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 ericrossinteriors.comConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, 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 RosemaryHallgarten.comConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, 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 mollypattondesign.comConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, 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 Events to 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 handydallaireevents.comConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, 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 huffharrington.com Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, 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.comConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, 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, classicandcurious.com and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

In this soulful episode of Classic & Curious, Anne sits down with internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter, composer, and storyteller Dominick Farinacci for a conversation about music, humanity, and the stories that connect us.From growing up in Cleveland to becoming part of Juilliard’s inaugural jazz studies program — under the influence and mentorship of jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and the community of Jazz at Lincoln Center — Dominick shares the experiences that shaped both his artistry and his understanding of music as a universal language.Together, Anne and Dominick explore how music can transport us, create connection, and bring people together across cultures and generations. Dominick reflects on his global experiences, the emotional power of jazz, and how music became a bridge between people and shared human experience.Known for his TED Talk at the Kennedy Center on music, wellbeing, and mental health, Dominick also shares the personal experiences that transformed his work, including his mother’s cancer journey and the creation of Modern Warrior Productions, an immersive storytelling platform centered around resilience, healing, and the power of storytelling through music.At its heart, this episode is about the beauty of storytelling — the kind that makes us slow down, lean in, and linger a little longer at the table. Because whether through music, memory, or shared experience, these are the conversations that remind us what it means to live a full and beautiful life.Connect with Dominick @DominicklifeConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, 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.comConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, 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, @masonroseConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, classicandcurious.com and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie