is such a delight. 

Just beyond New York City, Litchfield County has quietly become one of the most coveted escapes. And at its heart is a destination as thoughtful as it is transporting.  In this episode, we step inside Lost Fox Inn with co-founder Eliza Clark, joined by her daughter, designer Arden Wray. 

Eliza, a former HGTV producer, turned hotelier and designer brings a refined editorial eye and a deep appreciation for storytelling. Her vision is beautifully complimented by the talents of her daughter Arden, co-founder of Byrd Studio, the interior design firm behind the Inns breathtaking aesthetics. Their work has also earned recognition beyond Litchfield County in publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Harper's Bazaar, Goop and the New York Times. 

In this episode …

• Eliza and Arden share their story of place, beauty and legacy.

• You are introduced to the Inn’ awarded winning restaurant originating in 1740.

• Why Litchfield County is one of the hottest spots in the country. 

What does it really look like to shop for antiques in the Cotswolds—and do it well? 

In this episode of Classic and Curious, we’re joined by Tammi, founder of Claiborne & Olive, known for helping clients experience the charm of antique shopping in the Cotswolds, sourcing English antiques with confidence, and enjoying the beauty of boutique hotels, farm-to-table food, and thoughtfully planned buying trips along the way.  

Originally from New Orleans, Tammi has long been drawn to beautiful interiors, architecture, and gardens. What began with flea markets and antique stores while furnishing her first home has evolved into a thoughtful point of view on how antiques bring character and soul into a space. With a background in art and architectural history, she has cultivated a refined eye for bespoke interiors - approach that has resonated with a growing audience, including respected designers such as Cathy Kincaid, Emma Sims Hilditch and Alexandra Kaehler. 

Together, we talk about:

• What makes sourcing abroad so memorable

• How Claiborne & Olive create an experience that makes shopping for English antiques so easy.

• Tammi’s favorite hotel in the Cotswolds and what it has to offer.

From the romance of the Cotswolds to the practicality of buying well, this conversation reflects on how travel, beauty, and intentional living can shape the way we gather, decorate, and live.

Today on Classic & Curious, I’m joined by AD100 designer Patrick Mele, whose colorful design journey began at Kate Spade and Ralph Lauren before building  one of today’s most celebrated interior design firms. 

His work has been widely featured in publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Frederic, and New York Magazine. Patrick has been named to the prestigious AD100 List and Elle Decor A-List, and was recognized by Vogue as one of the five designers to watch.

In today's conversation:

• We talk about Patrick's design journey and the evolution of his signature style.

• His vibrant Color Field Collection, and his new launch with Schumacher. 

• His beautifully curated design shop in Greenwich—an extension of his studio, available both in person and online 

• A thoughtful tip for design enthusiasts looking to elevate their own homes with confidence

What strikes you immediately about Patrick is his graciousness. There's a warmth and ease in the way he speaks about design that gently draws you into his creative world. It's a quality that feels as natural to him as the beautiful environments he creates. 

Today, we are honored to welcome back Linda Jane Holden — author, historian, and thoughtful storyteller. Known for her beautiful tributes to Bunny Mellon in The Gardens of Bunny Mellon and Bunny Mellon Style, Linda has a gift for bringing legacy to life.

In this episode, she shares something far more personal: her friendship with Hubert de Givenchy. Our conversation moves beyond fashion and into the intimate terrain of character and connection. We reflect not only on the designer who made Audrey Hepburn unforgettable, but on the man behind the maison — the friend.

In this episode, we’re inviting you into the world of Pasquale Et Maurice Home, a destination for antiques, artisanal textiles, home décor, and bespoke interior design services. Rooted in Old World craftsmanship and modern sensibility, the shop is paired with a beautifully curated online store showcasing timeless pieces sourced from across Europe and New England.

You are introduced to the Co-founders Lino and Gregory.

Lino, born and raised in Sicily, was immersed in the world of art, design, and luxury fabrics from an early age. The son of entrepreneurs who spent more than forty years in the textile industry, he developed a deep appreciation for aesthetics in all forms—from interiors and materiality to music and culture.

