The Art of Hosting

Mary Amaechi

Hi Friend! And welcome to the Art of Hosting Podcast. A show created to equip modern families with the inspiration, encouragement, and motivation to practice hospitality. I’m your host, Mary Amaechi and I’m an Interior Designer who promotes simple living for Modern Families. I design homes that cultivate community and promote slow and intentional living through the use of clean and efficient design. I want to help you design community-minded homes that might lead to deeper & longer conversations, cherished memories, and stronger relationships. Follow me on my journey as I interview inspiring interior designers and entrepreneurs from around the world. We’ll explore strategic tips for functional interior design, the business of interior design, faith-centered personal development, and the concept of simple living. If you’re passionate about interior design, want to find design inspiration for your home, or are seeking to incorporate hospitality and simple living into your life, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started! read less
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Episodes

Episode #30: The Challenges and Benefits of Growing an Interior Design Business with Heather Yates
16-02-2022
Episode #30: The Challenges and Benefits of Growing an Interior Design Business with Heather Yates
Have you ever wanted to start your own interior design business? OR What appeals to you when it comes to enhancing your interior design skills? If you’ve ever considered starting an interior design business, how would you go about it? Well, I have something special for you today that will help you deepen your understanding about the challenges and benefits of not only starting an interior design business, but also growing one. Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 30 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I’m your host Mary Amaechi and in today's episode, I’m interviewing Heather Yates, Principal designer of Heather Yates Interiors.This episode is full of practical advice, life experiences, and the challenges and benefits of growing an interior design business. With over 20 years in the design industry, Heather shares her story of how she got into the business of Interior Design, challenges she faced early on, her design aesthetic, the benefits of owning her own interior design business, and strategic ways that she keeps her business operating efficiently. Let’s dive in!In this episode we cover Heather's:inspiration behind the pursuit of Interior DesignBusiness and personal prioritiesLessons from her past design business experienceExperience in overcoming challenges in the beginningHer Business servicesThe Brand of Heather Yates InteriorsHer Project Management Style Prioritizing Planning A BudgetHow to stay in touch with HeatherLet’s Get started!Links Mentioned in the Episode...HEATHER YATES INTERIORS WEBSITEHEATHER YATES INTERIORS INSTAGRAM
Podcast #29: Which Interior Design Service Is Right for Me?
09-02-2022
Podcast #29: Which Interior Design Service Is Right for Me?
You’ve done your research, created a few Pinterest boards, you’ve determined your design budget, and now you are ready to work with an interior designer. But, you realize there are tons of different interior design services out there. How do you figure out which service is the best fit for you? Quickly, you learn that Full Service Design, Home Renovations, Consulting can all take place within a design project, but each have their own function and therefore can be offered as separate services. Honestly, it depends on how much time, money, and energy you are willing to spend to make your design dreams a reality. Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 29 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I’m your host Mary Amaechi and as always I’m so excited that you’re joining me for today’s show. If you are not sure which interior design service is for you–I have something special for you— In this episode, we’ll explore the advantages of Full Service Design, Home Renovations, and Design Consulting, and I’ll also break down our Design Process–from start to finish.Links Mentioned in OR Referenced For This Episode.....#011: A Beginner's Guide to Styling A Bedroom - Part 1Caron, L,L. (2022). Which Interior Design Service Is Right for Me?. Studio Laloc. Retrieved from https://www.studiolaloc.com/studio-files-studio-laloc-seattle-based-interior-design/2020/12/1/consulting-decorating-full-service-design-styling-what-do-these-words-really-mean-when-it-comes-to-interior-design-projects.  ​​
Episode # 25: 7 Lessons That I Have Learned As An Interior Design Small Business Owner
12-01-2022
Episode # 25: 7 Lessons That I Have Learned As An Interior Design Small Business Owner
Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 25 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I’m your host Mary Amaechi and in today's episode, I’ll share seven lessons that I have learned as an Interior Design Small Business Owner. I’m learning a lot as I travel this path of being a small business owner in the interior design industry. I'm learning that when you work as a business owner, it is good to prioritize your time. Here are 7 things that I want to grow in as a business owner and these may be lessons that may help you too as you lead your own life or even as you start or continue to run your business.Clearly think through what your top priorities are in life and in businessGive yourself space to process the journeySet aside time for spiritual rejuvenation and meditation with GodTry to focus on one thing at a timeRemember to take care of your healthSeek accountability for your life and businessBe patient. Links Mentioned in this episode….BooksDesiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist by John PiperProvidence by John PiperBusiness PodcastsThe Game Changer Podcast by Katie WussowBetter Than Big podcast by Ashley GartlandOnline Marketing Made Easy by Amy PorterfieldArticlesBarre3. (2022). Connect: You’re invited: The Barre3 January Challenge 2022. The bare3 Magazine. Retrieved from https://blog.barre3.com/january-challenge-2022/https://blog.barre3.com/january-challenge-2022/Bloom, J. (2011). Love is Patient. desiringGod.org. Retrieved from https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/love-is-patient. BoardEffect. (2020. Board f Advisors Vs. Board of Directors. Retrieved from https://www.boardeffect.com/blog/board-of-advisors-vs-board-of-directors/. Couturier, K; Birmingham; Bows & Arrows. (2022). Yoga for Everyone. New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/beginner-yoga. FOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiors
Podcast #23: 4 Ways to Hang Wreaths and Garlands Without Using Any Drills or Nails
08-12-2021
Podcast #23: 4 Ways to Hang Wreaths and Garlands Without Using Any Drills or Nails
Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 23 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I’m your host Mary Amaechi and in today's episode, I’ll share four decor hacks that you can use to hang Christmas wreaths and/or garlands without using nails, so that your walls and furniture stay protected. Having Christmas decorations around the home can make your space feel extra special and inviting for the holidays. It’s easy to gather all your holiday lights, wreaths, garlands, and any other decorations. But, the challenging part is figuring out how you are going to hang the lights around your home, the garland on the mantle or the banister of your staircase, and the wreath on the door (McDonough, L etc, 2021).The exciting news is that I have found four decoration hacks that can make your Christmas styling look beautiful, and so that you don’t have to spend tons of time questioning how to make your decorations look good. Knowing and implementing these decor hacks can help free up your time, so that you can have more time to spend with your loved ones over the holidays. So, we’re going to talk about how to hang wreaths and/or garlands with (1) ribbons or decorative garland ties, (2) Command Strips, (3) Nylon Fishing Lines, and (4) Over-the-Door wreath hangers. How to Contact Me: ehziimaryinteriors.com/contactDesign Goals: ehziimaryinteriors.com/goalsLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeBalsam Hill. (2021). 6 Ways to Hang Wreaths and Garlands Without Drills or Nails. Balsam Hill. Retrieved from https://blog.balsamhill.com/b/hanging-greenery-without-holes-guide/. 3M. (2021). Modern Wreath Hanging. Command Brand. Retrieved from https://www.command.com/3M/en_US/command/projects/all-projects/modern-wreath-hanging/. Hunter, S. (2018). How to Hang a Wreath Without Making Holes in the Door. Marth Stewart. Retrieved from https://www.marthastewart.com/1533064/hang-wreath-without-making-hole-door#:~:text=Hang%20with%20Ribbon&text=Cut%20a%203%2Dinch%2Dwide,top%20of%20door%20with%20thumbtacks. McDonough, L; Garrity, A; Avendano, K. (2021). 15 Christmas Decorating Hanging Hacks That Don’t Require Any Nails Whatsoever. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc: GoodHouseKeeping. Retrieved from https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g2966/christmas-decoration-hanging-hacks/. Miller, B. (2021). How To Hang Lights, Garlands, And Wreaths Without Destroying Your Walls - Our 5 Go-To Hanging Hacks. Emily Henderson. Retrieved from https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/how-to-hang-christmas-lights-wreaths-garland.
