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b'Today\\u2019s guest is Dallas-based interior designer and business coach Traci Connell. Traci\\u2019s work has been featured in Traditional Home, Luxe Magazine, and many more. Traci is known for her signature method, \\u201cEase of Glamour\\u201d, where she aims to create homes that are easy to design, easy to live in, and overall practical. She tells us what it means to make a home \\u201cbulletproof\\u201d, how she implements technology in her process, her advice for emerging designers, and more.\\nWhat You\\u2019ll Hear on This Episode:\\n\\nTrials & Triumphs about dust jackets on books, a black cat on a white sofa, spring planting projects, and some funny decorating videos on designer Kevin Isbell\\u2019s Instagram.\\n\\nWhat Traci means by \\u201cbulletproof\\u201d homes and the evolution of performance fabrics.\\n\\nWhat is on the horizon for performance design?\\n\\nWhen is it okay to choose something more delicate in design?\\n\\nHow Traci uses technology to improve clients\\u2019 ease of living.\\n\\nWhat Traci does to make large, open homes feel cozier.\\n\\nHow to divide a space with drapery.\\n\\nWhen to use something classic vs. when to push boundaries.\\n\\nHow Traci designed a house for a client that wanted no accessories.\\n\\nWhy renovation is more challenging than new construction.\\n\\nWhat elements does Traci find make a home more joyful?\\n\\nTips from Traci for aspiring and emerging designers.\\n\\n\\nDecorating Dilemma\\xa0\\nHi Courtney,\\nThe biggest hiccup here is that it\\u2019s a long, narrow space. My initial thought is to flip the areas and put the TV over the fireplace. Then a sofa right in front on the wall in front of the fireplace. There is no room for a coffee table, but you could put two storage ottomans on either side of the sofa in a matching or coordinating fabric. Then you could roll those over when you\\u2019re watching TV and almost create a modular-type sectional. At the door where there is a bookshelf of shoes, I think you could use some vertical storage. You could definitely put a little rug right there, too. On the other side of the room where there is a door opening, you could flank two matching storage bookcases and you could store the toys there. That far side of the room is great for a play area. We think toy storage should not be in the entryway but rather where the playing happens\\u2026unless they are outside toys! You could also put two swivel chairs there that could be moved around.\\nFor the windows, I would add some panels in white oak or seagrass. For the window coverings, I would add Roman shades to all of the windows to match what you already have. If you do move the TV to the rock wall, I would add a light fixture that\\u2019s tight to the ceiling but sprawls out. Since you like the blue, you could paint the ceiling a light grey-blue in a satin or flat finish. You could even match the color inside the built-ins. If you really do entertain in this room, you could also add a mobile bar cart. The modular approach to the room will definitely give you more flexibility.\\nFor the dining room area with that \\u201cawkward space\\u201d, I would take out the white shelves in those curved niches. Then maybe wallpaper back in there and/or do floating shelves so it doesn\\u2019t go wall-to-wall. You can change the hardware and leave the bottom, but I love the curve. In the middle, if you can, take it all out. A nice and airy art light with a beautiful piece of large art would be lovely. The buffet can then be on the other wall for more storage. And then move a light over there, as well.\\nWhere that hole in the floor is where the hearth was, hopefully, you can patch it with wood because it doesn\\u2019t seem like you really want a fireplace. A little bit of construction there, but not too much.\\nWell, there you go, Courtney! Those are your marching orders! Good luck!\\nMentioned in This Episode:\\n\\nEden Brothers (Atlanta)\\n\\nKevin Isbell Instagram\\n\\nTraci Connell Interiors\\n\\nTraci Connell Business Coach\\n\\nTraci Connell Instagram\\n\\nTraci\\u2019s Online Design'