Best Michael Bartz Podcasts (2025)

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The Living-Green Myth: A Conversation With Michael Maniates 34:48

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1d ago34:48

34:48

Michael welcomes back Michael Maniates to talk about his new book, The Living-Green Myth: The Promise and Limits of Lifestyle Environmentalism, which questions the dominant narrative that individuals can make a significant environmental impact through their consumer choices and lifestyle changes. Michael explains why this myth persists, including s…

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From Cookie-Cutter to Culture-Rich: Fariha Nasir’s DIY Journey Home 41:46

1h ago41:46

41:46

In this episode, I talk with the wonderfully creative Fariha Nasir about how she transformed her builder-grade house into a deeply personal, heritage-rich home through bold DIY projects and meaningful design. Fariha shares how reconnecting with her Pakistani roots shifted her entire approach to style, leading her to incorporate block prints, color,…

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Creative Homes Come From Curiosity with Michal Silver of Christopher Farr Cloth 33:35

1d ago33:35

33:35

In this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I speak with Michal Silver, Creative Director at Christopher Farr Cloth, whose work is guided by curiosity, collaboration, and a deep respect for history. Michal shares how their textiles and wallpapers grow slowly from long conversations with artists, archives, and craftspeople around the world—allow…

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Managing The Stuff We Already Have Before The Holidays Hit with Tracy McCubbin 23:17

16d ago23:17

23:17

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I talk with professional organizer Tracy McCubbin about how to approach the holidays with less clutter and more intention. Tracy shares what it’s been like helping clients rebuild after the LA fires and how loss reshapes our relationship with stuff. We discuss mindful giving, thoughtful donations, and…

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Designers at Home: Craftsman Bungalow & Antiques, 1700s to Mid-Century with Julia Chasman 33:26

10d ago33:26

33:26

If you’ve ever wondered how a designer really lives, you’ll love this week’s “Designers at Home” episode. I visited Julia Chasman in her Pasadena Craftsman, and her home is a masterclass in warmth, humor, and fearless pattern mixing. We talk about her buffalo-check chair from the Pasadena Showcase, the story behind her antique Steinway, and why a l…

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How To Use Color, Pattern and Texture to Tell Personal Stories with Vern Yip 43:34

1M ago43:34

43:34

In this final episode of the season, I get to sit down with the one and only Vern Yip—yes, that Vern Yip! You probably know him from his trailblazing days on design television, but today he joins me to talk about his beautiful new book, Color, Pattern, Texture. We dive into everything from the deeply personal story of a scroll his mother carried wh…

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From Moroccan Souks to Your Living Room: The Art of Global Mixing with Stephanie Rudloe 32:54

1M ago32:54

32:54

In this episode, I talk with designer and shop owner Stephanie Rudloe about her work with Marrakesh Designs and her long collaboration with Moroccan artisans. Stephanie shares how she first fell in love with Moroccan craft, from rugs and doors to brass lighting and pottery, and how these handmade pieces bring depth and character into our homes. We …

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Sustainable Brands and Affordable Beauty with Molly Carter 22:13

2M ago22:13

22:13

In this episode, I sit down with designer and shop owner Molly Carter, whose passion for sustainability and storytelling in design is contagious. We talk about what it means to buy with your values, how she sources everything from hundred-year-old rugs to locally made candles, and why slowing down matters when you’re building a home. Molly shares t…

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Natural vs. Man Made: Why your Floors, Countertops and Walls Want Real Stone with Breda & Guy Kellner 22:13

2M ago22:13

22:13

In this episode, I sit down with Breda and Guy Kellner of Paris Ceramics to talk about their extraordinary work with natural and reclaimed stone. I’ve long admired how they honor the history and geology of each material, transforming salvaged slabs into flooring, fireplaces, and surfaces that feel both timeless and deeply alive. We talk about what …

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The Art-First Approach: Color, Pattern, and Personality in Interior Design with Natalie Papier 32:25