Podcast #22: Why I’m Changing My Business Model
08-12-2021
Podcast #22: Why I’m Changing My Business Model
Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 22 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I’m your host Mary Amaechi and today’s episode is going to be on why I decided to change my business model within the interior design industry. So, initially, when I first started my business, my goal was to offer online interior design services for my clients with the intention of being able to serve clients both in-person and online down the road. Moreover, not only did I offer online interior design services, but I also decided to focus on Airbnb hosts as my niche. However, I have decided to move away from serving Airbnb Hosts to working with modern, busy families.Reasons Why I Chose to Change My Business Model:Long-term, my goal is to run an in-person interior design studio with a design team that serves families within our existing community. I learned that my initial niche Airbnb hosts were more inclined to DIY design than hiring an interior designer. I did not feel like I fully connected with my niche of Airbnb hosts. I decided to change my business philosophy, which now has a strong emphasis on slow, intentional living, and cultivating community.My new design offer:  Simple Living for Modern Families Full Service Design and Home RenovationsFREEBBIES:5 Ways to Make Your Interior Design Ideas A RealityA Design Goal-Setting and Reflection GuideLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeWilliams, N. (2015). The Kinfolk home: interiors for slow living. Artisan Books.
Podcast #21: A Simple Bathroom Design Guide
01-12-2021
Podcast #21: A Simple Bathroom Design Guide
Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 21 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I’m your host Mary Amaechi and I’m going to explore two strategic ways to plan for a Bathroom Remodel. And those two ways are (1) planning a bathroom layout (2) building a budget based on bathroom remodeling costs.Designing a bathroom is a demanding, yet rewarding project. My goal in this episode is to guide you in planning a functional and aesthetically pleasing  bathroom layout, so that you can determine what design meets your needs (BH&G Editors, 2021). Whether you choose to remodel or build a new bathroom, designing a beautiful bathroom layout can be a super fun and stimulating project. So, to make your bathroom design a reality, let’s take time to evaluate your needs and create a well-defined layout. With a clear strategy and bathroom measurements in place, it will be much easier to create a budget, hire contractors, and purchase styling finishes (BH&G Editors, 2021).Planning Your Bathroom LayoutA Full Bath LayoutThree-Quarter Bath Layout (No tub) Versatile Master Bathroom LayoutBathroom Layout CostsBasic Bathroom Remodel CostsMid- Range Bathroom RemodelDeluxe Bathroom Remodel Links Mentioned in This EpisodeRemodel Gurus, Inc. (2020). Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2021: Budget, Average, & Luxury Bathroom Upgrades. RemodelingCosts.org. Retrieved from https://www.remodelingcosts.org/bathroom-remodel-cost/. BH&G Editors. (2021). How to Plan a Bathroom Layout for a Functional Space. Better Homes & Gardens. Retrieved from https://www.bhg.com/bathroom/remodeling/planning/bathroom-layout-guidelines-and-requirements/. Homeadvisor.com (2021). How Much Does It Costs To Remodel A Bathroom. Retrieved from https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/bathrooms/remodel-a-bathroom/.
Podcast #20: Two Creative Design Ideas To Help You To Be Present During the Holidays
24-11-2021
Podcast #20: Two Creative Design Ideas To Help You To Be Present During the Holidays
Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 20 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I’m your host Mary Amaechi and I’m going to talk about two creative design ideas that you can implement to help you be more present this Thanksgiving and Christmas:A Thanksgiving Flower ArrangementA Festive Holiday CheeseboardIt can be really easy to check out this Thanksgiving and Christmas and not be present with the one we hold near and dear. That’s why I want to encourage you and gently challenge you to think of ways that you can be actively present with the people you love this holiday season. And I’m not just going to leave you hanging, but I’m going to give you some ideas of how you can stay engaged and present, whether you are enjoying the holidays by yourself or with family and friends. And of course, these are some design projects that you can get involved with to help create a more festive and welcoming environment in the home you’ll be in for the holidays. The winter holidays are great opportunities to show our gratitude and appreciation for those around us and the good things that we have been blessed with in our lives. FOLLOW Mary on the handles below: Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsLinks Mentioned in This Episode… Love & Lemons. (2021). How to Make A Cheese Board. Love & Lemons, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-make-a-cheese-board/. Magnolia. (2021). A Collection of Thanksgiving Recipes. The Blog. Retrieved from https://magnolia.com/create/blog/article/435553/a-collection-of-thanksgiving-reSarah. (2019). 9 Flower Arranging Tips from a Floral Designer Pro. JojotasticRetrieved from https://jojotastic.com/2019/01/31/flower-arranging-tips/. The Bouqs Company. (2021). Thanksgiving Flowers Tips and Ideas. The Bouqs Company. Retrieved from https://bouqs.com/blog/thanksgiving-flower-tips/.Williams, N. (2015). The Kinfolk home: interiors for slow living. Artisan Books. Print. Wroblewski, M.T. (2021). Balancing Vase Size With Flower Size. Home Guides.Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/balancing-vase-size-flower-size-60280.html.
