Classic & Curious

What does it mean to live wholeheartedly—and create a life that feels like your own?

In this episode, Classic & Curious turns inward. So often, we explore what we choose to bring into a considered life. Today, we pause to consider what comes from within.

Anne is joined by Holly Ruth Finigan, author of Wholeheartedly: The One You Want to Find Is You and Beyond the Map, featured on her Substack, Wholeheartedly. Her journey from brand building to personal transformation offers a thoughtful lens on identity, purpose, and living with intention.

With Nantucket woven into her story, Holly reflects on self-discovery, the courage to evolve, and the experiences that have shaped her work—including her podcast, Wholeheartedly.

Connect with Holly: @Hollyruthfinegan and listen to her podcast Wholeheartedly.
Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

How do you create a layered home that feels personal, collected, and comfortable?

Benjamin Raynaert joins Anne Kokoskie on Classic & Curious to explore the art of decorating with personality. An editor, stylist, and creative director, Benjamin has honed his discerning eye at some of design’s most influential publications, including Martha Stewart Living, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Veranda, and Domino. Today, he serves as the US editor for House & Garden UK, alongside leading his own creative studio.

Drawing on that editorial experience and his debut book, The Layered Home: Inspiration for Crafting Cozy, Collected Rooms, Benjamin shares why the most compelling interiors evolve over time—and why perfection is overrated.

From grouping objects in threes to photographing a room for a fresh perspective, he offers approachable ways to develop your eye. Anne and Benjamin discuss mixing antiques, embracing unexpected finds, and allowing meaningful objects to tell your story.

They also explore The Ticking Tent, the antiques, vintage, and artisan market Benjamin co-founded, where discovery and community go hand in hand.

A conversation for anyone who loves interior design, collecting, and creating a home that feels unmistakably their own.

Connect with Benjamin: @aspoonfullofbenjamin
Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

Click here to view the episode transcript.

What happens when fashion and interiors share a creative vision?

For designer Marla Mullen, the answer takes shape in the Nantucket Rose—a floral brooch created in collaboration with Helena Simon, whose handmade brooches were commissioned for the Met Gala. Blending beautiful fabrics, a tassel inspired by interiors, and a personal connection to Nantucket, their collaboration celebrates how a small detail can carry a meaningful story.

On Classic & Curious, Anne Kokoskie welcomes the Boston and Nantucket-based interior designer and contributing editor for Boston Home, whose work has been featured in New England Living, Modern Luxury, and The Boston Globe. Raised among antiques, fabrics, and her father’s upholstery craftsmanship, Marla brings a lifelong appreciation for artistry to the spaces and objects she creates.

Together, they explore the relationship between fashion and interior design, the power of creative collaboration, and Marla’s invitation to give yourself “permission to embellish.” From accessorizing a room to navigating AI in design, this conversation celebrates personal style, things made by hand, and the courage to stay true to your creative voice.

Connect with Marla @marlamullendesigns and marlamullendesigngroup.com

Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

What if the secret to a beautiful life is collecting small moments of joy?

Alexander Widener, founder of Widener Company in Wiscasset, Maine, joins Anne Kokoskie on Classic & Curious for a conversation about design, craftsmanship, curiosity, and starting over. Recently seen alongside Meredith Hayden on Netflix’s Wishbone Kitchen, the decorator, collector, and storyteller shares how leaving New York led him to create a shop and guest cottage rooted in beauty and personal discovery.

From handmade pottery and Maine-made glass to handwoven baskets and vintage finds, Alexander celebrates objects with a story—and the craftspeople who bring them to life. He shares how he chooses pieces for his shop, why beauty belongs at every price point, and how letting go of perfection helped him find the confidence to build something of his own.

Whether you’re decorating your home, discovering American craftsmanship, planning a coastal Maine visit, or imagining your next chapter, this episode invites you to trust your instincts, stay curious, and notice what brings you joy.

Explore Widener & Company at widenercompany.com, Follow Alexander @alexander_widener and @widenercompany

Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

What happens when a love of mahjong meets a lifelong devotion to Halloween? Anne welcomes writer and actress Jill Kargman and Center & Spring co-founder Sandi Drucker-Wright to talk about their delightfully spooky mahjong tile collaboration.