His partner Gregory, raised in Provence, relocated to Sicily at thirty, where he became the creative force behind a series of commercial projects defined by a distinctly Southern Italian, farm-inspired elegance. In 2010, he opened his first concept store and restaurant in Noto, Sicily—a space whose authentic yet refined aesthetic quickly drew international attention from publications including Vogue and Architectural Digest.

Today, their Washington, Connecticut location serves as both a design studio and a gathering place—an inspiring hub where antiques, décor, and interiors are grounded in history, patina, and personal meaning. Every vignette invites pause, memory, and interpretation, speaking differently to each discerning visitor.

Lino and Gregory’s shared philosophy is woven into every detail: warmth, curiosity, and an open invitation to discover what resonates with you. And in this conversation, you’ll hear how their journey—from Sicily and Provence to New York and New England—continues to shape a world where beauty is intentional, stories matter, and nothing is chosen by chance.

Welcome to our 50th episode, a milestone we are proud to celebrate with two designers whose work embodies the very spirit of thoughtful living.

We're joined by Gary McBournie and Bill Richards of McBournie Richards, the award-winning residential interior design firm based in New York City and Boston with projects spanning the globe.

In this episode, Gary and Bill share their perspective on creating a true sense of place - one rooted in history, layered storytelling, and an understanding of how spaces are meant to be lived in. They walk us through their approach while offering practical insight for those looking to thoughtfully bring this sensibility into their own home.

Beyond their work, their warmth, wit, and genuine joy shine throughout the conversation. Prepare to be inspired not only by their design philosophy, but by the essence of their authentic spirit.

While there are many elements that shape how we live, nothing is more personal than how we care for ourselves. It is one of the oldest and most nourishing rituals in the world.  In this episode, we're delighted to welcome Alex and Tathiana, founders of Plain-T, a boutique tea company located in Southampton, New York.

Built on a belief that mental and physical health are enhanced through the mindful consumption of whole leaf tea. Plain-T offers an exceptional assortment of specialty, hand-selected teas sourced from the world's most prized gardens.

Their thoughtfully curated collection has become a favorite among luxury hotels and spas, fine dining restaurants, and cafes that prioritize quality and experience.  In fact, Plain-T was chosen to personally share their story and tea offerings with the Dalai Lama. 

Their online destination engages through thoughtful storytelling, inviting exploration and fostering a lasting connection to the brand. At its heart, Plain-T reflects Alex and Tathiana’s personal journey with tea—a passion that reshaped their daily rituals and deepened their connection to its story and craft.

Through this journey, they came to see tea as more than a beverage, but a quiet, meaningful practice—one that invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and begin the year with intention.

We have the perfect guide to mixing a little extra merry and bright. We’re joined by Kara Newman—award-winning writer, author, and recipe developer. Kara is the Spirits Editor for Wine Enthusiast and a writer-at-large whose expertise has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and more.
In this episode, Kara Kara also shares her journey—from writing about financial performance to becoming one of the most trusted voices in the food and drink world today.  We discuss Her philosophy for creating a home bar that feels effortless and inviting. Drawing from her books Shake. Stir. Sip. and Cocktails for a Crowd, she offers smart, crowd-pleasing ideas that take the stress out of entertaining. We also talk about her newest series, The Cocktail Cabinet, and how these beautifully curated cards have become an essential for home bars and hosts alike.

Join us as we toast the season—adding a little sparkle, a little ease, and just the right cocktail or mocktail to make your celebration merry and bright! 

With Thanksgiving behind us, the season gently shifts toward intimate gatherings: dinners with friends. The timing feels just right for our next guest, Frankie Unsworth, a food stylist, writer, and author of The New Art of Cooking and Last Minute Dinner Party. 

Frankie's journey began as a writer for a food and travel magazine in Italy. Her passion for culture and cuisine eventually took her to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she trained and lived for several years.

It was in Paris that she met Rachel Khoo, British author and host of The LIttle Paris Kitchen whom she would go on to become her home economist.

In this episode, she invites us into that very approach — offering thoughtful tips on how simple styling can elevate the way we present food at home. We also chat about her go-to nibbles for the holidays and the selections she turns to when guests stop by.

Frankie’s styling mirrors her grace and genuine nature. There’s a quiet elegance in the way she works — an ease that turns hosting into an invitation. Her talents remind us that celebration doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes, it simply needs space to unfold.