Podcast #18: Five Simple and Festive Tablescapes Tips For The Holidays
10-11-2021
Podcast #18: Five Simple and Festive Tablescapes Tips For The Holidays
Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 18 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I’m your host Mary Amaechi and I’m ready to dive into some simple and festive tablescape ideas for the holidays.  With that I mind, I plan to talk about five tips for creating a beautiful holiday tablescape. If you’re planning on hosting the holiday Feast this Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, the table can be a great way to make your guests feel welcomed and excited to spend time with one another. The holidays are generally designed to help us slow down and reflect on the good and hard times we’ve experienced in the past year, which can be really healthy and good for us :) Today's Podcast Outline:Pick a Color Scheme/VibeUse various textures and patterns, and metallics.The Centerpiece CandlesAdd a Table GiftFOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsLinks Mentioned in This Episode…Amanda. (2020). A Pink Nutcracker Christmas Brunch Tablescape. The Ginger Home. Retrieved from https://thegingerhome.com/a-pink-nutcracker-christmas-brunch-tablescape/. Chamberlain, L. (2014). Benefits of Natural Colors for Home. Blue Matte. ColdWell Banker. Retrieved from https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/benefits-of-neutral-colors-for-home-decor/.  Gabrielle, S. (2021). & Gorgeous Holiday Tablescapes to Try Before the Main Event. MyDomaine. Retrieved from https://www.mydomaine.com/thanksgiving-tablescapes. McDonough, L; Livermore, S; Mendlesohn, H. (2021). 45 Very Merry Christmas Table Decorations and Settings to Recreate This Year. HouseBeautiful. Retrieved from https://www.housebeautiful.com/entertaining/holidays-celebrations/tips/g790/holiday-place-settings/. Scott, D. (2021). How to Create the Perfect Holiday Tablescape. The Lonefox Journal. Retrieved from https://lonefox.com/blogs/journal/how-to-create-the-perfect-holiday-tablescape.
Podcast # 17: Five Easy Winter Decorating Ideas for the Holidays
03-11-2021
Podcast # 17: Five Easy Winter Decorating Ideas for the Holidays
Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 17 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I’m your host Mary Amaechi and as always I’m so excited that you’re joining me for today’s show where I talk about five Winter Decorating Ideas for the Holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming soon and it might be nice to decorate your home and make it more festive for the people you plan to spend the holidays with this winter. And a great way to make your home feel cozy and ready for winter is to decorate your home with a little festive greenery and sparkle. There are so many things that you can do to style your home for the holidays, but here are five specific, strategic, and minimalistic ways to do it. We’ll move from outside to the inside decor of your home.Decorate Your Front Door for WinterCreate a Buffet, Eucalyptus-themed Garland. Make a Simple Winter CenterPieceStyling Your Coffee Table With a Winter SceneEmbrace Winter Lighting IdeasFOLLOW Mary on the handles below: Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsLinks Mentioned in This Episode...Amanda. (2021). 6 Easy Winter Decorating Ideas. The Ginger Home. Retrieved from https://thegingerhome.com/winter-decorating-ideas/.Ro, H. (2021). 18 Ways to Decorate Your Entire Home with Fairy Lights: Glow and behold, a bevy of fresh new ways to decorate your home. Retrieved from https://www.countryliving.com/home-design/decorating-ideas/g2794/decorating-ideas-christmas-lights/?slide=15. BH& G Editors. (2020). 15 Dazzling Winter Door Decorations to Welcome the Season. Better Homes & Gardens. Retrieved from https://www.bhg.com/decorating/seasonal/winter/winter-doors-that-welcome-the-season/. Faulkner, C. (2021). How to Make a Eucalyptus Garland + Easy Greenery Wreath. Transform simple, low-cost greenery into beautiful decorations for weddings, holiday parties and more.  HGTV.Retrieved from https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/how-to-make-a-eucalyptus-garland---wreath. Knierm, A. (2021). 19 Winter Centerpieces You Can Keep All Season: Options for Every Budget and Skill Level. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/winter-centerpieces-4156390. Kalus, G. (2020). 23 Easy WInter Centerpieces for Every Table. CountryLiving.Retrieved from https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g29774255/winter-floral-table-centerpieces/?slide=2.
Podcast # 16: How to Pick The Right Area Rug Size For Any Space In Your Home
27-10-2021
Podcast # 16: How to Pick The Right Area Rug Size For Any Space In Your Home
Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 16 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I’m your host Mary Amaechi and as always I’m so excited that you’re joining me for today’s show where I talk about how to choose the correct area rug size for any space in your home. Choosing an area rug can be a tough task, but it can become easy when you have the right tools. And I have some great tools and tips that can help you determine what area rug size is best for your space.  We will primarily talk about area rug sizes for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.FOLLOW Mary on the handles below:Instagram: @ehziimaryinteriorsTwitter: @EhziiMaryFacebook: @ehziimaryinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehzii-mary-interiorsReferencesAmanda. (2021). How to Choose the Correct Area Rug Size For Any Space. The Ginger Home. Retrieved from https://thegingerhome.com/how-to-choose-the-correct-area-rug-size-for-any-space/. Room&Board. (2021). How to Choose A Rug Size. Room&Board. Retrieved from https://www.roomandboard.com/ideas-advice/design-your-space/ideas-for-any-room/how-to-choose-a-rug-size. Ruggable. (2021). Rug Size Guide. Ruggable.com. Retrieved from https://ruggable.com/pages/rug-sizes?gclid=CjwKCAjwzt6LBhBeEiwAbPGOgV3LUrUi0_GdCBY83qv_ew5J6znh_4g5udS7DH6Lv42JV6Rc5dNx-xoCeNcQAvD_BwE. Rugs.com. (2019). How to fight the right rug size. Rugs.com. Retrieved https://rugs.com/blog/area-rug-size-guide/.
Podcast # 15: The Root of Hospitality
20-10-2021
Podcast # 15: The Root of Hospitality
Hi everyone! Welcome to episode # 15 of the Art of Hosting Podcast. I’m your host Mary Amaechi and as always I’m so happy that you’re joining me for today’s show where I talk about the meaning of hospitality.Hospitality can have different meanings for different people. That’s why I have dedicated this episode to help us uncover the true meaning of hospitality according to the Bible. I bring this up because in the hospitality industry it’s easy to make serving and hosting others all about the money and prestige. And that can be toxic. That’s why I want us to set a foundation for what hospitality truly is and why pursuing it can help us care well for others. Today’s podcast guest is @amberdhammond and she’s joining us to answer this very question: What is hospitality? Amber Amber serves as the Office Manager for @9marks. She is a native Texan. She is married to her husband, Alex. Amber loves details and completing tasks behind the scenes to make things run smoothly. She and her husband are both members at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. I reached out to Amber because she is living normal Christianity by practicing hospitality. She’ll be addressing:▶️ Hospitality as it’s described in the Bible▶️ Why it is important to pursue hospitality▶️ What hospitality looks like right now in her life▶️ Challenges she’s faced when practicing hospitality▶️ Logistically, how she prepares for hosting different groups of people ▶️ Areas that she wants to grow in as she practices hospitalitySo, let’s dive into our conversation with Amber Hammond. Pardon the noise in the background. Enjoy!