All I can say is that one of the great things about writing a blog, is meeting (cyberspace meeting) new friends. There are so many friendly bloggers out there is this community, and so kind.
Linda from Calling it Home has been so nice from the get go, and I am so grateful she has joined in with me for my Behind the Curtains series. I am so fond of her series One Room Challenge. It is the greatest thing. If you haven't heard about it or read them yet, go there right now! Okay, well not right now... I want you to finish reading this post first.
So Linda, where are you based? Currently, I'm in New Jersey but we just found out that we will be moving to Florida in about a year! Somewhere around here.
How did you get into design? When I was little, I used to make my Barbie's clothes and decorate their home. The rooms were not as impressive as this Jonathan Adler room, but I would say I was hooked at an early age.
When and why did you start your blog? I stared my blog two years ago. I had been reading blogs for about a year prior, and thought "I can do that". I really started my blog for the motivation to finish my home.
Do you have any design education/ degree? When I dropped out of college, I became an Assistant Designer for a budget dress company. It was my responsibility to find the accessories for the dresses...belts, buttons, etc. After that, I went into costuming and worked on television and film projects. When the writers went on strike, I knew I needed to make a change. Eventually, I earned a degree in Nutrition.
How would you define your style? It's all over the place. I would say it's Coastal/Chinoiserie/Eclectic/Boho.
What was your favorite room to design and why? Whatever room bothers me the most at the moment. For now, it was my entry. It felt so dark and sad, and now it's bright and happy.
What is your favorite paint color to use? I am currently obsessed with BM White Dove. I know it's boring, but it is the perfect backdrop for everything.
What is your favorite local décor shop? There is a tiny little store a few miles from my home. It's called Antiques & Design. They sell all sorts of vintage and chic things. I bought this urn there.
What is your most go to online décor shop? Ebay, I am having a great run with this Turkish Rug seller. I think I'm on my third rug from him.
What room in your house is your favorite and why? My kitchen, because it overlooks my backyard. I am sitting at the kitchen table as I type this. It doesn't look like this all the time, but it is almost never tidy.
Who inspires you? Everyone! Pinterest is the place to go for inspiration. There, the designers names are often lost and you are just studying composition, color, and design.
Looking back, have you ever had a big design disaster? Or thought, “what was I thinking?” Haha, who hasn't? In my current home, I would already do so many things differently if I could. For example, my friend told me to put a third bathroom upstairs. The thought of the additional expense prevented me from adding it. I should have. When a renovation is going on, it feels endless. However, the day will come when it is a distant memory and the results are what is left.
Best advice for new bloggers? Decide why you are doing it and what your goal is. It's alright if the answer is "just for fun". If we are being really honest, I would doubt that as the honest answer for most bloggers. Find a loyal group of bloggers and support each other. It is a big blogland and it can get really lonely at times. Be original and write in your own voice. If you are not formal and wordy, don't write that way. Besides, most people never read all of what you are writing, anyway. And, learn how to make your pictures BIG.
Best advice for someone decorating on their own? Have lots of inspiration pictures and find a blogger friend you can bounce your ideas off of. Also, take a photo of your room and look at it. Things look different on camera and you may be surprised at what you see. When in doubt, consult with an e-designer. They are super affordable compared to the costly mistakes you could make.
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Thank you so much, Linda! I am so excited for your move to Florida. I know you'll find the perfect house, and make it yours in no time. I am also excited to follow along with you virtually.
Don't you love her kitchen ceiling? And I, too, am a huge white paint fan, so loving all of her house! White is not boring people! And those rugs!!!! Okay, okay, so now you can go over to her blog and check it out! Go now! What are you waiting for??!
And if you want to see my other Behind the Curtain posts, come on back and go here, here, here and here.
