Ep. 319: European Entertaining with Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen

How to Decorate

In this special European-inspired episode, we welcome Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen, the talented duo behind London-based design firm Paolo Moschino Limited. Renowned worldwide for their exceptional work, they've gained recognition from prestigious publications such as House and Garden, Elle Decor, and more. Having just released their second book, "An Entertaining Life: Designing Town and Country," they join us to discuss how their Italian and Belgian backgrounds influence their entertaining mindset. Join Paolo and Philip as they share their unique cultural perspectives and offer insights into creating captivating spaces for social gatherings.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

• Their belief in simple food, well done.
• Drawing their inspiration from everywhere in entertaining, just like interior design.
• What prompted An Entertaining Life’s idea, and why they were dedicated to writing a book about entertaining.
• An insider look at their typical week and their most special day, Friday, when they head from London to the country.
• Tips for making your guests feel more at home.
• The vibe is very casual, but the only thing formal is Philip’s love of tables!
• How to not stress yourself out over things like flower arrangements, but instead use what you have and create beauty that speaks to you and your personalized style.
• How Paolo and Philip’s upbringing inspired their design eye today.
• Ways to set up the dining room and living room for both living in and entertaining.
• Encouraging your guests to know that they can enjoy themselves and not have to worry about being stuck to you 24/7.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• An Entertaining Life: Designing Town and Country
• Paolo Moschino
• Philip Vergeylen

Decorating Dilemma:

Thank you so much, Barbara! First, in response to your question about fabric ideas for her bedroom, Paolo and Philip suggest opting for a Roman blind instead of short curtains, as it creates a cleaner and more elegant look. They recommend choosing a sleek and washable fabric for the window seat pillows, allowing easy maintenance and versatility. When it comes to the curtains, they suggest either bringing them all the way up to the ceiling for a grand and elongating effect or using a patterned blind that complements the overall design. The choice of fabric depends on the desired mood, whether it's calm and serene or cozy and energetic. Paolo and Philip also advise Barbara to consider incorporating mirrored doors with a more classic design, adding some wooden elements to break up the monotony. They suggest using slightly antique mirrors to create a softer reflection and enhance the room's aesthetic. Additionally, they recommend selecting patterned pillows for the window seat and playing with layers of patterns throughout the room, allowing for a cohesive and visually intriguing design.