Jill and Sandi share how a vacation game sparked the idea, and how artist Kelly Lillian brought it to life with skulls, snakes, fanged lips, and jokers designed to make players smile. Sandy also tells the story behind Center & Spring’s beautiful game tables and reflects on the friendships and connections that form around mahjong.

Then the conversation turns to Halloween: favorite candy, memorable costumes, beloved movies, and the guests they’d invite to the ultimate spooky party. It’s a playful celebration of creativity, gathering, and making room for a little mischief at the table.

Explore the Halloween tiles at http://centerandspring.com/, and follow @centerandspring

Follow Jill @jillkargman

Follow Anne @classicandcuriouslife

As summer draws to a close and we reflect on America’s 250th anniversary, Americana is having a moment—and no one has defined it more beautifully or enduringly than Ralph Lauren.

My guest today, interior designer Javier Burkle, knows that world firsthand. After working with Ralph Lauren, he founded the Dallas-based firm Burkle Creative. A two-time featured designer at the prestigious Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, Javier has also been recognized by Architectural Digest, Veranda, ELLE Decor, Vogue and Homeworthy. His interiors are timeless, collected and deeply personal.

After working with Ralph Lauren, he founded the Dallas-based firm Burkle Creative, known for interiors that feel timeless, collected and deeply personal.

Together, we explore what gives Ralph Lauren style its unmistakable feeling—not one particular period or palette, but the layering of old and new, polished and timeworn, personal history and beautiful craftsmanship.

Javier shares how we can bring that sensibility into our own homes through inherited pieces, patina, unexpected modern touches, lighting and fabric. And because this style is as much about living as decorating, we also talk about gracious hospitality and creating a welcoming home bar.

This is a conversation about bringing layered American style to life—and making it distinctively your own.

Connect with Javier Burkle @burkle creativeand https://www.burklecreative.com/

Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

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What makes a Nancy Meyers interior feel so timeless—and how can we bring that same warmth into our own homes?

Annie Meyers-Shyer, the creator and discerning eye behind This Oak House, joins Classic & Curious for a conversation about it all began, her new book and upcoming collaborations. The daughter of acclaimed filmmaker Nancy Meyers, Annie grew up on film sets where beautifully layered interiors became an essential part of the storytelling.

Drawing on that influence—and her own fashion career at Harper’s Bazaar and Chanel—Annie shares how she developed an aesthetic that feels both classic and deeply personal. She shares with us

Listen for an inspiring look at decorating with character, designing rooms for real life and creating a home with a story uniquely its own.

Connect with Annie: @thisoakhouse, https://this-oak-house.com/

Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

What if quiet luxury has less to do with what you own—and everything to do with how you make people feel?

In this episode, Anne welcomes interior designer Benjamin Deaton, founder and principal of Benjamin Deaton Interior Design and Benjamin Deaton Home,for a thoughtful and delightfully practical conversation about timeless interiors, effortless entertaining, personal style, and the true meaning of quiet luxury.

With projects spanning New York, Palm Beach, California, Kentucky, and beyond—including the historic Far Niente Winery in Napa Valley—Benjamin shares how he built his interior design firm by trusting his instincts, tuning out the noise, and staying true to his creative vision.

Together, Anne and Benjamin explore how to create a home that feels collected, quiet and eager to be discovered. They also share their secrets for effortless entertaining—from family-style dinners and silver bowls filled with unexpected nibbles to the enduring appeal of pigs in a blanket.

Plus, Benjamin reveals his quiet-luxury essentials, the value of buying pieces with a story, why Ralph Lauren’s timeless point of view continues to resonate, and the hotel he returns to again and again.

A warm, inspiring conversation about interior design, entertaining at home, personal style, and creating a considered life—one intentional detail at a time.

You can follow Benjamin Deaton @benjamindeatoninteriors and benjamindeatoninteriors.com

Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

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 greater confidence: establish a clear story for your home, resist the urge to incorporate every beautiful idea, experience furniture and materials in person, and give yourself the freedom to bring pieces home, experiment and edit.

The conversation also explores Eric’s Southern roots, the designers who shaped his eye, the responsibility of guiding a client and the advice that continues to steady him: “Everything we do is fixable.” Plus, Eric shares a textile house he admires and the mountain retreat where he finds a rare sense of contentment.

A warm and inspiring conversation about creating rooms with elegance, ease and enough intrigue to leave us wondering what awaits around the next corner.

Eric’s work has been featured in House Beautiful, Southern Home, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, and FLOWER Magazine. He is the author of two design books, including his latest, Embracing Southern Homes.

You can follow Eric on Instragram @ericrossinteriors and web at https://ericrossinteriors.com/

Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

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, natural fibers, traditional craftsmanship, responsible production, and the importance of creating timeless pieces with soul, purpose, and longevity.

For anyone interested in creating a more beautiful and considered home, Rosemary offers an inspiring perspective on choosing fewer, better things—and understanding the human hands, natural materials, and enduring craftsmanship behind them.

You can find Rosemary on Instagram @rosemaryhallgarten and on https://www.rosemaryhallgarten.com/

Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

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 brand, and building a boutique design practice rooted in the belief that doing the right thing, combined with thoughtful creativity, always endures. Dana shares the deeply personal story behind Molly Patton Design, the lessons she learned from Molly’s life, and how honoring another person’s vision ultimately helped her discover her own.

This is an episode about legacy, courage, loyalty, and the quiet strength required to carry something meaningful forward. Whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or simply someone who believes in the lasting impact of genuine relationships, Dana’s story is a beautiful reminder that the most enduring work begins with the people who inspire us.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The heartfelt story behind the founding and continuation of Molly Patton Design.
• How friendship became the foundation of an enduring creative legacy.
• Dana’s journey from self-doubt to confident leadership.
• Why staying intentionally boutique has become the firm’s greatest strength.
• The values of craftsmanship, trust, and thoughtful design that continue to define every project.

Follow Molly Patton Design on Instagram: @mollypattondesign and find her at https://www.mollypattondesign.com/
Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

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 Eventsto 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 wisdom, from curating the perfect guest list and layering a tabletop with vintage finds and luxury pieces, to crafting playlists that move with the rhythm of the evening and sending guests home with thoughtful parting gifts. Along the way, David reflects on the power of taking chances, why timelessness always wins over trends, and the enduring influence of icons like Ralph Lauren.

This episode is an invitation into a world where entertaining is both art and ritual—and where the most memorable gatherings are built on beauty, intention, and connection.

Connect with Handy & Dallaire Evnets on IG @handydallaireevents and explore Handy & Dallaire Events at https://handydallaireevents.com/
Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

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 resilience. They also dive into the art of curation — how to mix old and new, why craftsmanship matters, and the guiding philosophy behind every piece they source: if you love it, it will work.

This episode is an inspiring look at creating a brand with soul, designing with instinct, and building a life — and business — around beauty, story, and connection. You will absolutely find yourself shopping right after your listen!

Connect with Huff Harrington @huffharrington and https://huffharrington.com/
https://huffharrington.com/

Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

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.

Connect with James Thomas on IG @jamesthomasinteriors and JamesThomasInteriors.com
Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

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.

Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

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.

You can connect with Meg @meglonerganinteriors and meglonerganinteriors.com
Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

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 go far beyond travel itself.

Together, they discuss the power of travel - connecting us to people, places, and ourselves—whether through a simple local recommendation, a life-changing first trip, or a deeply personal moment that lingers forever.

The conversation moves from practical travel insights to meaningful reflections on style, memory, and what it truly means to experience the world—not as a tourist, but with intention.

This is a conversation about more than travel. It’s about connection, storytelling, and living a life well explored.

Listen to Travel Secrets Podcast.
Connect with Tanya: @tanyarosesimpson, @masonrose
Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

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:

• The most important consideration when planning an event.
• Ways to create your own entertaining capsule.
• Rethinking how you select elements for your home.
• Blake’s favorite pieces from his shop, Wentworth.

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.

Connect with Blake gregoryblakesamsevents.com and @gregoryblakesamsevents
Shop Wentworth: shopwentworth.com and @wentworthbygbs

Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, https://www.classicandcurious.com/ and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

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.

Connect with Lost Fox Inn @lostfoxinn and book your stay at https://www.lostfoxinn.com/
Connect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife and https://www.classicandcurious.com/

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.

You can connect with Claiborne & Olive on IG @claiborneandolive and on https://www.claiborneandolive.com/
Stay connected with Classic and Curious @classicandcuriouslife and https://www.classicandcurious.com/