Ep. 379: 5 Design Principles for an Artful Home with Josh Young

This week, we welcome artist and tastemaker Josh Young. After living in Milan for six years, Josh returned to the U.S. and launched Josh Young Design House in 2017, gaining recognition for his distinctive art style and home designs. His work has appeared in major publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Vogue Italia.

In his debut book, Artful Home, Josh takes us through his artistic journey, his homes, and his creative process for blending modern and classical elements. In our convo, Josh shares how his European experience shaped his design philosophy and offers fantastic tips for curating a stylish, balanced home.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 

•  Josh’s journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to studying art in Milan and how this experience influenced his design approach.
• His debut book, Artful Home, and how it explores five artistic principles: palette, texture, form, nostalgia, and layers.
• How the book process helped him crystallize the connection between his art and home decor.
• Josh’s love of juxtaposing modern and classical elements.
• Why is it so difficult to pull off a neutral space, and what can we do about it? 
• Yes, even Josh has moments where his silver isn’t perfectly polished too. 
• The evolution of Josh Young Design House and how social media played a pivotal role in his success.
• His love of antiques and how he incorporates them into his spaces in unexpected ways.
• How he styles rooms with a mix of classical pieces, modern touches, and neutral palettes.
• Tips for creating a home that feels both lived-in and elegant, with an emphasis on texture and layering.

Decorating Dilemma 

Follow along with pictures of this week's listener-submitted decorating dilemma here on the How to Decorate Blog.

Hi Amanda! Thank you for being a loyal listener! We loved diving into your primary bedroom refresh, and we have some fun ideas to help you elevate the space. Let’s break it down step by step:

• Since you're keeping the pink chair and artwork, we suggest leaning into that pink as your accent color. Try incorporating pink into decorative pillows, drapes, and other textiles. We recommend using neutral tones for your bedding to keep things balanced and avoid overwhelming the space. A classic white bedding set with pink accents could help tie everything together without feeling too busy.
• For a fresh look, try layering textures in your bedding with different fabrics like linen or cotton. Keeping the palette neutral with subtle pink accents will create a serene yet stylish space. As for the drapes, consider using a light neutral with a hint of pink or blush undertones to complement the existing pink pieces.
• Since you want to replace your nightstands and avoid matching the dressers, look for options that offer storage but are lighter in tone or have a different texture. Painted nightstands or ones in a lighter wood could work well to contrast the darker dresser. Pair them with stylish lamps that fit your overall aesthetic—maybe incorporating more of that pink or even brass elements for a pop of elegance.
• We understand your husband wants to keep a fan, but you can opt for one without a light kit for a cleaner, less obtrusive look. Pair it with plenty of beautiful table or floor lamps to keep the space well-lit.
• The current TV placement does seem a bit top-heavy with the narrow dresser. Consider mounting the TV on the wall to free up space on the dresser for decorative items like a beautiful lamp or artwork. If wall-mounting isn’t an option, switching the dresser with a wider, lower piece could help balance the space better. This will also make the room feel less cluttered and more intentional.

We hope these tips spark some inspiration as you tackle your refresh! Happy decorating!

Also Mentioned:

• Ballard Designs
• Watch the Full Episode - Ballard Designs YouTube
• Josh Young | IG 
• Artful Home