2M ago32:25

32:25

In this episode, I talk with Natalie Papier about her new book, “Start With the Art”. Natalie explains why the art you choose—whether it’s from a flea market, your kids, or a gallery—can and should be the starting point for designing a room. We discuss how art can shape color palettes, patterns, and materials, and why it tells the real story of a h…

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Updating Your Kitchen The Slow Style Way, Featuring Barbara Ballinger and Margaret Crane 38:15

2M ago38:15

38:15

Looking back, my kitchen has gone through many lives. It started with painted cabinets and bamboo floors on a tight budget, then evolved through a moody green phase during COVID before finally landing on a navy-and-white look inspired by the sea. Along the way, we tiled to the ceiling, swapped in a gorgeous Bertazzoni stove, shiplapped the ceiling,…

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Listener Spotlight: Global Style with Maria Resto 22:48

3M ago22:48

22:48

In this episode, I talked with Maria Resto, a longtime listener whose Chicago home reflects her love of travel, vintage finds, and evolving style. She shared how over 25 years she’s layered antiques, global pieces, bold textiles, and personal items—like a burgundy sofa and a juju hat—learning through trial and error to create rooms full of characte…

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Creating Soulful, Whole-Home Color Palettes with Francesca Wezel 36:03

3M ago36:03

36:03

This episode with Francesca Wezel is for all you design enthusiasts. Francesca is a colorist who creates stunning, one-of-a-kind colors. She shares the inspiration behind her colorful palettes, including her Himalayas palette, which was inspired by a trip to India. We also talk about her Houghton Hall and Poison into Medicine collections, which bot…

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Splurge vs. Save: The Pick 2 Principle 24:22

4M ago24:22

24:22

This week, I’m answering a listener question from Meg about how to balance style with function, especially when it comes to storage. She wants a home that looks good but also works for real life. I walk through different strategies depending on where you are in the process: whether you're starting from scratch, filling in gaps, or trying to upgrade…

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Every Wallpaper Worry Is Solved with Elizabeth Rees of Chasing Paper 39:45

4M ago39:45

39:45

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I talk with Elizabeth Rees, founder of Chasing Paper. We cover what makes her peel-and-stick wallpaper different, why it’s not just for renters, and how it holds up over time. Elizabeth shares how she built a high-quality, sustainable product that’s easy to use and doesn’t feel temporary or trendy. We…

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Plan, Connect, and Keep People Out Of Your Kitchen: Mastering the Art of Entertaining with Joseph Marini 31:05

4M ago31:05

31:05

In this episode, I talk with Joseph Marini, author of Mastering the Art of Entertaining. We cover what it really means to host, beyond the perfect table setting. Joseph shares why entertaining is about connection, not performance, and how a little planning goes a long way. We talk about what makes a good guest, how to keep people out of the kitchen…

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Fix My Room: Not Quite A Hallway, Not Quite A Room 28:57

4M ago28:57

28:57

In this edition of the Fix My Room series, I spoke with Kayla, who lives on beautiful Vancouver Island in a post-and-beam home full of character and full of wide open spaces. Her main question was what to do with the big, undefined area between her staircase and the main living space. It’s not a hallway, not quite a room, and right now it’s mostly …

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Creating Palettes and Composing Rooms Through a Slow Style Lens with Jewel Marlowe 43:09

5M ago43:09

43:09

In this episode, I welcome back designer Jewel Marlowe, whose work is bold, layered, and always intentional. We dig into how she builds palettes using color, pattern, and materials—and why contrast matters just as much as cohesion. Jewel breaks down how she mixes unexpected elements (like leopard print and florals) and why visual weight and scale p…

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What We're Sold and What We Actually Want: How Trends Are Eroding Our Concept of Home with Annetta Grant 31:24

5M ago31:24

31:24

This week, I’m joined by Professor Annetta Grant, whose research examines why so many of us feel uneasy in our own homes — even after we’ve renovated them. We dive into her concept of dysplacement (yes, spelled with a “y”), and how the rise of HGTV, social media, and resale-minded design has shifted the home from a space of personal expression to a…

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What You Don’t Know About Design Books (And Why I’m Crowdsourcing My Book Tour) 19:27

