Classic & Curious

In this episode of Classic & Curious, Anne welcomes celebrated interior designer and author Eric Ross, founder and principal of Eric Ross Interiors, for a thoughtful conversation about the enduring appeal of traditional design—and how to make it feel relevant, personal and entirely at home today.

Eric shares why familiarity lies at the heart of timeless interiors, how collections bring soul and curiosity to a room, and why a beautifully designed home should reveal itself gradually rather than all at once. Drawing from nearly three decades in the industry, he also offers practical guidance for decorating with gr...

In this episode of Classic & Curious, Anne Kokoskie sits down with Rosemary Hallgarten, founder of one of the world’s most admired luxury textile houses. 

A British-born, award-winning textile designer and second-generation craftsperson, Rosemary pioneered the use of alpaca in luxury rugs and fabrics, building an internationally recognized brand known for its extraordinary texture and modern artisanal sensibility.

Rosemary shares the story behind her artisan-made rugs, fabrics, throws, and accessories—and her belief that true luxury lies in how thoughtfully and beautifully something is made. 

Their conversation explores sustainable design, natura...

What does it mean to honor someone’s legacy while finding the confidence to create your own?

In this deeply moving episode of Classic & Curious, Anne Kokoskie welcomes Dana Ferraro, Principal of Molly Patton Design, for a conversation that extends far beyond beautiful interiors. Following the passing of her dear friend and business partner, Molly Patton, Dana made the extraordinary decision to continue the firm’s work under Molly’s name—a remarkable act of friendship, stewardship, and unwavering devotion.

Together, Anne and Dana reflect on the power of creative partnership, overcoming self-doubt, preserving a beloved...

In this episode of Classic & Curious, Anne sits down with celebrated event designer David M. Handy for a conversation on the art of entertaining, timeless design, and creating meaningful moments that linger long after the last guest leaves.

From the founding of Handy & Dallaire Events to the thoughtful curation behind The Event Rental Co., David shares how he and his husband, Donald, built a brand rooted in originality, collaboration, and impeccable hospitality. Together, they explore what it means to create an experience—not just an event.

Listeners will walk away with David’s signature entertaining wisd...

This week, Anne welcomes Ann Huff and Meg Harrington, the visionary duo behind Huff Harrington, for a conversation on how a meeting over lunch in Atlanta grew into one of designs most admired creative partnerships. 

Ann and Meg share the evolution of their brand — from selling art out of their kitchens to building a multifaceted business spanning galleries, interiors, retail, curated travel, and Parisian renovations.

Along the way, they reflect on entrepreneurship, the power of complementary strengths, navigating challenges with grace, and the lessons they’ve learned about building a business rooted in trust, beauty, and r...

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 Yor...

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 ho...

In this soulful episode of Classic & Curious, Anne sits down with internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter, composer, and storyteller Dominick Farinacci for a conversation about music, humanity, and the stories that connect us.

From growing up in Cleveland to becoming part of Juilliard’s inaugural jazz studies program — under the influence and mentorship of jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and the community of Jazz at Lincoln Center — Dominick shares the experiences that shaped both his artistry and his understanding of music as a universal language.

Together, Anne and Dominick explore how music can transport us, create connection, and br...

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 tha...

In this episode, Anne sits down with Tanya Rose, founder of Mason Rose and host of the widely celebrated podcast Travel Secrets to explore the deeper meaning behind travel and the stories that stay with us long after we return home.

From building a global luxury travel PR agency to launching a podcast with millions of engaged listeners, Tanya shares how storytelling, and connection have shaped her journey. She reveals the six signature questions she asks every guests, from their most unforgettable destination to their most poignant travel memory and why those answers often...

Today's guest is Blake Sams 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 explore what it means to live beautifully:

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 ha...

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...

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. 

Patrick’s work has been featured in leading publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Frederic, and New York Magazine. He 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:

There are certain lives that feel like a masterclass in grace — lived with intention, elegance, and a reverent attention to detail. We may know the names, admire the work, study the legacy. But rarely do we glimpse how these individuals truly lived.

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 Garden of Bunny Mellon and Bunny Mellon Style, Linda has a gift for bringing legacy to life.

In this episode, she shares something far more pers...

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.

In this episode:

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.

Their work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Veranda, House Beautiful and Flower. Their first book, Living Color. A Designer Works Magic with Traditional Interiors, captured the early chapters of their creative partnership. Their forthcoming monograph set for Spring 2027 will highlight more...

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 b...

As the season unfolds and the calendar fills, it’s time to turn up the cheer! Whether you’re hosting at home, attending festive soirées, or settling in fireside with a favorite cocktail, this is the heart of the season for gathering and celebration.

Today’s guest is 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...

Welcome back to Classic & Curious—and to our Holiday Series.

With Thanksgiving behind us, the season gently shifts toward intimate gatherings: dinners with friends, festive celebrations, and perhaps a New Year’s soirée on the horizon. 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...

