
Ep. 456: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt. 4 - Pat Altschul
From How to Decorate by Ballard Designs
March 10, 2026 · 56 min
About this episode
Carson Kressley wraps up his mini-series with Patricia Altschul, discussing her background, design tips, and the timelessness of classic design.
We are wrapping up the Carson Kressley mini-series with a bang! For his grand finale, Carson invites his dear friend and the "grand dame" of Charleston, Patricia Altschul—star of Bravo’s hit show Southern Charm. Carson and Miss Pat discuss her fascinating background as an elite art advisor in the 1980s and 90s, her long-standing collaboration with the legendary decorator Mario Buatta (the "Prince of Chintz"), and the history of her stunning 1853 Greek Revival home in Charleston. She also shares her expert tips for navigating online auctions, the secret to a perfect martini, and why classic English country design never goes out of style. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Do Your Homework Before Buying Art: Pat recommends visiting museums, galleries, and auction houses just to look before you start buying. Once you find your style, always check the condition of a piece—she suggests investing in a portable blacklight to spot any repairs, cracks, or in-painting on antique art. Shop the Apps for Hidden Gems: You don't have to spend a fortune to get great pieces. Pat swears by local auctions and the LiveAuctioneers app to find everything from French porcelain to vintage jewelry. She also…
People in this episode
Guest: Patricia Altschul
Topics covered
- art
- decorating
- auctions
- design
Keywords
- Charleston
- Southern Charm
- Mario Buatta
- online auctions
- martini
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Concorde, LiveAuctioneers app, Stair Galleries
Books & works: Carson Kressley Mini-Series Pt., Southern Charm, the Carson Kressley Takeover, Eat, Drink, and Remarry
Places: Charleston, Greek Revival, Richmond, Virginia, Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York City
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