5M ago19:27

19:27

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to market a design book—especially when you’re doing most of it yourself. This episode is all about doing things with intention, working within limits, and inviting you to help shape this journey with me. Leave Me A Message! I need your feedback on the ideas from this episode. Go…

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When To Mix and When To Match: Tailored And Soulful Design with Jade Joyner 37:50

5M ago37:50

37:50

In this episode, I sit down with interior designer Jade Joyner, co-founder of the firm Metal + Petal, to talk about how she approaches design with intention, balance, and a strong point of view. Jade is the opposite of a formulaic designer—she’s not interested in trends, matching sets, or playing it safe. Instead, she leans into mixing materials, l…

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Organizing For Joy, Not Perfection: Why Editing Beats Decluttering with Whitney English 40:18

5M ago40:18

40:18

In this episode, I talk with Whitney English—author, designer, and (as I like to call her) my organizational better half. Her new book, Organize First, Decorate Second, isn't your typical organizing manual. It’s thoughtful, deeply personal, and grounded in real life—something I immediately connected with. We explore the idea that our homes are not …

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Returning to Myrnam 14:30

6M ago14:30

14:30

In February 2023, Michael traveled to the village of Myrnam, Alberta, to interview staff and students at New Myrnam School, learning all about the sustainability projects, including a school bus they were converting into a tiny house. He recently went back to see what they were up to now and what progress they had made on the "cool bus". Planet-sav…

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How The Brits Create Character-ful Homes with Ros Byam Shaw 45:32

6M ago45:32

45:32

When I first discovered Ros Byam Shaw’s writing, I felt like I’d found someone who truly saw homes the way I did — not as stage sets or style statements, but as deeply personal spaces layered with time, memory, and quiet beauty. In this episode, I get to speak with Ros Byam Shaw about her work as a writer and her newest book, “ Perfect English, Sma…

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Nantucket by Design: Where Travel, History, and Home Come Together 23:31

7M ago23:31

23:31

In this episode, I explore how real-world experiences — especially travel — can deeply enrich our homes and design choices. I introduce the fourth skill of my Slow Style framework, "Enrich," and talk with Bill Richards and Marla Mullen, co-chairs of Nantucket by Design 2025. We discuss how honoring a sense of place, like the spirit of Nantucket, ca…

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How Design Can Transform Your Life: “Spatial Alchemy” with Olga Naiman 36:40

7M ago36:40

36:40

In this episode, I talk with Olga Naiman, author of Spatial Alchemy, about how design can help us move through change, break old patterns, and support who we’re becoming. Olga shares how her own journey—starting with something as simple as reupholstering a chair—led her to a deeper understanding of the connection between our homes and our inner liv…

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How To Be Purposeful With Color: Bailey Li’s Evocative Murals and Listener Q&A 25:50

7M ago25:50

25:50

In this episode, I talk with Bailey Li, a self-taught artist and interior designer known for her powerful murals and bold, emotionally driven spaces. We walk through a few of her standout projects, always shaped by what a client wants to experience, emotionally, in a room. Bailey believes design should reflect not just who you are, but who you're b…

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Fix My Room: Open Plan Living Room Edition 30:59

7M ago30:59

30:59

In this edition of the Fix My Room series, I share a one-on-one coaching call with Charlotte, we discuss how to blend her style with the house's current rustic design. We explored furniture arrangement in her large, open living area and kitchen, and tackled her concerns about a big blank wall, appropriate rug size, and making better use of a wood s…

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The Strategic Use of Color: Transforming Builder-Grade Spaces with Gabriela Eisenhart 35:48

8M ago35:48

35:48

My guest today for our “Think Like A Designer” series is Gabriela Eisenhart, founder of Silo Studio Design. We cover a lot of bases in this conversation: finding inspiration for a “wow” moment in a kitchen; how to use color in a mostly neutral living room; mixing heavy and light layers to create a serene bedroom; what to do with that empty area you…

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What Does Your Entryway Say About You? Barrett Oswald On Personalization And Impact In Design 27:17

