Mark Ballard Decorates for Christmas

Have you ever met someone and after only five minutes in their company, you knew you just loved ’em. Well, that was my reaction the first time I ever met Mark Ballard.

Mark Ballard is an artist, designer, decorator, speaker, author, columnist, chef, television personality and has been described as “a true Renaissance man with a Southern flair!”


I had the pleasure of seeing Mark in person when he hosted a small craft demonstration during an annual garden tour in Macon, Georgia a few years ago. He had us all laughing so hard that I’m not sure anyone was half paying attention to the faux moss finish he was teaching us to do on garden pots. Mark is known for the funny stories he tells while teaching you how to make a wreath or decorate a room.

Nationally, he is a hidden talent…an undiscovered delight. But in Macon…Mark’s an outright STAR! Though Mark has not yet hit the big time, don’t be surprised if one day you flip on your t.v. and he’s right there showing you how to make a fabulous wreath or how to mix up some delicious pumpkin dip.

For Pink Saturday, I’m posting a few pics of Mark’s home that he shares with his wife, Debra. Can you just imagine how much fun their two children must have had growing up in such a beautiful and whimsical environment?! One look at these rooms and you’ll know why everyone loves Mark…he has a delightful, exuberant personality and a true love for whimsy that is clearly evident in his beautiful home. Now, how often do you see a living room painted Tiffany blue? 🙂

Pics are from Mark’s websiteand are also visible on Flickr.

I was actually lucky enough to tour Mark’s home one year for one of Macon’s Spring home tours. When you enter into the living room, it takes your breath away. It really is delightful!

Mark is not afraid of color…the walls of his dining room are painted a beautiful, bright pink. I love the mirror above the fireplace and the wreath carving/design below the mantel!

This is the view as you enter into Mark’s sun room. Mark describes this room as “whimsical.” I think this must have been an earlier pic, because the sofa is different here than when I toured his home.

This was the sofa I remember seeing on the tour. I love the bright colors against the black and white checkerboard flooring…they play off each other beautifully! I just noticed the wallpaper is different in this pic, too.

Easter time…

Another view of the sun room at Christmas time. That table must have been designed by Santa’s elves…fun, fun, fun!

 

Mark often films shows for a local network in Macon. Wish I had more pics to show you of his kitchen…it’s beautifully finished and decorated.

Check out more of Mark’s pictures and videos at his website!

 

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Comments

  1. Yellow Rose Arbor says

    What a beautiful, colorful, fun house! I really enjoyed his video!

    Thanks for sharing!

    Katherine

  2. Oh Susan, I love the his interiors!! I was so disappointed I missed TST yesterday. I'm trying to get caught up for upcoming Craft shows. I'm still trying to get to all the wonderful participants tables. Have a nice weekend!
    Melody

  3. I enjoyed Mark's rooms, Susan, so much fun and so whimsical…Christine

  4. Ga isn't too far from me! If I am in that area, I will defintely check him out! I LOVE his house and can only picture them changing things around all the time! Nice!

  5. Oh, my gosh! Mark's home is right up my alley. I love all the pics you posted.

  6. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    I love how he has brought that pink color into all those rooms! Love the Christmas tree and that large rabbit standing outside the sun room.

  7. Julie Harward says

    What a delightful house..I would love to step into it and just LOOK! Very different..very beautiful!
    Come say hi 😀

  8. Blondie's Journal says

    What a personality this man has. And you needn't meet him to get a good impression just from his home…

    Thanks for the links to his websites, Susan. I'm going on over for some tips and laughs.

    xoxo
    Jane

  9. someplace in thyme says

    I have to admit, I would never go to those colors if I were in a paint store, but after seeing them on the walls of decorated rooms, it teachs us all that we should never be afraid of color, Happy Pink Saturday, Char

  10. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    He really isn't afraid of color is he!!! His home is lovely and I really enjoyed the videos. Love the accent. Veeeerrrryyyyy southern. Hugs, Marty

  11. I loved the wreath he made with the White House ornaments!

  12. Debbie @ ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com says

    Wow Susan, thanks so much for this info. I've never seen pictures like this. Oh my goodness, these rooms are amazing, and the colors are so unusual, really when you think of it…most people would not paint with these colors, but they are stunning!!!! I love it.
    Great post! Thank you. Every week you always post the most wonderful posts. I enjoy your blog so very much!!
    Blessings,
    Debbie

  13. Susan, thank you for introducing us to Mark and sharing his colorful home. It is full of whimsey and a real delight. I'm going to go back and click on all the links to learn more about this man and his home. Hope you have a Happy Pink Saturday! ~ Sarah

  14. Susan, Thank you for sharing this with us. His house is gorgeous. I wish mine looked like his. Oh and the bunny rabbit outside his sunroom – adorable!
    By the way I took the plunge and began my own blog. I am learning. You have been so inspiring! I hope to participate in TT soon.

  15. Wow! I have never seen such interesting and unique Christmas decor. It is so fun and cheerful! Thanks for sharing.

    By the way, I'm doing my first giveaway at my blog if you're interested.

  16. Someone's Mom says

    Wouldn't it be fun to have the courage to do a house like that? I love it, although I might go crazy if I lived in it. I lean towards taupe. I will have to click some of your links and find out more. Thanks!

    Sue

  17. Susan, Thank you for commenting on my blog. Yes I was the lady who came to Marietta to all the quilt shops and to the Classy Flea and bought a cute table. I will post it when I have it refinished.
    Thanks for visiting!
    PS – My youngest daughter has also started her own blog WeddingBellsandFairyTales. It is about her upcoming wedding next year.

  18. dottydotty says

    what an incredible house that christmas tree is a amsing happy pink saturday

  19. OMG..Susan what a fun house and it is beautiful. I am not sure I could live there, but I love looking at it and getting some ideas for Christmas. Thanks for sharing.

    Barbara

  20. Susan,

    What wonderful colors! Enjoyed your post today as usual. Happy Pink Saturday.

    Carol

  21. Happy Pink Saturday, Susan.

    Thank you for this post. Mark has incredible talent. I will be following the links. His home is spectacular.

  22. Okay, Susan. I spent the last few minutes watching the Christmas piece, and I am in love with this guy. Wow!

    I just had to come back and tell you.

  23. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    What a neat post!!! I love whimsical and I love someone who can add such bright colors and make it work! Cindy

  24. Oh my this would be a wonderful place to see in person. It is gorgeous and he is sure talented.

  25. My Carolina Kitchen says

    Oh my gosh, what a crazy and delightful home he has. Reminds me of a Mae West phrase, "too much of a good thing can be wonderful sometimes.
    Happy Pink Saturday.
    Sam

  26. What a beautiful house.
    Great post!

  27. What a delightful post. I loved the tour and you've made me wish I could meet the man. I hope you are having a wonderful Pink Saturday.

  28. Tammy@InStitches says

    He is a hoot ! Love all the pretty colors in his home…..

  29. Hi Susan – Great to see Mark featured here – he really is a local treasure. I've been visiting your site for a while, but didn't realize you were a Macon native, also. Your blog is one of my favorites. Janet G.

  30. OMGoodness, this is heavenly!
    **sigh**

  31. Our Back Porch says

    Oh Wow!
    Awesome!!!
    Drop by when you get a chance.
    Happy Pink Saturday!
    Blessings,
    Rebecca

  32. I would be right at home in his house!!! Thanks for sharing and Happy Pink Saturday!

  33. The Redhead Riter says

    All that pink was just so beautiful!!!

  34. peggy gatto says

    I am so glad I got here!!!!!
    Thank you!

  35. oh my gosh! I love his house and even though I wouldn't have the courage to use the colors he has, it sure makes you smile just viewing it! I'm reading some of the messages from others and realized I must have missed some frames as I didn't see what they wrote about. The colors on his walls reminds me of the tropical colors in his artwork, which is beautiful! I'm going to order one or two of his cookbooks. He needs to have his own show on HGTV! Move over Paula! I bet she knows him because isn't she from Macon? Imagine the two of them in one show! Did you notice in his video, there were no names listed of the persons in each frame? Do you think that was intentional? Definately somebody I'd enjoy meeting and being around.

  36. Melissa Miller says

    I have not heard about him before Susan. Thank you for sharing this home tour with us. It's so wonderful and inspiring!

    Many Blessings and Happy Fall!~Melissa 🙂

  37. Hi Susan!
    I LOVE Mark Ballard. Thanks for introducing him. Just finished watching his "fish" video and I'm ready to pull out my sand dollars and get started.

    It was fun hearing his accent. I went to college in Macon (Mercer) and was, at first, struggling to understand some of the looooooog drawwwwwwwwn ouuuuuuuut woooooooords. After just a couple of weeks, I had "South in my mouth" like the best of my classmates. The only problem they had with me is that I spoke "southern" really fast!!! It took my friends forever to slow me down…

    Thanks so much for sharing Mark…
    Jane (Artfully Graced)

  38. Suzie Button says

    Now that was a TREAT to see, what eye candy is Mark's home! I wish I was closer, I would take a tour! gorgeous! Happy PS to you! Suzie

  39. Wonder what his wife Debra does? He can do it all:cook, decorate, paint, do crafts..Wonder if he sews his own window treatments,etc.? He needs to get a better microphone as it is sometimes hard to catch what he is saying, as his voice keeps fading out. But I thoroughly enjoyed all I viewed. Thanks again for sharing.

  40. Hi Susan! Just poppin' in to say Hi! 🙂
    Mark's house is HEAVENLY!! It's a space that makes you feel happy, light-hearted, and uplifted! I especially love that adorable table in his sunroom!
    What an inspiration!
    Love ya! L~

  41. Susie Jefferson says

    How fascinating! Thanks so much for sharing – it's always fun to take a glimpse into someone else's environment.

    Happy Pink Saturday.

  42. tales from an oc cottage says

    Oh my gosh! What a home!!! I had to check out every detail!

    m ^..^

  43. This was a great tour, thanks for sharing, loved the pics. Happy ps.

  44. Sue@MyArtsDesire says

    What a delightful post! Absolutely one of those homes if you ever have the pleasure to visit, you never forget. I love when someone's home mirrors their personality. Very fun. Thank you for such a fun post!

  45. Susan-America is missing out on a real treasure! He is talented and so personable. Did you say he had an accent…I didn't notice 🙂

  46. What a beautiful home. I live not too far from Macon. I would love to have his home on the home tour again. Thanks for the pics

  47. Weeell, I do declare…this is one of the best pink post of the week. I love it…I surely couldn't live with all that pink but it's fun to look at…..Thanks for sharing.
    xo bj

  48. Mark is quite the celebrity…my friend live a block from him in Macon…we would walk by his house and drool over his yard.

    Last year I was in Macon at Michael's waiting in line and standing in front of me were Mark and Debra. They are very congenial and down to earth. My friend sold her home and Mark told me it had been written up in the Macon Magazine.

    When I lived in the Macon area I watched him every Saturday morning. The transformation of their home was so interesting.

    I always enjoy dropping by your blog….

    Betty @ Country Charm

  49. Hello there, thank you so much for visiting me today. I am sure my Aunt will love the post cards when they arrive they sound so delightful. Take care and have fun.

    Blessings,
    Heidi

  50. Mary Ellen (megardengal) says

    What a fun house! Thank you so much for sharing a bit of Mark with us!!

    blessings
    mary

  51. ♥Mimi♥ says

    The air is cooler, the days are shorter, winter is on its way. From now until April of next year I will have to rely on Pink Saturday for my pink fix!

    Thanks for participating this week and for helping my day be just a little bit more pink and sweet!

    Wishing you a wonderful weekend filled with the love of family and good friends.

  52. Atelier de Charo says

    Qué decoración tan exquisita, hermosos detalles, una maravilla!!!

    Happy Pink Saturday!!!

  53. Jane (Frugal Fine Living) says

    Mark's home is amazing! I also followed the link over to his Christmas tour! He has lots of great ideas and inspiration.

    Jane

  54. He must be a very optimistic and cheerful person, from the looks of the whimsy and bright happy colors in his home. Fun for you to get a tour and to meet him in person!

  55. OMG!!! I SO want to be his best friend!!

  56. Wow!! Thanks for the Tour of Mark's space. He certainly isn't afraid of color.

  57. Hi Susan – thought I'd drop you a quick note and let you know your porch and deck are my inspiration for my new deck and porch I plan on building next spring for my new house! I gave you a little shout out in my blog post today – I love your porch and have spent many a day just pouring over the different aspects of it and I know how I want mine to turn out – just like yours!!
    Hope you're having a good Sunday –

    Oh – PS – just curious – did you ever get over to look at those pumpkins from that ETSY seller you commented to me on? I ordered 2 from her that day and they were just too cute!
    I have ordered a tassel from The Tassel House and can't wait to unpack it and use it in my new home – love it!

  58. Susan, It's your new best friend, Mark! I was surprised and delighted with your article about me on your blog.I have received so many wonderful e-mails from your fun group of bloggers. At first, I didn't know where all these folks were coming from, and then I was told to check out your blog. I have visited it before but each time I go I am impressed even more. You are as sweeeeeeeeeeet as Southeeeeeeeeeeeeeern iced tea!I wanted to pass along to you and your bloggers that I have just finished filming a new reality series called, "Mark Being Mark!" Imagine that? We have some national interest and I am hoping we will get picked up! Please keep your fingers and toes crossed and say a little prayer. I have a lot to share with the nation! Thanks again for your kind words and introducing me to some very fun and creative people. You have made my weekend special! Mark Ballard

  59. Hi Susan – I did order two of her pumpkins – the small black and white one and a large (I think) plaid one that I think could probably stay out year round – I'll have to see. I didn't do a post about the ones I ordered though.

    Here is her link (I hope):

    http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7457499

    She was very reasonable and nice to work with.

    I mentioned that I bought a tassel – I bought the pumpkin one that you have listed on your collage down there and thought seriously about the black fleur de lis one, but someone had snatched it right out from under me!!

    Thanks for visiting and your sweet comments on the house – it has really been a roller coaster ride for me since hubby left in May. I'm slowly getting my feet under me again, and you're right, I see many Met Mondays in my future.

  60. The Tablescaper says

    Dear Susan:

    Thank you so much for this post. I had never heard of him and his work looks terrific.

    – The Tablescaper

  61. What a delight to see Mark (the hottie) Ballard featured. He is a treasured friend as well as one of the most talented individuals I have ever met. His talent is so diverse. He so richly deserves the recognition. What a great site here too. Will check in again!!!

    Amy

  62. Wow is about all I can say! This living room with the tree blows me away. The bright colorful rooms are all amazing though.
    Can he come do my home this year for Christmas? I am trying to get up the energy just to think about doing it, lol.
    Thanks for sharing, way to much fun.
    Linda Q

  63. Angel Uphaus says

    I love love love it all..but where did he get the table with the shoes or boots for feet…I want one!!!!

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