Welcome back to Classic & Curious—and to our Holiday Series.

This week, as Thanksgiving invites us to gather and give thanks, the dinner table becomes more than a place to eat—it becomes a space to connect, to listen, and to cherish the people we love. Yet in our effort to make it beautiful, we often bring stress to the surface with layers of linens and the pressure to get every detail just right. Sometimes, we simply want things elevated… yet easy. Thankfully, we have options.

Proper Table is one of them—a collection of acrylic...

Welcome back to Classic & Curious and to our Holiday Series. Part of the festive season is gathering together, celebrating connections, and finding joy in the moments we share.

In this episode, we meet Alice and Francesca, the co-founders of Porta—a beautiful Brooklyn-based brand whose ever-evolving collection of tableware and homewares invites us to discover, delight, and bring a sense of artistry to everyday living. Blending European heritage craft with modern sensibility, each Porta piece honors the founders’ Italian roots while reflecting the spirit of their global travels and inspirations.

Alice and Francesca, childhood friends who...

Welcome back to Classic and Curious and our Holiday Series. The holiday season reminds us of the importance of creating experiences that linger longer within our hearts.

In this episode, we welcome Amy Neunsinger and Lucinda Lent, the visionary co-founders of l.a. ROUGE — a brand whose very essence lets us light that magic all year long.

Amy is a celebrated photographer, designer, and host of HBO's Capturing Home. Her photography and creative direction has supported the influential lifestyle brands and talents, including Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, Leanne Ford, and Mark D. Sykes. Her work an...

Happy Holidays, Classic & Curious listeners, and welcome to our Holiday Series!
Irving Berlin once wished that our days be merry and bright—and that’s exactly what this special series is all about: bringing you joy, inspiration, and a glimmer of holiday magic uniquely shared by each of our guests. 

We’re kicking things off with someone who embodies merry and bright all year long—Lulu Powers, the vivacious Entertainologist and celebrated chef to the stars. Lulu joined us last season to help us ring in the New Year with her effortless Park Avenue Brunch, and she’s bac...

How do you capture a sense of place, indulgence, and timeless detail all in one bite? You savor Tuck Shop chocolates, of course!

We're delighted to be hosting founders Sarah Michler and Caroline Witmer, whose story began with a bittersweet moment—discovering that their favorite Nantucket chocolate shop, Sweet Inspirations, was closing. That spark of nostalgia inspired them to create something entirely their own: an exquisite confectionery that celebrates distinctive flavors and the joy of being in your happy place.

In this episode, Sarah and Caroline share how their friendship, complementary talents, and shared love of...

Stylish getaways have become more than just a travel trend. They're a way of reconnecting with what feels personal, warm, and inspiring. It's that unmistakable sense of place that transforms a simple escape into something unforgettable.

Our guest today, Jackie Caradonio has masterfully captured this magic in her new book, The Inn Crowd, a beautifully curated collection of independent inns that celebrates style, soul, and storytelling.

Jackie is an award-winning editor, journalist, and photographer whose work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Town & Country, National Geographic, and The New York Times, among others. W...

Welcome to our Fall edition of Currently Loving.

Currently Loving is a special series within the Classic & Curious tapestry, born from your Instagram messages asking us to share more of what we personally adore — thus, the name.

As we step into fall, we’re celebrating timelessness — how we bring it into our closets, our homes, and our everyday moments.  

Once again Anne is  joined by her daughter Abby — a generous spirit and a good sport — always willing to share the mic and in her own special way.

In this episode Anne & Abby discuss...

Welcome back to Classic & Curious—In this episode, we step into the world of style, legacy, and artistry with author Linda Jane Holden, who has beautifully captured the stories of two icons: the legendary Bunny Mellon and the beloved brand Nantucket Looms.

For those who admire gardens, timeless design, and exquisite taste, Linda offers a rare, personal perspective on Bunny Mellon—drawing from her own encounters and three books dedicated to Mellon’s life. She reveals Bunny’s signature blend of humility, refinement, and impeccable style, qualities that made her a tastemaker and admired gardener worldwide.

Linda...

This episode is truly blooming with inspiration. From embracing the Parisian way of life to creating the award-winning French-inspired floral, home, and garden boutique, Les Fleurs, Sandra Sigman shares a heartfelt story that will delight anyone who loves to create, dream, and explore the beauty of French design.

Sandra founded Les Fleurs in 1989 after living in Paris as a professional figure skater. Returning home to Andover, Massachusetts, she combined her love for Parisian style with the essence of her mother’s passion for floral arranging.

In her book French Blooms, Sandra shares design principles, tutorials, an...

Welcome back to Classic & Curious - today's guest is Crystal Moore, founder of Garden & Grace.

Based in Charlotte, Garden & Grace is a beautifully curated collection of timeless architectural, landscape, and interior design inspirations. Crystal’s growing YouTube channel features elegant short video home tours—each one letting the home speak for itself, often garnering upwards of 74K views per video.  

Beyond the tours, Garden & Grace offers a thoughtful blog and shopping guides that connect design inspiration with approachable how-to’s and heartfelt storytelling. One of its standout features? The Garden & Grace Directory—a trusted, carefully vetted re...

Design episodes are meant to introduce you to a unique design element, but often, the may reveal something even more inspiring along the way.

In this episode, you’ll meet two women whose journey is as much about creativity as it is about legacy. Anna Garcia and Mary Lovett Beck, the founders of Varnish Collection, are mothers and visionaries who are role modeling grit and grace—not only for their children, but for a generation of women in business.

Varnish Collection’s pieces offer a fresh perspective on traditional wicker furniture. Every pi...

Welcome back to Classic & Curious — 

In this episode, we’re joined by Shannon Ables, founder of The Simply Luxurious Life, an internationally celebrated lifestyle blog that has been inspiring readers since 2009. Shannon reminds us that true contentment doesn’t come from excess—it comes from living with purpose.

In this episode Anne & Shannon discuss:

Shannon is also the au...

This week on the podcast: Chef Miguel Samoza

From cooking for the British Royal Family to creating unforgettable meals at Flora in Newport, RI, Miguel’s culinary journey is as rich and flavorful as the dishes he serves.

Originally from Madrid, Spain, Miguel has cooked alongside Michelin-starred legends Anton Mosimann and Michel Bras. He also served as Sir Richard Branson’s private chef. Now, he brings Mediterranean flair and New England ingredients together with heart, artistry, and a deep love for hospitality.

Together Anne & Miguel discuss:
 – His path from Spain to Newp...

Every once in a while, there is a podcast episode that resonates far beyond its subject matter—one that stays with you. This is one of those episodes.

We are honored to welcome Karina Gentinetta, a remarkable artist based in both New York City and New Orleans. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the quiet strength that emerges through adversity. It will move you, inspire you, and perhaps awaken something powerful within yourself.

Born in Argentina, Karina moved to New Orleans at the age of 12. She graduated at the top...

For those who delight in discovering boutique hotels worth coveting and returning to, this episode is a must-listen. We’re joined by hotelier Sylvia Wong, founder of the award-winning The Roundtree Hotel in Amagansett, NY.

A graduate of NYU Law School, Sylvia’s journey from corporate law to hospitality was both organic and inevitable.   

Sylvia’s discovery of The Roundtree’s serene location sparked a vision that would evolve into a beautiful reflection of quiet luxury. The property blends modern furnishings and commissioned artwork with natural materials and bespoke amenities—creating a space that feels l...

If you love bespoke brands, you will absolutely adore this episode, as we host Fin Fellowes, London-based artist, illustrator and founder of The Kensington Paperie.

For over ​a decade, Fin has been known for exquisite one-of-a-kind paper creations for special events, weddings, and luxury brands across the world. A notable example of this​ is the collaboration w​ith Cabana Magazine and partnership with founder and editor, Martina Mondadori. 

The Kensington Paperie is a ​nod to Fin’s personal love for wrapping a beautiful gift. ​She has created a ​stunning collection of wrapping paper inspired b...

Welcome to May! This is a wonderful month to honor mothers and the special women who have shaped our lives.

Following the positive response to the first Currently Loving episode, Anne and Abby are excited to return with their thoughts on celebrating Mother's Day!

Currently Loving is a seasonal feature within Classic & Curious, offering a blend of perspectives from our host and her daughter, both with unique tastes. Anne's extensive 20-year background in fashion and refined sensibility, paired with Abby's design style, promises to bring you delightful ideas.

A tastemaker brings together elegance and joy, curating thoughtful details that make a space feel special.  Whether you’re seasoned tastemaker or aspiring one, this episode will be sure to complement your expertise.

We’re joined by Carolyn and Cynthia of Diane James Home, creators of gorgeous faux floral arrangements so realistic, they even fool the bees.

Their story began in 1997 when their mother, Diane, launched her first collection at Bergdorf Goodman. By 2008, the debut of their e-commerce platform made their signature florals accessible to designers and tastemakers around the world.  Their pieces have graced everyt...

As we welcome the fresh energy of spring, it feels only right to celebrate the season with a conversation about gardens and the beauty they bring into our lives. And who better to join us than one of the most distinguished garden designers in the UK - Butter Wakefield.

Butter grew up on a small farm outside Baltimore, Maryland. After gaining experience at Christie’s in New York City, she relocated to London in 1988. There, she began her career at Colfax and Fowler as a design assistant, where she honed essential design principles such as color, scale, an...

A fresh start isn’t just for the new year - it’s something you can embrace anytime. In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed interior designer Elizabeth Krueger, founder of Chicago-based Elizabeth Krueger Design (EKD) - one of the country’s top residential design firms.

Since launching EKD in 2012, Elizabeth has built a reputation for creating warm, inviting spaces that bring people together. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Luxe Interiors + Design, and many other top publications.

At the heart of her process is an ability to foster trust...