8M ago27:17

27:17

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sit down with designer Barrett Oswald to examine the thought process behind her stunning, layered interiors. We explore the power of color, the role of texture, and how composition can transform a space—whether it’s a grand entryway or a cozy nook. Barrett shares insights from her work on both histo…

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African Design Legacy Goes Global: Nasozi Kakembo's Guide to Authentic Decorating 29:30

8M ago29:30

29:30

In this episode, I interview Nasozi Kakembo, author of 'African Decor Edit,' who shares her experiences traveling across Africa meeting artisans, and creating home accessories. Nasozi's book underscores the importance of understanding the cultural context behind African decor, highlighting 16 significant objects and how they are artfully incorporat…

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6 Design "Rules" for an Anti-Generic Home 30:46

9M ago30:46

30:46

Last week, I interviewed a designer who strongly follows and advocates for design rules, and while that method works for some, I advocate for a different, more personal approach to home design. I discussed various design rules, their origins, and how they can be broken to create a unique, joyful space that reflects individual style. I categorized d…

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Fast or Slow? Which Decorating Approach is Right For You? with Betsy Helmuth 36:26

9M ago36:26

36:26

In this episode, I sit down with Betsy Helmuth, a professional designer known for her fast-paced, rule-based approach, which contrasts with my slow style method. While I emphasize self-exploration and taking time to layer a home, Betsy's clients prioritize efficiency and clear guidelines to avoid mistakes in their design decisions. Betsy shares how…

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Maximalism Doesn’t Mean Cluttered: How to Add Layers and Make an Impact with Danielle Balanis 32:30

9M ago32:30

32:30

In this episode, I had a delightful conversation with Danielle Balanis, a Birmingham-based designer known for her bold, layered, and mixed aesthetic. Danielle's designs exude joy, abundance, and energy, adhering to the principles of the Slow Style philosophy. She emphasizes developing an aesthetic rather than adhering to strict style categories, fo…

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Fix My Room: Basement Bar Edition 30:04

10M ago30:04

30:04

Today I'm sharing a 1:1 coaching call from a listener who wanted help with his basement bar. It's a small area that he felt could use a big update. And he wanted to use his recent trip to Germany as a jumping off point. If you're watching this on YouTube, you'll see photos of his bar and some shots I pulled from German taverns for inspiration. Want…

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Fix My Room: Small changes make a big impact in a living room 26:28

10M ago26:28

26:28

In this first episode of my new "Fix My Room" series, I take you behind the scenes of a real-life design coaching session with Kathleen. Join me as I help her transform a frustrating living room into a peaceful, light-filled space by focusing on what truly brings her joy. We'll explore how a few strategic changes—removing heavy curtains, relocating…

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Slow Style in an Italian Farmhouse: How to Start a New Life with Barbara Boyle 32:34

10M ago32:34

32:34

In this episode, I sit down with Barbara Boyle, author of 'Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300 Year Old Italian Farmhouse.' Barbara shares her journey from a successful advertising career to renovating and living in an old Italian farmhouse. Her initial inspiration came during a honeymoon trip to Europe where she fell in love with a small Italian town. Sh…

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Intentional Interiors: A New Year’s Guide to Home Transformations 16:11

10M ago16:11

16:11

Happy 2025! I love the new year and the sense of starting over it brings. In this episode, I steer clear of trends and focus on a slow style approach to interior design. Instead of overwhelming yourself with big changes, I suggest sitting in each room of your home to take stock of what makes you happy and what doesn't. I encourage you to use inspir…

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How To Make New Year’s Resolutions The Slow Living Way With Stephanie O’Dea 20:06

11M ago20:06

20:06

In the final episode of the Slow Style Home podcast for 2024, I talk to Stephanie O'Dea, the author of 'Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle Driven World.' We dive into how her book provides actionable steps for reorienting one's mindset towards a purposeful life, away from societal pressures. Stephanie explains the concept of slo…

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You Can’t Develop Your Style Without First Making Bold Commitments with Nina Watson 35:36

12M ago35:36

35:36

In this episode, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Nina Watson, a designer whose thoughtful and intentional approach to her home perfectly embodies the Slow Style principles I teach. As we talked, her stories brought these principles to life, offering real-world examples of how they can transform not just our spaces, but the way we live i…

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From Mass-Produced to Masterpiece: The Radical Power of One Authentic Item with Walter G 25:46

12M ago25:46

25:46

When I sat down with Lauren Emerson and Genevieve Hewson of Walter G., I was transported into the world of block printing, where craftsmanship and soul meet. We spoke about the philosophy behind 'slow style,' emphasizing the importance of handmade and artisan products and the ethical considerations of their creation. We discuss the unique tactile a…

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Design Plot Twists: Using Unexpected Combinations To Tell Your Story with Schuyler Sampterton 39:56

12M ago39:56

39:56

Schuyler Samperton and I talk about incorporating inherited items, mixing styles and eras, and creatively using dark wood. We highlight the importance of scale, inventive textile applications, and using light fixtures as focal points. Schuyler also goes behind the scenes with her own fabric and wallpaper lines and provides tips on mixing and matchi…

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Traveling With Design In Mind 36:33

1y ago36:33

36:33

In this solo episode, I explore a popular topic: handling mementos and tchotchkes from travel. I share my thought process, from pre-trip preparations to what I buy and how I integrate those items into my home. Travel fuels home design with life and energy, inspiring us with new ideas and color palettes. I offer a deep dive into the Slow Style Frame…

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Trailer: What The Slow Style Home Podcast Is All About 4:51

1y ago4:51

4:51

The Slow Style Home podcast is about the process of creating a beautiful, one-of-a-kind home without hurting the planet or your wallet to get there. Slow Style is an antidote to fast-paced micro trends and disposable decor and the pressure we've been feeling to live in this instantaneous, perfect home. My name is Zandra Zuraw and I'm really excited…

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Is the “Tiny House” Lifestyle For You? Michael Bartz Finds Freedom in 175 Sq. ft. 29:48

1y ago29:48

29:48

In this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I sat down with Michael Bartz, a homeowner who built and lives in a tiny home with his partner and three cats. Michael's journey to sustainable living began in 2015 after a life-changing breakup, leading him to question traditional housing and embrace the tiny house lifestyle. He built his 175-square-…

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What's "Visual Tension" And Why You Need It with KOBEL + Co 35:49

1y ago35:49

35:49

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I interview Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett, founders of KOBEL + Co. We explore their design philosophy, which includes the use of 'ugly' pieces to add tension, balance, and serendipity. They explain how incorporating antiques and avoiding matchiness can make spaces more interesting and welcoming…

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Step 3 for Room Makeovers: What To Buy and When 18:22

1y ago18:22

18:22

In this solo episode, we will explore step three of my Slow Style framework, which is all about executing your vision for a room makeover. I'm here to guide you in thoughtfully connecting your design choices to the personal visions and values that matter most to you. I emphasize the importance of resisting impulsive shopping and instead carefully s…

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Using High-End Inspiration For Smaller Budgets with Samantha Stathis Lynch 28:58

1y ago28:58

28:58

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sit down with Samantha Stathis Lynch of Samantha Ware Designs to explore her rich background in art authentication and interior design. Samantha shares her journey from galleries to working at the prestigious De Gournay, and how she incorporates her deep understanding of art history into accessible …

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An Indispensable Conversation About Plastic & Art 31:42

1y ago31:42

31:42

Michael chats with sculptor, performance artist, and sewist Arianna Richardson (aka The Hobbyist) who works with discarded plastic and craft materials to explore themes of consumerism, gendered labour, waste, and excess. They discuss her work, plastics' unique connection to consumerism, using art to engage the public in conversations about sustaina…

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Minimalism vs. Maximalism? Why You Don't Have To Choose with Abi Dare 26:11

1y ago26:11

26:11

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I talk with Abi Dare, author of 'The Soft Minimalist Home' and the 'These Four Walls' blog. We discuss her unique take on minimalism, which is not just about having fewer things but about making space for what truly matters. Abi explains that minimalism is an approach rather than a rigid style, and ho…